Eldora, age 87, passed away Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at her home in Lovilia. She was born November 12, 1928 to Theodore and Helen (Kment) Klug in Stanton, Nebraska. After going to school in Stanton, she married Thomas Wayne Ryan in Norfolk, Nebraska on August 15, 1946. They shared 60 years together before he died on August 30, 2006. They were blessed with five daughters: Diane, Sharon, Sandra, Debra, and Pam.
In 1956 the family moved to Albia where they managed the movie theater. Later she worked at the Continental Overall Factory in Knoxville. Then Eldora and Tom ran the tire/bait shop in Lovilia. After that she worked at Chamberlains in Albia.
She was a member of Albia Eagle’s Club, enjoyed making crafts, and enjoyed most of all time spent with family.
She is survived by daughters: Diane Love of Ankeny, Sharon Cunningham of Albia, Debra (Dan) Felton of Albia, and Pam Owens of Lovilia as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Lorraine Klawonn of Madison, Nebraska and a son-in-law, Leon Chamberlain of Lovilia.
Eldora was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Helen; her husband, Thomas; a daughter, Sandra Chamberlain; and two son-in-laws, John Love and Keith Cunningham.
As was Eldora’s wishes her body was donated to the University of Iowa for Academic Studies. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com. May she rest in peace.
New Christmas Decorations Adorn E Avenue (Main Street)
Lovilia city government applied and received a grant to purchase the decorations. The city parks committee studied the options available and chose the bright red banners which say “Welcome to Lovilia” and large “led” lit snowflakes. The cost was about $2700. The electrical hookups on the city poles were probably 30 years old and were no longer workable. The city then agreed to pay the $145 per box so each snowflake could be lit up. Each snowflake cost $400 and each banner cost $123. This is mentioned just to make you aware that these beauties come at great cost and we should appreciate the effort made to make it possible. We should all thank the city for this beauty brought to us for the holiday season.
A fund has been started to add more decorations if enough money is donated, currently $125 has been given to the fund from Lovilia residents. Thanks to those of you who gave to the fund.