Vera L. Stream

Vera Lois (Ray) Stream passed away at Legacy Lodge in Chariton, Iowa, at the age of 91. Vera was born August 20, 1919, in Clarke county to Joe and Essie Leona (Onie) Ray, one of seven children.
She attended school in Thayer, Iowa, and graduated at age 16. Her lifelong dream was to be a teacher. Growing up, she would arrange the chairs in her house like the desks in a schoolhouse, and teach to the chairs. She began teaching school at age 18, after receiving her teaching certificate from Simpson College. She recalled going to school early in the morning to build a fire in the stove and cook breakfast for the children. At night, the children would take turns inviting her home for dinner and to spend the night. She began teaching in Pleasant Township, and then after a year, started teaching in Spaulding township, where she met Allen Stream. She then taught at Delphus, and then Ellston before staying a while at Shannon City, and then finally ending at East Union, for a career totaling 42 years. While teaching at Ellston, Vera, standing at 4 11, became the girls 6 on 6 basketball coach. This underdog team had to face the state contenders from Mt. Ayr, with a powerful coach and sharpshooting star, handing Mt. Ayr perhaps its only defeat of the season!
Vera married Allen Leslie Stream on April 30, 1943, and moved to a farm outside Shannon City, Iowa. They were blessed with two sons, Sherman Allen in April of 1946, and Rodney Ray in August of 1947. Throughout teaching and raising a family, she commuted to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on nights and weekends, taking 3 hours of coursework each semester towards a Bachelors degree in Teaching Education. Her goal was to graduate with a four-year degree before her sons did, and she accomplished this goal in 1966 after commuting for over 20 years.
An avid reader, Vera often read a book a day and recalled that the most rewarding thing about teaching was teaching children to read. She said the most fun thing she did during her life was taking a trip with her son, Rod and wife Sue and their 2 year old daughter to Hawaii and New Zealand for a two week excursion. Vera was a faithful member of the Shannon City Methodist Church for many, many years. Vera loved sewing, often opting to sew a new outfit to wear the next day when the laundry needed to be done! In her later years, Vera would keep the grandchildren supplied with handmade sleepwear and every woman in the family stocked up on brightly decorated sweatshirts to wear, and new handmade jewelry. Veras competitive streak did not end with basketball. She was just as talented and driven to win at cards. Family time was best spent playing hearts, with only Vera being allowed to keep score. Special occasions and holidays were always spent first enjoying her wonderful cooking and then playing cards until early morning.
Vera is survived by her sons, Sherman (Gayle) of Cave City, Kentucky, and Rodney (Sue) of Chariton, Iowa; her grandchildren Shawn (Machelle) Stream of Norwalk, Iowa; Shannon (Michael) Pape of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; Lisa (Lucas) Beverlin of Hillsboro, Oregon; and Sarah Stream of Chariton, Iowa. Vera is blessed with seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Vera is also survived by her sisters Dorothy Brown and Ethelyene Ray, both of Creston, Iowa, and twelve nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen; her parents, Joe Ray and Essie Leona Ray (Onie); her grandson Sgt. Scott Stream; her sisters, Grace and Gladys; and her brothers, Joe and Keith.
Memorials may be directed to the Shannon City Community Church.