Olive May Harris Walter

WALTER, HARRIS, WIRTH, LILLIE, FAGERROOS

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 9/10/2014 at 11:32:36

Olive May Harris, 93, Indianola, was born to Robert Ralph Harris and Elzora Viora Wirth on May 4, 1904 in Villisca, Montgomery, Iowa. She died December 28, 1997 at the Westview Care Center in Indianola, Warren, Iowa.
She attended school in Villisca.
She was married to William Alexander Walter at Conway, Iowa on July 20, 1927. They lived on the farm until 1943 when they moved to Brooks because of his health. After his death in 1948, she continued to manage the farm.
Mrs. Walter taught in the Methodist Grove School for several years and held the Youth Fellowship classes at her home, organizing picnics and parties for the group.
In 1952 she was married to John Rufus Lillie and they lived on the Walter farm.
She was an avid reader and interested in history, was active in the History Club, BPW, and Garden Club and spent much time working in her yard.
In the 1980's, Mrs. Walter began teaching adult education in knitting and crocheting through Southwestern Community College. She also devoted many hours to the Adams County History Book and histories of area cemeteries.
While spending Thanksgiving in California in 1984, she suffered a stroke and was hospitalized and later transferred to the Indianola Care Center where she spent the remaining 13 years of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sister Rose Stalder and brother Merion Harris.
Survivors include her son, Bill (wife Carolene) Walter, Indianola, daughter Annis (Husband Victor) Fagerroos, Kaneohe, Hawaii, and three grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Services were held December 30, at the Coen-Beaty Funeral Home in Corning with the Reverend John Keizer officiating. Burial in the Methodist Grove Cemetery, Adams County, south of Brooks.
Memorials are to the Brooks Community Hall.
Adams County Free Press, January 1, 1998, page 2