Gerald MaharryLenox, IowaMemorial Celebration of Life Services for Jerry Maharry, age 98, of Lenox, who passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Lenox United Methodist Church. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SERVICES ALL ARE INVITED TO THE LENOX COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THOROUGHER CELEBRATION OF JERRY'S LIFE. Jerry donated his body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. INSTEAD OF FLOWERS the family requests memorials be given in Jerry's name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.Gerald (Jerry) Eugene Maharry, the eldest son of Cecil and Pearl (Hewitt) Maharry, was born on September 5th, 1918 on a farm north of Clearfield, Iowa. He attended rural school and graduated with the 1936 class of Clearfield High. On July 14, 1939, he was united in marriage with Hazel Lucille Wall. They were privileged to share 77 years together. Their marriage was blessed with three sons: Randall, Roger, and Kirk. Jerry and Hazel raised their family on a farm north of Clearfield. They loved to follow the boys in sporting events. As lifetime Hawkeye fans, they enjoyed tailgating and attending bowl games with family and friends. Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado was a beloved annual family vacation and continues to be a favorite destination for the whole family. Jerry was always looking for new ways to entertain the grandkids during their visits to the farm or to Colorado. Jerry had a passion for farming and feeding livestock, particularly sheep. He enjoyed driving and collecting John Deere tractors. Jerry never lost his love for the farm. Even in retirement, there was nothing he would rather do than go for a drive to check the crops. In 1975, they began traveling all over the United States in their RV. They discovered Yuma, Arizona and spent winters there for 35 years. Jerry enjoyed volunteering at the Crossroads Mission in Yuma, feeding the homeless, dressing up as Santa Claus, and initiating a coin drive in Araby Acres to raise money so that the children of the mission could have gifts at Christmas and other fun activities throughout the year. Jerry was a charter member of the Clearfield Lions club. In 1963, the Clearfield Lions started the Shuttle Bus Service at the Iowa State Fair. Jerry and Hazel worked and camped at the fair with the Lions for over 40 years. He served as District Governor of the Iowa Lions, worked extensively with the Lions Eye Bank, and volunteered for Hospice. He was a member of Lenox United Methodist Church and a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge. Left to cherish Jerry's memory are three sons: Randall and wife Janet of Estes Park, Roger and wife Jeanne of Ames, Kirk and wife Diana of Lenox; eleven grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; a brother Jim and wife Rita of California; and a sister-in-law Luella Wilson of Mount Ayr; along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Jerry in death were his parents Cecil and Pearl, wife Hazel, brother Leland, and grandson Jeremy. Jerry's devotion to Hazel made the last few months difficult for him. May he be at peace holding her hand once again in God's loving care.