Troyer, Miriam Alice

Miriam Alice Troyer

7/15/1921 - 4/13/2013

Miriam Alice (Williams) Troyer passed away in her 92nd year on April 13, 2013, at Briarwood Health Care Center.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Ralph (Aug. 6, 1996); and three brothers, Dale, Alan and Dean Williams.

Miriam was the beloved mother to three daughters, Diane Troyer of Iowa City, Judy Troyer of Edmonton, Alberta, and Nancy Ritter (Scott) of rural Kalona; and loving grandmother and great-grandmother to Laurie Magaraci and daughter Maya of Iowa City, Nicole Sheldon (Rick Zimmermann) and daughters Jessica, Sarah and Hannah of Iowa City, Jason Dobbs and daughter Jaden of Edmonton, Alberta, Matthew Dobbs (Jessie) and children Mara and Alex of Montreal, Quebec, Gabe Ritter (Jaclyn) and daughter Kennedy of Fulshear, Texas; Mariah Ritter and son Quincy of Iowa City; and Troyer Ritter of rural Kalona. Miriam is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kim Williams; three nieces and five nephews.

Miriam was born in rural Iowa City to Richard E. and Mary Williams and grew up on a farm along Old Man's Creek. Miriam was always proud of her 100% Welsh heritage and attended the Welsh Congregational Church with her family, and later became a member of the Sharon Center United Methodist Church. Miriam attended elementary school in Union Township, graduated from Iowa City High School, and attended the University of Iowa. On Aug. 19, 1941, she married Ralph Troyer at the Welsh Church.

Miriam worked at the University of Iowa Library, SEJH Library, and did cancer research interviews for ISU. She also had a passion for antiques and was involved in two antique shops. Miriam was known for her baking and delicious rolls. She loved music and singing. She was active in 4-H both in her teen years and later as a leader, Eastern Star and Rainbow, Farm Bureau, Business and Professional Women, Questers, church activities and as a Sunday school teacher. Miriam loved watching sports and as a young girl played first base on her softball team. She enjoyed being the class of 1939 flag bearer for Iowa City High yearly graduations.

Miriam will be remembered for the care and love she showed to all who knew her and her quiet dignity. Miriam lived at home with her daughter, Nancy and her family, until January 2013.

Thank you to the exceptional staff at Briarwood Health Care Center for Miriam's care. Thanks also to Mercy Hospice and Iowa City Hospice for their wonderful support.

Miriam donated her body for research to the University of Iowa Department of Anatomy.

A memorial and Celebration of Life service will be held this July at Sharon Center United Methodist Church, Kalona. For those who wish, donations may be made to Sharon Center United Methodist Church or Iowa City Hospice in Miriam's memory.

Published April 16, 2013 in The Gazette