Lela "Essie" White Obituary (1920

Lela Essie White, 96, of Eldon, IA passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 10, 2016 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Eldon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 a.m. and lasting until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Eldon United Methodist Church or the Cardinal Elementary Library. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Lela Essie White was born June 1, 1920 in Wapello County, IA to E.L. Buck and Veda (Mace) Canny. She attended school and grew up in the Eldon area. Essie saw many things during her 96 years of life. She began a family with her husband, Warren Curtis. The two later divorced. Essie remarried and experienced the loss of two husbands, Keith Hockersmith and Bill White. Essie worked with children at the Cardinal School as their Elementary Librarian for over 20 years. She also stood in as the Elementary Dentist helping young children through the experience of losing a tooth. Essie had many part-time jobs during her life, including working as bookkeeper at the local lumberyard. Of all the jobs that she had, being a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her family was the one she cherished the most. She lived for her family, and the joy that they shared together. She always played the role of caregiver and would not have wanted it any other way. Essie was a member of the Eldon United Methodist Church, and loved to help decorate the tables for special occasions. When she had some free time she enjoyed BINGO, Pitch, and Pinochle. She was a collector of Lady Head Vases, strawberries, and Cardinals. Essie worked hard at whatever life put before her. In her 96 years she shared her contagious laugh and loving heart with her family, and those lucky enough to call her friend. Essie was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Keith Hockersmith and Bill White; as well as six siblings, Mary Longcor, Lydia Barrett, Robert Canny, Jack Canny, Dee Canny, and Don Canny. Left to share her story are her children, Stanley (Lillian) Curtis of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Myrna (Roger) Fligg of Clive, IA, and Marguerite Hockersmith of Ottumwa, IA; four grandchildren, Kevin (Lynn) Fligg, Mindy Fligg, Scott (Marianne) Curtis, and Cara Curtis (Brian Cossaboom); seven great grandchildren, Danielle (Seth) Kenne, Lindsey (Brian) McAllister, Landon (Kim) Lacy, Jack Curtis, Ben Curtis, Brady Cossaboom, Catherine Cossaboom; special niece, Donna Hall as well as many extended family and friends.