Margaret Ellen (Shipman) Wells

      Margaret Ellen (Shipman) Wells, 91 of Newton, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 7, at the Sully Community Church.  The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Memorials in Margaret’s name (checks to Tim Wells) may be left at the church the day of the service or at the funeral home.

      Margaret was born on February 23, 1935, to Roy Lewis and Opal Irene (Griggs) Shipman. She grew up in Bussey, where the values of family, hard work, and caring for others became an important part of the woman she would become.  Margert graduated from Eddyville High School. 

      Margaret first became a mother with the birth of her eldest son, Ronald Hynick.  On July 1, 1963, she was united in marriage to Harold Dawson Wells, Sr. in Lancaster, Missouri.  Through their marriage, Margaret welcomed Harold’s three children, Carlotta, Paulette, and Harold Wells, Jr. into her heart and family.  Together, Margaret and Harold later welcomed three sons, Timothy, Terry, and David, completing their beautiful blended family. 

      The family eventually made their home in Sully, where Margaret became a well-known and caring member of the community. 

      Throughout her life, Margaret was a dedicated and hardworking woman.  She worked for Continental Manufacturing in Oskaloosa for six years. She later worked as a cook for the Newton and Sully Community School Districts, as a housekeeper at the Ramada Inn, and for Pella Manufacturing for eight years.  Beyond her formal employment, Margaret spent countless years caring for family members and their children. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand when someone needed her.

     Margaret enjoyed attending Sully Community Church and treasured the fellowship she found there.  One of her greatest joys was cooking for others. Sundays often meant gathering around Margart’s table after church for a home-cooked meal.  Her door was open, and anyone who wanted to join was welcome. Those Sunday dinners became cherished memories for generations of family and friends.

      In her quieter moments, Margaret enjoyed playing bingo and working of puzzle books.  More than anything, however, she treasured the time she spent surrounded by the people she loved.

      Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Wells, Sr.; Harold’s parents; her half-brothers, Harley, Leroy, and Jack Shipman; half-sister, Helen Farnham; her sisters, Beaula Cameron, Doris Showman, and Darlene Briggs; her stepdaughter, Carlotta Kling; her sons, Ronald Hynick, Terry Wells, and David Wells; and a grandson, Chad Wells.

      Those left to honor and cherish Margaret’s memory include her son, Timothy E. Wells of Newton; stepson, Harold Wells, Jr. of Marshalltown; stepdaughter, Paulette (Brian) Korn of Dallas, Georgia; her grandchildren, Justin Wells, Lacie (Jeremy) Gragg, Cassandra (Larry) Goodwin, Nick (Sherry) Wells, Mike (Dana) Kling, Scott Kling, Teresa (“Shorty”) Norton, Larry Kling, Angela Massengale, and Teresa Adams; her sister, Nellie Winkleman; as well as many beloved great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

      Margaret’s life was one centered around family, faith, generosity, and caring for others. She will be remembered for the meals she lovingly prepared, the home and table she opened to others, the family she cared for, and the love she gave so freely throughout her 91 years.

      Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

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