Lancaster, Mary Ina 1904-1999

LANCASTER, MILLS, CONNORS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 4/21/2005 at 18:43:31

Mary Ina Lancaster

Mary Ina Lancaster, 95, of LeMars, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 1999, at Plymouth Manor Care Center in LeMars.

The former Mary Ina Connors was born Jan. 3, 1904, at Stuart, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Adeline (Mills) Connors. Her mother died from tuberculosis when Mary was about five years old. She was raised in the Seney area by John and Amelia (Mills) Lancaster, and attended country school near Seney.

When Ina was about 12 years old, the family moved to Haxtun, Colo. Four years later, the family returned to the farm near Seney. She married Vincent Lancaster in 1936 at Seney.

The couple farmed in the Seney area where they raised purebred swine and cattle for breeding. Mr. Lancaster died in 1948. Ina remained on the farm, and later moved into Seney. She had made her home at Plymouth Manor Care Center since May 1996.

Ina was a very accomplished pianist. She had used her talents as the church pianist at the Seney United Methodist Church for many years. She enjoyed playing the piano for other residents at Plymouth Manor. She was an active member of the Seney United Methodist Church, where she had taught Sunday school for several years.

Survivors include two children, Darrel Lancaster and his wife, Joyce, of LeMars, and Arlene, Collier and her husband, Dick, of Stacy, Minn., eight grandchildren, Tim and Michelle Lancaster of Alton, Lori and Curt Singer of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Ted and Shelly Lancaster, Rick and Rhonda Lancaster, Terry and Lisa Lancaster, all of LeMars, Kristi and Brent Utesch of Craig, Julie Johnson of LeMars, and Paul and Karen Riddell of Minneapolis, Minn.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her foster parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Seney United Methodist Church with the Rev. Josue L. Florendo officiating. Burial will be in Seney Cemetery. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. today (Tuesday), with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in LeMars.

Pallbearers will be Paul Riddell, Tim Lancaster, Ted Lancaster, Rick Lancaster, Terry Lancaster, and Brent Utesch.