Obituary - Mary Louise Traasdahl Pence Devey

Mary Louise (Mitze) Pence Devey passed away April 18, 2008 in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Mitze was born on December 13, 1924 in Grace, Idaho. She was the seventh child born to Otto Birger and Anna Pauline (Erickson) Traasdahl. She was always pleased to tell people that her parents had immigrated from Norway. Her family moved when she was a little girl to Ogden, UT where she grew up and graduated from Ogden High School.

Mitze married Harvey Alonzo Pence on June 6, 1946 in Ogden, UT following an extended letter-writing courtship while Harvey was stationed in England during WWII. They spent their married life together on a farm near Eldora, IA where they raised their five sons. They were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 18, 1953.

Mary Louise was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions throughout her life. Harvey and Mitze also served a mission to the Chicago Temple. She loved being the wife of a farmer and was thrilled to be the mother of 5 boys. She was especially pleased to be a Grandma and was very proud of all her family. Her interests included music, cooking, and gardening. Her yard was always beautiful and very colorful in the summertime because of all the flowers she would plant (especially her four o'clocks). She moved to Alpine, UT following the death of her beloved companion, Harvey. While living there she met and married Ranald Devey, also of Alpine, on September 16, 1995.

Mitze is survived by her five sons: Jerry (Gayle) Story City, IA; Michael (Renee) Kalispell, MT; Steve (Christie) Eldora, IA; Gary (Debbie) Waukee, IA; and Rick (Kristine) American Fork, UT, 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Howard and Hazel Pence of Eldora, IA, sister-in-law, Dora Pence of Newton, IA along with nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, her parents, her brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 at the mortuary and on Wednesday one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Eldora, Iowa. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinfamilymortuary.com. The family extends a special thanks to Sharon, Brittney and Justin Niswander at Lakeview Elderly Care Estate for their kind and loving care for our dear Mother and Grandmother during her last 4 years. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

--Daily Herald, April 20, 2008

Learn more about Mary on the Traasdahl Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/view/traasdahlfamilyhistory/families/traasdahl/mary-louise-traasdahl.

Obituary - Cecil Furry

Funeral rites for Cecil Furry, of Flora, will be held at the Frank Funeral Home at Flora. Interment will be in the Zif cemetery, near Clay City.

Furry, 83, a retired Flora carpenter, died in the Clay County Hospital in Flora.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Gene (Sylvia) Wilson, of Flora, and Mrs. Leonard (Nadine) Shroyer, of Killeen, Texas, a son, Roy Furry, of Olney, four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

--Olney Daily Mail, March 2, 1974

Learn more about Cecil on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/furry/cecil-b-furry.

Obituary - Gene Wilson

Gene Wilson, age 85, of Flora, IL passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 05, 2013 at Flora Rehab and Healthcare Center in Flora.

Gene was born October 14, 1927 in Orchardville, IL to Roosevelt and Elizabeth (Keen) Wilson. He married Sylvia Mae Furry on May 21, 1949 in Kentucky. Gene and Sylvia’s dedicated marriage and years of devotion to each other was an inspiration to many.

Gene along with his brother owned and operated Wilson Motor Sales in Flora for over 50 years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Flora. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Flora Masonic Lodge #204, Clay County Shrine Club, Flora Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. Gene also enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by his wife: Sylvia Wilson of Flora; sister-in-law: Marjorie Wilson of Flora; nieces and nephews: Carolyn Applegate of Lansing, IL, Rosalee Spudich of Highland, IN, Kimberly (Duane) Crays of Flora, Dr. Calvin (Kim) Wilson of Flora; along with many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jon Wilson.

The funeral service for Gene Wilson will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2013 at Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Garrison Temple Cemetery in Keenes with military honors. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. followed by a Masonic Service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Frank and Bright Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Learn more about Gene on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/wilson/gene-wilson.

Obituary - Sylvia Mae Furry Wilson

Sylvia Mae Wilson, age 89, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Clay County Hospital in Flora.

Sylvia was born September 4, 1926 in Clay County, the daughter of Cecil and Druzella (Reed) Furry. She was united in marriage to Gene Wilson on May 21, 1949, in Kentucky, and together they celebrated 64 wedding anniversaries. Gene preceded her in death on June 5, 2013. Sylvia and Gene shared a special love that was evident to everyone who knew them.

Sylvia worked as an R.N. assisting several doctors over the years, including Dr. Fehrenbacher, Dr. Dillman, and Dr. Bunnell. She loved to go shopping, enjoyed having flowers around her, and was a member of the Flora First United Methodist Church. Sylvia will be remembered for her generous spirit in giving gifts and her thoughtfulness towards others.

She is survived by her sister-in-law: Marjorie Wilson of Flora; nieces and nephews: Carolyn Applegate of Lansing, MI, Kimberly (Duane) Crays of Flora, IL, Dr. Calvin (Kim) Wilson of Flora, and Barbara Shroyer of Texas; along with great-nieces and great-nephews, her special caretakers, and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother: Roy Henry Furry, one sister: Nadine Shroyer, and her brother-in-law: Jon Wilson.

