Florence M Foster's Obituary
Florence M. Foster, the daughter of Fredrick W. and Rosa M. Rethmeier was born in their rural farmhouse near Newton, Iowa. She was the second of twelve children: Ralph (Helen), Glen (Juanita), Floyd, Robert (Myrna), Violet (Errol Wayne) Smith, Morris (Ruth), Myrtle (Robert) Foster, Donald (Joyce), Darrell, Verna (Michael) Ulrey and Verne (Dorma). Florence was united in marriage to Clarence Foster on January 13, 1940. They farmed in Marshall and Jasper counties until 1959 and then moved to a farm south of Allerton. A few years later they moved to a farm north of Allerton and then to a farm north of Corydon. They loved and cared for one another in a joyful marriage of 58 years. She assisted Clarence by working at their sawmill and tending to their animals as well as helping him with many other things around the farm. In 1992 they retired from farming and sold their equipment. Clarence passed away in 1998. Florence stayed on their farm for seven more years before moving into a small house on the property of her daughter Barbara and her husband Richard Ruark in Allerton, where they were able to care for her. In 2013, Florence moved to the Corydon Care Center. She loved her garden and spent countless hours caring for it. She was a wonderful cook and loved collecting recipes. She made delicious meals complete with homemade bread, which she would bake six loaves at a time. Her pies were memorable. Florence's' love for her heavenly Father Jehovah was so important to her that she dedicated her life to Him and was baptized in January of 1959. She volunteered her time to tell others so they could also look forward to life in a paradise on earth. She loved to read and study; her Bible was worn from constant use. She attended the Lamoni Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses after years of attending the Kingdom Hall in Chariton and Lineville, Iowa. Florence was a very loving person; she always looked for something positive to say when speaking with people. She enjoyed walking up until she had a fall and broke her hip in November of 2016 at 98 years of age. Alzheimer's also took its toll on her, but she continued to recognize people and greet visitors as they came in and out. Clarence and Florence has six children: Barbara (Richard) Ruark of Allerton, Marguerite (Robert) Moore of London, ON, Canada), James (Darcy) Foster of Moline, IL, Arthur (Georgia) Foster of Rock Island, IL, Joyce (Frederick) Snedeker of Encinitas, CA, and Terry (Cindy) Foster of Corydon, eleven grandchildren; Timothy, Thomas, and Tracey Ruark, Joella, Jamie, Ryan and Ben Foster, Rebecca, Matthew, and Andrew Foster, Megan and Jacob Snedeker, Tara and Kole Foster, and fifteen great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband Clarence, son Arthur, granddaughter Rebecca, siblings; Ralph, Glen, Floyd, Robert, Violet, Morris, Darrell, and Vern, in-laws Helen, Pauline, Error Wayne, and Dorma and some of her nieces and nephews. Her family wishes to express their appreciation for the care she received during her stay at the Corydon Care Center. Memorial service will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2017 at the Walden Park Clubhouse at 501 South East Street, Corydon, Iowa. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Florence M Foster please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Allerton Cemetery 115th St. & King Road
Allerton, IA 50008 Memorial Service FEB 18. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (CST) Walden Park Clubhouse 501 South East StCorydon, IA 50060
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