In Memory of Ora L. Scales

Ora L. Scales, age 74, of Ida Grove, Iowa, formerly of Mississippi passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2015 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home, of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Reverend Richard A. Salcido will officiate. Committal Services will follow at the Ida Grove Cemetery, of Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.  The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com 

Ora L. Scales was born on January 27, 1941, to Emma (Brantley) and step father Rev. Joseph Simpson in Philadelphia, Mississippi. She was baptized into her faith at St. James Baptist Church of Gulfport, Mississippi. Ora attended the school for the deaf in Jackson, Mississippi.

On June 28, 1963, Ora was united into marriage to Billy John Scales at the St. James Baptist Church of Gulfport, Mississippi. The couple made their home in Gulfport and were blessed with three sons, Obbie, Issac, and John.

Ora was strong in her belief and faith in her Lord and liked volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes in her younger years. She will be remembered as an outgoing, loving, helpful and caring mother to her three sons. A pioneer to others in the hearing impaired community, and a phenomenal cook with favorites being: red beans and rice, seafood, collard greens, fried chicken, crackling’ corn bread, and her delectable and awesome pecan pie.

Ora especially enjoyed spending time and spoiling her grandchildren, traveling, going fishing, taking walks, and going to the casino which was a favorite time for her and her sisters.

She was loved by all that knew her and will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Obbie (Peggy) Scales of Gulfport, Mississippi, Issac Scales (special friend Roxie Alexander) of Ida Grove, Iowa, John (Angela) Scales of Ida Grove, Iowa; ten grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; brothers, Walter Brantley of Virginia and Thurman Brantley of Mississippi; sisters, Ella Sullivan of Florida and Ollie Dennis of Mississippi; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Ora was preceded in death by her parents, Emma (Brantley) and Rev. Joseph Simpson, and husband, Billy John Scales.