The Oskaloosa Herald
OLLIE —
Elizabeth G. McCreery, 101, of Ottumwa, formerly of Ollie, died at 12:45 a.m. Sept. 28, 2012 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.
Elizabeth was born April 11, 1911, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of James D. and Mae Gillett Ridgway. At an early age, she moved with her family to Ollie where her father owned a grocery and produce store where Elizabeth worked.
She was an outstanding forward basketball player at the Ollie High School when girls’ basketball was three courts. The team traveled by train to many games. Her interest in high school and collegiate sports remained the rest of her life as she knew countless names of players in most sports.
She was very musical, singing solos at weddings, funerals, church choir and many community activities.
Elizabeth graduated from Ollie High School in 1928. She married Harold “Mac” McCreery on Dec. 28, 1928. He preceded her in death on July 19, 1982. Together they farmed and Harold did custom combining which resulted in an accident which Harold had a leg amputated. Together they continued farming. After their home was destroyed by fire in 1942, they moved to the century farm where Elizabeth lived until the age of 96. She lived at Sylvan Woods at No. 2 Pennsylvania Place for the past 5 1/2 years.
A member of Ollie Baptist Church, she was always devoted to her church, serving on many boards and committees. She loved baking pies for church functions. She was a lifetime member and Past Worthy Matron of the Ollie Chapter No. 549 Order of Eastern Star, a former member of P.E.O. Chapter L in Sigourney, and had been involved extensively in 4-H.
Elizabeth took pride in her children. Two sons, Roland (Arloine) McCreery, of Ottumwa, and Jack (Chelsea) McCreery, of Burlington, Okla.; and a daughter, Eloise (Dr. Stan) Sloan, of Oskaloosa, survive. Also surviving are her grandchildren who were her joy, Edward (Polly) Sloan, Lisa (Greg) Johnson and Linda (Bob) Golden; great-grandchildren, Katie Sloan, Logan Sloan, Ben Sloan, Landon Sloan, Abby Golden, Tyler Golden, Trent Johnson and Haley Johnson; a nephew, Gary Foll, four nieces, Linda Kelso, Jane Turbenson, Barby Larson and Patty Underwood; and a devoted friend, Joan Hersh.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, Joyce Sloan Brandtner; two sisters, Audrey Foll and Iva Kathryn Mitchell; a brother, Leigh G. Ridgway.
Elizabeth was an extraordinary mother, and a gracious and caring person. She didn’t hesitate to help those in need.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Ollie Baptist Church with the Rev. Carla Nelson officiating. Order of Eastern Star services will follow. Burial will be in the Ollie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McCune Endowment for the McCreery Cancer Center, 101 S. Market Suite 201, Ottumwa, IA 52501 or for Pekin Dollars for Scholars at Pekin school, 1062 Birch Ave., Packwood, IA 52580
Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa is in charge of arrangements.
