" I worked with Sylvia for a number of years in the Student Services Office at Marshalltown Community College. She was a very nice lady, and a good secretary and switchboard operator, as well as being helpful to students. She was always willing to assist where needed and was an asset to the office, as well as being a good friend to all of us who worked with her. My condolences go out to her family. Ed Jackson, Former MCC Student Financial Aid Counselor "
In loving memory of
Sylvia Marie Best 07/15/2021
November 5, 1931 - July 15, 2021
Sylvia Marie Best, 89, a lifelong resident of Marshalltown, IA, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Southridge Care Center, Marshalltown while under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Elim Lutheran Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The family asks that dress be casual. Interment will be held at Rose Hill Memorial Garden. Memorial donations may be directed to Iowa River Hospice or to the Marshall County Food Box. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
She was born on November 5, 1931, to Earnest Lyle Ankrum and Selma Louisa (Torisdahl) Ankrum. She had three sisters - Fern, Darlene and Delores and two brothers - Roger and Jim. In 1976, Sylvia went to work for Marshalltown Community College until she took early retirement in 1992. That fall, she started working at Our Savior Lutheran Church part-time.
Sylvia was a very active member of Elim Lutheran Church. She was involved in the women's group, Bible study group, quilting, and Elim Retirees and Friends Luncheon. She volunteered for several years delivering meals for Hawkeye Valley on Aging. Sylvia had several hobbies as well. She did beautiful needlepoint, crocheting, knitting, loved paint by number pictures, which she shared with her family. She enjoyed making quilts and hand-quilted quilts for each of her eight children. She made quilts for each of her many grandchildren and continued to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief through Elim Lutheran Church.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Earl Best and their children, Joyce (Owen) Heiserman of Marshalltown, IA; Randy (Carol) Best of Owings, MD; Kenny Best of Des Moines, IA; Janet Dady of Independence, MO; Kathy (Glen) Johnson of Whitehall, WI; Sandra Busse (Nelson Balignasay) of Glendale, AZ; Laurie Scheiding of Iowa Falls, Iowa; Jeff (Val) Best of Wichita, Kansas; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tributes
"I am sorry to hear of Sylvia's passing. I'm also sorry that I cannot attend the service. She was a wonderful person. I know her family and friends appreciate her giving spirit."
"I would like to leave message for family as I'm unable to make it to service. Sylvia was a very cheerful lady! Grandma said that worked together at the church. I want to let the family know they are in our prayers. "
"I Remember this lady well, and her family, they lived across the street from us, loved going over there. I think that was the neighborhood hangout. Super sweet lady and always welcomed anyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family some day I wish we could all chat. Such a great family "
"My memories of Sylvia began as my cub scout leader to being members of Elim Lutheran Church. Sylvia was our church secretary at Our Savior for many years. She was a pleasure to work with. Sylvia was one of the most kind and thoughtful persons that Iv'e known. She was very proud of her family. She will be missed by many."
"Nice lady and may she RIP Robert & Bonnie Christensen"