Obituary of Lovia Ellen Gerhart

Lovia Ellen Gerhart, the daughter of William and Opal (Caldwell) Lee, was born October 5, 1942 in Knoxville, Iowa. She graduated from Knoxville High School with the class of 1960. Lovia worked as a book keeper for Bisom Truck Lines in Newton for many years. Most recently she worked as the manager at the West End Sinclair in Newton. Lovia enjoyed all types of crafts, but the true joy of her life was her family and grandchildren. Lovia died on Friday, April 10, 2009, at her home in State Center, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family in the care of hospice. She was 66 years old. Lovia was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Mike Lee; a sister, Virginia Lee, a nephew, Jeff Lee and a great nephew, Brandon Gavagan. Those left to honor Lovia's memory include her son and daughter-in-law, Michael (Jennifer) Gerhart of Rhodes, Iowa; her granddaughter, Madelyn; her grandsons, Landon and Denton; her brother, Wendell (Stephanie) Lee of Eldora, Iowa; a sister, Lori Dehner of St. Anthony, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Geri Lee of Melcher, Iowa; a sister, Irma Davis of Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 10:30 at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be designated in Lovia's name to Iowa Hospice or to the American Cancer Society and may be left at the funeral home.