Elaine Plett

Elaine Plett, 96, formerly of Gladbrook, passed peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2016, at Grandview Heights Nursing Home, in Marshalltown. Funeral services and celebration of her life will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook with visitation before the funeral at 9:30. She will be laid to rest in Chapel Hill Cemetery near Gladbrook. Memorials may be directed to Peace United Church of Christ Womens Guild and Methodist Chapel Church LCA. Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown is caring for Elaine and her family. Elaine was born March 29, 1919 at the Deaconess Hospital in Marshalltown. She was the only child of John and Minnie (Alpen) Merrill. Her early education began at Country School No. 9 in Spring Creek Township. She graduated from Green Mountain High School in 1936. Elaine continued her education at Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa graduating in 1940 with a B.S. degree in Institutional Management. Following graduation, she accepted the positions of head dietician and associate professor of home economics at Southwestern Louisiana University. She held this position until 1944 when her fathers passing brought her back home to help her mother with the family farm. Upon her return she worked as the bookkeeper for Putney Hatchery in Gladbrook. On August 28, 1946, Elaine was united in marriage to Charles E. Plett at the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now the Peace Church) in Gladbrook. For 34 years they farmed Elaines family farm southwest of Gladbrook. They were blessed with two children; Laura Lou and John. Elaine was an avid collector and enjoyed pursuing her many treasures. She enjoyed genealogy researching several family lines. She was an excellent cook and before losing her eyesight spent hours meticulously stitching handwork. She loved gardening and working in her large flower beds. Elaine was excellent at the art of letter writing and remembering others with notes and cards. She enjoyed keeping in contact with family and friends. Elaine was a member of the Peace United Church of Christ, the Womens Guild, Methodist Chapel Church Ladies Cemetery Association, the Genealogical and Historical Societies of Tama County, Gladbrook Centennial Committee helping to write the centennial book, Marshalltown YWCA board, charter member of the Marshalltown Early American Glass Club initiating the collecting of each states glassware for the Marshalltown Historical Museum. Left to mourn her loss are her son, John (Marcia) Plett of Gladbrook; granddaughters, Jennifer (Jim) Brake of Marshalltown and Julie Underhill of Nevada; grandsons, Michael (Lindsay) Plett of Marshalltown and Matthew (Kassaundra) Plett of Carlisle; four great grandchildren, Conner and Laura Jean Stanton, and Madelyn Lou and Austin Grimes; son in law, Duane Underhill. In death she is reunited with her parents, husband, Charles, daughter, Laura Lou and great granddaughter, Kelcy Stanton. The family would like to acknowledge the extra care and kindness given by Judy Kelley, Elaines care sitter, as well as to express their gratitude for all kindness shown during this time and invite you to join them for a lunch following the service at the cemetery to share stories and memories in celebration of Elaines life.