Sylvia Iris Wells

Sylvia Iris Wells, 96, of Traer, IA passed away peacefully Friday, February 16, 2024, at Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer. Sylvia was born December 8, 1927, in Linn Grove, IA, the daughter of Vincent and Ella (Lundt) Sanderson. She graduated from Maynard High School in Maynard, IA in 1945. She married David Matthew Wells on June 10, 1945 at the Randalia Methodist Church.  They were together 57 years until his death in 2002.  

David and Sylvia farmed outside of Randalia, IA, where they raised three children: Gloria, Bill and Cynthia.  Sylvia was a farm wife, which meant spending many days with David working the crops and livestock, as well as raising chickens and maintaining a large garden. She was active in the community and held many offices with Fayette Farm Bureau and the Randalia Methodist Church. Sylvia’s number one priority was supporting her three children with their athletic and musical activities.

When Sylvia and David retired in the early 1980s, they moved to Traer, IA to be closer to their daughter, Cynthia, and her growing family. She once again became active in various groups in the Traer United Methodist Church. For years she and David popped popcorn for the North Tama High School baseball games. Sylvia also served as a Tama Precinct Election Official, working long election days well into her 80s.

In February 2019, Sylvia moved “right down to the end of the block” from her home in Traer to the assisted living apartment at Sunrise Hill Care Center. Three years later, when she required more assistance, she moved “across the courtyard” to the nursing home. She spent her last two years among friends, and surrounded by the caring staff at Sunrise Hill.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband, David; daughters, Gloria Lee and Cynthia Wells-Stansbery; her great-grandson, Brayden Wells; her parents; her brother, David Sanderson, and sisters, Shirley Hess, Lorraine Sieck and Grace Halstead.

Sylvia is survived by her son, Bill (Linda) Wells of Ellston, IA; son-in-law, Thomas Lee of Panama City, FL; grandchildren, Brian (Shannon) Wells of Rochester, MN; Brody (Jessica) Wells of Johnston, IA; Isaiah (Kassie) Stansbery of West Union, IA; Eli (Grace) Stansbery of Traer, IA ; Angela Lee of Tallahassee, FL; Shane (Melissa) Lee of Stone Mountain, GA; and Dawn (Simon) Spikes of Graceville, FL; 16 great-grandchildren, and many great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to either Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 13770 Noel Rd., Dallas, TX  75380 OR Zion Lutheran Church, 130 Washington St., West Union, IA 52175.

Visitation: Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Traer United Methodist Church, 512 4^th St., Traer, Iowa, 50675.

Funeral Service: Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Traer United Methodist Church, 512 4^th St., Traer, Iowa, 50675.

Burial: Buckingham Cemetery, Traer, IA.