Lera L. Dove's Obituary
Lera Lovella Dove was born June 15, 1912 to John W. and Sylvania (Philby) Cowles at Diamond, Iowa. She passed away July 21, 2007 at the Continental Care Center in Seymour with her daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter at her side.
Lera married Leishman C. Dove on May 14, 1938 at Lancaster, MO. He preceded her in death on December 3, 1996. Also preceding her in death were her parents, four brothers (Thomas, Harry, Charles, and Robert Cowles), five sisters (Emma Ranes, Annie Kauzlarich, Mary Fisher, Alice Arbogast, Frances Seddon) and great grandson, Seth Carter.
Survivors include daughter Sandra Banks and her husband Gary Banks of Seymour, IA. Grandchildren Lisa (Rich) Carter of Seymour, IA, Beth (Tony) Mannella of Aurora, IL, Justin (Kristie) Banks of San Antonia, TX. Great-grandchildren Sarah and Samantha Carter, Patrick and Miranda Mannella, Tyler, Jonathan, Nicolas, Joshua and Alyssa Banks. Her first great-great grandchild is expected in November. Also surviving is a son Larry (Sonya) Dove of Jerome. Grandchildren Jennifer (Jeff) Daniels of Missouri and Michelle (Mark) Dawson of Texas. Great grandchildren Drew and Grant Daniels and Kyle and Ryan Dawson. Other surviving relatives are sister-in-law Mary Cowles and brother-in-law Junior Dove.
Lera attended Diamond school until 8th grade and then stayed home to help on the farm. She also at that time had the pleasure of raising her nephew, Charles Cowles, after his mother passed away at a very early age. Lera also kept busy working at the family grocery store at Diamond, raising a large garden, doing chores and hauling coal with a horse and wagon.
Lera's hobby was keeping scrapbooks. She completed over 300 scrapbooks beginning from the early 1930's. She also enjoyed working in her flower garden, fishing and taking care of her dog. She bottle fed lambs, calves, pigs and milked cows. Lera was known for having a home remedy for most every illness or injury.
Lera was baptized April 16, 1961 at the Numa Methodist Church. She was secretary and treasurer at the Church from 1962 until the Church closed. She was a member of the Women's Society for many years. She loved the church and was a very faithful member for many years. She and good friend Mary Doggett were the last remaining members.
Lera and Red raised their family on a farm north of Numa and a few years after his passing, she moved to Seymour. She stayed in her own home until March of 2007. In her later years, she sat in her rocking chair and watched the busses bring the children to school. She liked to watch the cars line up in the afternoon to pick up kids. She always counted the cars, she said one thing about the little ones, they were sure taken care of and that was very important to her.
Lera enjoyed entertaining her visitors. Nephew Leon Kauzlarich and his family visited her frequently and were a real joy to her.
Lera was a kind, loving, spunky, independent woman who will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Thursday, July 26, 2007 at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Schweizer officiating. Burial will follow at the Jerome Cemetery. A visitation will be held all day Wednesday with family present from 6-8 PM. A memorial has been established to the First Responders in Seymour or the Horizon Special Project and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544.
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