"Lena was my great grandmother, o didn\'t get to know her as much as I would have liked to, but growing up everytime I saw her, she would grab me by the face ever so gently and lovingly, and say \"you are so beautiful sweet girl\" and that memory has NEVER left me. I love and miss you grandma. Danni"
In loving memory of
Lena Molly Kindig
May 16, 2006
Lena Molly Kindig, one of ten children of Minnie Ethel (Terry) and Leslie Cleveland Wiley, was born at her parent's home in Hiawatha, Nebraska on August 28, 1912. Lena's family moved to Wauneta, Nebraska when she was young and it was there Lena attended school.
On May 2, 1929, Lena was united in marriage to Clarence Leonard Kindig of Henderson, Iowa at Wauneta. Lena's grandfather, Rev. L.S. Terry, performed the ceremony. Lena and Clarence were later blessed with four children, Wanda Jean, Melvin Eugene, Ila Doralene, and Marsha Lynn. For 57 years, Lena and Clarence lived in the Silver City, Macedonia, and the Carson, Iowa areas. Clarence farmed and Lena enjoyed her role as a homemaker and mother. Lena was baptized and joined the Macedonia United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher. She later transferred her membership to the Carson United Methodist Church and finally to the Wheeler Grove Church, where she again taught Sunday School.
Lena and Clarence retired and moved to Red Oak, Iowa in 1977. They enjoyed spending sixteen winters in Arizona. Besides her family and friends, one of Lena's enjoyments was handywork. She and Clarence had been married for 70 years at the time of Clarence's death on June 22, 1999. Lena continued to live in their home in Red Oak until her health forced her to move to the Oakland Manor Care Center in Oakland, Iowa where she died on May 16, 2006. She had attained the age of 93 years, 8 months, and 18 days.
Lena was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clarence; sisters Pearl Rutledge, Elsie Miller, Florence Byng, Bernetta Jackson, and Mildred Nichols; brothers Chuck Wiley and LeRoy Wiley; grandsons Scott Richardson and Randy Gillenwater; great granddaughter Hannah Wise; and son-in-law William "Ernie" VanSickle.
Lena is survived by her children Melvin Kindig and his wife Donna of Carson, IA, Ila Richardson and her husband John of Carson, Wanda VanSickle and her companion Harold Kephart of Council Bluffs, IA, and Marsha O'Brien and her husband Mick of Oakland, IA; brother Don Wiley of Coeur d'Alene, ID; sister Fern Herr; thirteen grandchildren, many great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Tributes
"Lena was my Aunt. My sister and I always thought of her as a gracious and beautiful lady. I remember the times when she would come to visit our mother and how they would have a pajama party like young girls and chatter and laugh most of the night. Many times their older sister Pearl would join that sleep over and my little sister and I often wondered what they fouund so funny, old boyfriends, teen age antics, girl stuff? All three of those sisters are together again now and I am sure that there is another sleep over going on with much joy and laughter at their reunion. My sister and I send our deepest sympathy to our cousins who have so faithfully loved and cared for this wonderful lady until she was ready to slip away to God's Kindgom. It is a beginning. Vonda Kay Brock/Marilyn Nyulassie/ Nieces"
"Lena was someone I met while working at the nursing home and was a very sweet loving person. I loved her and will miss her dearly and wish the family best wishes and prayers in their time of need."
"Lena was my Sunday school teacher for many years at the Wheeler Grove Church. She was a very special person in my life; I cherish the cards and gifts she gave me at that time. She was a caring and loving person and a great teacher. Her family will be in my prayers. "