Alberta Maxine Calvin (Miller) was born June 14, 1921 on a farm just north of the east Lenox lake, and passed away October 10, 2017. Her mother (Katherine “Kate”) and father (Frank) preceded her in death, as well as her husband (James) and twelve brothers and sisters (Edna, Margaret “Maggie”, Raymond “Mike”, Clyde, Harry, Frank, Homer, Alfred, Lyle “Pete”, Hazel, Lela, and Wilma).

Alberta graduated from Lenox High School in 1939, and was married to James “Speck” Calvin in 1944. Shortly after they were married, she traveled with Speck during WWII while he served in the Army at various locations across the country. Their son (Doug) was born in 1946. Except for the war years, she lived her entire life of 96 years in Lenox, Iowa.

Always active, Alberta was a member of the Lenox Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. One of her favorite activities was playing cards with her friends. Over the years, she was a member of several card-playing clubs. She also enjoyed her back yard garden and flowers, and visiting with friends over coffee at the Tiger Den.

Alberta was an avid sports fan, rarely missing a Hawkeye or Cubs game on television, plus supporting the local Lenox teams. Together with her sister Lela, they watched many Lenox High School baseball games from Lela’s back porch.

One of Alberta’s many interests was keeping track of people. She maintained a “family record book”, with names, addresses, birthdays for hundreds of family members. She was regularly asked to consult her record book to check on family connections. Having lived in Lenox for her entire life, she had an amazing ability to connect people with where they lived, who they married, and the names of their children.

Following Speck’s retirement as Lenox Postmaster, they spent many years during the winter months in south Texas. Their favorite activities while in Texas were playing golf and cards, traveling to Mexico, attending dances, and just being with their friends. During the summer, they also enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair. They worked at the Fair’s Administration Building where they greeted people and helped the Fair’s board members. Over their many years at the Fair, they created a strong family tradition. Following in the footsteps of Alberta and Speck, the entire family continues to attend the Fair, and use the family campsite.
Alberta is survived by her son (Doug) and his wife (Lynn), three grandchildren (Todd, Kristine and Mitchell), and five great grandchildren (Ryan, Bradley, Ashley, Richard and Deven). All will miss her greatly.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Alberta’s life. The date/time will be announced in the near future.

We will forever hold the precious memories of Alberta in our hearts.
May she be at peace in God’s loving care.