Margery Jean Downs Iten Obituary (1923 - 2008)

Margery Jean Downs Iten, 85, St. Charles, MO, formerly of Pana, died Sunday, October 26, 2008 in her residence. She was born April 10, 1923 in Albert Lea, MN, the daughter of Elmer Lydia Wheeler Hodnefield. Marge was as a homemaker and mother of seven. She enjoyed many activities; golfing, bowling, bridge, fishing, and she especially loved mushroom hunting, water skiing, and entertaining. Marge was a great cook and always made room at her table for one more. She would always pack mountains of food, cakes, brownies for our weekly water skiing trips to Taylorville Lake. She also went on fishing trips in Minnesota with her husband Clay for several summers. Marge loved to stop at roadside stands for fresh veggies, corn, strawberries, and blackberries. She also loved to pick wild asparagus next to country roads. She had an enthusiasm for fun, adventure, and road trips, and she had many friends in Pana. Marge, her friend Kay, and her brother Bob hitchhiked to California after she got out of high school. She found a job in one of the defense plants and then joined the Waves, where she served during World War II. It was here that she met and married Walter M. Downs of Pana. They were later divorced. She then married Henry Clay Iten on June 3, 1978. He survives in St. Charles, MO. Also surviving are her children: Diane Christoffers, Pana, IL; Nancy Downs husband Donald Combs, Pana, IL; Martha Stewardson husband Don, Pana, IL; Amy Naas husband Robert, Carbondale, IL; Carol Davis husband Wes, Pana, IL; daughter-in-law: Bonnie Downs, Pana, IL; 18 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; brothers: Wayne Field, Edina, MN Robert Field, Palm Springs, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; sons: Steven Downs David Downs; brothers: Leo Hodnefield David Field. Memorials may be made to the Pana Community Hospital Foundation for Rehab/Wellness Center, 101 E. 9th St., Pana, IL 62557 or Carnegie-Schuyler Library, 303 E. Second St. Pana, IL 62557. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 30, 2008 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. David Hultberg officiating. Burial will be in Rosemond Grove Cemetery, Rosamond. Friends may call Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Funeral Information Funeral services will be Thursday, October 30, 2008 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. David Hultberg officiating. Burial will be in Rosemond Grove Cemetery, Rosamond. Friends may call Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until time of service.