Connie Carver

Connie L. Carver, a resident of Sigourney, Iowa, was born on February 10, 1945, to Jean Merryfield Vannoy and Robert Lundy in Sigourney, Iowa. Sadly, she passed away peacefully in Iowa City, Iowa, on August 18, 2024. Connie was raised by her mother and Raymond Vannoy. She cherished her childhood memories, especially the times spent with her grandparents, Joe and Edna Merryfield, in Sigourney, Iowa. One of her fondest memories was going to town on Saturday nights for groceries, which was a social event, picking out candy for the week, and her special job was to squeeze the butter to make it turn yellow.

Connie attended elementary school in Sigourney, Iowa, and graduated from high school in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1963. Her favorite high school class was material designing. Her first job was at Molly’s Restaurant in Ottumwa. She later attended DMACC and earned a paralegal degree. Throughout her life, Connie held many jobs that she enjoyed, including working as a candy striper, at the Maytag factory, teaching English to foreign students, serving as a custodian, working as a factory worker at Williamsburg Manufacturing, and helping to care for the elderly. She was also a proud restaurant owner, running Ray’s Supper Club, Terrace Inn Restaurant & Lounge, Mason’s Cafe, and The Cellar Restaurant. 

Connie married Ronald W. Carver on November 13, 1962, and together they had two children, who survive her, Jeff Carver of Sigourney, Iowa, and Christie Carver Jones of Salem, Indiana. Sadly, Connie was widowed on November 5, 1970. She later remarried and divorced, and from that marriage, she had Julie Des Planque Hansen, who survives her.

Connie was blessed with five grandchildren who all survive her: Nick Carver, Cody Jones, Chrisandra (Jason) Jones Lewis, Blake DesPlanque, and Dalton (Jasmine) Hansen. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Baker Jones, Hazen Carver, Mason DesPlanque, Nariah Hansen, Zion Hansen, and Brian Hansen, who brought her immense joy. Connie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved cooking for them and sharing stories from her own childhood.

Connie lived in several places, including Sigourney, Ottumwa, Tampa FL, Montezuma, Kellogg, Ankeny, Newton, Barnes City, Madison IN, Salem IN, and ended her retirement years back in Sigourney, IA.

Connie’s life was filled with love and generosity. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, always keeping her door open and a seat at her table for all. She raised her grandsons, Blake and Dalton, with great care and affection. Connie’s hobbies included cooking, baking, and traveling. In recent years, she enjoyed attending “The Merryfield Cousins” luncheon each month with her sister, Cathie Vannoy Landers, who survives, and cousin, Irene Cassens. One of her favorite events was attending the Kentucky Derby with her daughter, Christie. She also cherished trips to New Orleans, Biloxi, Napa Valley, New York City, and many more. Connie was known for her adventurous spirit, always ready to explore new places and try new things.

Connie is predeceased by her husband, Ron Carver, and her parents, Ray and Jean Vannoy. At Connie’s request, a graveside service was held on Thursday, August 22, with only family and a few close friends in attendance.

Connie’s legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.