Mable Leonora (Wicker) CUMMINGS

CUMMINGS, WICKER, FREEL, SKIYE, SKROVIG, RECTOR, MORGAN, GABRIELSON, DILLON, COVINGTON, SCHNELL, HEADINGTON, WRIGHT, MILLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/25/2015 at 17:04:42

May 12, 1924 --- October 22, 2015

M. Lenora "Jo" Cummings, age 94, of Belmond, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, at her home in Belmond, surrounded by her loving family following a valiant battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, at Belmond United Methodist Church, 1031 First St. S.E., Belmond. The Rev. Leila Blackburn will be officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Andrews Funeral home, 516 First St. S.E., Belmond, and will continue one hour prior to the service at church Monday. Memorials in Jo's name to Hospice of Wright County, the local chapter of the cancer society, or to the donor's choice.

Mable Lenora "Jo" Cummings was born May 12, 1924, the daughter of Ray and Rose (Freel) Wicker, on a farm near Runnells. She grew up in the Mitchellville/Runnells area, graduating from Runnells High School in 1942. During her childhood years the value of hard work and dedication blossomed within her. She helped out with various farming tasks and chores including milking the cows, often times both night and day, until graduating from high school. She loved to play high school girls basketball and was very talented at the sport.

Following graduation, Jo moved to Des Moines and began working at the Ordinance (Ammunition) Plant where she met her future husband, Roy D. Cummings. They were united in marriage in 1943 and lived in the Des Moines area for a short time before moving to the Belmond area. The couple lived on a tenant farm before moving into town, where she worked at the P & G Supermarket for many years. Later she was employed in the local chiropractor's office of Dr. Wisebrod. She had also been employed as a school cook in the Crystal Lake School District for 7 years.

Jo was an active member of the Belmond United Methodist Church, serving as President of her circle and on various committees and capacities. Jo was a proud member of the Belmond Ambulance Crew for 25 years. She was a lifetime member of the Belmond Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, and had been a leader in the past in 4-H and Campfire Girls.

Jo enjoyed collecting dolls, plates and various other collectibles. She loved to keep a meticulous home, and raise many beautiful flowers. Her home was always filled with flowers both real and artificial. She had a fondness for her cats and her dog, "Duchess." She loved to be in the presence of friends and relished family events and occasions that included her husband, children and all of her grandkids. She loved holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Christmas and was known to put on a feast. She enjoyed the solitude of reading, having tea, Sunday visits to the Drive Inn. She and Roy enjoyed traveling and had been to various destinations both home and abroad including Yugoslavia, Alaska, Hawaii, Chile and other locations.

She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, the warmth of her eyes and personality, caring for others, friendliness and her helpful nature.

She received her nickname "Jo" from her future husband Roy, while working at the Ordinance Plant. Roy could never remember her name Lenora, and continued to call her Jo all their married life! Roy passed away June 25, 2004.

Jo's memory will burn brightly in the hearts and minds of her daughters, Carolyn (Gary) Skiye, Belmond, and Sharon Skrovig, Belmond; a sister, Shirley of Des Moines; 10 grandchildren: Cyndy Rector, Mindy Morgan, Lyndy Gabrielson, Patrick Dillon, Angela Covington, Paula Schnell, Daniel Skiye, Jennifer Headington, Michelle Wright, and Bobbi Miller; 33 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roy; daughter, Marilyn Dillon; son-in-law, Ken Skrovig; three sisters; two brothers; two great-grandsons; two brothers Glenn and Raymond; and three sisters. Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, Iowa..

October 25, 2015
Mason City Globe Gazette - Iowa