Leora Mae Davis, 96, passed away peacefully at Greene County Medical Center on February 19, 2025. Born October 5, 1928, in Jefferson to George and Esther (Ritter) Schilling, she was the only daughter with three older brothers and one younger brother.
Leora was born on her family farm, which she still owns with her sister-in-law Linda Schilling and is now a Century Farm. The two remained actively involved in the farm operation until just a few years ago when they had to switch to renting the land.
Leora met Charles F. Davis, Jr. while she was working at Louie’s Ice Cream Parlor, a job she had since high school. They married on September 3, 1950, and resided in Ames while Charles finished his degree from Iowa State University. They then moved to Jefferson where they resided for the rest of their lives. Charles and Leora had three children: Charles III, Rosella, and Debra.
Leora was a homemaker throughout her married life, but was never idle. She was homeroom mother for the kids’ classrooms, Camp Fire and Cub Scout leader, an election official for many years, served on the wedding and funeral committees at First United Methodist Church, and generally volunteered in a variety of ways. Her family was most important, always being available for anything they needed: rides to school events, providing treats to team members, organizing school parties (even the informal ones at her house), hosting foreign exchange students, etc.
Her home seemed to be a place people gathered, for the kids and their friends as well as the Sunday morning coffee sessions with friends. She was dedicated to following her kids’ and grandkids’ sports careers, even when they played in college. Leora and Charles were avid supporters of Iowa State football and basketball as season ticketholders.
Through Charles’ job and capacity on the Jefferson city council, they were fortunate to take many trips around the U.S. and some overseas.
After living in the same home for 62 years, her health caused her to alternate between The Gardens and Greene County Medical Center Extended Care. In death, Leora was an organ donor, which showed her generosity and desire to help others.
Leora is survived by her children Chuck (Theresa) Davis, Rosie Lally, and Deb (Ed) Whitver; grandchildren Anthony (Kel Anne) Davis, Clint (Laurie) Davis, Nicki (Tom) Acton, Trent Lally, Trevor (Kayla) Lally, Tessa (Aaron) Genners, Jacob (Marivelle) Whitver, Jack (Rachel) Whitver, and Christina (Jon) Dill; 21 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Linda Schilling.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 57 years Charles; brothers Ward (Mary Carmel), Dean (Helen), Ed (Gertrude), infant Martin, and Harold; and son-in-law Ken Lally.
Services will be held Feb. 28 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, with interment at Jefferson Municipal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Greene County Medical Center, First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, or American Cancer Society.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson assisted the family.