A funeral service for Sylvia Wilson will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2016, at Frank and Bright Funeral Home, Flora, with visitation from 9 a.m. until the hour of service on Monday. Interment will be in the Garrison Temple Cemetery, Keenes. Memorial donations in Sylvia’s memory are suggested to Clay County Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Learn more about Sylvia on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/furry/sylvia-mae-furry.

Obituary - Earl Gene Neiswinger

Earl Gene Neiswinger, 83, of Terre Haute passed away Saturday February 14, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 18, 1942 in Terre Haute to Keith and Ruth (Hartley) Neiswinger.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy (Lamb) Neiswinger; daughter, Tona Bean (Bruce); son, Todd Neiswinger (Ceneta); sister, Sarah Dye (Terry); brother, Carl Neiswinger (Mary); sister-in-law Letha Neiswinger; grandchildren, Eli (Quinn), Emilee, Jacob (Kristi), Daylon (Maddie), and Seth; great-grandchildren Benjamin, Maria, and Theo and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Neiswinger.

Earl retired from Ivy Hill. He was a US Army veteran with the 1st Armored Division and loved to show his patriotism. He also enjoyed going bowling and fishing.

Visitation will be Wednesday February 25, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Samaritan Funeral Home with funeral services starting at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Mike Bennett officiating. Entombment with military honors will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be left at www.samaritanfunerals.com

Learn more about Earl on the Pence Family History site:
https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/neiswinger/earl-gene-neiswinger.

Obituary - Rosemary Neiswinger Cunningham

Rosemary Cunningham

Aug 13, 1921 — Dec 21, 2021

Mooresville, Indiana

Rosemary Cunningham, 100, of Mooresville, Indiana passed away December 21, 2021. She was born August 14, 1921 in Clay County, Indiana to the late Samuel and Bessie (Smith) Neiswinger. Rosemary worked for Schmidt’s Optical for 19 years, and after that she worked at the Indianapolis International Airport for Aunt Annie’s for many years. She was a member of Grace Pointe Church of the Nazarene. Rosemary loved quilting and in fact displayed some of her quilts at the Indiana State Fair, where she was awarded a ribbon, enjoyed crocheting, handicrafts of all kind and enjoyed spending time with the family.

She was dearly loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving daughters, Linda (Bill) Eckert, Brenda (Mike) Conder, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Cunningham and her son, Jerry Cunningham. There will be a Graveside Service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Clay City, Indiana at a 12:00 pm Friday, December 31, 2021.

Learn more about Rosemary on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/neiswinger/rosemary-neiswinger.

Obituary - Maurice Dean Schwarck

Maurice Schwarck

Feb 1, 1934 — Aug 5, 2009

Maurice “Morrie” D. Schwarck, 75, of rural Eldora, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the Ivester Church of the Brethren in Ivester. Visitation will be on Friday, August 7, 2009 from 5 to 8 pm at Doyen-Abels Funeral Home in Wellsburg. Interment will be at the Sheller Cemetery in Ivester.

Maurice was born on February 1, 1934, the son of Alonzo and Ada (Smith) Schwarck. He was born and raised in Whitten and attended the Whitten school district. He later met Evelyn Muhlena in Eldora and they were united in marriage on June 28, 1953 at the Ivester Church of the Brethren in Ivester where Rev. Charles Albin officiated the ceremony. The couple lived in Eldora where Morrie farmed for several years and born to the couple were 4 children. They moved to Wellsburg in 1968 where Morrie began working at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown. He retired from Fisher in 1992 where he spent his retirement raising sheep and poultry on his acreage.

Morrie was a member of the Ivester Church of the Brethren, the Do Nothing Club and the Schwarck monthly brunches. He was an avid sports fan who especially loved kids’ sports. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, selling produce, attending state and county fairs and watching his children and grandchildren show sheep and poultry.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn (Muhlena); his children Deana (Grant) Primus of Marshalltown, Gregg of Marshalltown and Brian and Mike of Eldora; grandchildren Sara (Zach) Behrends of Janesville and Jon (Bridget) Primus of Janesville; great-grandchildren Annika, Zane and Mya Behrends and Addison Primus and her baby brother on the way; brothers Milo (Betty), Dale (Marjorie), Vic (Mona), Don (Norma), Carl (Joan) and Paul (Catherine); sisters-in-law Inez Wolford and Phyllis Schwarck; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Morrie was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Margaret White and Lucille Wolford and brothers Richard and Glen.

Learn more about Maurice on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/schwarck/maurice-dean-schwarck.

Obituary - Wilma Jeannette Greenwood Mott

Wilma Jeannette Mott, the daughter of Herschel Titus and Mildred Jeannette (Wilcox) Greenwood, was born April 28, 1933, in rural Union, Iowa.

