Enid E. Mortland, 97, of Mt. Pleasant, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Sunrise Terrace Nursing Home in Winfield, Iowa. The middle child of Howard and Christena Marion Boughton, she was born on November 18, 1925. Enid grew up in the depression, always ambitious, she learned the valuable trait of being resourceful with little means at a young age…..planting a garden, raising and dressing chickens and sewing her own clothes, on the family farm in New Sharon, Iowa. Fresh food was always plentiful. In 1943 she graduated high school and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Mortland on September 12, 1943. They farmed until Bill was called to serve in WWII in 1945 – He came home in 1947 to meet their two year old son, William Lee. Two more children followed; Carma Sue and Shirley Lou. Life was happy for them. She and Bill enjoyed square dancing and ballroom dancing. In 1961 Bill took a job and the family moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Missing her farming roots Enid embarked on a hobby of baking and decorating cakes … that hobby turned into a successful in home business…..and she became, affectionately, known in the area as the “Cake Lady”. From Baby, Birthday, Graduation, Wedding and some she always told “don’t tell them where you got this” ……she would tackle every imaginable theme the customer wanted. She also babysat in her home for precious children; Jerry Kerr, Angie Ross, Brenda & Duane Brown.
In 1982 she took a job at the New London Schools managing their Hot Lunch Program and the team soon became known for tasty nutritious meals under her direction for the student body and teachers too. At age 70 she tried to retire but soon found she still wanted to “stir her spoon” and began cooking at the Van Vorhies Haus. She again became known for her delicious meals and the pretty presentation she made for each plate. At the age of 91 she finally “really” retired.
She was a 39 year Breast Cancer survivor. A fierce advocate for mammography, she would frequently say “get your boobies checked, girls”!!!
Enid was widowed in 1984 and after maneuvering her way through grief she found another “dance partner” in Ole Olson. They spent most Friday and Saturday nights dancing at The Moose in Burlington. Life got more challenging as they aged and Ole passed away in 2022 … Enid’s heart hurt losing her faithful dance partner. The past few months she spent a lot of time reflecting and “looking out the window” of her life.
Enid is predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents; a brother Merle; a son William Lee (Billy); grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brandt, & Brian Reiss; son-in-law, George Reiss, and dance partner Ole Olson.
She is survived by daughters, Carma Reiss of Van Horne and Shirley (Ben) Flam of New London; grandchildren, Robin (Jill) Daniel, Sarah (Corey) Finn, Heather (Shane) Mell; great-grandchildren, Allison, Quinn, Braden and Parker; great-great grandchildren, Natalie, Declan, Landry & Peyton; one sister, Lois (Leroy) Hurst, Oskaloosa, Iowa; nieces, Chris, Cindy and Becky; and her best friend from high school, Loretta Caves.
A memorial has been established for the Culinary Arts Department at Mt. Pleasant High School. Donations may be made (for tax deduction) to The Mt. Pleasant Community School Foundation and designated for Culinary Arts.
Per her wishes she will be cremated with a celebration of life at a later date.
Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.