Meyers, Emma Wilhemina Lange

Emma Wilhemina Lange Meyers, 96, of Tipton, died Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home, Tipton.

She was born Dec. 18, 1912, to Henry and Minnie (Schesser) Lange, at home near Welton. She grew up on the farm attending school in both Calamus and Welton. On the farm, she learned hard work and sharing among nine children being raised by her parents. She left home to work for others cleaning houses at the age of 13. In addition, she mowed many lawns and helped feed many a thresher.

In 1931, she married Charles Britcher and to this union, one daughter, LaVonne, was born. Charles died in 1933, and in 1934, she married Edward Meyers. Roland was born of this marriage that lasted for 46 years until Ed's death in 1980.

Emma had many vocations, including cleaning for the Cedar County Care Facility and at the University of Iowa Hospitals. She also was a nurse aide at the Cedar County Care Facility and Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton for many years.

Ed and Emma lived on a farm south of Stanwood, where they raised crops and livestock. When she wasn't cleaning, she loved to dance and was found most Saturday nights at Hi-Way Gardens in Stanwood dancing to her favorite band, Kenny Hofer. When she wasn't dancing, she waitressed.

She also spent many years caring for her parents as they aged as well as helping in many homes of family members, caring for children or cleaning. She often boasted that she was so glad she could help anyone who needed it. As she and Ed retired to Tipton in 1972, she continued cleaning for others and enjoyed crocheting, mowing lawn and dancing whenever she could.

Emma found a loyal friend and companion in Robert Hannes, her significant other for 13 years before entering the Mechanicsville Nursing and Rehab Center in November 2006 at the age of 93, due to health conditions. While at the care center, she found the audience she needed and thrilled many a listener with her life stories.

Emma is survived by one daughter, LaVonne Chappell of West Plains, Mo.; one daughter-in-law, Alecia Meyers of Stanwood; two grandsons, Walter Chappell of Marshalltown and David (Donna) Chappell of Mechanicsville; five granddaughters, Connei (Gene) Knutsen of Mechanicsville, Dorothy (Everett) Brown of Mountain View, Mo., Kathy (Ray) Croney of West Plains, Mo., Kimberly (Doug) Wyman of Marion and Kristin (Brian) Barkes of Paw Paw, Mich.; 14 great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; 32 great-great-grandchildren; five stepgreat-great-grandchildren; two more fifth generation on the way; one sister-in-law, Wiona Lange of Nevada; one foster son, Ed Ross of Tipton; and Robert Hannes, Tipton, her special friend and companion.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Sunday, Oct. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, followed by a memorial honoring her life at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Ronald Lashmit officiating.

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