Smothers, Marvel Marie Septer

Marvel Marie Septer Smothers, daughter of George Otis and Carrie Fern Markwell Septer, was born May 21, 1924, in Pilot Township, Iowa County, west of Williamsburg, Iowa. She died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg, surrounded by her family.

Marvel moved with her family to rural North English and graduated from North English High School in 1942. Following graduation, she taught for two years at Yankee Point Rural School and then later at Gritter Rural Schools. After the United States entered World War II, the military's needs quickly brought on a nursing shortage and, in 1943, Congress authorized the Cadet Nurse Corps. Marvel entered the Cadet Nursing Program at the University of Iowa in 1944 and graduated with her R.N. in 1947. During this time, Marvel attended and was greatly impacted by Parkview Church, then located in Coralville, where she came to know Christ as her Savior. Marvel was united in marriage to Clifford Leroy Smothers on Aug. 9, 1947, at Pleasant Grove Grace Brethren Church. They farmed for a number of years in rural Keokuk and rural Iowa County. In March 1965, they moved west of Millersburg and farmed there until retirement. Marvel worked as a staff nurse at Keokuk County Hospital from 1972 to 1985 and at North English Care Center from 1985 to 2003. Marvel and Clifford moved to Highland Ridge Senior Living, Williamsburg, in January 2013.

Marvel is survived by her husband, Clifford, of 66 years; a daughter, Marcia (Jon) Kinzenbaw, Williamsburg; a son, Daniel (Jill) of rural North English; four grandchildren, Lacie (Brandon) Litton of West Des Moines, Susanne (Ryan) Veatch of Iowa City, Jonathan (Amanda) Kinzenbaw of Norwalk and David (Amanda) Smothers of rural North English; four great-grandchildren, Miles Litton and Lyla, Aidan and Wyatt Smothers; and sister-in-law, Carma Septer.

Marvel was preceded in death by a son, Arden Clifford; her parents; her sister, Maxine Ballard; and her brother, Paul Septer.

Marvel was a loving, dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. She was a constant pillar of support and prayed for her family every day of her life. Marvel left a legacy of cherished memories and she will be missed greatly.

Marvel's family would like to thank Highland Ridge and staff for all of their care and support throughout Marvel's stay.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Powell Funeral Home, North English. The Rev. Jeffrey Gilmore will officiate. Burial will be in North English Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home.

A memorial fund has been established for Highland Ridge Senior Living Community.

Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.

Published Oct. 3, 2013 in The Gazette