Marietta Ann Shivvers Carr was born December 18, 1926. She was the daughter of Levi Charles “John” Shivvers and Laura Vera (Hollowell) Shivvers. Marietta was raised on her family farm, Fair Acres, near Knoxville, Iowa. She graduated from Pleasantville High School and attended a two-year Colorado Women’s College before receiving her BA from the University of Denver. Following graduation, Marietta worked for an attorney in Denver and later for Frontier Airlines.
Marietta was united in marriage to Thomas Austin Carr December 29, 1954. Tom was in the Air Force and the couple lived in many places. They started for a short time in Aurora, Colorado, then 5 years in Lowery AFB in Denver, a year in Schilling AFB in Salina, Kansas, 2 years in Forbes AFB in Topeka, 4 years in Barksdale AFB in Louisiana and finally to Spangdahlem AFB in Germany.
Marietta was a skilled seamstress and won prizes in the "Make it Yourself with Wool" contest during her years in Kansas. In 1963, she commuted to Iowa as secretary to her mother, Vera Shivvers, who served in the Iowa State Senate. In 1968, her husband, Tom, died and Marietta returned to Iowa and lived with her mother.
In 1970, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was an office manager for Dr. Tom Downing. She greatly enjoyed her years in Albuquerque, connecting with many friends, volunteering in the library of St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, caring for the Hall family, and spending much of her time serving the animals at the Albuquerque Zoo. In 2009, Marietta moved to Seattle to be near her daughter, Melissa. In May of 2014 she returned to Iowa near her family farm, her sisters, and son, Craig.
Marietta passed away on Monday, July 13, 2015 at Vintage Hills in Indianola at the age of 88 years.
Marietta loved everything about life. She was graceful, poised, and respected. She cherished the memories of her husband, adored her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, traveled to faraway places, served politically, honored her parents memory and the farm they built, remained conscientious about the environment, touched the lives of many women, faithfully followed the Episcopal Church, and had an indescribable love for animals especially cats. She was beyond thoughtful. She never missed an opportunity to send a card and share in all the celebrated events of her family and friends. While she will be missed by so many, the honor and gift of knowing her will never leave. Her memories and her love will remain imprinted on our hearts forever.
Marietta was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter-in-law. Those left to cherish Marietta’s memory include her daughter, Melissa Carr-Buswell; son-in-law, Caben Buswell; her son, Craig Carr; daughter-in-law, Judy Carr; sisters, Martha Skillman; Charlotte "Janie" Shivvers; brother-in-law, Robert Baker; grandchildren, Maia Elena Buswell; Marietta "Niki" Carr; John "Tommy" Carr; Tim Mount; Jodie Carr-Hutson and her husband, Justin Hutson; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Hutson; Meagan Hutson; Randall Brooks; Riley Brooks; nieces and nephews, Gil Brown; Steve Brown; John Skillman; Helen Graham; Kim Baker and many other beloved family members and friends.
Marietta was cremated and a memorial service will be held at Fairview Christian Church on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Lincoln Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion County Humane Society or to Planned Parenthood. Bybee & Davis Funeral Home is handling arrangements.