Amsberry, Iva Roberta (Davis) 1914-2007

AMSBERRY, DAVIS, MCKENZIE, ALLEN

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/28/2008 at 21:18:09

Iva Roberta Davis was born on March 25, 1914, near Marysville. She was the fourth child of Jane McKenzie and Thomas Allen Davis. Iva graduated from Bussey High School in 1932.

While attending high school Iva met J. Arlen Amsberry. They were married on June 2, 1935. They made their home in Marysville until 1944 when the couple moved to the farm place where Iva was raised.

Iva played the violin while in high school. As a young child she learned to quilt. At the age of 17 Iva made her first regular sized quilt. Iva belonged to the Reliable Club, acting as secretary and treasurer for the 60 years that the group met. The club members quilted hundreds of quilts over the years. Iva later quilted for others. Her handiwork also included crocheting, tatting and sewing. Iva's father had started many types of fruit trees and bushes. There was always an abundance of produce to eat. While on the farm, Iva and Arlen raised cattle, chickens, sheep and hogs. Before moving to Bussey in 1989, they had a 10,000 bird laying house, gathering eggs twice a day.

In 2003 after Arlen's death, Iva moved to Colorado to live with her daughter. The past two years Iva resided at Melissa Memorial Hospital.

Iva Roberta Davis Amsberry passed away on April 2, 2007, at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colo. at the age of 93.

Mrs. Amsberry was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Cedric and Leo Davis and two sisters, Eulice Sims and Virgie Bailey.

Survivors include three sons, Tom Amsberry and his wife, Barbara of Dunlap, Norman Amsberry and his wife, Gladys of Urbandale and Rick Amsberry and his significant other, Jody of Park Rapids, Minn.; one daughter, Peggy Davis and her husband, Wilbur of Holyoke, Colo.; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

A Celebration of Life was held for Mrs. Iva Amsberry on April 6 at the Knoxville Community of Christ Church with Elder Bill McDonald and Elder Dick Young officiating. Interment was in the Marysville Cemetery in rural Marion County. Memorials in memory of Mrs. Amsberry may be made to the Community of Christ Church.

The Knoxville Journal Express, April 13, 2007