Mary Raper Penwell, daughter of Austin and Edie Powell Raper was born Oct 6, 1880, in Taylor County near New Market, Ia, and passed away at Clarkson Memorial Hospital, Omaha [Ne], on Saturday, May 15, 1965, at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 9 days.

Her early years were spent in the vicinity of Galesburg, Ill. In 1899, she was united in marriage with Howard Stanley, who passed away in 1901. They had one son Lawrence who died in infancy.

In 1902, she returned to New Market [Iowa], and in 1903, she was united in marriage to William Penwell of Villisca, Ia. To this union six children were born Bessie, Daisy, Orville, Mabel, Opal, and Harold, and her step-daughter Belva, who lived her entire life as the beloved child of the family.

For many years they engaged in farming near New Market where their children grew to maturity. In December 1945 they retired and moved to Villisca. Mrs. Penwell was a member of the Villisca Methodist church, the Woman's Society of Christian Service, the Coffee Club and the Friendly Ladies Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, Orville, her step-daughter, Belvia Bryson, two sisters and three brothers. She is survived by one son, Harold, and his wife, Eva of Farragut, Ia, four daughters, Mrs Harold Cerven of Lincoln, Neb, Mrs Howard Hawhee, Mrs R.R. Watson and Mrs Elvin Wells, all of New Market, three brothers Fred, Carl, and Alonzo Raper all of San Diego, Calif, two sisters, Mrs Pearl Jeter of Murray, Ia and Mrs Grace Cooper of Council Bluffs, Ia, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and other Friends and relatives. Mrs. Penwell a life was one of humble service to her family as a devoted wife and mother, to the Methodist Church of which she became a member at an early age, and to many neighbors and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services for Mrs Penwell were held on Monday, May 17, 1965 at 2:00 pm from the Methodist Church with the Rev. George S. Snyder officiating.

The organist, Mrs Annabele White accompanied Mrs Frances Gray in the following vocal selections, God Understands and Prayer Perfect.

Flower bearers were Miss Sylvia Enarson and Dorothy Strickland. Casketbearers included Bill Hawhee, Gale Hawhee, Garry Hawhee, Fred Bryson, Freddie Bryson and Charles Jeter.

Concluding service and interment was in Villisca Cemetery, Wolfe Funeral Home in charge.