Gertrude Mumm

GERTRUDE E. MUMM

Independence

Gertrude E. Mumm, 98, of Independence, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at her daughter's home in Jesup.

Gertrude was born Nov. 14, 1918, in Lone Tree, Iowa, the daughter of William and Freida L. (Reiland) Bell. She attended the country schools near Ainsworth. On Sept. 1, 1938, she married the love of her life, Barclay William Mumm, in Davenport. They lived in Iowa City and Williamsburg before they bought a farm in rural Independence in 1954. Gertrude enjoyed milking cows and working the land on the farm. In 1972, she and Barclay sold the farm and spent the next 10 years traveling and working for the Corps of Engineers. In 1986, they made their home in Quasqueton and lived there happily until the passing of Barclay in 2004.

She enjoyed keeping her mind busy by playing cards, reading, completing word searches and puzzles. Over 200 puzzles that she has completed can be seen hanging on the walls of Wildberry Manor in Independence.

She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn J. (Dale) Hackwell, Jesup; a son, Donald (Carole) Mumm, Independence; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Mumm, Plymouth, Mass.; nine grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 10 step-great- grandchildren; two brothers, Lester Bell, Lone Tree, and Clifford Bell, West Branch; many nieces and nephews; and family friend, Karen (Roxie) Mulnix.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Barclay; two sons, Ronald and Leroy Mumm; three sisters, Florence Holmes, Mildred Sass and Viola Grimm; two brothers, Jim and Chester Bell; and a son-in-law, Merle Harken.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, Independence. Burial: Wilson Cemetery, with the Rev. John Hougen officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, and 9 a.m. until services Saturday at the church in Independence.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.