Ethel Jones Lira, 1927-2011

Lange Funeral Home – Centerville, Iowa

4 August 2011

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  Ethel Lira, age 84 of Numa, Iowa passed away July 31, 2011 at the Centerville Nursing and Rehab Center in Centerville, Iowa.

Ethel was born March 9, 1927 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Guy and Bessie (Sage) Jones. She grew up in Numa, Iowa and graduated from Numa High School. Ethel later married Ronnie P. Lira on March 9, 1947 in Numa. He preceded her in death on April 12, 1992.

  She was very active throughout her lifetime, both in social organizations, as well as in numerous fields of employment. Ethel had short tenures of employment with both Centerville National Bank and Swift & Company.

Ethel worked with the Iowa State Employment Service (Iowa Workforce Development) from 1952-1993. In fact, she was the first woman to service five counties on a regular basis: Appanoose, Wayne, Davis, Monroe, and Lucas.

  She spent many years writing a weekly column and special interest events for the Centerville Daily Iowegian.

Ethel also owned and operated a bookkeeping business from her home from 1955- 2005.

  She was very active in the community throughout her life. Ethel was a member of DAR-Daughters of the American Revolution, the Appanoose County Historical Society, and the Appanoose County Genealogy Society. She was also a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centerville.

  Ethel is survived by her two grandchildren, Lee Lira of Dallas Center Grimes, Iowa and Amber (Raymond) Houser of Elkhart, Iowa; a brother Carl L. Jones of Bettendorf, Iowa; and two great grandchildren, Bryce Michael Houser and Kaitlyn Joy Houser both of Elkhart, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ronnie P. Lira; a son Ron Lira; a sister Janice Kay Grenko; a stillborn baby John Phillip Lira in 1948; and many friends.

  Funeral services will be held 10 AM, Friday, August 5, 2011 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Father Dennis Schaab officiating. Burial will follow in the Numa Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday at Lange Funeral Home from 3-7 PM, with the family present from 5-7 PM. Memorials have been established to the Appanoose County Historical Society and may be left at or mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.langefh.com.