Obituary of Cecelia Elizabeth Stratton

Cecelia Elizabeth Stratton, the daughter of Edward and Catherine E. (Donahoe) O'Neill, entered this world on November 21, 1932, in Iowa City, Iowa. She was surrounded by love and grew up to be a beacon of strength for her family. Cecelia's journey led her through the halls of Saint Patrick's Catholic High School in Iowa City, where she graduated in 1951.

In the sacred bonds of matrimony, Cecelia was united with her beloved husband, Keith K. Stratton, in Morse, Iowa on December 27th, 1952. Together, they embarked on a journey defined by unwavering dedication to each other and to their family. Cecelia found fulfillment in nurturing her family and supporting her husband throughout their shared life.

Professionally, Cecelia was proud of her time spent working at the Johnson County Courthouse, as an Avon representative, and in her roles at Berg Middle School. Cecelia was a devout member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, where her commitment to her faith was unwavering.

In her leisure time, Cecelia found immense joy in cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they participated in all their activities.

On Monday, May 27, 2024, Cecelia departed this world surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith. While she may have left this earthly realm, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who were touched by her kindness and grace.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her husband, Keith, on July 27, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a great-grandson, Charlie Stratton; a step-granddaughter, Amy Metzger; brothers, Patrick O'Neill, John O'Neill, & Jim O'Neill, and sisters, Mary Catherine Kinney, Anne O'Neill, Regina O'Neill, Ellen Craig and niece Katie O'Neill.

Those left to cherish Cecelia's memory include her children, Victoria (Greg) McLeod of The Villages, FL, Martin (Debbie) Stratton of Newton, IA, Sue Ellen (Jack) Metzger of Ankeny, IA, Laura (Len) Metzger of Collinsville, IL, Edward (Darla) Stratton of Ballwin, MO, Carmalita (Blair) Shipley of Newton, IA, her grandchildren, Andrew (Cindy) Stratton, Mark (Melissa) Stratton, Kari (Josh) Whitlow, Sara Stratton, Adam (Mary) Metzger, Peter (Amanda) Metzger, Lindsay (Matt) Delger, Alison (Adam) Bloom, Diane Metzger, Erin Stratton, Kelsey Stratton, Amanda (Ian) Barnes, Krysten Shipley, Taylor Shipley (Chet Adams), her 21 great-grandchildren, a brother, Vince O'Neill and sister-in-law, Sandra O'Neill and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation with the family will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorials may be designated to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or in her name (please make checks payable to Carmie Shipley) and may be left at the church or at Pence Reese Funeral Home.