Lena Marie Istas Davis

Lena was born November 26, 1914 in Aurora, KS to Charles and Dora (LaPolice) Istas, the oldest of seven children. At the age of six, Lena and her family moved to Milroy before settling in Marshall. In 1932, Lena married George Davis and to this union six children were born. Lena was very welcoming; she loved to cook from scratch and share the recipes that her mother taught her as a young child. One always knew to bring a spoon and a deck of cards when visiting George and Lena. Together the couple loved to entertain; whether it was playing marble games and cards with their grandchildren or hosting friends for supper. Lena was a volunteer at the church where she was also a member of Catholic Daughters. She also enjoyed her bridge club, quilting, knitting and crocheting; leaving each of her grandchildren a piece of her work. Lena died on Monday, September 30, 2013, at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Lena is survived by daughter, Pat (Richard) Fischer of Highland Ranch, CO; sons, George Henry (Catherine) Davis Jr. of Paynesville, Douglas Eugene (Linda) Davis of Foley, Merlin Richard (Mary) Davis of Minneapolis; daughters-in-law, Yvonne Davis of Huron, SD and Bonnie Davis of Marshall; brother, Leo Istas of Miller, SD; sisters, Emma Padjen of Lansing, IL and Angeline Nagy of Chesthill, IL; 19 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Henry Davis, Sr; sons, Dennis Robert Davis and Marvin Edward Davis; brother, Melvin Istas; and sisters, Marguerite Morud and Lucille Jastram.