YOUNKER, Esther Margaret: Died 1962

YOUNKER, GRINSTEAD, SIMMONS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 6/14/2021 at 18:29:05

Mrs. Cleo Younker

Esther Margaret Grinstead Younker, daughter of Charles and Sarah Grinstead, was born July 31, 1912 in Davis County, Iowa. She departed this life Oct. 23, 1962 at the University Hospital at Iowa City after a lingering illness of several months, at the age of 50 years, 2 months and 23 days.

She grew to womanhood in the Bloomfield community and was graduated from the Bloomfield High School. On Feb. 3, 1934 she was united in marriage to Cleo Younker of Milton at Lancaster, Missouri. To this union were born eight children; Gerald, Phillip, Donald, Carole, Mina, Bruce, Steven and Martha. Her entire married life was spent in the Milton community.

She became a member of the Christian Church at Bloomfield at an early age, transferring her membership to the Milton Methodist Church in 1956. For many years she has been an active member of the Woman's Society of Christian Service, where she assumed active leadership. She shared so generously her strength and time in the promotion of Music Boosters and all school activities in which the children were engaged.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Charles Jr. and Bert; and two sisters, Helen and Harriett.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Cleo; five sons, Gerald, Bruce and Steven of Milton, Phillip of Belfoski, Alaska, and Donald of Kirksville, Mo.; three daughters, Carole of Des Moines, Ia., and Mina and Martha at home; two granddaughters, Kriss and Kim Younker of Milton; two brothers, Arthur Grinstead of Fairfield, Ia. and Wendell Grinstead of Redwood Calif.; one sister, Eva Simmons of Marion, Ia.; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Esther was a faithful and devoted mother and the interests of her family were vitally her concern. She shared her time freely with others. Her suffering was cheerfully borne. She will long be remembered as one who gave a faithful witness to life.

Source: "The Hazel Stanford Obituary Collection", Pg. 201, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA