Kearney, Frances "Sally" 1898-1996

KEARNEY, GILLESPIE, SMITH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/14/2012 at 10:24:37

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; July 8, 1996

FRANCES KEARNEY

Frances "Sally" Kearney, 98, of Grinnell died of a heart ailment Thusrday, July 4, at St. Francis Manor.

Funeral services were conducted Monday morning at the United Church of Christ - Congregational, with the Rev. Robert Molsberry officiating. Organist was Barbara Zacheis. Pallbearers were Julie Kearney, Michael Kearney, Jack Mathews, Forrest "Frosty" Mitchell, Dion Schrack and Dick Seeland.

Burial was in Hazelwood Cemetery, with the Smith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the United Church of Christ - Congregational, of which she was a member.

She was born Jan. 27, 1898, in Dyersburg, Tenn. She was raised on the family plantation and attended public schools there. She also attended the University of Arkansas where she was chosen as homecoming queen.

She was married to Wilfred C. Kearney in 1925 in Los Angeles. They moved to Grinnell in 1938 and owned and operated the Kearney Coal and Seed Company. They later built the Four Winds Motel and operated it until their retirement.

Mrs. Kearney was a member of Chapter NF of PEO and was active in many community projects and charities.

Surviving are her son, William of Lombard, Ill.; two grandchildren; and her sister, Virginia Smith of Los Angeles. She was preceded in death by her husband, one brother and one sister.