Marie R. "Kris" (Rossa) Boyd (1924-2016)

BOYD, ROSSA

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 3/4/2016 at 12:31:30

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Marie R. (Kris) Boyd was born August 4, 1924 in Orlando, Florida to Henry and Gertrude Rossa. She had three younger brothers, Karl, Bob and Fred. Her father Henry immigrated to America during World War I. His passion for art and painting was shared by several of the children, including Marie. She told many stories about her parents packing up the family quickly to go to the beach so that her father could paint the sunset as they romped along the shore. The family now enjoys several of Grandpa Rossa’s paintings today.

Marie, as she was called by her family, became a diligent student and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1942. She enrolled in Tampa Business College, attending evening classes and working for an attorney during the day. Eventually she earned an Associates degree in Business. Later she had a very interesting assignment working for Gulf Oil Corporation, where the salary and benefits were much more desirable than for a small law office.

While attending a dance at a local American Legion , she met Sgt. Donald H. Boyd from Roland, Iowa. The Men’s Chorus was entertaining that night at the dance, and Don was conducting, Their love story began with seeing each other at more dances, and Marie joining the choir at First Presbyterian Church. Sgt. Boyd seemed to have enough free time to take the bus to meet her so they could sing in the choir. Her very protective, German father allowed these activities to proceed because there were plenty of chaperones to watch them.

Their engagement was announced Christmas of 1944 and they were married at First Presbyterian Church in Tampa on April 9, 1944-- Easter Sunday. Her new husband thought she needed a more Norwegian name; so he officially called her Kris. It has been a perfect name for the rest of her life. In 1946, after the death of Don’s mother, they moved to Iowa where he became a partner in the family business, O.S. Boyd and Son Insurance Company

Her passion for art was evidenced in her love for painting, gardening and needle crafts. A true Florida girl, she was not afraid to bait a hook, and had a real love for fishing, sailing and water sports in her younger days. The example of her faith in Jesus Christ and her desire to help others is by far her greatest legacy.

Married for 54 years, she is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, a daughter Paula in 1975 and her husband Don, in 1998. Three surviving children, Kathie (Dan) Palmyra, PA, Bill (Dorene), Ames, Iowa. Paula (deceased, 1975) and Beverly (Kevin), Valencia, CA. There are nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church or Covent Life Church.

Memorial Service
MAR 5. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Bethany Manor Chapel
212 Lafayette Ave.
Story City, IA, US, 50248

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen