Ona Fara

Ona Dean Voss was born on April 13, 1931, on the family farm in rural Plymouth County, Iowa, to Arthur and Bertha (Renken) Voss. She had one sibling, her older brother, Varold. She attended country school and graduated from Le Mars High School in 1949. After graduation, Ona enrolled in nursing training at Lutheran Hospital, where she earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree in 1952.

Three years after graduating, she reunited with a former country school classmate with whom she had once shared a desk. His name was Orland Fara. Ona and Orland were united in marriage on August 28, 1955, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars.

Ona and Orland soon became the proud parents of three sons: Dean, Alan, and Michael. Ona worked for many years as a surgical nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Sioux City and later in the nursery at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. In September 1966, Orland and Ona moved to Manning, Iowa, where they purchased the Manning Mill. Ona continued her nursing career at Manning Hospital until 1974, when she left nursing to join Orland in operating the Manning Agricultural Center. Together, they proudly served the area for more than 40 years before retiring in 2007.

When they weren't busy at the Manning Agricultural Center, Ona and Orland enjoyed traveling to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Black Hills, as well as attending the Iowa State Fair for many years.

Ona was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Manning, where she served on committees including United Presbyterian Women (UPW), Ruth Circle, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She also enjoyed preparing meals for funeral luncheons at the church. She was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. Ona was an avid seamstress throughout her life, using her talents to help others by sewing pillowcase dresses and blankets for the Head Start program, as well as many quilts for RSVP.

Ona's greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family, especially her grandchildren. They fondly remember the countless "girls' nights" and "boys' nights" she hosted at her home, where they would spend the night together making special memories. Another favorite tradition was going birthday shopping with Grandma Ona each year to celebrate their birthdays. She was also well known for making what her family lovingly called the world's best potato salad, which was always a favorite at family gatherings.

Because nursing came so naturally to Ona, she lovingly cared for her mother as her health declined and later devoted herself to caring for Orland until he could no longer remain at home.

Ona passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, having attained the age of 95 years, three months, and six days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orland; her son, Dean; her brother and sister-in-law, Varold and Lois (Frerichs) Voss; and her parents, Arthur and Bertha (Renken) Voss.

Ona is survived by her son, Alan Fara (Laura) of Manning; her son, Michael Fara (Kathy) of Irwin; her daughter-in-law, Dr. Kim Fara (Rev. John Pea) of Boone; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many dear friends.

Visitation with the family greeting friends will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Manning. Burial will be held in the Manning Cemetery.