LANESA WEBBER

Resides: Rural Marshalltown

Hometown: I consider Marshalltown my home town. I can not remember living anywhere else.

FAMILY LIFE

Family: My parents, who reside locally. Dan Webber is my husband of 20-plus years. Together, we have 10 children, some were foster children. As foster parents, we have raised approximately 50 children. It has been gratifying to watch many of them grow up to be confident and skilled adults. I have lost track of grandchildren … at last count it was about 20. We have one great-grandchild.

Pets: A big, white cockatoo who is really loud and “mouthy.”

Hobbies and interests: My store, Create-A Keepsake on West Main Street, is my hobby. I can come in and paint ceramics or fuse glass, just like customers. I don’t need another hobby.

WORK

Occupation: I have been owner-operator of Create-A-Keepsake since June, 2007. Previously, I worked at Security Bank (now Great Western) the local Credit Bureau, and was a credit card representative.

Best part of work or occupation: I enjoy offering a place where folks, regardless of ability, are free to express their creativity. We serve a wide variety of customers. Watching them paint ceramics, or fuse glass, inspires and motivates me. We have a lot of fun.

FAVORITES

Books. I have favorite authors, with James Patterson number one. I like authors writing a series with the same characters. One can open a book and it is like re-connecting with an old friend. Patterson writes a variety of books, from romance to thrillers to children’s titles, which makes his writing interesting to me.

Foods: I do eat a lot of fare from neighboring restaurants. It is convenient since I work downtown.

Movies: “Jesus Christ, Superstar” and “The Sound of Music.” Musicals are my top favorites. I like “oldies” on the radio and will sing along.

Sports: When our children were younger, we enjoyed watching them play softball and other sports. Now, I support our state teams — University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Iowa.

COMMUNITY

Best part of living here: The people. And I get upset when I hear people criticizing Marshalltown for one reason or another, because it has been home to me since I was two years old. It has been home to brothers and sisters too. However, some had to move because of employment.

Most influential people: My mother. She has always been a strong woman and a woman of faith. From working to volunteering … she has always given of herself. Someday, I hope my daughters think of me that way.

Local involvement: It is challenging to get involved since I am a owner-operator. However, I try to be generous by donating to fundraisers. And, I have let various not-for-profit groups sponsor Halloween and other parties in store.

Advice on life: I try to be friendly, and I strive to be nice to everyone. Hopefully, they will pass those virtues on or “pay it forward.”

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15 Minutes is a Saturday feature about Central Iowans. The question and answer format lends itself be completed or read in 15 minutes or less. To submit a name for consideration, or to participate, contact Times-Republican Staff and Features Reporter Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com.