Ethel Peyton

Ethel Peyton completed a wonderful, long life on Tuesday, June 8, 2004. She died peacefully at Park View Care Center in Sac City, Iowa, beside her husband of almost 72 years, Rolland Peyton.

Ethel Harriet Mayclin was the first child of Howard and Nettie (Herrold) Mayclin. She was born July 17, 1911 in their home in Cedar Township, on the same farm where Ethel lived for most of her life. Ethel had one brother, Herrold Mayclin, who died when he was 17 years old. She started her education at Cedar Center Township Public School, not far from her home, then graduated from Lytton Community School in 1929. One of Ethel’s fondest high school memories was playing basketball in the county tournament against Sac City. She made two free throws, which tied the championship game. The teams shared the championship trophy that year. Following high school, Ethel attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines.

Ethel became a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Sac City in 1927, after transferring her membership from the Cedar Methodist Church, which was founded by her great grandfather, Rev. D. R. Herrold. Ethel met Rolland Peyton at the young people’s organization. He asked to escort her home, and that began their courtship. Rolland and Ethel were married on July 5, 1932 in her parents’ home.

During her life, Ethel worked as bookkeeper for Graham’s Department Store in Sac City, and in the Sac County Auditor’s office. She and Rolland ran a successful grain and cattle feeding operation for over sixty years on the Mayclin century farm. Ethel did all the bookwork for the Peyton farming operation until she retired in 1991.

Ethel and Rolland had two sons: Harold Peyton and Dean Peyton. She rejoiced when her sons married and loved having grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and the cookie jar was never empty. Special times with family and friends included 50th, 60th and 70th anniversary parties, and a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2000. During their marriage, Rolland and Ethel also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Australia, Alaska and Europe with many good friends.

An active member of the Christian Church, Ethel could be found in the center of most church activities for many years. She served as the church treasurer for 7 years and was on the church board for many more. She joked that she had served in every church position except janitor and preacher. She enjoyed knitting, reading and playing cards. She was a member of the “Just Neighbors” Club for over 50 years. She and Rolland also were part of a special card club they called KFGO…Keep From Getting Old. During her retirement, she enjoyed playing bridge with several different groups as well.

Ethel’s special gift was hospitality. She loved hosting visitors on the farm, serving dinners for family and friends, and entertaining her club friends. She was always among the first to visit when friends or church family members were ill or grieving. Gifts from her kitchen were abundant and frequent.

Ethel leaves behind her husband, Rolland Peyton of Sac City. Her sons and their families are Harold and Sue Peyton, Kevin and Amy, of Sac City; Dean and Diann Peyton, Christopher and Allison, of Des Moines. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many special friends. Her parents and brother preceded her in death.

Graveside services will be Friday, 10:00 a.m., at Oakland Cemetery in Sac City, with memorial services following at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Sac City, Reverend Sharla Hulsey, officiating. Joyce Irwin will accompany Lorrie Stedman and Rev. Sharla Hulsey, soloists. Jan Pullen, Linda Lorenzen, Kay Christian, and Marge Glasnapp will take care of the flower arrangements. Honorary pallbearers are the following: Keith Spicer, Duane Olson, Roger Glasnapp, Tim Huddleson, Charles Paulsen, and Craig Hildreth. Pallbearers include: Richard Brown, Steve Pullen, Steve Irwin, Dick Schaefer, Duane Huster, and Ed Huster. Interment is at Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 10th at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City. Friends who wish to send condolences on-line may do so online.