Zelia Wyona Mae Perry, daughter of Ebenezer Roman Mather and Alta Mae (Janes) Mather, was born on March 13, 1917, at St. Edward, Nebraska. She passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at the Shenandoah Medical Center at the age of 89.
Wyona's early life was spent in the Nebraska Sand Hills, growing up near St. Edward. The family later moved to Westboro, Missouri, where Wyona graduated from Westboro High School with the Class of 1935. On April 15, 1936, Wyona was united in marriage to Donald W. Perry in Rock Port, Missouri. Following their marriage Donald and Wyona farmed near Blanchard and Farragut, Iowa until 1958. At that time, they moved into Shenandoah. Wyona worked at Kearney's in Shenandoah, Henry Fields, the Shenandoah Evening Sentinel and for the Iowan Magazine before retiring. Wyona was involved in 4-H with her children. She was also active in the Farragut Band Mothers and the Farragut Social Club. Wyona was a former member of the Farragut Methodist Church before joining the Shenandoah Methodist Church. Wyona enjoyed gardening, traveling, Christmas lights, piano and cooking for her family.
Preceding Wyona in death were her parents; husband, Don in 2001; brother, Paul; sisters, Esther, Alesta and Marian. Survivors include her four children, Ronald Perry, Lola Mae Carlson and her husband Sonny, Richard Perry and his wife Carleen and Garlen Perry and his wife Marlene, all of Shenandoah, IA; sister, Florence Kendrick of Galesburg, IL; thirteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, December 18, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Jack Langley. Special music was "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". Caring for the flowers was Phyllis Ottman. Attending the memory register was Arlis Baucom. Casket bearers were all of Wyona's grandchildren, Michael Ames, Mark Ames, Mitchell Ames, Phillip Perry, Justin Andersen, Kealy Andersen, Justin Brink, Jamie Brink, Charles Bair, Gary Bair, Teresa Ranous, Jeremy Perry, Angela Perry, Lesley Ehlers, Elizabeth Dickson and Jennifer Brink. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.