Meda Elizabeth (Owens) Fulton

MEDA ELIZABETH (OWENS) FULTON

Washington

Meda Elizabeth (Owens) Fulton, of Washington, Iowa, formerly of Crawfordsville, Iowa, peacefully passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at the United Presbyterian Home.

Services are set for Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Family graveside service and interment of cremains of Meda and George will take place at 10 a.m. Celebration of Life services will be held at the United Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and visitation with family. Online condolences may be sent for Meda's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Washington Tree Committee.

Meda was born February 9, 1935, in rural Cotter, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Dorothy (Knott) Owens. Meda graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1952, and on July 13, 1952, Meda married the love of her life, George Fulton. In the early years of their marriage, George was in the US Army, and Meda joined him when he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where they established enduring friendships with other Army couples. George and Meda returned to the Fulton Farm in 1955, and lived a life of faith, family and unconditional love. They were devoted to each other until the end, celebrating 69 years of marriage last July.

Meda and George lived most of their adult lives in the Crawfordsville area. They welcomed their three children and raised them on the beloved family farm, in sight of the big red barn that remains a family landmark to this day. Meda worked with George on the farm, gardened, and was active in the neighborhood Braden Club, Wednesday Study Club, and American Legion Auxiliary. She gave back to the community in many ways, including the years she enjoyed volunteering at the University of Iowa Hospitals gift shop.

Upon moving to Washington in 1992, the Washington Tree Committee became a passion for the Fultons. Meda and George were honored as distinguished volunteers for their work with the committee. They were proud to have completed the Iowa Community Tree Steward program, and their mark remains in the trees they planted around Washington.

Meda made good use of every minute. She gardened, canned, and sewed her daughters' clothes -- even Barbie clothes! She worked with George on wood-working projects, refinished furniture, made many quilts, baby blankets, and wonderful craft projects, all of which continue to be treasured by four generations of Fultons.

A lover of good competition, Meda usually won a game of "Horse" in the driveway, played Bridge, 500 and other card games. Even in death, she remains the reigning family Scrabble champion. Meda had a silly streak -- she and George were truly made for each other! She was a clever gag-gift giver, practical joke planner, an expert with her Kazoo, and her laugh was infectious.

Meda is survived by children, Jackie (Wayne) Whitham of Pella, Iowa, Susan (Russ) Sanders of Clive, Iowa, and Rick (Annette) Fulton of Crawfordsville, Iowa; five grandchildren, Andy (Krista) Whitham of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Rob (Jill) Whitham of Shenandoah, Iowa, Eric (Danielle) Sanders of Reston, Virginia, Elizabeth Sarcone of Des Moines, Iowa, and Taylor (David) Yoder of Marysville, Ohio; and seven great grandchildren, with an eighth on the way. She is also survived by brother, Daryl (Pat) Owens of Washington; sister, Joyce Campbell of Cedar Falls; sister-in-law, Sharee Owens; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Meda was preceded in death by her husband, George, in November, 2021; her parents; siblings, Dean Owens, Wanita Zieglowsky and Marlan Owens; and George's sister and her husband, Joe and Maxine Martin.