Lucile Reed Wesson

GARNER - Lucile R. Wesson, 95, of Garner died Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, November 20th at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner with Revs. Justin Asche and Roger Kallem officiating. Burial will be in Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 P.M., Monday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St. in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the United Presbyterian Church.

Lucile Reed Ryan, the third child of James and Cecil (Reed) Ryan was born March 31, 1917 in Garner. After her mother's death during the flu epidemic of 1919 her siblings were adopted by their grandparents, Herbert and Jennie Reed. Lucile, then two years of age, was adopted by Dr. J.S. "Sam" and Emma Wesson also of Garner. Dr. Wesson was a veterinarian in Garner. Lucile joined the United Presbyterian Church in Garner on March 18, 1927 when Rev. Bruce Gillis was the pastor. She and her parents joined the church after the First Congregational church disbanded. Lucile graduated from Garner High School in 1934. She continued her education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids but was forced to quit due to illness. Later she went to AIB in Des Moines and just six weeks prior to graduation she was offered a job at Hancock County National Bank in Garner. She worked there for six and one-half years until she was offered a job at Iowa Des Moines National Bank. She later took a position at Valley Bank in Des Moines. She worked in Des Moines from 1944 to 1972. At that time she retired and moved back to Garner. Lucile taught piano lessons for six years. She began her music career at the Garner UPC under the direction of Mrs. Stuart (Arlene) Lee. Lucile played piano along with Duane Cummings and Berneace Cataldo at the organ during church services at the Garner UPC for many years. She was also active in the church choir. During her high School years, Lucile taught Sunday school. She also was a soloist at the Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church when she lived in Des Moines. Lucile sang for numerous organizations and at conventions. Lucile's pride and joy for over twenty-five years was her Siamese cat, Dolly. Dolly was a stray cat that came to Lucile's door hungry and never left again. Her favorite color was "green" and her "special day" was March 17th. You guessed it - she was Irish! Lucile's hobbies included music, gardening, and being able to drive her car and go places.

Lucile is survived by two nephews, Kent (Sandi) Ryan of Ankeny and Tracy (Kathy) Ryan of Malvern, IA; four great-nephews, Matt and Marcus Ryan and Joe and Patrick Ryan; a great niece, Brook Eggeling; and dear friends, Roger (Mary) Kallem of Clarion and Dean (Carol) Dolphin of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her parents and adopted parents; brother, Kenneth Ryan; and sister, Doris Lindmeyer.