Iva Elisabeth Proudfoot was born on December 30, 1922 to Lewis and Rosa Proudfoot of Valley Township, Pennsylvania. Her father was an electrical engineer. Iva was the oldest of two children.  

Iva was well known in Coatesville and graduated from Scott Senior High School in 1941. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.  

Iva joined the Navy on June 15, 1942 as a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). She trained as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class. Her last duty assignment was to the Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. 

In December, 1944, Iva's parents received a letter stating that she was seriously ill. Her mother started preparations to go south to help take care of her daughter, but received a second telegram that her daughter had died of Pneumonia on December 12, 1944. 

Iva is buried at the Octorara Cemetery, in Parkesburg.   

Iva was awarded the Victory Medal for Active Duty service. 

Iva's brother, Lewis H. Proudfoot Jr. served in the Navy in World War II. Her nephew, Lewis H. Proudfoot III, gave his live as a Marine in Vietnam. 

Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC