Iona Adele Nossaman went home to be with her Lord on Jan. 26, 2013. Iona, firstborn child of Merril Leonadas and Cora Edna Loar, entered this life on June 1, 1924, near Kline, Colo.
She grew up in La Plata, N.M., and graduated from Farmington High School in 1942. While attending Fort Lewis College at the old Hesperus campus, she met the love of her life, John Clarence Nossaman. John and Iona were married July 27, 1944, and settled on John’s farm at Arboles, Colo.
During the next 40 years, the couple raised four children. Iona completed a degree in education from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., and a master’s degree from UNC in Greeley, Colo. She taught in the elementary schools at Ignacio and Pagosa Springs.
After her retirement, she enjoyed babysitting, gardening, needlework and music. Her children and grandchildren fondly recall Iona’s loving care, as well as her spirited plunge into the music world with piano lessons at the young age of 63. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, her strong, quiet faith served as a beacon of light for all who knew her.
Iona is survived by her four children, Beverly McKelvey, Barbara (James) Lukow, Burl (Sharon) Nossaman, and Brenda (Gordon) Allen; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister; one brother and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Nossaman was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John Nossaman; her parents Merril and Cora Loar; one brother and two nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Pine Valley Foursquare Church Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at 2 p.m. A graveside service will follow at the Allison Cemetery.
The family requests donations in Iona’s memory be made to the charity of your choice.