Florence Sarah Rodwell
Florence Sarah Rodwell
Florence Sarah Rodwell
June 4, 1922 – October 14, 2014
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 92
Florence Rodwell, 92, of rural Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born June 4, 1922, near Knoxville, Iowa, the daughter of Peter and Henrietta Groenenboom Wouda.
Florence graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1941. Florence continued her education taking Normal Training to teach country school. Upon the completion of her training she taught country school at three different schools in Mahaska County. After a few years of teaching, she took a position in the Superintendent of Schools office. She later became the Deputy Recorder for Mahaska County, a position she held until the mid-1950’s. On February 19, 1955, she was united in marriage to Tony A. Rodwell at Oskaloosa; Tony died July 25, 2005. Florence worked for a short time after their marriage, but later stayed home to care for her family and home. She did keep the books for the farm, and was still doing that book work.
Florence was a 50+ year member of the Business and Professional Women, she was very active in this organization holding several offices throughout the years and was named women of the year by the BPW. She also enjoyed being active in the neighborhood club at Givin.
She enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning and sewing. She always looked forward to visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and she delighted in the time she spent with them.
Her family includes her son, Roger Rodwell of Oskaloosa; a daughter-in-law (Randy’s widow), Vickie Rodwell Carter; three grandchildren: Ryan (& Kim) Rodwell, Dana (& Jake) Overfield, and Jason Rodwell; three great grandchildren: Chase Rodwell, McKenna Rodwell and Ava Mae Overfield; her twin sister, Frieda Gray of Oskaloosa; a sister-in-law, Emily Rodwell of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Tony, Florence was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Randy Rodwell; and two brothers: John and Burtus Wouda.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 17, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating.
Burial will be in the Henness Cemetery southwest of Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Thursday afternoon after 3 p.m. and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6-8 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to MHP Hospice Serenity House.
