Izola Pearl Sargent, 96, of Grand Island, died Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at Tiffany Square in Grand Island just four weeks shy of her 97th birthday.

Izola was born September 3, 1917 on a farm near Steele City in Jefferson County, NE to Harry and Pearl (Oswalt) Coons. In 1927 the family moved to Palisade, NE. She attended Steele City Schools for five and a half years. She graduated from Palisade Rural High School in 1934. From 1934 to 1936, she attended Kearney State College.

She was united in marriage to Gordon L. Sargent on September 22, 1936 at Smith Center, KS. The couple lived in Ord, Loup City, and then moved to Grand Island in 1942.Izola enjoyed working, she had several jobs, including production control clerk at the Cornhusker Ordinance Plant and manager of a rooming house. During this time Izola also completed businesses courses at the Grand Island Business School.In 1957, she graduated from Grand Island Beauty School with a cosmetology license. With that training, she went on to be a cosmetologist at Orchid Beauty Shop as well as Capitol Beauty Salon. Later on Izola became co-owner of Sar-Rob Beauty Salon and Sar-Rob College of Cosmetology. Later she worked for Senior Citizens Industries as the first coordinator for the chore service/handyman program. She was the Hall County Handi Bus coordinator until her retirement in 1996 at the age of 79.

After her retirement Izola continued to actively attend the Grand Generation Center as it was something she truly enjoyed.Izola also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and gardening. Another passion of Izola's was music, whether it be singing a song or playing the organ. In her spare time, she often volunteered to play the organ for the enjoyment of others. She was also active with VIPS and National Federation for the Blind.

Izola is survived by her son, Ed (Marlene) Sargent of Grand Island; eleven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon in 1986; two sons, Jack Sargent and Richard Sargent; sister, Nell Merkel; brother, Irvin Coons; and nephew, Donald Coons.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home. Pastor Darren Guthridge officating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Friday. Memorials are suggested to the Grand Generation Center.