Bernice D. Driver of Missouri Valley, Iowa died on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the ripe young age of 93. She passed surrounded by her loving family. Bernice was born to William and Dora (Cohrs) Reese in Honey Creek, Iowa on February 10, 1925.
She married Leo Driver on February 16, 1944. They farmed in the Honey Creek area until moving to Missouri Valley in 1955 when Leo opened Missouri Valley Farm Supply. Bernice and Leo had 4 children, Dorothy, Delmar, Phyllis and Lenora. Leo and Bernice enjoyed travelling the world, especially in their motor home. They also enjoyed gardening and Bernice would spend long summer days canning and putting up fruits and vegetables for the winter. She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley and was a regular institution there. She volunteered at the Community Memorial hospital for many years.
Above all, Bernice’s greatest joy was her family. She was in her glory when the kids, grandkids and great grandkids filled her house with the sounds of love and laughter. Holidays were always spent on Longview Road, with people, airbeds, baked goods and 18 course meals. She was never so happy as when she had people to feed.
Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Leo, her son Delmar, her grandson Brad Rademacker, her son-in-law Terry Cunard, her parents, her sisters Lucille Mellencamp, Elsie Meier, Margaret Kirkland and her brother Don Reese.
She is survived by her daughters Dorothy Peterson (John), Phyllis Rademacker (Pete Vogel), Lenora Cunard, daughter-in-law Cathy Driver, grandchildren Angela Peterson (Dale Marshall), Wyatt Peterson (Erin), Bryan Rademacker (Liz), Samantha Beckner (Eric), Justin Cunard (Emily) and Jessica Cunard, great grandchildren, Brandon Salvo, Travis Salvo, Anna Marshall, Spencer Rademacker, Colton Beckner, Jase Beckner, Addyson Leslie and her brother Vern Reese (Jackie).
Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:30 pm at First Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church following the church service.
In Loving Memory Of
Bernice D. Driver
Born
February 10, 1925 Honey Creek, Iowa
Entered Into Rest
May 8, 2018 Missouri Valley, Iowa
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2018
First Lutheran Church
Missouri Valley, Iowa
Officiating Pastor Ray Smith
Organist Ben McIntosh
Congregational Selections
“Lift High The Cross” “I Know My Redeemer Lives”
Casket Bearers
Angela Peterson Bryan Rademacker
Wyatt Peterson Samantha Beckner
Justin Cunard Jessica Cunard
Brandon Salvo Travis Salvo
Jonathon Peterson Anna Marshall
Spencer Rademacker Louden Peterson
Colton Beckner Jase Beckner
Final Resting Place
Grange Cemetery
Honey Creek, Iowa
3 Comments
May God give you peace and comfort during this sad and difficult time.
My thoughts are with you and the entire family. A life well lived!
Our hearts are with all the Petersons and extended family during this time. Bea was an amazing lady, an inspiration to all who knew her, and Marsha and I were so touched how she treated all of us. She was a beautiful person, and we’re so sad we cannot be there to celebrate her life. She has been blessed with a long life but an even longer impact with the tremendous connection the Peterson family has. What an amazing family you all are, and we’ve been blessed to be included in your gatherings. We will hold you close in thought and prayer during these hard times.
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