Iva Mae Aeilts, 94, passed away Oct. 22, 2019, at Abbot-Northwestern Hospital with her family at her side. You might say that Iva Mae, as a follower of Jesus, got promoted on Tuesday.
She was born to the late Glenn and Verna Carson, Feb. 23, 1925, on a farm outside of Langford, S.D. Iva graduated from Langford High School in 1943 and attended business college in Aberdeen. She worked as switchboard operator at St. Luke’s Hospital and as a secretary at the Dakota Farmer Magazine, both in Aberdeen.
Iva Mae married Samuel Aeilts in 1951. They started their family on a farm southwest of Britton, SD and moved in 1959 to the town of Britton before relocating to Groton, SD in 1960. They called Groton home for over 50 years.
Iva is survived by her three children: David (Nanci) Aeilts of Bloomington; Jane (Ken) Burg of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Nancy (Doug) Piper of Bloomington, Minn. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and her brother Raymond (Joanne) Carson of Yankton, S.D. Iva was preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents and 3 brothers.
Iva Mae was an accomplished wife and mother who loved to talk about the lives of her children. In later years, she enjoyed watching cloud formations, petting dogs, and drinking “a good cup of coffee.” Every Wednesday morning, for over 50 years, Iva met with the same neighborhood women for coffee in each other’s homes. She loved being an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Groton, and later at Westside Wesleyan in Bristol and Christian and Missionary Alliance in Groton.
Iva was well-known for her delicious rhubarb pies, for her hospitality, and for sewing 100s of sequins on skating costumes. She taught her children to sing hymns of faith, which influence their lives to this day.
Iva Mae’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Groton, S.D. Burial will take place at Groton Union Cemetery.
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