Jonnie Elna (Bale) McLain (1925-2010)

MCLAIN, BALE, HOLCOMB, LUNDBY, LARSON, SWITZER, WARDEN

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 11/19/2010 at 08:33:31

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, November 16, 2010.

Jonnie Elna McLain, 85, of Nevada, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Bethany Manor in Story City. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at First United Methodist Church in Nevada, with Pastor Kevin Leveck officiating. Nevada Municipal Cemetery will be Jonnie’s resting place, next to Fred Russell McLain.

Jonnie was born March 30, 1925, in Terrell, Texas, to John Elbert and Lavona (Holcomb) Bale. She was a 1941 graduate of Terrill High School and attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. On April 24, 1943, she married Fred in Terrell. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Nevada, a 50-year member of P.E.O. Chapter NE in Nevada, ODO Club and Indian Creek Country Club. She was an avid bridge player and passionate about politics both on the national and state levels. Her kitchen was a stop for all Democratic Party incumbents and potential candidates. Jonnie was invited to the White House on numerous occasions due to her strong dedication and political knowledge that she so dearly loved to share with friends and family.

She was a lifelong partner in a successful Iowa family farming business. A Texan by birth, she moved to Iowa in her early 20s and served side-by-side with her husband, Fred, to develop and expand the farm, while providing a warm and loving home for her family. When Fred died in 2003, she became the leader of the McLain farms and the social center for the family, both roles she continued fulfilling until her death.

She is survived by her children, Fred (Peggy) McLain, of Gaithersburg, Md., Diane Lundby, of Fort Worth, Texas, Frank (Cynthia Ryan) McLain, of Nevada, and Cindy A. McLain, of Wolfe City, Texas; grandchildren, Michelle McLain, John (Julie) McLain, Emily McLain, Jessica Lundby, Tina (Joey) Larson, Frankie McLain, William Switzer, James Switzer, and an honorary granddaughter, Nicole Ryan; four great-grandchildren, Austin Larson, Alex McLain, Jake McLain, and Jenna Larson; one brother, Don (Margit) Bale, of Burkburnett, Texas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred on July 11, 2003; two sisters, Maggie Warden and Jo Ann Bale; and one son-in-law, Eric Lundby on Dec. 14, 2009.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jonnie’s name.

Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Jonnie and her family.

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