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The Prugh Funeral Service is now placing all the obituaries for those entrusted in our care on our website. You may also sign the guestbook and share some of your favorite memories of your loved one.
Emily Iona Dodds | Visitation:
Monday, August 24, 2009
9:30 AM until 10:30 AM
Prugh's Chapel
317 N. Fourth St.
Burlington, IA 52601
Service:
Monday, August 24, 2009
10:30 AM
Prugh's Chapel
317 N. Fourth St.
Burlington, IA 52601
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| | | Emily Iona Dodds of Legacy Pointe Retirement Community (formerly of Burlington, IA), died Thursday, August 20, of natural causes. She was 92. Visitation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2009, at Prugh Funeral Service in Burlington, IA. The memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel. Interment will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington. Pastor Steve Rachke of Iowa City’s Parkview Evangelical Free Church will officiate at the service.
Iona Wellborn was born November 12, 1916, in Cantril, IA, the daughter of William and Emma Wellborn. She graduated from Cantril High School in 1934 and received a BA degree in 1938 from Parsons College (Fairfield, IA) where she majored in English and music. Following graduation, she was Director of the Mixed Chorus at Bonaparte High School, and then at Pisgah High School. She later moved to Centerville, IA, to teach English at Centerville High School. It was there that she met a fellow teacher Clifford Dodds, whom she married on August 15, 1945. After their marriage, they moved to Ottumwa where Clifford taught at the high school and Iona focused on homemaking and volunteerism. In 1953 they moved to Burlington.
Iona’s volunteer work was a life-long commitment. While in Burlington, she served 35 years with the American Red Cross and the Klein Care Center where she was chapel attendant and planning board member. She served as a Phelps House Museum board member as well as museum guide. She was hostess in the surgical waiting room at the Burlington Medical Center, and was Ambassador and member of the Des Moines County Convention and Tourism Association. She also spearheaded the Burlington Woman’s Club efforts to erect historical markers to recognize Burlington as Territorial Capital. In 1985 and again in 1992, Iona was nominated for Burlington’s Outstanding Woman of the Year. Iona had a philosophy of life that said, “My life was given to me as a gift and I should, therefore, pass a pleasurable life on to others”.
Iona especially enjoyed reading and traveling. Over the years, Clifford and Iona traveled to most of the 50 states and much of the world, including China, Japan, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, and multiple European countries. Walking on the Great Wall of China was a memorable highlight. On several occasions, Iona shared their travel slides with local groups.
In 1998, Iona and Clifford moved to Iowa City, so they could take full advantage of Hawkeye basketball and Hancher events.
Clifford, Iona’s husband of 64 years, survives. She was preceded in death by her parents, her 6 sisters and two brothers. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
A memorial in Iona’s name to the Des Moines County Historical Society has been established. Donations may be sent to Prugh Funeral Service, 317 N. 4th Street, Burlington, IA, 52601.
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