Obituary of Mardell Crist

Memorial Tribute Mardell Jane Crist was born July 15, 1923 to William T. and Loura M. (Smith) Morfitt at Harris, IA. She spent her youth in the Harris area along with her eight siblings. She received her education through Allison #7 in Osceola County, Excelsior High School, and eventually, attended Junior College at Worthington, MN. On September 14, 1939, Mardell was united in marriage to Maurice "Cy" Crist in Spencer, IA. To this union, three children were born: Peggy, Roger and Dennis. Along with being a wife and mother, Mardell was active in the community, acting as School Board Secretary for 17 years in the Ocheyedan, IA and Sheldon, IA school systems. She was employed as an administrative assistant at the Federal Land Bank in Sheldon for 17 years. Once she retired, Mardell and Maurice said "good-bye" to the Iowa winters and spent those months in the warmer temperatures of Texas. She enjoyed spending her time doing volunteer work or playing a good game of cards. Playing the organ and working on crochet projects were a source of relaxation for Mardell, but she always found time to visit with friends and neighbors. She has been a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and participating in the activities of the Miriam Circle. Mardell passed from this life on Monday, July 27, 2015 at the age of 92. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Peggy (Roger) Jacobs of Melvin, IA, Roger (Renee) Crist of Hartley, IA, and Dennis Crist and special friend, Patti Grant of Glencoe, MN; grandchildren: Ron (Kati) Jacobs, Rob (Geri) Jacobs, Sheila Ross, Cheryl (Jeff) Kroese, Rick Crist, Rachel (Jerimiah) Hupke, Andrea Crist, Melissa (Erik) Kaiser Crist, Kelly Crist, Brian Martin, and Ashley Conlin; 20 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jo Crist of Harris, IA; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Maurice; three brothers: Russell, Harley, and Wilbur Morfitt; six sisters: Grace McNeil, Gladys Dillehay, Goldie Walker, Helen Swenson, Dorothy Nirk, and Ethel Nirk; two great-granddaughters: Courtney Conry, and Desiree Crist. Celebration of Life Mardell J. Crist Born ~ July 15, 1923 Died ~ July 27, 2015 Age ~ 92 years 12 days Funeral Service Thursday, July 30, 2015 ~ 1:30 p.m. United Methodist Church Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Wilbur Morfitt Organist ~ Julie Back Congregational Singing Processional ~ "Amazing Grace" "Abide With Me" Recessional ~ "How Great Thou Art" Pallbearers ~ Grandchildren Ron Jacobs Rob Jacobs Sheila Ross Cheryl Kroese Rick Crist Rachel Hupke Andrea Crist Melissa Kaiser Crist Kelly Crist Brian Martin Ashley Conlin Burial Ocheyedan Township Cemetery Ocheyedan, IA