Florence Ann Oxley Mead (1895-1960)

OXLEY, MEAD, BALCOM, BEAL, FAELZ, MOORE, LOVADURE

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/13/2005 at 06:10:41

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, September 8, 1960, page 1, column 2. "FLORENCE ANN MEAD. - Florence Ann Mead was born on the farm 4 1/2 miles Southwest of Collins, August 14, 1895 to John C. and Clara W. Oxley and departed this life on August 30 at the Story County Hospital in Nevada, after a months illness. She was educated in the Peoria rural school and graduated from the Collins High School with the class of 1913. On June 2, 1920 she was united in marriage to Fred M. Mead and they lived in and around Collins all of her life. Florence was baptized into the United Brethren Church on Aug. 14, 1927 and transferred her membership to the Collins Christian Church on Easter morning, in 1950. Throughout her life she took an active part in the organizations of which she belonged, always fulfilling the duties of any office to the fullest extent of her ability. She was a member of the Collins Rebekah Lodge, American Legion Auxiliary and Happy Birthday Friends Club. Mrs. Mead taught in rural schools for four years. She began giving piano lessons at the age of 16 and later gave accordian** lessons, too. She was preceded in death by her parents, John C. and Clara W. Oxley; two sisters, Susan Oxley and Mrs. Goldie M. Balcom; a nephew, Robert Oxley and niece, Mrs. Helen Beal. She is survived by her husband, Fred M. Mead of Collins; one brother, Clyde M. Oxley of Maxwell; two nephews, Curtis Oxley of Des Moines and John M. Oxley of Maxwell; three nieces, Mrs. Lee R. Faelz of California; Miss Maxine Oxley of Des Moines and Mrs. Jack Moore of Nevada; three grandnephews, John Oxley, Steven and David Faelz and two grandnieces, Marica and Mary Lou Moore. Also, a step-daughter, Mrs. Reba Lovadure and husband, Edwin and their sons, Woodrow and Ralph Crawford of Columbia Falls, Montana. Funeral services were held in the Collins Christian Church on Friday, Sept. 2, at 2 p. m., with Rev. Robert McDonald officiating. The lovely floral tributes were in charge of Mrs. Betty Dodd and Mrs. Mildred Paul. Casket bearers were William Barrett, Thayer Derby, Russell Oswalt, Richard Green, Forrest Long and Bill Huntrods. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery." "CARD OF THANKS. - We want to thank the many friends, neighbors and organizations for the beautiful flowers, gifts, food, visits and memorial bequests, during our bereavement. We especially thank the Rebekahs for their most impressive graveside ceremony and lovely dinner served our family; also special thanks to Rev. McDonald for his many thoughtful deeds performed for the family and our loved one during her illness and since her departure. May God bless each and everyone of you. Fred Mead family. Clyde Oxley Family." **Editorial note - spelling, grammar and punctuation used is from the original newspaper article, spelling of names in article verified twice.