Iben, Lois Jean (Bean)

Lois Jean (Bean) Iben, 84, formerly of Viola, received her angel's wings and went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at Hiawatha Care Center. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Viola United Methodist Church, Viola, by Jim May. The family will greet friends 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. Burial: Wilcox Cemetery, Viola.

Survivors include her children, Royce (Jeff) Pitlik of Anamosa, Linda (Gene) Brink of Anamosa, Toni (Patrick) Zenishek of Solon, Jody (Michael) Eisher of Smyrna, Tenn., Roy “Bud” Jr. (Cheryl) Iben of Cedar Rapids, and Ray (Linda) Iben of Viola; 16 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother, Clyde (Lea) Bean of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Shalene Iben; two sisters, Thelma Sampica and Wilma Cabalka; and one brother, Ted Bean.

Lois was born July 5, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Clyde Sr. and Blanche (Spencer) Bean. She attended McKinley High School, Cedar Rapids, and graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a degree in Horticulture. Lois worked at area flower shops and for the Cedar Rapids Greenhouse for 22 years. She was a member of Viola United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school and Bible school teacher. Lois was also a member of the Viola Methodist Women and the Civic League.

Lois lived for her family and enjoyed family gatherings. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be directed to Viola United Methodist Church at 211 Center St., Springville, IA, 52336, in Lois' memory.

Lois' family wishes to extend special thanks to Viola United Methodist Church, Jim and Kris May, Mary May, Dr. Louvar and staff, Barb Lorenz of The Heritage Agency, and the staff at the Hiawatha Care Center.

Please sign the online guest book for Lois at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 5, 2012.