Wilma graduated from the Marshalltown Senior High School with the class of 1950. In March of 1951, Wilma was united in marriage with Robert (Bob) Mott in Marshalltown, Iowa. In August 1951 Bob was sent to Korea and served there with the US Army for the next two years. During that time Wilma lived with her parents in Marshalltown and worked at JC Pennys. After Bob’s return she stayed home for several years to care for the children that came along, Bob Jr, Cindy and Gordon. In 1957, the family moved to Newton. When Wilma returned to work it was for Montgomery Ward. In the following years she worked as receptionist for a real estate agency, at Jasper County Advertiser, and in the office at Skiff Hospital in Newton. Wilma was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newton for over 60 years, United Methodist Women, Ladies Sunday School Class, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was an active member for many years of the Wednesday Morning Coffee League at T and M Lanes at the Newton Mall. Bob and Wilma belonged to NewIJaCo Campers Club for many years and enjoyed camping at many campgrounds around Iowa, often taking the grandchildren. She helped with her kids activities when they were young including Cindy’s Brownie and Girl Scout troop activities, Bob Jr and Gordon’s Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop activities, their Sunday School, Bible School and church youth groups. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and working crosswords.

Wilma died Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Newton Healthcare Center. She was 89 years old. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Mott, Sr., her daughter in law Laura Luca and her brother, Darrell Greenwood.

Those left to honor Wilma’s memory include her son, Robert “Bob” Mott, Jr. of Spokane Wa; daughter Cindy Tabor and son Gordon (Karen) Mott both of Newton; her grandchildren, Nichole (Scott) Bryant and their children, Charlie, Lilah Wesley Amelia; Brendan (Ashley) Tabor and their children, Adriana and Vivian; Daniel Mott, Ben Robertson (Michelle Thompson).

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Friday, December 2, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Thursday December 1 at the church. Memorials may be designated to the First United Methodist Church or Willowbrook Adult Daycare and may be left at the church or at Pence Reese Funeral Home.

Learn more about Wilma on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/greenwood/wilma-jeannette-greenwood.

Obituary - Georgia Lenora Pence Hickman Wheat

Georgia Wheat, 69

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 1, from the Ivester Church of the Brethren near Eldora at 2 p.m. for Georgia L. Wheat, 69, who died Tuesday evening at the Eldora Community Hospital.

Rev. Raymon Eller will officiate with vocal music by Mrs. Donald Butler, Mrs. Lyle Neher and Mrs. Gary Button. Organist will be Mrs. Dohn Kruschwitz. Flower ladies will be Mrs. Calvin Johnson, Mrs. Raymond Sherfield and Mrs. Karen Crandall.

Serving as casket bearers will be William Trampe, Steven Pence, Levi Pence, Alex Pence, Robert Kruse and Stephen Mugge with interment in the Sheller Cemetery. Andrle and Creps Funeral Home of Eldora is handling arrangements. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Georgia Wheat was born October 12, 1916 near Eldorado, Ill., to George and Nora Mae Smith Pence. The family came to Iowa in 1926 or 1927 and lived north of Whitten.

She was married to Lyle Hickman in April of 1937 and three children were born to this union - Norman, Larry, and Lillian. On April 8, 1956 she was married to Wilbur Wheat at the Little Brown Church at Nashua. Two children were born to this union, Mark and Dean.

She was a member of the Ivester Church of the Brethren and the Christian Women's Club. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Richard and Lawrence, and one grandson, Ted Allen Wheat.

Surviving are her husband, Wilbur, of Eldora; four sons, Norman Hickman of Grundy Center, Larry Hickman of Waterloo, Mark Wheat of Davenport, Dean Wheat of Rochester, Minn.; one daughter, Mrs. Dirk (Lillian) Wheat of Waterloo; two stepchildren, Dirk Wheat of Waterloo and Betty Lou Jacobs of Grand Junction, Colo.; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Harvey Pence of Eldora, Howard Pence of Conrad and Melvin Pence, Sr. of Newton.

Eldora, Iowa, Friday, May 31, 1985

Learn more about Georgia on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/georgia-lenora-pence.

Obituary - Ervin Jasper Smith

Ervin J. Smith

Was born in February, 1885, in the state of Indiana. Previous to coming to Iowa in the spring of 1914 he worked in the coal fields of southern Indiana. After coming to Iowa he worked two year Adam Messer, near Ivester, and for the past three seasons has been farming for himself on the Messer farm.

Besides a wife he leaves four children, Oscar aged 9, Coy, 7, Irene 3, and Troy aged 1 year.

Mr. Smith was taken sick with the Influenza on November 30th and the disease soon developed into double pneumonia and he passed away at five o'clock in the morning of December 9th.

Brief funeral services were held, conducted by Rev. D. W. Shock, of the Ivester church, and interment was in the Ivester cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith, parents of Mr. Smith, came from Indiana to attend the funeral; also Mr. and Mrs. Pence, of southern Illinois, the latter being a sister.

Mrs. Smith has decided to remain on the farm and his parents will remain with her and assist in operating the farm.

Learn more about Ervin on the Pence Family History site:
https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/smith/ervin-jasper-smith.