Funeral services were held at 10:30 a. m, Saturday, August 14, 2010 in the Rippey United Methodist Church for Lois “Nonnie” Todd, a long time resident of the Rippey community. Burial was in the Rippey Cemetery.
Words of comfort were given by the pastors of the church, Paul Burrow and Enna Antunez. The organist was Marjorie Vannatta and soloist, Brenda Roberts sang, “How Great Thou Art”, “In The Garden”, and “Edelweiss”.
Honorary casket bearers were Theresa Derry, David Millard, Debra Vodenik, Penny Caruso, Jena Millard, Kara Caruso, Shelby Caruso, Alissa Millard, Linda Millard, Kena Hein and Linda Millard.
Casket Bearers were Michael Derry, John Derry, Luke Derry, Alan Millard, Randy Vodenik and Brad Caruso.
The ushers were Myron Rinker and Dennis Ulrich.
Lois “Nonnie” Todd, daughter of Elmer Harrison Adams and Sylvia Mae Kever Adams, was born November 1, 1916 at Dawson, Iowa and died August 12, 2010 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa, at the age of 93 years, 9 months and 11 days. Nonnie, as she was lovingly known, attended and graduated from Dawson High School in 1934.
On June 6, 1934, she was united in marriage with James William Todd at Dawson, Iowa. They were the parents of two daughters: Beverly and Marilyn. The couple lived in Woodward and Adel before moving to Rippey where they farmed for 23 years. Nonnie worked side-by-side with her husband in their farming and livestock operation. When the couple moved into Rippey, Nonnie worked as the head cook at the Rippey Elementary School. She worked at the school for fifteen years, retiring in 1975. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, making pies and rolls, cooking, playing cards and bingo and “baby-sitting” the grandchildren. Her dressing was famous at the annual Turkey suppers at the church and her daughters are continuing the tradition. Nonnie was a member of the Rippey United Methodist Church, the Ladies Aid, the Eastern Star and various neighborhood card clubs. Most of all, she loved her family and lived for her grandchildren. Her daughters and sons-in-law made it possible with their 24/7 care for her to remain in her home the past two years as her health declined. She entered the hospital just July 18th. She and Jim began wintering in Texas in 1980. After Jim’s death, she continued to enjoy winter trips to the Valley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jim on August 21, 1997, and her sister Iva Haack.
She is survived by her daughters: Beverly Derry and her husband LaVere of Rippey, Iowa and Marilyn Millard and her husband George of Rippey, Iowa; five grandchildren: Theresa Derry, Michael Derry, David Millard and his wife Julie, Debra Vodenik and her husband Randy and Penny Caruso and her husband Brad; six great-grandchildren: Alan Millard and his wife Sondra, Jena Millard, Kara Caruso, John Derry, Shelby Caruso and Luke Derry. Nonnie is also survived by four great-great-grandchildren: Alissa Millard, Linda Millard, David James Hein and Kena Hein; nieces, nephews, and many friends.