In the mid-19th century, the DeMuths came to America from Luxembourg. Most settled in Wisconsin.

Elizabeth Joseph DeMuth was born on July 21, 1897, in Milford, Iowa, the daughter and third child of ten of John Joseph and Anna M. May DeMuth.

Elizabeth's father, John Joseph DeMuth, moved the family, by train, from Milford, Iowa, to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, so that the children could have a Catholic education. He bought a farm there and continued in that occupation.

Elizabeth came to Marshalltown in 1917 and entered the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1920 as an R.N. (Registered Nurse). Her half brother, Fr. John Peter DeMuth was stationed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marshalltown from July 1, 1917, to 1922.

Elizabeth married John Lawrence Mead May 10, 1921, at McGregor, Clayton County, Iowa. The priest was John Peter DeMuth, half-brother of Elizabeth, who was stationed at St. Mary's, Marshalltown, at the time. Attendants were John's brother, Edward Joseph Mead, and Elizabeth's sister, Margaret Barbara "Marge" DeMuth.

John and Elizabeth lived on the Mead family farm outside of Marshalltown until 1925; then they moved into town, first to 311 S. 6th St., then to 209 S. 4th St.

Other child:
Marilyn Ann, b. May 19, 1928, Marshalltown.
The first 4 children were born at home; the last 2 at St. Thomas Mercy Hospital.

Elizabeth was active in the early operation of Mead's Dairy, keeping the books, and later working at Mead's Ice Cream Place.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society, St. Anne's Study Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She died at Community Hospital, Marshalltown, from a stroke.
Arrangements were by Pursel-Davis Funeral Home, West Main St.
A Rosary was recited by the Altar and Rosary Society with a service with Bible readings on Wednesday, July 8, 1981.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, July 9, 1981, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marshalltown.
The celebrant was the Pastor, Fr. John Hargrafen. Two of the 4 concelebrants were Fr. John M. Ginsterblum, S.J. (Memorial #146447771), Elizabeth's nephew, and Fr. Clement DeMuth, S.J. (Memorial #119949294), Elizabeth's 1st cousin.
Homily, with family remembrances, was by Fr. Ginsterblum.
Pallbearers were 10 grandsons: Joseph John Mead; Michael, Patrick, and Kevin Mead; Fred and James Blocker; and Greg, Brian, Robert, and Philip Mead.
Offertory procession included the family photo (posted on this site) and a Mead's All-Star Dairy milk carton, both carried up by grandchildren.
Many memorials were donated to St. Mary's.
A reception followed in the church hall.

Information from family records compiled by John and Elizabeth Mead's niece, Alice M. Mead Wick (Memoriail #91609588), assisted by Rick Mead (Member #48558862) and from personal knowledge.
Funeral details from a letter from her daughter, Catherine Elizabeth Lepine. Submitted by granddaughter Angela, Member #48520699.