Melva Jean Mary DeWitt, 88 years, of Wever, died Thursday, March 23, 2023, at her home. She was born June 7, 1934, the daughter of August Deitrich and Myrtle Steffensmeier Menke. On Oct. 23, 1954, she married Charles Arthur DeWitt at St. James Catholic Church, St. Paul, Iowa. He preceded her in death March 31, 2019.
She lived in the area most of her life. She was a 1952 graduate of St. James High School, St. Paul. She was of the Catholic Faith. She was a homemaker, raising eight children, plus two adopted children: Dean, Alan, Lynette, Craig, Terri, Yvonne, Bryan, Diana, Stephanie, and Susie. For nearly 40 years, she worked at the Wever Locker as a wrapper. She enjoyed ceramics, scrapbooking, and collected salt and pepper shakers. Her family was most important to her; every family member played an instrument and she attended every event they were involved in.
She is survived by her children: Dean (Jody) DeWitt of Fort Madison; Lynette Stein of Williamsburg; Craig DeWitt of Wever; Diana (Howard) Vorwaldt of Wever; two “adopted” daughters, Stephanie (Troy) Fisher of Arizona and Susan Sanford (Joe Naumann) of Fort Madison; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson and numerous other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Bryan and Alan DeWitt, two daughters, Yvonne Metcalf and Terri Wilson, and three grandchildren: Justin DeWitt, Samuel Metcalf, Devin Royer, and one great-grandson, Dylan Pugliese.
Visitation will be held 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. Her Funeral Service will be held 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Barr Memorial Chapel with Jason DeWitt officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison.
A memorial has been established for the Wever Fire Department and IOOF, contributions may be left at Barr Memorial Chapel. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the DeWitt family and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.