Joan Marie HALEY, daughter of James C. and Dorotha HALEY, was born November 2, 1943. She attended school in Benton through the eighth grade, when Benton High School joined the other small towns around in Mount Ayr. She graduated from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1962.

Joan married Donald Lee STRINGHAM, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest STRINGHAM of Mount Ayr, on June 3, 1962, at the Benton Christian Church. As Donald was in the Navy, Joan was privileged to see most of the United States, traveling from one assignment to another. Donald entered the Navy on September 21, 1959, and retired February 17, 1979.

Of this union, two children were born, both in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Malinda Lea was born November 9, 1967, and James Ernest was born October 13, 1969. Malinda is presently a senior at Mount Ayr Community High School and works part-time at the Shamrock Cafe in Mount Ayr. Jamie is a sophomore.

After Joan's Grandmother LANE passed away, they bought her home. Upon retiring from the Navy, they

SOURCE: 1887 - Benton, Iowa Centennial - 1987. p. 188. Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library, Mount Ayr IA

Transcriptions and notes by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2012

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