Rhea Lucille Shearer, 97, of Ottumwa, died at 9:35 a.m. November 6, 2023 at Vista Woods Care Center.
She was born June 18, 1926 in rural Ainsworth, Washington County, IA to Owen Cyrus and Gertrude May Connor Wehr. She married Lawrence E. “Larry” Shearer November 27, 1947 in Haskins, IA and he preceded her in death November 26, 1999.
A graduate of Cotter High School, Rhea attended AIC in Davenport in June of 1945 where was a member of the Alpha Iota Sorority and met her husband. She was a bookkeeper and dressmaker in Davenport and Ottumwa, working for Ottumwa Mercantile. She had worked for Truitt Law Office and for 18 years at Ottumwa Cemetery, retiring June 18, 1992.
Rhea had been a member of First United Methodist Church since 1949 where she taught 3rd and 5th grade Sunday school and attended Faith Circle and Fist Methodist Bible Study. She was a member of PEO Chapter G and the Ottumwa Women’s Club.
Rhea loved to travel, visit friends and family, read, sew professionally for others and work outside in her yard. She was a faithful servant of God and faithfully prayed for others. Rhea showed kindness to all and was always interested in the lives of her friends and family.
Surviving are her daughters, Nancy (Curt) Feldt of Manchester and Betty (Jeff) Anderson of West Des Moines; 4 grandchildren, Jason (Gina) Feldt, Justin Feldt (friend, Carly McClary), Cory Anderson and Raquel Anderson; 4 great-grandchildren, Koen, Breckon, Nolan and Hannah Feldt; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Maxine Clemens; a brother, Alvin Wehr; and 2 nieces.
Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. Thursday, November 9th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends prior to the service from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, November 10th.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, November 10th at Reece Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Grace Ottumwa or Hospice Serving Davis and Wapello Counties.
