Emma Pearl Whitlock, 87, of Indianola, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Emma was born November 30, 1937, in Hiteman, Iowa, to Joseph and Audria (Sevedge) Silverio.   Emma graduated from Albia High School where she met her husband, Robert.  They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on June 2.  After moving for the U.S. Navy, they settled in Indianola and were in their home on South Howard Street for over 60 years.

Emma was very active in the community including serving as president for the Lioness Club, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and served on several committees as a member of the First United Methodist Church.  She started a new hobby after she won her first baking competition for best pie in the Albia Restoration Days in 1990.  For the next 25 years, she entered many baking contests, most notably at the Iowa State Fair where she gained a reputation for her many ribbons and awards.

Her most rewarding accomplishment was raising three children and being a homemaker.   Her cooking and baking became a staple in family traditions, especially for each holiday season.  Her garden and flowers were bountiful and beautiful, always. She was a loving grandma who filled her days sewing doll clothes or teaching her love of baking.  She didn't miss a dance recital, ball game or any event for family and friends.  After Bob's retirement, they enjoyed time every winter in Florida to be close to their daughter Chris and grandchildren.  Other adventures were either on their pontoon or just driving to an antique store hunting for the next special treasure.  Her extended family was very important to her as they attended as many weddings and graduations as they could.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Fannie Ewing (and husband Bill), Marie Bay (and husband Bob) and brother, Jim Silverio.

Emma will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband, Bob; her children Douglas (Susan) Whitlock of Indianola, Christina Monahan of Pensacola, FL and Penelope (Doug) Kumm of Johnston.  Also, seven grandchildren, Kelsey (Adam) Sullivan of Des Moines, Tyler Kumm of West Des Moines, Riley Monahan, Brady Monahan and Jordan Monahan (Richie Harper) of Kansas City, Allyson (Matt) Monahan-Hall of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Andrea (James) Camp of Norwalk.  Four great-grandchildren, Roman, Rory and Remy Sullivan; Lily Camp and her nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 11a.m., Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Indianola First United Methodist Church with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to service at the church. Memorials in memory of Emma may be given to Indianola First United Methodist Church.