L.Dena Goertz
L.Dena Goertz, 79, died Feb. 12, 2004, at Marion.
The daughter of Earl and Edith Sampson, she was born May 16, 1924, at Wilsey.
She attended school at Strong City and graduated from high school in 1942.
On Sept. 27, 1942, she married Cyrus Goertz at Marion. The couple had two children.
The family lived for four years in St. Francis before returning to the rural Marion area where L.Dena lived for the rest of her life.
She worked as a clerk at JCPenney, Schoneman's Shoe Store, and Jackson Clothing Store. She held the position of activities director at Hilltop Manor in Marion until her retirement in December 2003. She also owned and operated her own chair caning business.
She was a longtime member of Youngtown United Methodist Church until it closed. She then joined Eastmoor United Methodist Church and was president of the "Come Join Us" Sunday school class.
A tireless volunteer and community worker, she served as a leader for Happy Hustlers 4-H Club, Marion Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, and as a leader for the Marion County Republican Central Committee. She was involved in Eastern Star, VFW auxiliary, and United Methodist Women.
In addition to her family, she took special pride in the accomplishments of her grandchildren. L.Dena enjoyed gardening, the orchard, canning, and jelly-making.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Wesley; and five sisters, Helen Crisp, Edith "Peggy" Moore, Betty June Sampson, and twins Roberta and Rowce Sampson.
Survivors include her husband, Cyrus of Marion; a daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Clint Jost of Burdick; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Jessye of Berwyn, Neb.; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Curt Davis; brother-in-law, Joe Moore of Citrus Heights, Calif.; sister-in-law, Mary Anna Scharenberg of Mapleton; and four grandchildren.
A private family graveside service was held Monday at the Canada Cemetery in Marion County.
A memorial service was held Monday morning at Eastmoor United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Goering officiating.
Shirley Bowers was pianist. Jim Hett sang "Never Grow Old" and "An Evening Prayer." The congregation hymn was "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."
Casket bearers were John Jost, James Jost, Nick Weibert, Mike Davis, Dale Geis, and David Joe Scharenberg.
Honorary casket bearers were Rachel Goertz, Beth Weibert, and Tory Jost.
Memorial funds may be sent to Eastmoor United Methodist Church or Marion Senior Center.
