Ina Guthrie

Ina Maurine Guthrie passed from the joys and responsibilities of her productive life on August 25, 2011 at the age of 91. She was born January 16, 1920 in West Branch, Iowa to Danish parents, Marius and Tina Jensen. She was the youngest of seven children who have all preceded her in death. After her high school graduation she attended vocational school and became a stenographer. The proficiency she acquired led to a position as secretary to the president of Iowa State University. She married Willis Guthrie, September 5, 1942. They had three sons, James, Lee and Gerald who revered the experience of having been raised by Ina with her loving care and guidance. Ina, in turn, was proud of her sons' abilities in developing their minds and hands. Her cross-stitch work served as a fine example of her talents and discipline. Ina's organizational skills were exercised when she became Sunday School Superintendent at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Not only did she deal with new classroom facilities but implemented a newly adopted curriculum. She has also served on all of the numerous Church committees including serving one term as the Moderator. She was a member of a book study group that subsequently developed into a support group; a majority of the members still faithfully meet to share experiences. Her social activities and responsibilities were often related to helping implement Carroll College events and activities. As the longest standing member of the Practical Club, of which she had served as president, she enjoyed many friendships with her sister members. She will certainly be missed by her family and all that knew her.  She is survived by husband C. Willis at the Avalon Manor, Waukesha, WI, sons James (Joanne Peterson) Guthrie of Mequon, WI, Lee Guthrie of Hudson, WI, and Gerald (Patricia) Guthrie of Urbana, IL, also, two grandchildren, Heather (Brett Swider) of Wauwatosa, WI, and Ryan (Stacy) Guthrie of Waukesha, WI, and great grandchildren Callum and Ina Swider, and Amber and Ethan Guthrie.  A memorial service to honor Ina's life will be held Saturday, September 24th at 1:00PM at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 E. Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church.  For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation & Preplanning Services at 262-547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave the family an online tribute message.