Sylvia M. Criss

Sylvia Mae (Stephens) Criss, 102, of New Sharon, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the early morning of March, 4, 2019 at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Sylvia was born September 3, 1916 in Lacey, Iowa to Oscar and Hettie (McCain) Stephens. She married the love of her life, Ed Criss, on September 20, 1936. Together they journeyed through life for the next 56 years until Ed passed in December 1992. She bravely ran the family household, raising two toddlers and a young sister-in-law, while Ed was sent to Europe to fight in WWII. When her husband was sent home critically injured, she continued to care for everyone while nursing him back to health and eventually gave birth to their third son. The couple became very active in their community, with Sylvia playing the role of team mother to the many, many athletes Ed coached throughout the years. She won numerous awards for her gardening and needlework talents. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in New Sharon and was a founding member of the 50+ Club.

But most of all, Sylvia will be remembered as the loving matriarch of her family. 

She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Bilge) Criss and Donald (Jan) Criss; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Criss; as well as 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren. 

Preceding her in death were her beloved Ed; son, Norman; granddaughter, Lisa; and great-granddaughter, Kelly.

Services for Sylvia will be on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon, Iowa. Family visitation is at 9 a.m. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. 

Memorial gifts may be made to The  Lansing City Rescue Mission: donatenow.networkforgood.org/1439238?code=Donate+Button.