PEARCE, Rita Kay 1948-1963

PEARCE, STASTNY

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 2/20/2012 at 16:13:58

Rita Kay Pearce – 1948-1963

#1

FLOYD GIRL FOUND DEAD ON THE BLACKTOP
BELIEVE SHE WAS HIT BY CAR

Osage – The body of Rita Pearce, 15, Floyd, was found on a blacktop road near Orchard early Tuesday. Authorities said she had apparently been struck by a car during a dense fog.

Dr. G. E. Krepelka, Mitchell County Examiner, said death occurred between 4 and 4:30 a.m. She was found by Barney Anderson, Osage, at 5:30 a.m., as he drove to work at Cedar Falls.

According to Dr. Krepelka, death was caused by a fracture of a cervical vertebra. He said the body had many abrasions and looked as though it was a grazing accident rather than a direct hit from a vehicle.

He said the fog was so dense it was possible the driver of the vehicle may not have been aware he had struck anything.

Rita is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Pearce, who had recently moved from Charles City to a 40-acre farm north of Floyd.

According to Mitchell County Sheriff Mervel Angell, the girl had left her home about 9 p.m. Monday.

Sheriffs’ officers from both Mitchell and Floyd Counties had searched for her during the night. Floyd Sheriff L. L. Lane said he had earlier been in the area where the body was fund.

Authorities said the girl was last seen alive at 9 p.m. Monday when she left her home. Sheriff Lane said the parents reported her missing at 1 a.m.

The body was identified by an aunt, Nadine Stastny of Charles City, with whom the girl had stayed from time to time.

The body was taken to Champion Funeral Home , Osage and later transferred to Grossmann-Hage Funeral Home, Charles City. Funeral Arrangements are incomplete.

Mason City Globe Gazette, Tuesday August 20, 1963

#2

Riverside Cemetery, Charles City, Floyd, Iowa (Find a Grave Entry)

Rita Kay Pearce 1948-1963