Obituaries : Emma Crossley

Emma Crossley

GARRISON – Emma Crossley, 86, of Garrison, died Thursday, June 9, 2011, at the Vinton Lutheran Home following an extended illness.

 Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at the Garrison United Methodist Church with Pastor Karen Larson officiating.  Visitation will be held Monday, June 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.  Interment will be in Garrison Cemetery, Garrison.

 Emma was born July 27, 1924, in Garrison, Iowa, the daughter of James and Mabel Blaine Crossley.  Emma grew up helping her family at the Farmers Mercantile store in Garrison. Upon graduating from Garrison High School in 1942, she worked at the store full-time and became the sole owner and operator following her parents’ deaths.  Emma operated the business until 2004 when she became a resident of the Vinton Lutheran Home.  Emma loved her store, and all the local children loved her candy counter.

 Emma was a member of the Garrison United Methodist Church.

 Emma is survived by her cousins, Bonnie (Dwight) Sanders of Vinton and Mary (Brad) Spratt of Muscatine; and her Lutheran Home family.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

 Memorial contributions may be directed to the Vinton Lutheran Home, the Garrison United Methodist Church or the Garrison First Responders.

 Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Emma and her family.  Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.