Elta Mae “Tooter” Castleberry, age 85, of Farley, IA, completed her earthly journey on December 30, 2023, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Elta’s life,  a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Elta’s family.

Elta was born on October 22, 1938, in Roosevelt, Texas, a daughter to Thomas J. and Beady M. (Perkins) McDonald.  She grew up with a strong work ethic, and even stronger character trait of speaking her mind clearly, and an unconditional love for others that never wavered.  Elta enjoyed her years of driving truck and made countless friends along the way.  When she wasn’t burning up miles on the road, you could easily catch Elta watching her birds enjoying the feeders, or catching up on another old western while getting comfortable in her favorite recliner.  Elta embraced life to the fullest and no adventure was ever to be ignored in her eyes.  We live this life once and to pass up on opportunities that presented themselves was really not a good option to participate in.  Elta lived the southern hospitality lifestyle vividly and never judged anyone who crossed her path.  Being a friend of hers was always going to be the eventual outcome as being a stranger was beyond rare.  Elta enjoyed spending her relaxing hours with her cats, K.P. and P.K., but they came in second only to her love and devotion for her family and friends.  We will miss Tooter more than words could accurately depict, but are forever grateful for the memories she leaves behind as well.  Thank you, Elta, for always being true to yourself and may the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.   

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Elta include,

her loving husband of 40 years,

Randy Joseph Scott, Farley, IA;

her two daughters,

Jacqueline Ann (Smith) Koch, Andrew, TX,

and Teresa Lane (Findley) Merritt, Odessa, TX;

her grandchildren,

Joseph Lee (Tammy) Merritt, Daniel Jay (Carla) Gollnick, Joshua Lynn Merritt, and Justin Cody Lindsey;

her great-grandchildren,

Joey Evan Merritt, Adam (Amara) Lindsey, Abigail Lindsey, Brendon Gollnick, Shyanne Gollnick, Khloe Merritt, and Matthew Gollnick;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Elta was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Donna Marie (Smith) Lindsey; and her siblings, Lawrence (Elizabeth) McDonald, Arlie (Shirley) McDonald, Freddie Charles McDonald, Cindy (D.L.) Brunson, Tenny McDonald, Jess McDonald, Clarence (Eula) McDonald, and Marvin (Bonnie) McDonald.

Elta’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Elta’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com