Nellie Morehead

TAMA-Nellie Jeanine Morehead, 88, of Tama, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown Hospital. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home.

Nellie was born on November 1, 1936, in Unionville, MO, the daughter of Walter “Doc” and Cleo (Butler) Robinson.

She graduated from Tama High School in 1954.

She was married to Harlan Wignall and together they had three children. They later divorced. On December 31, 1977, she married William “Bill” Morehead. Nellie was formerly a housekeeper for the County Home in Marshalltown and the Central Hotel in Tama.

Nellie was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, where she was very active in the organization. She was State Madam President from 2004-2005, West Central Regional President from 2007-2008, inducted into the National Hall of Fame in 2003, the Ritual Hall of Fame in 2009, and a State Mother four times. She was also formerly a member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary. Nellie enjoyed traveling and there were only two states she didn’t visit. Her greatest joy was attending her kids and grandkids sporting events. Her community involvement was very important to her and she was well known for her caring and loving personality.

Survivors include three children, Sabrina (Reid) Caudill of Shell Rock, Gary (Cindy) Wignall of Marion, Jo Jo Vavra of Toledo, and a bonus daughter, Kim (John) Haidsiak of Red Oak; grandchildren, Justine Wignall, Jessica (Jeff) McCarthy, and Alison (Fernando) Galvez; great grandchildren, Justus Ward, Braylon Wignall, Viola and Victor Wrase- Lasley, Liam O’Hare, and two on the way; two stepchildren, Jennifer (Doug) Grammar, and Helen (Dale) Willet; step grandchildren, Joey and Errick Crouch, and Jared Grammar; one brother, Danny Robinson of AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Bill Morehead; son-in-law, David Vavra; one brother, Granvell Robinson; one sister, Mary Jo Robinson; and granddaughter, Chrissy Yanda.

A memorial fund will be established.