Lownes, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Lownes was born at Denison, Iowa, August 9, 1916, the daughter of Rudolph Peter Ferdinand and Emma Marie Moeller Schramm. She was raised on the family farm, as well as spending a few of her formative years with her aunt and uncle, Ella and Jay Conrad Heiden. Following her graduation from Denison High School in 1933, she made her home in Marshalltown, Iowa, while attending Marshalltown Community College for two years. She completed her education in later years, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University.

On May 28, 1939, Elizabeth was united in marriage with Raymond L. Lownes at Denison, Iowa, and their union was blessed with three children, Linda, Randall and Kirby. Most of her married life was spent at their home at 1407 Second Avenue South in Denison. Elizabeth's lifetime teaching career began in the rural schools of Crawford County and included teaching elementary grades at Charter Oak, Dunlap and Denison Community Schools, from which she retired.

Elizabeth enjoyed spending her spare time baking, quilting, being involved with the U.S. Farmers Association, socializing with family and friends and cherished spending her summers at their cabin on Spirit Lake.

She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, past president and member of the Iowa Retired School Personnel Association and was a 60 plus year member and secretary/treasurer of the U.S. Farmers Association.

Elizabeth had recently moved to Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, and it was there her death occurred early Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. At the time of her death, she had been blessed with 94 years, 4 months and 10 days.

Including her parents, Rudolph and Emma Schramm, Elizabeth was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, Oct. 10, 1990; a granddaughter, Michelle Starcevich; and two brothers, Walter and Wilbert Schramm.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include one daughter, Linda and husband, Mick Starcevich of Cedar Rapids; two sons, Randall Lownes and wife Jan, of Canyon City, Colo., and Kirby Lownes of Denison; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Thompson and Sandra and husband, Curtis Stender of Denison; sister-in-law, Ila Krueger of Denison; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held at noon Wednesday, Dec. 22, at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, with the Rev. Ken Fells officiating. A memorial has been established to the Kirkwood Community College Michelle Starcevich Endowed Scholarship Fund, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, Dennison, www.pfannebecker.com is in charge of arrangements, where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today.