Jewel Traxler's Obituary
Jewel Traxler, age 93, of Centerville, died Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at the Continental St. Joseph's, Centerville, Iowa.
Jewel was born June 22, 1913, the daughter of John and Maude (Abbott) Gilstrap in Hartford, MO. She graduated from Unionville High School and Northeast Missouri State College, also known as Truman State University, where she received her teaching degree. She married Paul Traxler on May 20, 1933, in Hartford, Missouri. Jewel and her husband farmed south of Exline. He preceded her in death on February 21, 1994. She taught in one-room schools at Shoney, Petty, and Beard schools. Jewel also taught for many years in several local schools including Cincinnati, Mystic, Moulton-Udell, Corydon, and Centerville Community Schools. She was a member of the Republican Committee, Royal Neighbors, Farm Bureau, Retired Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Mt. Hermon Methodist Church in Chariton, MO.
Jewel is survived by three children; Jean (Michael) Leach of Exline, IA, Shirley Kilfoy of Kirksville, MO, Jim (Marjorie) Traxler of Exline, IA; five grandchildren, David (Donna) McNair of Waupaca, WI, Leslie (Tim) Lincoln of Adams, MN, Rick (Sue) Traxler of Centerville, IA, Michael Kauzlarich of Johnson City, TN, and Jill Kauzlarich of Kirksville, MO; two step grandchildren; four great grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and a special niece Patricia Brorby. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a grandson, Mark Traxler; a sister, Carol Sidwell; and a brother Zane Gilstrap.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, November 4, 2006, at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home with Pastor Fred Smith officiating. Internment will follow at the Exline Cemetery. A visitation will be held all day Friday, November 3, 2006, with family present from 6-8 PM. A memorial has been established to Mercy Hospice or Mt. Hermon Church and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, IA 52544.
What’s your fondest memory of Jewel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jewel?
Share a story where Jewel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jewel you’ll never forget.
How did Jewel make you smile?