Ione Davolt

Broken Bow, NE- Ione Davolt age 94 of Broken Bow formerly of Merna died Friday November 25, 2011 at the Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Broken Bow. Funeral services will be held on Monday November 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist church in Merna, NE with the Reverend Dale Coates officiating. Burial will be in the Merna Cemetery with Govier Bros. Mortuary in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Sunday November 27, 1 PM to 6 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary. Memorials have been established to the Merna Methodist Church or the donor’s choice. Velma Ione Davolt was born on September 23, 1917 at Dutchman Valley, six miles east of Broken Bow to Carl and Opal (Hatfield) Rapp. At Dutchman Valley she received her elementary education and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1935. After graduation she “waited” tables at the Arrow Hotel Coffee Shop in Broken Bow. She married James Davolt on July 15, 1936 in Stromsburg, NE. They were privileged to celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary. To this union one daughter was born, Sharon Kay. After their marriage they moved to Merna, NE and worked for his parents in their grocery store. The family moved to Grand Island in 1942. Ione worked as a guard matron at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant during WW II. In 1946 they returned to Merna to work in his parents grocery store. His parents retired in 1962 and they bought the store and operated it until October, 1980 when they retired. Her church was very important to her. She was a member of the Merna United Methodist Church for over 50 years. During this time she taught Sunday School and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was a fifty year member of the Eastern Star Arrow Chapter #164, holding many offices. She was also past member of the Merna Library board. She liked to sew, embroider, and play cards with family and friends. Ione was happiest when she was with her family. She was a great cook, always making something special – especially her pies and cookies. Ione is survived by her daughter Sharon Schmitz of Merna, grandson Brad (Lori) Dutton , granddaughter Denice (Jack) Jackson, grandson James (Marla) Dutton, 10 great grandchildren: Jennifer Dutton Robbins, Sarah Amsberry, Jeremy Fales, Jesse Dutton, Amber Fales Vetter, Nicholas Dutton, Janelle Dutton, and Ellijha Mitchell, 8 great great grandchildren: Anthony , Paris , Zaine , Brynlie Vienna , Abigail , Gabriella and Nolan , sister-in-law Helen Graybeal, brother-in-law LG (Alvina) Davolt and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, step father Emmett Smith, sister Mildred Olson, step brother Wayne Smith, step sister Thelma Smith, sister-in-law Garrel Davolt and brother-in-law Earl Graybeal.