Carmen Irene Rusley

Carmen Irene Rusley, 92, formerly of Lake Mills, passed away Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 at Kennybrook Village, Grimes. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills, with Pastor Joel Guttormson officiating. Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m., Friday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lake Mills. Memorials may be directed to Kennybrook Village in Grimes, IA, Salem Lutheran Church, or a charity of choice.
Carmen Irene (Qualley) Rusley was born to Carl and Ida Qualley on Nov. 19, 1925. She was baptized and confirmed at North Prairie Lutheran Church. She attended grade school in rural Winnebago County and graduated from Lake Mills High School and Waldorf College. She taught in rural school for four and a half years.
Carmen married James Rusley on May 14, 1945. They had two daughters, Marcia and Maureen. They farmed until 1958. Carmen assisted James with his business as a Standard Oil Agent. After their two daughters left home, she worked in the dietary department at the Lake Mills Care Center for 15 years. In her spare time, she loved being with her family, baking, reading, doing counted cross stitch and other handwork. She was active in Salem Lutheran Church and the Lake Mills Literacy Club.
Marcia’s and Maureen’s friends were always welcome into her home and enjoyed her well-stocked freezer of baked goods. She greeted all who entered with a plate of fresh cookies.
Carmen is survived by her two daughters: Marcia Fox, Decorah; and Maureen (Wayne) Fry, Urbandale; grandsons: Nathan (Kim) Fry, Kansas City, Mo; and Jason Fry, Waukee; great-grandchildren: Adeline and Charlie Fry, Kansas City, Mo.; sister, Burnette Murra; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; brothers: Tilford Qualley and Arvin Qualley; sister, Evelyn Schultz; and son-in-law, Craig Mitchell.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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