Nedra M. Cornelius

Nedra Maxine Cornelius passed Monday July 6, 2009 at the Dallas County Hospital of Perry Iowa at the age of 96 years, 3 months, and 20 days. Nedra was welcomed to her home near Bagley by Otis and Elizabeth (Duncan) Whitcher on March 16, 1913. She was baptized at the Bagley Christian Church; where she would later teach Sunday school, and attended Bagley Schools. Nedra married Floyd Cornelius on March 16, 1930 at the Christian Church in Exira. The couple made their home in Bagley; where they liked to entertain and receive guests with the warmest of welcomes. The couple had a daughter and son. In 1959 the family moved to Perry where Nedra worked as a cook at local establishments such as the A&W, Maid Rite, and The Diner. This career allowed her to enjoy one of her favorite pastimes visiting and sharing with family, friends and neighbors. Nedra also liked to bake, cook, and tend to her garden; many would receive the labor of these hobbies as gifts. Nedra was a very special and giving person, she loved doing for others and many in the community know her for her generosity. She is survived by her daughter and best friend Lois Cornelius of Perry, three grandchildren: Angela (George) LaMarca of West Des Moines, Ronald Jr. and Joe Cornelius of Ft. Lauderdale Fl., a great granddaughter, Isabella, and a community of friends and relatives. Nedra is preceded in death by her husband Floyd Cornelius, son Ronald, brother Darwin Whitcher, and her parents.