Josephine - Mayes

Josephine Mayes, one of four children of Elveda Gertrude (O'Brian) and Alvin E. Ferrel, was born on June 14, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up and attended schools in Percival, Hamburg, and Anderson in Iowa and in Nebraska City, Nebraska. She worked as a waitress and cook for 30 years. In 1974, Josephine received her GED and in 1975, she received her nursing degree at age 50. Josephine worked in the nursing field for 30 years and was a home health nurse at the time of her retirement in 2000.

Josephine and Howard Eastlick were married in 1943 in Norfolk, Nebraska and their marriage was blessed with three children, Carol Joan, Howard Leon and Susan Jolene. They later divorced.

Josphine married Herman Traxinger and were married for about 20 years and later divorced.

Josephine and Clifford Mayes were married on December 5, 1998 in Scottsdale, Arizona. They made their home in Scottsdale and in 2001 moved to Red Oak, Iowa. Two years later they moved to Good Samaritan Center in Red Oak. Josephine and Clifford had been married nearly nine years when Clifford died at the Good Samaritan Center on November 21, 2007.

Josephine was a member of the Lutheran Church, the Ladies Auxiliary VFW, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She served as secretary for a stamp & coin club and enjoyed her time being a news correspondent for the Pierre, South Dakota newspaper. Josephine enjoyed photography, music, dancing, reading books, writing poetry and collecting postcards. She kept active with bowling, tennis, golf and swimming. Josephine received awards for her written poetry and volunteerism at the nursing home. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and especially loved being with her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who affectionately called her "Grandma Jo".

Josephine passed away January 12, 2013 at Good Samaritan at the age of 88 years, 6 months, and 28 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Elveda Ferrel; husband Clifford Mayes; sister Faye Furnas and husband William; and brother George Ferrel.

Josephine is survived by her children, Carol Ocker and husband Wayne of Henderson, IA, Howard Eastlick and wife Van of Beaumont, TX, and Susan Reinke and husband Harold of Billings, MT; daughter-in-law Irene Ingraham of Bastrop, TX; thirteen grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren; brother Tom Ferrel and wife Betty of Orangevale, CA; other relatives and friends.

Memorials suggested to the Good Samaritan Activities Department.

Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of arrangements.