Frances Marcelyn (Doolittle) GORDON

DOOLITTLE, GORDON, ZEIHAN, THOMPSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/11/2017 at 12:42:25

June 17, 1923 ----- September 18, 2010

Frances Marcelyn Doolittle Gordon, 87, Webster City, died at Hamilton Hospital Saturday, September 18, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Webster City, with Rev. William Kem officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Graceland Cemetery, Webster City. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church and prior to services on Saturday.

Frances Marcelyn Doolittle Gordon, daughter of Fred and Clara Zeihan Doolittle was born June 17, 1923 on a farm in Liberty Township, Hamilton County, Iowa, southeast of Blairsburg. She graduated from Blairsburg High School in 1940, Webster City Junior College in 1942 and Iowa State University in 1945 where she received a B.S. Degree in Home Economics Education. She taught Liberty #6 Rural School in 1942, Glidden High School in 1945, Blairsburg High School in 1947 and substitute taught for ten years in the Webster City schools. On May 31, 1946 she married Howard Gordon in Ames, Iowa. The couple farmed southwest of Webster City until August, 1992 when they moved to 1308 Locust Street, Webster City, Iowa.

Marcelyn was active in the First Baptist Church, Ruth Fox Circle, Women's Mission Society and the Alathean Sunday School class. She was a charter and life-time member and past President of the American Association of University Women, Webster City branch and was the first president of the Hamilton County Porkettes. She was a member of many organizations including Friends of Kendall Young Library, Lucy-Standish/Newcastle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Hamilton County Genealogical Society, Hamilton County Historical Society, Hamilton County 4-H Foundation, an associate member of the Association of Business and Industry in Webster City, a lifetime member of Hamilton County Hospital Auxiliary, and a long time volunteer for R.S.V.P. She was an Iowa State Alumni Association member and an ISU Club Alumni Service Key recipient.

Marcelyn celebrated life. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life and she gave thanks for each new day. She was a life-long learner and teacher. She and Howard traveled to several European countries on two agricultural related trips, and traveled to all fifty states during their sixty years of marriage. She worked closely with Howard on the farm and was an astute agri-business woman. Her life-long friendships were a source of fun and activities. FB Club, the W.D.K. girls, the Birthday Clubs and many other social groups were all very important to Marcelyn.

Family was always a big part of her life. Her knowledge of family history and genealogy prompted her to compile books on the Gordon, Doolittle, and Zeihan families. Her children, grandchildren and great-grand daughters and their activities have been the highlights of what she called her "bonus years." She will be missed but her influence in our lives will always be with us.

She is survived by son Dr. Paul Gordon and wife Marsha of Mason City, granddaughter Dr. Angela Thompson and husband Rob, and great-granddaughters Mia and Evy Thompson of Iowa City, grandson Jason Gordon and wife Becky of Ames. She is also survived by son Marvin Gordon and wife Crystal of Webster City, grandsons Nathan and wife Liz of Ames, Jarod of Cedar Falls, and Christopher of Ames. She is survived by one brother and sister-in-law Donald F. and Opal Doolittle of Webster City, sister Marian Doolittle of Hampton, and three brothers-in-law and their wives: Kenneth Gordon, Norman and Irene Gordon, and Virgil and Mary Lou Gordon, all of Webster City and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Howard.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations in memory of Marcelyn be directed to the First Baptist Church, Hamilton Hospital Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Foster Funeral & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.

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