December 5, 1920 - November 2, 2014

Iva Obeda Wilson, age 93, of Beebe, AR, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 2, 2014. Visitation will be at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Mountain View, AR, on Friday, November 7, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.; with the service following at 2:00 p.m. with Ludene Hudspeth and Junior Barham officiating. Burial will be at Big Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Pat Forbes, Alan Kelley, Len Ward, Dave Ward, Bob Watson, and Brad Fulks.

Iva was born to William Ticer Rorie and Lula Jane Cooper on December 5, 1920, in Newnata, AR. She married William Stanley Wilson in 1937, and had four children: Betty Lou, William Ralph, Lula Naomi, and Theresa Jo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 9 siblings; her husband; her daughter, Betty Kelley Kerschensteiner; her son, Ralph; and her great granddaughter, Hannah Nicole Watson. She is survived by her daughters Lu Ward and Theresa (& Pat) Forbes; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Baptist Health Hospice was so helpful to the family during Iva's last days, so please feel free to make a donation to them in lieu of flowers.


Her Life
Iva's parents farmed and ranched. They were a close, loving family, strong in their faith in God, never losing their sense of humor and joy, which can still be seen in many of their family members to this day.

Stan and Iva started their marriage in Newnata, AR, for the first 3 years; then moved to Blytheville until 1952 when they settled in Kansas City, MO and KS. A major sorrow hit when the war in Vietnam took their only son in 1969.

Iva was a faithful employee of Western Auto in Kansas City and retired from her career there in 1977. Upon their retirement, Stan and Iva relocated to the Wilson home place outside of Newnata, AR, where they built their final home together. This was a time of reconnecting with family and friends in the area.

In 1992 she lost her loving husband, which resulted in her selling their home and moving into Mountain View. Sorrow again struck the family in 1999 when Iva's oldest child, Betty, passed away unexpectedly. This led her to relocate nearer her children, first in Pittsburg, KS, and then moving in with her daughter, Lu, in Houston, TX. Her later years led to declining eyesight resulting in blindness, which required another move for Iva and Lu to Beebe, AR, so they could be closer to their large, loving extended family. Iva thoroughly enjoyed her time with family in Beebe, until her health started failing beginning with her first fall and broken hip in February of this year.




Her Personality
When we think of Iva, an excellent wife and mother, we remember her faithfulness and loyalty, as she and Stan were married for over 54 years.

We also are reminded of her love for family and friends. Because of their love for family, Stan and Iva usually lived near them. So each move was difficult for Iva as she left those she loved; however, each time she grew to love the new location and the family there, as well as the new friends she made.

She was a strong, dependable woman, who worked outside the home at a time in history when most women were homemakers only. She learned to drive at the age of 55, and thoroughly enjoyed the newfound freedom and independence that it brought her.

During childhood she heard about and witnessed the strength of her parents as they buried 5 out of 10 of their young children. Their example gave her the grace she needed when she lost 2 of her adult children.

Iva proved resilient and flexible, even in her later years, which was a plus when she lived with Lu, as they moved every couple of years because of Lu's employment.

Throughout personal tragedies and physical disabilities of limited sight and hearing, Iva displayed a remarkable ability to persevere and press forward. She had a ''can do'' attitude and a quick laugh; remaining strong in her faith and an expectation of God's goodness; continuing to be thankful for the many ways He provided for her.

Iva witnessed many changes throughout her 93 years, some easier than others. One change that was especially difficult was when preachers began dressing more casually/not wearing their ''Sunday best''. However, she learned that preachers could teach in jeans and T-shirts, and one of those casually dressed pastors became her favorite. Her pallbearers are a reflection of this attitude change.

We would like to take this opportunity to especially thank:
The Weatherly and Wadkins families for their loving support and help during Iva's last years in Beebe.
Dr. Kevin Girtman and his staff for always showing patience and love when caring for Iva.
The White County Hospital Rehab unit personnel for the kind, aggressive way they encouraged Iva to push herself to recover physically as much as possible.
The Beebe Rehab for their loving kindness as she slowly healed.
Baptist Health Hospice was a Godsend for Lu in the last days of Iva's life.

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