On the morning of Aug. 22, 2014, Iola peacefully passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, Nev., after a long battle against Parkinson's disease. Iola was comforted by family members and her husband, James Tallmadge, at the time of her passing. She was 75 years old.
Iola was born on May 9, 1939, in Forest City, Mo. She was the sixth child and only daughter of Mary Belle Spence and Garland Spence. Being the only girl of seven children made her tough as nails while at the same time she was graceful and beautiful. Iola was passionate about art and expressed this through her drawings, paintings, jewelry making, crocheting and sewing, to name but a few for she had many creative and artistic hobbies. She was also a damn fine cook.
Iola was preceded in death by her son Patrick, her mother Mary Belle, her father Garland, and brothers Garland, John, and Charles Spence. She is survived by her brothers Jim, Bill and Cecil ("Tony") Spence, her children Rosemary Wood, LeAnn Beaman, Martin Peterson, and Pamela Saunders as well as her husband of 34 years, James Tallmadge, and grandchildren Patrick Beaman, Mathew Beaman, Jerried Beaman, Brittany Wood, Trevor Peterson, and Jessica Saunders. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Iola's life will be celebrated with a small memorial at her home on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at 1 p.m. Those wishing to send flowers, condolences or memorials can do so by sending them to P. O. Box 1422, 845 Franklin Avenue, Lovelock, NV, or by donating to a charity of their choice.
Iola's family would like to give a special thank you to everyone in the Lovelock community. Your endless support and heartfelt generosity will never be forgotten. We deeply appreciate everything that you have done. We would also like to thank the staff at St. Mary's Hospital for their tender care and support.[[In-content Ad]]
