Obituary - Allen Rash

In Loving Memory...

Allen Rash

12/1/57 - 6/28/09

Allen Eugene Rash, 51, of Gilman died Sunday June 28th, 2009 at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center. A celebration of Al’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 3rd at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Miller Cemetery at Union. Memorials may be directed to his family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Al and his family, phone 641-844-1234.

Al was born December 1st, 1957 in Eldora, to parents Clyde and Grace (Smith) Rash. He attended school in Marshalltown.

In September of 1984, Al was united in marriage to Christine Schmidt in Hot Springs Arkansas. The couple made their home in Gilman, where they raised their children Erica and Danny.

Al was a gifted self-employed carpenter, who absolutely loved building things. He also enjoyed softball, having played slow-pitch for many years. Al was also talented in the wood-burning arts, model car building, and hitting 7s on the slot machines. He liked to go fishing and drive golf balls in his backyard.

Al’s early departure from this life will be greatly mourned by all who knew and loved him. Left to cherish Al’s memory, and celebrate his life is his loving wife Chris; his daughter Erica Carter of Joliet, IL; his son Danny Rash of Mankato, MN; his mother Grace Rash; his sisters: Elaine (Paul) Lindaman, Rose (Alex) Pence, Kathy Rash, and Terrie (Noel) Arnold; his brothers Stan “Sam” Rash and Rick (Gina) Rash. In death, Al has rejoined his grandparents, and his father.

Learn more about Allen on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/rash/allen-rash.

Obituary - William Anderson Pence

William Anderson Pence.

William Anderson Pence died at the home of his sister Thursday morning at 7:30 o'clock after an illness of long duration. The body will be shipped to Cassville, GA., for interment. Deceased leaves a sister, Mrs. V. A. Greene, of this city, and John H. Pence of Birmingham, Ala. He was 62 years of age.

--The Chattanooga News, Thursday, August 7, 1913

Learn more about William on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/william-anderson-pence.

Obituary - Noah Pence

Died at Cassville.

Mr. Noah Pence died at his home at Cassville last Sunday morning at 11 o’clock. He was in his 78th year and had been sick for quite a while. He was a clever, good citizen, possessing the respect of all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his relations and a large circle of friends. He had been for twenty one years a member of the Presbyterian church, of this place, but on account of his feeble condition, had been unable to affiliate with his brethren for some time.

He leaves a wife and three children, a daughter and two sons. The funeral services took place Monday and were conducted by Rev. E. M. Craig. The remains were interred at the Cassville cemetery.

--The Courant American, Cartersville, Georgia, June 14, 1900.

Learn more about Noah on the Pence Family History site:

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

Obituary - Ida Mae Pence Whetsel

Rites Thursday For Mrs. Ida Whetsel

Services were conducted Thursday, August 20, from the Andrle and Creps Funeral Home for Ida Mae Whetsel, 83, who died at the Pleasant Grove Nursing Home in Lehi, Utah, Monday morning.

President Boyd Hamlin and Elder Wayne Linke officiated at the services with Mrs. Earnest Hoffa and Mrs. Darryl Trickler providing the vocal music. Mrs. Whetsel was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Organist was Mrs. Boyd Hamlin, with Michael Pence, Steven Pence, Larry Hickman, Wilbur Wheat, Howard Pence and Melvin Pence as casket bearers. Interment was in the Sheller Cemetery.

Ida Mae Pence Whetsel was born February 21, 1887 in Augusta County, Va., to John Henry and Elizabeth Lamb Pence. On June 11, 1951 she was married to Bert Whetsel of Lehi, Utah. She has been a resident of the nursing home for the past six years.

She was preceded in death by six brothers and her husband.

She is survived by four nephews and one niece, Harvey and Melvin Pence of Eldora, Laurence Pence of Grundy Center, Howard Pence of Conrad and Mrs. Georgia Wheat of Eldora.

--Hardin County Index, Eldora, Iowa, August 21, 1970

Whetsel Burial Set At Ivester

Eldora--(Special)--Mrs. Ida Mae Whetsel, 83, died Monday at Lehi, Utah. Services are set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Andrle-Creps Funeral Home here. Burial will be in Sheller Cemetery near Ivester.

Learn more about Ida on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/ida-mae-pence.

Obituary - Melvin Elward Pence - 1922

In Memory of Melvin Elward Pence Sr.

