Joan Mason

Joan Mason

Oskaloosa. Joan Mason, 78, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Barnes City, died Monday, August 8, 2011, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. On February 18, 1933, she was born in Mahaska County, Iowa, the daughter of Jess and Beulah Litzenberg Ingraham. She graduated from the Barnes City High School with the class of 1950, and was very active in the alumni. On July 4, 1950, she was united in marriage to Earnest L. Mason at Oskaloosa. Joan worked at the old Continental Overall Factory in Oskaloosa; later at the old Gibson telephone office; then was a waitress at George’s in Barnes City; and finally worked at the Barnes City Telephone Company for 20 years. She also worked part-time at the Iowa State Fair for a few years In retirement, Joan rode with her husband, Earnest, in a semi-truck over the road with Wal-Mart. She was a member of the Barnes City United Methodist Church; Barnes City Guild; Barnes City Ruritan; and the American Legion auxiliary. Joan enjoyed camping at and attending the Iowa State Fair; and attending sporting events. Her family was the center of her life and her delight.

Her family includes her husband of over 61 years, Earnest Mason of Oskaloosa; two daughters: Connie (& David) Sanders and Debi Mason, all of Oskaloosa; a son: Rodney (& Sonya) Mason of New Sharon; six grandchildren: Jason, Jaroed (& Jessica), and Jeff Sanders; Joshua (& Cassie) and Jesse Mason; and Kelsey (& Weslee) McMahan; five great granddaughters and a great grandson; a brother: Norman Ingraham of Yakima, Washington; and brothers and sisters in law: Mae Ruby, Wanda Robertson, Ivalene (& David) Robbins, Grace Mason, and Nancy (& Larry) Doonan; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and several brothers and sisters in law.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Michelle Williamson and the Reverend David Pinkerton officiating. Burial will be in the Barnes City Cemetery at Barnes City. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 1:30 p.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. A memorial fund has been established in her name.

Source: Bates Funeral Chapel