Elsie Arlene Caves

Elsie Arlene Caves

Elsie Arlene Caves
August 23, 1927 – January 4, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 88

Elsie Caves, 88, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Barnes City, passed away Monday, January 4, 2016, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Elsie Arlene Caves, daughter of Leland Clark and Edna Viola (Awtry) Stigers, was born, August 23, 1927, in Oskaloosa.

After her education, Elsie married Jack Kenneth Caves, December 3, 1944, at the Methodist Church in Lacey, Iowa. They farmed in the Lacey area for a time before moving to the Deep River/Barnes City area. Elsie and Jack were true partners on their farm, and in their later years opened a café in Barnes City. They operated the café for three years before retiring in 1979 and moving to Oskaloosa.

While living near Deep River, Elsie enjoyed the Eastern Star Lodge and doing ceramics and crafts. She was a member of the Deep River Methodist Church. Elsie and Jack enjoyed many winters in Florida and the Holiday Springs Travel Park.

Prior to her admission to the Serenity House, Elsie lived 2½ years at Crystal Heights Care Center. She made many good friends with the staff and other residents and soon was given the nickname “Giggles”. Her pride and joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she loved spending time with them.

Elsie’s family includes her sons and daughters-in-law: Rick (& Charlotte) Caves of Oskaloosa, and Mark (& Carmen) Caves of Barnes City; ten grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; three sisters: Laura Awtry of Davenport, Naomi Roberts of Eddyville, and Lucille Thompson of Beacon; a brother, Glen Stigers of Rose Hill; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, on October 18, 2004; her daughter, Julie Linsted; a grandson, Tracy Caves; four sisters; and five brothers.

As was her wish, Elsie’s body has been cremated.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the MHP Hospice Services Serenity House.