Twila Leone (Smith) Eagan (2007)

EAGAN, LEIGHTY, MCCLURE, MCKIM, PENQUITE, REELITZ, RUTHERFORD, SMITH, ZDRAZIL

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 1/6/2008 at 09:11:17

Earlham Library Obituary Collection
Earlham, Iowa
February 2007

Funeral services were held for Twila L. Eagan on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the Earlham Methodist Church in Earlham, Iowa. Pastor Charlie Thompson officiated.

Pianist was Debbie Jones and Soloist was Kathy Woolcott singing "In The Garden", "How Great Thou Art", "Be Not Afraid" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". Special music was "Ave Marie" by Andrea Bocelli.

Pallbearers were Scott McKim, Matt McKim, Kiel Eagan, Thomas Reelitz, Zachary Penquite, Brandon Penquite. Honorary pallbearers were Travis Zdrazil and Brian Eagan.

Twila L. Eagan was born the daughter of Clarence and Della McClure Smith on June 21, 1923 in Earlham, Iowa. She died on February 7, 2007 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 17 days.

Twila graduated from the Earlham High School in 1941. Following high school Twila married Charles Leighty who was killed during WWII over Tunisia, Africa. A son Richard was born to this union. Twila graduated from AIB College in Des Moines as an administrative secretary. While at AIB Twila and Robert Eagan met and were married on June 21, 1946. Robert died in 1999. This union was blessed with 6 children: Kathy, Jean, Patrick, Mary Jane, Michael and Pam. In 1952 Twila was diagnosed with polio and spent 6 months in a hospital. She was determined to walk again, and did, however she did have some permanent disability. Twila had many careers in addition to being a homemaker. She was a fabulous seamstress and tailor making several wedding dresses and gowns. In 1966 Twila owned and operated the Laurens Dry Cleaners until 1977. She then became the Administrative Secretary for the Pocahontas County Nurses office. Twila enjoyed the annual fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada. She was known for her terrific cinnamon rolls and potato salad. Twila loved playing cards and doing crossword puzzles.

Twila was a member of the Earlham Methodist Church, the UMW, the Chautauqua Club, the Polk County VFW Ladies Auxiliary, board member of the Aging Resources of Iowa and chairman of the Pocahontas Co. March of Dimes for over 20 years.

Twila leaves the following family to celebrate her life: son Richard Eagan (Gloria) of Chicago, IL; daughter Kathy McKim (Frank) of Waukee; daughter Jean Zdrazil (Jim) of Newport Beach, CA; son Patrick Eagan (Susan) of Avondale, AZ; daughter Mary Jane Reelitz (Michael) of Johnston; son Michael Eagan of Phoenix, (currently serving in Iraq); daughter Pam Penquite (Kent) of Ankeny; brother Edwin Smith (Marge) of Winterset; sister Doris Rutherford of Churdan; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Twila was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Charles and Robert.

Interment was held in the Earlham Cemetery in Earlham, Iowa. Kuhn Funeral Homes was in charge of arrangements.

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