ARCHIVE

Two Marion women find pleasure in sewing for others

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Lois Weber, 79, and Frances Kreutziger, 84, have been seamstresses all their lives, both for their families and Weber as a profession.

In more recent years, as members of St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary, they have spent countless hours of volunteer labor to produce items of necessity for residents of longterm care facilities.

These include lap robes, bibs, small bags for holding oxygen tubes, and wheelchair pockets, all in many colors and designs.

Beginning about five years ago, they began devoting full-time to their volunteer efforts. The items they produce are distributed to St. Luke Living Center, Ft. Dodge Soldiers Home, Marion Manor, Marion Assisted Living, and Legacy Park at Peabody.

Each woman works in her own home but they work together to collect and distribute the items.

"I make the bibs, and Lois puts on the snaps," Frances said.

Last year, they made at least 1,000 bibs. They estimated spending about 1,500 hours on their sewing projects. On Tuesday, they were preparing to deliver another 355 bibs and other items.

"We distribute them when we run out of storage space," Frances said.

About two years ago, when the public became aware of what they were doing, the women began receiving donations of large boxes of material from throughout the area. Some donated thread and snaps, others donated money.

This kept them busy, but now Lois and Frances are wanting to take it a little slower. They're getting older, and their health isn't as good as it used to be.

"I'm trying to use up some of the scraps now," Frances said.

They still accept donations of material but prefer smaller quantities.

Lois' arms and shoulders give her trouble, so she doesn't expect to do much sewing anymore.

"I'll miss doing all of this," Lois said. "It's been a joy. We work well together. It's a good pastime for us since we lost our husbands. And we're helping people. Seeing the smiles on people's faces is overwhelming. It brightens their day."

Lois spends much time embroidering tea-towels for St. Luke Hospital, Marion Senior Center, and the VFW country store. She plans to continue. She also likes to read.

Frances likes to go on bus trips and spend time at family gatherings. She also enjoys reading and doing crossword puzzles and word searches.

The two will continue to do what they can for others, but they hope someone else out there will take up the cause and fill the need.

Quantcast