Obituary
Gwendolyn M. Mahaffey, 76, of Agency, passed away at 4:15 p.m. October 15, 2020 at Hospice House in Ottumwa. She was born June 21, 1944 in Ottumwa to Harold F. and Violet M. Toopes Pherigo. Gwen married George W. Mahaffey on June 30, 1962 at St. Patrick Church in Ottumwa. They have been married 58 years. A 1962 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Gwen worked at several banks in Ottumwa, including Union Bank, was manager at First Star Pickwick Branch, and also worked at Hedrick Saving Bank downtown Ottumwa. She got to know many people during her working career and was well liked by everyone. She was a member of Agency United Methodist Church. She loved her flowers and enjoyed watching the birds, especially hummingbirds. Gwen loved all babies and little children. She had a place in her heart for all of her nieces and nephews and all of their children and grandchildren. She had a very special bond with her great-granddaughter, Alainna and loved it when she would come over to spend the night or all day. Surviving is her husband, George; their son, Tony Mahaffey; two grandsons, Michael A. Mahaffey (Ashley) and Jesse; great-grandchildren, Chandler, Hayden, Alainna and Kaislee. Gwen always considered her grandson, Michael’s half-sisters Josie and Jordyn her grandchildren also. Also surviving are siblings, Rose (Robert) Smith of Blakesburg, Gail Pherigo of Drakesville, Don (Shirley) Pherigo of Florida and Bill (Jean) Pherigo of Ottumwa; brother-in-law, Dave McCoy of Dysert; sister-in-law, Dana Pherigo of Ottumwa; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; their son, Jeffrey Mahaffey; a sister, Marilyn McCoy and a brother, Harold Pherigo Jr. Limited open visitation will be 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday October 18th at Reece Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.rfh-ia.com. Private funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday October 19th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. For those not able to attend the service, you may watch the service live from the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Public graveside services and burial will follow the service at Shaul Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice serving Davis and Wapello Counties.
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Ottumwa, IA 52501
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Ottumwa, IA 52501
Ottumwa, IA 52501