"To all of Pat's loved ones - I am the nurse who took care of her in her final days at Bickford. She was such a lovely lady. I can only imagine what a warm loving Mom and Grandma she was by the light that entered her eyes when one of her 7 precious girls walked in the door. I have been blessed to share her final days with her and her family. My sympathy is with all of you but I rejoice with Pat whom I believe to be in the arms of her precious Lord!"
In loving memory of
Agatha Varnum
December 10, 1919 - May 31, 2014
Agatha Varnum, 94, died peacefully on May 31, 2014, at Bickford Cottage in Ames, Iowa.
A Mass of Celebration of her life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames. Burial will be at St. James Cemetery near Colo. Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care will be assisting the family. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with the rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
Agatha was born December 10, 1919, in Ames, Iowa, to Peter and Harriett Pantenburg. Following graduation from Ames High School in 1937, she was employed by local Ames banks and The Fair Store.
She married Fred Varnum on June 12, 1946, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames. She and Fred resided on the family farm near Colo more than 47 years where they raised their seven daughters. As the girls grew older, she was employed at Fisher Governor and R.H. Donnelley. She was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colo. In 2001, she and Fred moved to Ames and were members of St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
Over the years, Agatha enjoyed gardening, camping, sewing/quilting and most of all took great pride in her seven daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She set a great example for her family of living Christian values.
She is survived by seven daughters, Kay (Steve) Wessman, Agnes (Terry) Krausman, both of Ames; Beverly (Bob) Lidd, Lafayette, IN; Virginia (Bernie) McWilliams, Pittsburgh, PA; Dorothy (Steve) Ives, Durand, MI; Annette (Tom) Kalkhoff, Spirit Lake, IA; and Darlene (Keith) Ricke of Vadnais Heights, MN; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Edna Adams, Ames; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
She joins her husband, Fred; her parents; one brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Mary Pantenburg; brother-in-law, Henry Adams; one grandson, Mark Wessman; and other beloved family members who have gone before her.
The family appreciates the dedicated caregivers at Bickford Assisted Living. Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com. Memorials may be directed to St. Cecilia or St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Tributes
"To Agnus' family, What a beautiful lady, and influence you must have had on your daughter Annette and her family! I taught Michele and Mike and know that they are people of character and values that don't always go along with the culture around us. Your love and faith will live on in my teaching colleague, Annette and her children/grandchildren!"
"I am so sorry to hear of Agatha's death, although I am certain you are comforted knowing she is at peace. I'll always remember her lovely smile. She was a really good person!"
"Kay, sorry to hear about your Mom. Sorry that we can't be there with you at this time, but, thinking of you and your sisters. She always would stop by the camper at thefair to say Hi! God bless!"
"Darlene and family; I am so sorry you have lost your dear mother and grandmother. Darlene spoke of her often and lovingly. I am hoping you can find wonderful memories and funny stories of her to help you through letting go. My heart goes out to all of you. Sending love, comfort and strength to you. "