Lenora May (Fletcher) STEFFENS

FLETCHER, STEFFENS, SMITH, HALL, CRAFTON, HANSEN, DRAY, THOMAN, VENNUM

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/30/2008 at 10:49:10

December 16, 1888 -- July 04, 1963

MRS. C. STEFFENS DIES JULY 4

Lenora May Fletcher, daughter of David and Florence Smith Fletcher, was born at Reinbeck, IA, December 16, 1888 and passed away Thursday, July 4, 1963 at the Belmond Hospital at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 18 days.

As a small girl she moved with her parents to a farm near Rowan where she grew to womanhood. She completed her education in the country schools and the Rowan Public School. She was one of a family of ten children, seven of whom survive her. On December 16, 1908 she was united in marriage to Clifford Steffens. Three children were born to this union. Two sons, Harry, who died in 1925, at the age of fifteen years, and Rex of Rowan, a daughter, Lois (Mrs. Harry Hall) of Belmond. Besides their own family they raised two grandsons, Donald Crafton, who is with the Armed Forces in France, and Verle Crafton of Rowan, who along with their own children helped to brighten their later years.

Almost two years ago she was preceded in death by her husband and since then in spite of failing health she has continued to maintain her home in Rowan where she has spent so many years of her married life. She was always a good wife and mother and loved her home with a deep devotion. She was a good friend and neighbor and was loved by all for her sunny disposition and optomistic outlook on life. She had a strong Christian faith and was a shining example to her loved ones and friends and will be greatly missed by them.

Surviving are her son and daughter, a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four brothers, Harold (Pat) of Riverside, CA, Alfred of Mitchell, S.D., Dale of Milwaukee, Wisc., Clance of Phoenix, AZ., three sisters, Ethel (Mrs. Vern Hansen) of Riverside, CA, Wava (Mrs. Frank Dray) of Blue Earth, MN and Mrs. Leda Thoman of Ridgecrest, CA. Besides her husband and son she was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Addie (Mrs. Lou Vennum) and a brother Ira Fletcher.

Funeral services for Mrs. C.C. Steffens were held Monday at 2 P.M. from the Eyler Funeral Home in Clarion. Rev. Merlin Ackerson of the Rowan Methodist Church was in charge of the service, assisted by Rev. William Burns of the Rowan Congregational Church. Music was furnished by Mrs. Robert Ketchum and Mrs. Jack Freese accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Larry Aldrich.

Pallbearers were Floyd Whitten, Dean Fritz, Karl Rietz, James Keleher, Robert Ketchum and Thomas Groom. Interment was made in the Rowan Graceland Cemetery.

Source unknown
ca. July 1963