The son of George C. and Nora May Smith, Melvin was born November 1, 1922, at Liberty, Illinois. When he was a young boy, the family moved to Waterloo, Iowa, later moving to the Whitten and Ivester areas in Grundy County, Iowa. Melvin attended rural schools in Grundy County and the Whitten High School. On August 26, 1942, he was united in marriage with Dora Marie Stover at her home in rural Grundy County. During World War II, Melvin saw active duty in the U.S. Navy where he was a Gunners Mate on an LST. He served in the South Pacific from 1943-1945. In 1945 he was honorably discharged as a Fireman 1st Class.

Following his military service, he was engaged in farming near Eldora, Iowa, for several years. Since a small farm could not support his family, he began a career as a salesman, which he continued for 35 years. From 1976-1983 he and Dora delivered motor homes nation-wide for Winnebago Industries. In 1984, he and Dora moved to Newton, Iowa to assist their son, Levi, in his funeral home. Melvin was a member of the Ivester Church of the Brethren in rural Gundy County; a member of the Newton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1655 and the Newton Moose Lodge #923.

Death came to Melvin on Friday, September 6th, 1991, in his home. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers: Kenneth, Lawrence and Harvey and by his sister, Georgia Wheat.

Those left to honor the memory of Melvin Pence include his wife, Dora; his five sons and their wives: George H. and Nancy Pence of Wellington, West Palm Beach, Florida; Melvin E. Jr. and Pam Pence of Lenox, Iowa; David L. and Cheryl Pence of Earlville, Iowa; Levi E. and Barbara Pence of Newton and Alex W. and Rose Pence of Nevada, Iowa; his 10 grandchildren: Heidi Pence; Kevin M. Pence; Brenda R. and Jim Schweitzer; Kellie M. and Jacob Brown; Jeffrey J. Pence; Tammy S. Pence; Christina M. Pence; Keary M. Pence; Danny L. Pence and Lucas J. Pence; and his brother, Howard Pence of Conrad, Iowa.

Learn more about Melvin on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/melvin-elward-pence-1922.

Obituary - Lawrence Eugene Pence

Services Held For Lawrence Pence, Age 69

Lawrence E. Pence, age 69, passed away Saturday, October 31, 1982, at his home. Funeral services were held Monday, November 1, at 2 p.m. at the Ivester Church of the Brethren, RR1, Grundy Center, with Rev. Arlin Claassen officiating. Burial was in Sheller Cemetery, RR, Eldora.

Mrs. Howard Cakerice accompanied the soloists, Mrs. John Dinnes and Mrs. Howard Sheller. Casket bearers were Jerry Pence, Michael Pence, George Pence, Melvin Pence, Jr., Mark Wheat and Dean Wheat. Mrs. Gerald Hess, Mrs. Virgil Mackie and Mrs. Lyle Neher were in charge of floral arrangements.

Mr. Pence was born January 12, 1913 in Jasonville, IN. He was the son of George and Nora M. (Smith) Pence. In 1925 Lawrence moved from Indiana to Iowa. While living in Indiana he enjoyed outdoor life and playing basketball. Lawrence attended Whitney high school.

His father died in 1930, at which time Lawrence and his mother took on the responsibilities of his brothers and sister. Lawrence worked for different farmers in the Ivester area where he lived and he also worked on the PWA during the depression years. His reputation was known for his willingness to accept responsibilities beyond his control.

In 1938, Lawrence and his mother entered into farming in Grundy county. In 1941, he assumed added responsibility in helping his sister raise her three children.

On November 11, 1949 at Clay City, IN he was united in marriage to Hazel I. Draper. She passed away on November 5, 1977. He resided on the 80-acre farm he and his wife bought in 1951 until the time of his death.

He is survived by one sister, Georgia (Mrs. Wilbur) Wheat, Eldora; three brothers, Harvey A. of Eldora, Howard W. of Conrad, and Melvin E. of Eldora.

He was preceded in death by one infant brother.

The Johnston Funeral Home of Conrad was in charge of the arrangements.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 11 November 1982, pg 3

Learn more about Lawrence on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/lawrence-eugene-pence.

Obituary - Harold Clinton Bray

Death Takes H. C. Bray

Harold C. Bray, 58, of 104 Johnson St., died early Friday morning at the local hospital, after a long illness.

He was a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and was a member of Crowe Springs Baptist Church. He was a butcher and had worked in local grocery stores for several years.

Survivors include his wife, the former Helen Carson of Cartersville; four daughters, Mrs. L.G. Jones, Chattanooga, Mrs. Diane Leary, Albany, and Mrs. Thomas Smith and Miss Cathy Bray, both of Cartersville; two sons, Hugh E. Bray, Warner Robins, and Mike Bray.

--The Herald-Tribune, Cartersville, Georgia, July 3, 1969

Learn more about Harold on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/bray/harold-clinton-bray.

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.