FLORENCE MAE NYSWONGER ZIMMERMAN Indianola Services for Florence Mae Zimmerman, 98, who passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012 will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, December 30 at the First Assembly of God Church in Indianola. Visitation will be held prior to services from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the church. Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Florence Mae was born April 23, 1914 to James Clark and Tessa Ann (Smith) Nyswonger and raised on the family's farmstead near Liberty Center. At age 8, Florence invited Christ into her heart at a revival at the Methodist Church in Liberty Center and continued serving the Lord at Christian Neck Church. Florence attended Round Top Rural School and Liberty High School, graduating from Chariton High School when her family moved there after purchasing a caramel corn shop her senior year. Marrying Lawrence Noel Zimmerman February 27, 1933 in Bethany, MO; the couple resided in Lucas County until 1935 when they moved to Warren County to work on a farm, later residing at their home on Kenwood. Together, they raised five boys and one girl. In 1948, she and Lawrence chartered the Indianola First Assembly of God Church in their home. Florence honorably cared for her family by raising chickens, sewing, cooking, gardening and canning up to 400 quarts each harvest. In 1970, she was recognized as "Mother of the Year" by her church family. After her children were raised, she joined Lawrence as a custodial team for the Indianola Schools and later at their church, First Assembly of God. Upon retirement, they enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing. Married 63 years, their love, friendship, humor and kind nature inspired many. Whether teaching toddlers or teenagers in Sunday school, taking a tape recorder to the nursing home for worship, or housing ministers, missionaries or singers in her home, Florence loved serving the Lord. She was a pastor's friend and a woman of prayer. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Cora Puderbaugh, brothers Clifford and Gerald Nyswonger, husband Lawrence and son LaVerne. She is survived by her children, Lyle (Ruthie) of Ottumwa, Don (Sue) and Ken (Marj) of Indianola, Ron (Debbie) of Treynor and Sherry (Rev. Greg) Marlow of Coldwater, KS; 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren all of which she prayed for each morning by name. That prayer covering was felt and appreciated. Memorials contributions may be given to the First Assembly of God Church.