Strange, Elbert T. (Elb)

STRANGE, KINDER

Posted By: Lorelei Rusco (email)
Date: 2/21/2014 at 10:17:08

Strange, Elbert T (Elb) -
Elbert T. Strange was born in Ringgold County, near Diagonal, Iowa on June 26, 1923.
He was the son of Louis A. and Effie Ruby Strange.
Elbert died suddenly on March 3, 1999 while wintering in Mission, Texas.
Elb grew up at Diagonal and graduated high school from there in 1942. Elb volunteered and served honorably in the United States Air Force during World War II and after his discharge, he managed a food market in Portersville, California and worked eight years at Alcoa Aluminum in Vernon, California.
On June 28, 1947 Elb was united in marriage to Athena Kinder in Mount Ayr, Iowa. They moved to Mount Ayr in 1961. Elb was the Sheriff of Ringgold County from 1961 until his retirement in 1985. Elb was known for being more than just a Sheriff, as he cared for the citizens of the county and tried to help the people that were having difficulties in their lives. Elb organized the Ringgold County Sheriff's Posse and was an honorary member of the group.
After retiring from the Sheriff's Department, he worked part time on the Mount Ayr Police Department. At this time he and Athena started going south for the winters, to California and Texas. They enjoyed their time in the south and their friendships with other people that spent their winters there also.
He enjoyed cards, collecting law enforcement memorabilia and collecting many other things as well, and he enjoyed sharing these items with friends and family.
He was a member of the First Christian Church, Ringgold Post #172 of the American Legion, Faith Lodge #179 A.F. and A.M., Order of Eastern Star, all in Mount Ayr and he was a member of the Shrine Temple.
Elb is survived by his wife, Athena Strange of Mount Ayr, a son Douglas and his wife Dixie Strange of Des Moines, Iowa, his daughter Cynthia St. Pierre and husband of Woodlawn, Tennessee, three brothers, twin Delbert Strange of Wood Lake, California; Bob and wife Gladys Strange of Diagonal, Iowa; and Jack Strange of Porterville, California; sister Betty and husband Don Tellefson of Whittier, California; nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a host of friends.
Services were held Sunday, March 7, 1999 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr, Iowa with the Rev. Bill Gardner officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Malcolm Eighmy and Dr. Collus Lawhead.
Casketbearers were Paul Brand, Jim George, Dale Greene, Bob Strange, Jr., Lyle Minnick, and Royce Dredge.
Honorary pallbearers were Larry King, Ronald Shields, L.W. Joe Gross, Hugh Terwilliger,
Kenneth Hebensperger, Leo Morgan, Marvin Sobotka, and Ainslee Triggs.
Military graveside rites were provided by Ringgold Post #172 of the American Legion.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Wilson-Watson and Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 17, 1999