Geraldine went by “Jerry” and lived at Milo, Iowa and she died Dec. 28, 2019. Her parents Verla and Hazel Martin had a farm years ago west of Lovilia. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Gwen (Bob) Sims of Russell, Iowa; and Arlene (John) Wilson of Lovilia.
She is survived by her husband Larry; daughter, Holly; son, Larry; and two granddaughters.
She learned to drive a tractor when she was six years old, milked cows, baled hay, gardened, canned, and cooked. She credited her parents for teaching farm management and starting in 1968 she owned and operated a farm herself.
Jerry loved country music so much she met many of her favorite singers and got their autographs at their live concerts. She also loved gospel music.
Married at age 19, the next eleven years she and Larry traveled the USA, Canada , and Mexico in dance competitions with the Suzy-Q Square Dance Club.
Once her children were in school, she earned a degree at Drake University with emphasis on psychology, sociology, and art. Learning was always important to Jerry.
She had wide interests including: motorcycle riding and camping; hosting a foreign exchange student from Chile for two years; chaperoning Drum and Bugle Corps shows; volunteering for Tom Harkin campaigns, and helping with a juvenile center in Indianola, Iowa.
Her work off the farm was varied and wide in range from being a secretary to the Iowa Supreme Court Clerk to being a floral arranger for Hyvee.
She was buried Jan.4, 2020 at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Indianola. Celebration of Life service is planned for the spring. Memorial contributions are directed to Kiya Koda Animal Rescue in Indianola and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
May she rest in peace.
Shirley Anne Gray Obit
Shirley, age 79, who lived on a farm west of Lovilia, died January 21, 2020 at Mercy Medical Center.
She was born Feb. 11, 1940 in Moravia, Iowa to Loren (Bud) Walter and Ardis (Callen) Walter. Shirley graduated as salutatorian from Moravia High School with the class of 1958.
On March 7, 1959 she married Delbert Gray of Lovilia. They shared 57 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2016. They had three children: Brad (Denise) Gray of Albia, Shelli (Kevin) Parmenter of Overland Park, Kansas, and Lisa (Brian) Scala of Albia.
Some of her talents were cooking, reading Plat Books, raising horses and especially her Tennessee walking horses. She loved the farm and was active in its day-to-day operation with both grain and livestock.
Notably, Shirley started work with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation in 1974 where she was the first female crop adjuster in the United States. She was recognized as a “female pioneer” as the first woman hired as Supervisor in Charge of the South-Central District as a crop adjuster for FCIC. In addition to her work, she was a Master Gardner.
Her three children and seven grandchildren survive her.
Visitation is Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with family there from 3-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. at Tharp Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan.25, 2020. Pastor Brad Gray officiating. Burial will follow services at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Monroe County Cattlemen’s Association and the Albia Animal Clinic for stray animals.
May she rest in peace.
February 3, Monday, Democrat Caucus in Lovilia
All Democrats or those who want to register at the caucus as a Democrat are asked to attend. It will be held at the Lovilia Community building for those in the precinct that vote there on election days.
Doyle Chamberlain will be the temporary chair to start out the meeting. Doors will be open to sign in starting at 6:15 p.m. Doors close and no one else can come in to participate at 7 p.m. That is the rule of the state Democratic party. If you are in the line waiting to register at seven you will get in. This is very important, you must be there in line by seven or you can not be in the caucus.
Mark your calendar to attend and help choose the candidate to run for President for the Democratic Party.
Feb. 13 Valentine Dinner in Lovilia
Lovilia Community Betterment will be hosting a Valentine supper at the Lovilia Community building Feb. 13rd , Thursday, from 5-7 p.m..
The menu is: lasagna , side salad, garlic bread, and dessert.
Meals cost: $8 per person for a regular serving
$10 per person for a large serving
$ 5 per child who is age 9 or younger
All are welcome!