Vera Marie Davis

Vera Marie Dutcher Davis, 80, of Mesa, Arizona, slipped quietly into Heaven, and into the arms of her family there, on April 10, 2014. She had enjoyed reasonably good health until the last five weeks, when cancers suddenly overtook her.

Vera was born 29 Mar 1934 in Lehigh, Iowa, the daughter of Francis Marion Dutcher and Zola Vera Ward. Vera lived most of her life in Lehigh, but spent the last 14 years in Mesa. She graduated from Lehigh High School with the Class of 1951, where she was a member of the girl's basketball team. Later that year, she married James L. Davis, of Des Moines. They had six children; Jim passed away in 1985.

After her children were grown, she worked for several years as an aide at Ellen's Convalescent Center in Fort Dodge. She enjoyed this work, and her patients were very dear to her.

Her pastimes included playing bingo, gardening, painting and crochet. She also enjoyed country music.

Vera will be remembered for her kindness, patience, wisdom, and her strength in adversity. She was easy to talk to, and was a devoted mother and grandmother.

Vera is survived by her children: Jacqueline Davis and Joan (Paul) Venema of Utah; Kevin, Sally, and Beth Davis of Arizona; Ann Davis; and Wayne Davis; her seven grandchildren: Melodie (Clint) Edwards, Rachel Burt, Lucinda (Jonathan) Higley, Alex Davis, Kurt Venema, Nathaniel Davis and Jubilee Davis; and six great-grandchildren: Tristan and Norah Edwards; Brayden, Gage, Karleigh and Bryndee Higley. She is also survived by her twin sisters, Arlene (Gene) Herrick, Lehigh; Darlene Banwart, Lake Mills, step-brother Arlis (Laila) Kinseth, Bode; sisters-in-law Audrey Dutcher, Otho and Betty Dutcher, Fort Dodge; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded by her parents, brothers Earnest and James Dutcher, and sister Barbara J. Eldridge.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 17, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Carson – Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton. A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 18, at West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh. Pastor Richard Laird will officiate. For online obituaries & condolences please visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Farewell, dear mother, "til we meet again".