Mavis B. Lee McDuffie

Mavis B. Lee McDuffie

July 20, 1932 – September 09, 2023

On September 09, 2023, Grandma Mavis departed for the great quilting party in the sky. She was born to Otis and Annie Pendergraft on July 20, 1932, in Macedonia, Iowa. She descended from many long lines of American pioneers and enjoyed a long life of love for her family. She grew up on a farm starting school at Macedonia, IA, and graduating High School in Henderson, Iowa, in 1949.

While growing up on her parents farm in her younger years, Grandma Mavis learned the art of quilting from her mother, Annie. She carried on the tradition of being a faithful “quilting gal” and wouldn’t let old age slow her down. Her quilts were beautiful works of art that she designed for each member of the family. She was also known for making caramels from scratch in her kitchen and her grandchildren would fight over them. Even at 90 years old, she stood in her daughter’s kitchen for hours at Christmastime preparing caramels for the family with enough for many to take home extra tins to last for weeks.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, David McDuffie. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Lind, Janet Barnett, George Schinker, Joe Schinker, all of Nebraska, and Helen Danish of Florida. She is also survived by countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mavis McDuffie will be interred at the Macedonia Cemetery.

4 Comments

  • Jann Warnke Posted September 13, 2023 12:40 pm

    My deepest sympathy to your family. She was a great lady.

  • Deb Janing (Pendegraft) Posted September 13, 2023 8:59 pm

    So sad to hear Aunt Mavis is gone to Heaven. She was so cheerful and fun to talk to. I miss our phone calls. So sorry for you all.

  • Weber, Rayk Posted September 14, 2023 5:47 am

    My sincere condolences. She was a great woman. It was an honor to meet her.

  • Sue Erickson Posted September 18, 2023 11:29 am

    I always liked Mavis I would go on break with her at the phone company. Beth you know that I always called her “mom”. Since I lost my mom in 2000. She enjoyed that and said it was ok. She was a very nice lady and I too enjoyed her caramels and homemade ice cream. She made the most beautiful quilts. She will be remembered and missed by everyone she met.

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