Iowa City Press-Citizen, Saturday, July 28, 2012

Iona "Onie" Maxine Waite passed into Heaven Thursday morning, July 26th, 2012, while a resident of Cedar Manor Care Center in Tipton, Iowa.

It was Iona's wish to have her body donated to the University of Iowa Hospital for the purpose of research with the hope for additional knowledge for the prevention and treatment of cancer. There are no immediate plans for services. An announcement will be made at a later date.

Iona was born May 28, 1918 to Clarence and Irene (Smith) Burr in Johnson County. She led a very full life as a devoted, loving wife and mother. She was a genuine friend to all who crossed her path. Iona graduated from West Liberty High School in 1935. She married her high school sweetheart, Charles Edward "Ed" Waite in 1937, and they were together always until his death in 1971 at the age of 54.

Iona is survived by her children, JoAnn Yaggy (Rochester, MN), Curtis Waite and his wife Cheryl (Rock Island, IL), and Peggy Duncan (Cedar Rapids, IA). Iona was a wonderful grandmother for her 6 surviving grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her very special sister Ruby Burr Larson (Easton, MD), a loving brother and sister-in-law Lon and Lynn Burr (Carthage, MO), and her cherished sister-in-law June Burr (spouse to brother Harvey).

Preceding Iona in death are her parents Clarence and Irene (Smith) Burr; her mother-in-law Leota (James) Waite, her beloved husband Charles "Ed" Waite; very special brothers Cleo, Chester and Harvey, and a very special grandson Timothy Charles Yaggy.

Iona loved her community, friends and family. Her busy life included a talent for pie baking which she cheerfully shared with Carr's Lunch Car in West Liberty, while waiting on tables and challenging patrons with her wit and charm. Iona was an active member for many years in the American Legion Auxiliary, TTT, United Methodist Women, Quilters Club, Bridge Club, and an RSVP volunteer. She was manager of the West Liberty Senior Meal Site, a Girl Scout Troop leader, and spent countless hours helping husband Ed and other members of the community in the development of the West Liberty Golf Course. Her years at the Golf Course were great memories for her as an avid golfer through the women's leagues, and again her culinary talents, wit and charm were enjoyed by members as she cooked in the club house kitchen. She also worked many years in sales at Ruthenberg's (retail clothier in W. Liberty).

Our dear mother will be missed as she lived each day by example for others. Peace and comfort come to those who knew her, as she continues to talk with God on their behalf. Her family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Iowa City Hospice Caregivers and Cedar Manor Care Center in Tipton. In Iona's memory, donations can be made to Iowa City Hospice 1025 Wade Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 or the American Legion Post No. #509 PO Box 183, West Liberty, Iowa 52776. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is in charge of arrangements, online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.