Iva Lorraine Renfro, 88, died September 15, 2005 in Salem, Oregon. She was born December 23, 1916 in Hamlin, Texas to Hoyt B. Hamilton and Iva Mae Jones Hamilton. She was a longtime resident of Bay City, taught 3rd grade in the Bay City ISD for 30 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. In 1972 she was one of three chosen for Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America. She was a member of many church and civic organizations and educators organizations. Mrs. Renfro was quoted as saying, "The most important thing in my life is my Lord."

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy Kate Timmons and H. M. Timmons of Salem, Oregon and Patsy "Pat" Ann Vanderhorst and T. J. Vanderhorst of Annapolis, Maryland, by eight grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert H. Renfro and a brother, Edwin Hamilton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Chapel. Members or her family will officiate. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers include, Tim Timmons, Tom Vanderhorst, Capt. Tom Vanderhorst, Jr. USMC, Henry Colwell, Frank Baker, and Landa Schraub. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Association by calling 1-877-247-2426 or Hearts of Love, PO Box 702351, Dallas, TX 75370-2351. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.