Wish I could say I was a poor coal miner’s daughter, who could sing like a bird, make a great movie, but I didn’t. Wish I could have written the Little House on the Prairie books, although I felt them growing up, but I didn’t. Wish I could cure the diseases and troubles in the world, but I couldn’t. What I did try to do was good works, and I raised two beautiful children nearly by myself. My daughter Erryn joined the army, sent herself to college, then on to vet school. My son Brenden started working as a CNA in high school and went on to become a medication tech, where he is still employed. Both graduated from high school. I quit high school in my junior year, got married, and had a baby girl on Christmas in 1967. The following year, I went back to school, got my high school diploma – unheard of back then. Supported my family by working at a packing house (IBP) for 13 years. Established good credit and have lived in the same house for 51 years, making it our home – homes are important.
After 13 years, I quit IBP, and enrolled in a community college for a medical secretary course, which I loved and worked in various offices for 23 years, retiring in 2012.
Although I didn’t light up a room when I entered, I think I had a great sense of humor – maybe a little “pointy” at times. Had many wonderful friends and lots of fur babies – credit farm life and hard work.
Loved to knit and crochet – thanks grandmother Violet for teaching me – my form of meditation. And I wasn’t a bad pool player either – won MVP one year! Also loved working on my home – I joke that I paid for it four times.
I lost my grandfather McInnis just before I turned 7 – he was so good with me, but my grandmother Violet kept his memory alive the whole time I was growing up – she loved to talk, and I appreciated all of her stories.
After 15 years of being single, I met my husband Mike, took a train to Vegas, got married, and the gamble paid off – 32 years together.
I lost a baby sister, Dawn, when she was 10 months old to SIDS, but God blessed me with another sister, Kim, when I was 7. Sister and built in friend.
I also have a keen interest in reincarnation and astrology – nothing I grew up knowing – attended the Church of Christ in Akron regularly, thanks to my grandmother Violet. Church is where values are made.
I leave behind my two beloved sisters and their families, Kim (Mark) Biship, and their son, Eric and my sister, Janelle (Fred) Scoville and children, Spencer and Marlee.
I was blessed with two grandchildren Elijah and Elly in 2003 and 2010, and Mike blessed me with a bonus son, Shawn, and daughter, Chris, as well as three grandchildren Wyatt, Katarina, and Christina Michelle.
Hoping to see with open arms when I pass, my beloved niece Brooke, my grandfather and grandmother McInnis, many friends and many critters lined up at the Rainbow Bridge. I also leave behind many nieces and nephews, with special mention of my nephews, Thad Sand, Colt McInnis and my nephew-in-law, Brent – my computer guy. Hugs to all.
Both my parents (Lyle and Jerrine) passed in 2018 – it was a sad year.
Hoping I have my funeral at First United Congregational Church of Christ with 2 hours visitation prior to comfort Mike, who has taken such good care of me.
I wish to be cremated and buried in the Akron Cemetery near my Grandpa and Grandma McInnis and baby sister, Dawn. And should some of my ashes get mixed in with my critters and Mike that would be fine with me.
I would like my grandson Elijah to be my pallbearer – some of the happiest times of my life were summers spent with him and the other grandkids.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to Hospice of Siouxland and Habitat for Humanity.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
11:00am - 1:00 pm (Central (no DST) time)
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Saturday, February 17, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central (no DST) time)
First Congregational United Church of Christ
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