Lola Mae Mapes

Lola Mae Mapes, 94, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2014 at the Marian Home. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa is serving the family. Lola Mae Murphy was born August 31, 1920 at home in Alanthus Grove, Missouri to William Levi and Ollie Lucy (Cooper) Murphy. She married Martin From who died in World War II. After the war, she met and married Ernest Dale Mapes. They made their home on a farm SE of Winterset, Iowa. Lola worked for the benefit of her family and her community all her life. She worked as a baker for the Gold Buffet, as a furniture re-upholsterer for Helen Scrivner her lifelong friend, and as a re-upholsterer in her own business. Lola belonged to the American Legion and served on the Memorial Day committee for over 50 years making poppy sprays for every veterans' grave. Her membership in the Zion Federated Church led her to be a major fund raiser in the effort to move the church to the Madison County Historical Museum complex. She was treasurer for her church, a leader in the Scott Skylarks 4-H club, a member of the Green Thumb Garden Club, The Buffalo Gals, and AVA. Family was very important to Lola and Dale, they were active and supportive of the school activities of their children and their home was a welcome gathering place for their friends. Encouraging of their daughters' careers, dreams and life challenges, they were always on hand to listen, assist and celebrate. Lola lost Dale to heart disease on October 9, 1982, it was a beautiful fall Saturday of Covered Bridge Festival weekend. She continued to live on their farm south of Winterset for another 22 years before moving to Fort Dodge. She lived in Fort Dodge next door to her daughter Sharon and enjoyed the daily contact of close family. Her great delight was her grandchildren. She enjoyed many adventures on the farm with Aaron and Erik and the daily visits with Karen. She loved them and spoiled them, and enjoyed watching them grow into unique and special individuals. Always loyal and generous her community remembered her with the Citizen of the Year Award. She will be remembered for her many kindnesses, the joy she received in helping others, her delight in a good card game, her love of flowers and sharing memories. She was an avid gardener, and her large flower garden was admired by many. She enjoyed sharing produce and plant cuttings with everyone. She is survived by her daughters Sandra (George) Granseth of Des Moines, Iowa; Sharon (Don) Vogel of Fort Dodge, Iowa; 3 grandchildren Aaron Jay Granseth, Erik Dale Granseth, and Karen Anne Vogel; and her brother James Harold Murphy of Hood River, Oregon. Preceding her in death; her husband, Martin; her husband, Dale; her parents Levi and Ollie Murphy; her brothers Ralph, Raymond, Ches, Wes, and Marvin Murphy; her sisters Blanche, Blondena and Lela. Daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, Lola will be missed by all who knew her especially her family. God grant her peace. Memorials may be sent to the Madison County Historical Museum for the upkeep of the Zion Federated Church. A graveside service will be held on April 25, 2015. Time will be announced closer to the date. Visitation Mon, Nov 30, -0001 Visitation Pending Service Mon, Nov 30, -0001 Service Pending