Vivian Alice (Kruse) Shontz

Vivian Alice (Kruse) Shontz, 96, of Tipton, IA, peacefully fell into the arms of the Lord at her home on January 17, 2025. Services for Vivian will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Fry Funeral Home, starting with visitation from 9 – 11 AM, followed by her funeral service at 11 AM. She will then be laid to rest at Tipton Masonic Cemetery. Afterwards, a luncheon will be held in her honor at First United Methodist Church, Tipton. Vivian wished for all memorial donations to be designated to the church. Online condolences, photos, and fond memories of Vivian may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com, along with additional funeral information.

Edward August and Marjorie Alice (Brickey) Kruse welcomed their daughter, Vivian, into the world on September 30, 1928, in Bennett, IA. She had one brother, Leon. Vivian was a bright student and graduated from Tipton Community High School. She was gifted with a love for numbers and organization, which led her to become a bookkeeper. She dedicated 44 years to Hargrave Company in Tipton as their trusted bookkeeper.

Vivian was united in marriage to Francis “Jim” Shontz on December 11, 1949, at the Presbyterian Church in Tipton, Iowa. She and Jim enjoyed eighteen winters together in South Texas. They had been married for sixty-six years when Jim passed away on May 16, 2016. From their union, they had one son, Steven.

Vivian was a member of Tipton’s First United Methodist Church, UMW, Priscilla Circle, BPW, and Tri-Sigmas. The Tipton Conservative featured Vivian on their Senior Living page in March of 2020. The article was titled “Vivian Shontz Still Sewing and Sharing,” telling the story of the countless quilts, cancer patient turbans, pillows, and more that she made and donated to hospitals, charities, and church ministries near and far. The story ended with Vivian’s own words: “I’ve had a good life and I’ve kept busy,” she said. “I’ve been able to put smiles on children’s faces.”

Vivian is survived by her son, Steven (Sandy) of Manchester, Iowa, and two beloved grandchildren, Madison and Louis Shontz. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, and her brother Leon.

Vivian Alice (Kruse) Shontz lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her church, and her community left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Vivian's legacy of kindness, generosity, and hard work will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her presence. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable achievements but also for the warmth and joy she brought into the lives of others. Vivian's spirit will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and the many lives she impacted through her selfless acts of love and compassion.