Falcon, Theodosia Reiman “Dota” Boyd – d. 1949

BAKER, BOYD, FALCON, LACEY, PATTERSON, SHARP

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 5/31/2009 at 13:24:53

Dota Boyd Falcon Died Saturday Night Well Known Teacher and Professional Woman; Funeral Services Monday
Mrs. Fred Falcon, 77, better known in this community as Dota Boyd, died Saturday night at her home in Colfax. She had been in failing health the past year due to a heart condition. She had seemed better the past week and Wednesday afternoon had visited the business section making the trip with her niece, Miss Juva Sharp. She became suddenly worse Saturday morning and that evening about 7:30 slipped away into eternity.
A native of Jasper county, she early took advantage of educational facilities and fitted herself as a teacher. She taught her first term in the Rorabaugh school and followed several years in other rural schools of the county. Wherever she taught she never failed to instill into the minds of her pupils the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic but also a patriotism to God and country and loyalty to home and friends. One of her richest rewards was the love of her students, manifest throughout the years by words of praise after reaching their adult years.
Her years of service as a clerk in the Colfax Post Office were augmented by active service in the Civic and social clubs and in the Christian Church where she was always an active member. Her promotional ability was often called upon and she served successfully in many committees where her advice and judgment proved most beneficial.
She was an “old school patriot” and with her oratorical ability could hold the attention of an audience with rapt interest and due to her vibrant personality and inspiring presentation at the close of her plea for loyalty to the flag or the country, make her hearers thrill to the fact they were American citizens.
She was always nattily attired and being alert and interested in all that was going on, she stood out in any crowd as one out of the ordinary. She was a good friend to every one and those who knew her best are agreed there never could be but one Dota Boyd. They have gained by her companionship. She will be sorely missed.
Mrs. Fred Falcon, nee Dota Boyd, died at her home in Colfax, June 11, 1949 after an illness of about a year. A life long resident of Jasper county, she knew many of its residents and was well versed in its history.
Theodosia Reiman Boyd, daughter of Wm. And Margaret Boyd was born on a farm near Greencastle, Iowa, on August 5, 1871. She graduated from the Mitchellville High school and attended Hazel Dell Academy at Newton where she prepared for teaching. Many of the men and women of Jasper county whose teacher she was, testify to her high good humor, stern discipline and thorough knowledge of subject matter.
After her teaching career, she served as a clerk in the Colfax post office retiring from that position in the early thirties.
On Dec. 7, 1935, Dota Boyd was married to Frederick Falcon, of Springville, Ia., who preceded her in death.
In the year of 1915 she transferred her membership to the Howard St. Church of Christ from Union Chapel, where she attended as long as her health would permit.
As a member of the Colfax Woman’s Club and the Memorial Club, Dota was always interested in civic progress and enjoyed writing and speaking for the causes in which she believed.
Surviving her are two brothers, Dr. F. E. Boyd of Colfax and L. J. Boyd of Los Angeles, Calif., a sister, Mrs. Burtress M. Baker of Colfax and two half sisters, Mrs. Ella Lacey of Cedar Falls and Mrs. Ida Patterson of Pasadena, Calif.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Christian church with the pastor Rev. Walter Goughnour officiating.
“Jesus Savior, Pilot Me” and “The Beautiful Garden of Prayer” were sung by the soloist, Mrs. Earl Plummer with Mrs. S. E. Tennant, pianist, Mrs. Florence Luther, Mrs. Marguerite Stouffer and Mrs. Fred Hall were the flower committee.
Pallbearers were Howard Bell, John Hahn, Robert Hopkins, Wm. Byal, Fred Hall and Burns McDonald.
Interment was in the McKeever cemetery.
Source: The Colfax (IA) Tribune; June 16, 1949 page 1, col. 1