Serilda Block

Serilda Louise Block was born on November 21, 1938, in Exeter, California, to Fredrick Cleo and Loraine K. (Ogle) Swindell.

Serilda married C.W. “Sonny” Ball Jr., and they were blessed with one daughter, Shelly Lynn Ball. After their separation, she met Robert J. Block, whom she lovingly called “My Bobby Joe.” Together, they created a beautiful blended family with two stepdaughters, Tonya Ruth and Dawn Lillian. Serilda and Bobby decided to move to Iowa to be closer to his family after Serilda visited and fell in love with the state.

Although Bobby later wanted to return to California, Serilda, with her strong will, told him, “You’re going on your own, I’m not leaving.” So, the couple made their home in Iowa. In 2014, Bobby was called home to the Lord, leaving Serilda to continue living with the memories of their life together.

Serilda was a woman of strength, hard work, and determination. She always had what she needed in life and had a deep appreciation for the good in people. Her love for animals, her unwavering faith in God, and her zest for life were evident to all who knew her. Serilda served on the Dow City Council.

Serilda passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at her home at the age of 86 years and 19 days. Serilda was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert “Bobby” Block.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelly Sandlin of Ida Grove; stepdaughters: Tonya (Ben) Bojorquez and Dawn (Tony) Anderson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Curtis Swindell; sister, Fern VanLaningham; brothers-in-law: Francis (Treva) Block and Randy Block; sisters-in-law: Nancy (John) Wegner, Connie Carter, Sue Flegler, Karen (Gary) Hermeyer and Deb Swift. 

Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Dow City Cemetery, next to her husband Bobby. A celebration of life reception will follow with coffee and desserts at Community of Christ Church in Dow City.