Virginia Carney's Obituary
Virginia L. Carney, 84 of Centerville died January 27, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. Virginia was born October 6, 1920 the daughter of Robert and Minnie (Faulkner) Tait. She was raised by Jess and Minnie Yant of Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School in 1938, where she was a Drum Majorette for the Centerville High School Band. Virginia married Clyde Carney on May 18, 1941 in Corydon, Iowa, he preceded her in death on February 25, 1999. Mrs. Carney lived in Centerville her entire life and was for many years employed by Montgomery Wards and the U.S. Census Bureau. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Appanoose County Country Club and an avid golfer, Centerville High School Booster and a Hawk Fan and was active in the Democratic Party. Virginia was an emissary for the Guide Dog Foundation, as a result of her utilizing a guide dog well-known to the Centerville community as Sandy. She was crowned Miss Centerville in 1936 and went on to place 3rd in Miss Iowa that same year. Virginia is survived by three children; Jo Carney of East Hampton, New York, James Carney and his wife Pat McFarland of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike Carney and his wife Jan of Centerville, six grandchildren; Samantha and Christopher Carney the children of Jo, Sarah Carney-Sears the daughter of James Carney and step-daughter of Pat McFarland, Kelli, Tyler and Tiffany Carney the children of Mike and Jan and a half-sister Olive McDanolds of Centerville. She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde, on February 25, 1999.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11:30 a.m., Monday, January 31, 2005 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville with Fr. Ron Will C.PP.S officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Sunday, January 30, 2005 at the Beck Mansion located at 707 Drake Avenue in Centerville. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Beck Mansion. Memorials have been established to the Clyde and Virginia Carney Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund provides scholarships to Centerville High School graduating Seniors. Memorials may also be left to St. Mary's or the National Guide Dog Foundation which can be left at or mailed to Thomas Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, Iowa 52544.
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