Moss, Frances (Mrs. Edward A.) 1921-2017

MOSS, DEVRIES, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/14/2017 at 14:34:43

Frances Moss, age 95, of Davenport, IA formerly of Sioux Center, IA, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017, at The Kahl Home in Davenport, Iowa.

     Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 18th at Carmel Reformed Church of rural Rock Valley, with Rev. Mike Pitsenberger officiating.  Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

     Visitation will be Friday, February 17th from 5:00 to 8:00PM, with family present 6:00 to 8:00 PM  at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

     Frances Evelyn Moss was born March 17, 1921 to Tjerk and Anna DeVries in Orange City, Iowa.  She attended Orange City Public Schools graduating in 1938 and Northwestern Junior College for two years graduating with her associates teaching degree.  Frances taught for two years in Fernald, IA, one year in the Arnold’s Park School District and one year in Rantoul, IL.
     On August 25, 1942, Frances married Edward A. Moss in Yuma, Arizona.  The two lived for a while in Bellflower, California.  For 33 years of their married life, she farmed with her husband west of Sioux Center.   Ed and Frances moved into Sioux Center in 1982.  They were married 51 years at the time of his death on October 6, 1993.  In 2003, Frances moved to Joplin to live with her daughter and in 2008, moved to Davenport, IA and lived at The Fountains and The Kahl Home.
     Frances was a woman of strong faith and was active in the Carmel Reformed Church of rural Rock Valley where she was involved in the Ladies Aid including as President, was the church librarian, taught Sunday school and spent many hours typing up the history of the Carmel Church.  She participated in the Hope Haven Auxiliary and the Farm Bureau Auxiliary.  Later, she was a member of Central Reformed Church in Sioux Center.
     Frances was a talented piano player who taught herself to play as a young girl.  When an older sister was married at the house, a piano was rented for the wedding and Frances begged her parents to not return it.  They agreed on the condition that she practice and learn to play it.  She did and gained a lifetime of enjoyment for herself and others. She could play almost anything that was put in front of her and most any hymn from memory.
     Frances had a large garden behind the house where she raised many vegetables which were a part of meals to feed the family.  Many hours were spent in the fall canning fruits and vegetables that were used throughout the year.  She maintained a flock of chickens that produced eggs for the family and also brought in a little extra income.
    She had a love for animals and always made sure that the cats and dogs on the farm were taken care of.  Later in life, she enjoyed her Dachshund, Barney who was a faithful companion on the couch or on long walks around the neighborhood. 
     In her free time, Frances enjoyed spending time in her garden, sewing and playing the piano and organ.  She enjoyed keeping her hands busy with crafts, crocheting, knitting and cross-stitch.  In the winter months she and Ed would travel in their motorhome, wintering in Mission, Texas for many years.
     She is survived by her children and their spouses, Glen and Kathy Moss of Lake Forest CA, Kenneth and Jana Moss of Eldridge, IA, Jacqueline and Duane Williams of Joplin, MO, Dr. Larry and Tetty Moss of Bellingham, WA and Calvin and Catherine Moss of Bettendorf, IA, 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 
     She is preceded in death by her husband, parents; brother and sister-in-law, John and Nellie DeVries; sisters and brothers-in-laws, Etta and Gerrit TeSlaa and Selma and Raymond Vander Wel; and infant great grandson, Benjamin Williams.

Source: Memorial Funeral Home online obituary.