Carmelite Staker

Carmelite Bice was born October 26, 1927 in Woodward, Iowa to Wayne and Zilpha Bice. She was the oldest of five children. She attended rural school in Peoples Township and High School at Woodward where she graduated as Salutatorian. In 1945, she was accepted into the United States Cadet Nursing Corp and, as a part of that program, attended Iowa Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. In 1948 she became a Registered Nurse. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa in 1973 and a Master of Arts in Management at the University of Phoenix, Arizona in 1983.

Carm married the love of her life, William Keith Staker, December 28, 1947. They lived on a century farm in Woodward, Iowa and to this union were born three children. They were blessed with over 61 years of marriage. Together they devoted much of their lives to family, church, community and country. One of the projects they worked on together, that was dearest to their heart, was the Prescott Valley Military Service Monument that was completed in 2012.

Following graduation from nursing, she worked in various healthcare facilities in Iowa and Arizona as a school nurse, educator, supervisor, and administrator. While in Woodward, Carm was very active in many community activities including 4-H leader, Order of the Eastern Star, Dallas County Home Health Agency, President of the Iowa Rural Electric Co-op Women's Organization and numerous others.

In 1979, Keith and Carm moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona for health reasons where she, once again, devoted much of her time to community betterment. She was a charter member of both the Prescott Valley United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 108. She served on many church committees, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. In the Auxiliary, she served as State President and was National Chaplain and also served on many national committees.

In 1981, Carm was elected to the Prescott Valley Town Council and in 1985, she served as mayor for two years. While serving the community in this capacity, she was employed at Yavapai Regional Medical Center and later Health Management Associates. Following retirement from nursing, she assisted in the formation of the volunteer department at YRMC. She volunteered in many other capacities including at the VA Medical Center, West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Board Member, YRMC Board Member, Yavapai County Board of Health Member, Humboldt Unified School District Board Member, Prescott Valley United Methodist Church Board Member, Girls’ State Staff Member, Kiwanis and Lions, just to name a few. Carm had a passion for serving young people of the community and was instrumental in creating a program for children in the Humboldt Unified School District called, "No More Hungry Kids."

In recent years, Carm resided in Perry Lutheran Homes at Spring Valley and Eden Acres where she remained active planning a style show, belonging to Lions Club and starting a food drive for the local food pantry. She was given the Leading Life Award from the LeadingAge Organization in honor of her efforts to improve quality of life for seniors. During her life, she received countless awards and recognition for her tireless service to others, but when asked what she was most proud of she said, “The title of Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma."

Carm was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her extended family members and friends.

Carm is survived by her children; Sandy, Julie (John) Kiley and Jay (Dea) Staker; grandchildren, J.B. (Erika) Kiley, Erin Kiley Rossow (Daniel), Jennifer (Sam) Schill, Megan (Josh) Stagg; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Courtney Kiley; Lucas, River, Audrey and Vivienne Rossow; Jack, Emelia and Benjamin Schill; Logan, Landon, Jonah and Kaelyn Stagg; brothers, Richard Bice and David (Mary) Bice and nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives.

Preceding Carm in death were her beloved husband, Keith; her parents; great-grandson, Noah Kiley; and two brothers, Harry and Lawrence Bice, and sisters-in-law, Carolyn, Helen and Lorrene Bice.

Her service will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the Woodward United Methodist Church. A lunch will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Inurnment will be performed later at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Carm, memorial contributions may be made to the family with the intention of giving to a scholarship to Bradshaw Mountain High School and the “No More Hungry Kids” Program in Prescott Valley, Arizona.