On August 23, 2020 Jeri Naven-McGinnis died peacefully at her home doing what she loved: Sitting on her back porch, reading a good book.

It is a daunting task to write Jeri's obituary, because she herself had such a command of the English language and a beautiful way with the written word. She could cut to the chase, represent small-town charm with world view intellect, and had a way of effortlessly translating her extraordinary sense of humor and unparalleled wit into writing. Aiding in this was probably her knack for taking on the daily New York Times Crossword puzzle - with a pen!

Jeri was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 19, 1952 to Dean H. and Claudine E. (Maurer) Naven. Thanks to her father's career in the news business, the family moved often and Jeri grew up in Shenandoah, Fremont (NE), Sioux City, and finally Fort Dodge. She truly hated moving!

After graduating from Fort Dodge High School in 1971, she ignored the advice of her father and enrolled in the University of Iowa's school of journalism. Upon graduation, she went to write for the Pocahontas Newspaper in Pocahontas, Iowa. She then pursued her lifelong love of politics with a stint as field representative for US Representative Berkley Bedell and (then) Representative Tom Harkin.

Jeri eventually returned to Shenandoah in the late 80's to write for the Sentinel and Valley News Today. Shenandoah had always held a special place in her heart and she showed her gratitude by becoming an active member of the community, with involvement in the Southwest Iowa Theater Group (as director, actor, and board member), Shenandoah High School speech program, American Field Service (AFS), the Everly Family Scholarship fund, Tanenbaum Tea (which she helped to found), and countless other organizations.

She leaves behind her two children, Katharine (Kate) McGinnis of Berlin, Germany and Connor McGinnis of Shenandoah. They are left with many happy memories of laughing around the kitchen table discussing politics, books, and Hawkeye football - all with NPR forever on in the background.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Art McGinnis, niece Elizabeth Lyman and other relatives.

Left to tell a few funny stories about life with Jeri are her children, sisters Tammy Murray (Todd) Sacramento, CA, Kim Naven Gee (Gil) Farragut, Iowa and brother Jeff W. Naven (Michon) Harrison, ID. Nieces and nephews: AJ Lyman, Jason Lyman, Allison Lyman, Brian Murray (Sarah), Scott Murray, and Matthew Murray. Her beloved Maurer Cousins: Nancy (Jim) Schoeben, Lainer Urbik, Judy (Bill) Haller and JJ Whitaker.

She truly hated funerals, so her family will respect her wishes by not having one for her. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to her great loves: Shenandoah Public Library and National Public Radio (NPR).

(If Jeri were to read this, her 'copywriter's' marks would be all over it...)