Cleora Walls

Cleora Peterson Walls age 91 of Mondamin, Iowa passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Josie Harper Hospice in Omaha, Nebraska. Cleora was born September 13, 1926 in Safford, Arizona to Andrew and Mary Matilda (Allen) Peterson. She was the fourth of five daughters. Cleo graduated from Thatcher Public High School in 1943 and attended Arizona State Teacher’s College in Tempe, Az. At Thatcher High, Cleo was active in athletics: she played volleyball, captained the softball team, and cheered for three years. She worked on the school newspaper, as well, and enjoyed activities and events involving dance. Fortunately for Cleo, and for one young Air Force Pilot, her dancing opportunities did not end with high school. Cleo was with college friends at the Mezona in Mesa one evening when Lt. Billy D. Walls asked her to dance with him. One dance turned into several, several dances turned into dates, and dates turned into nearly 62 years of marriage.

Following their wedding on December 24, 1944, Cleo and Billy moved to Kirksville, Missouri, where Billy attended medical school. Billy completed his doctorate and they moved to Mondamin, Iowa. In Mondamin, Billy practiced medicine for 38 years. Together, they raised their three sons- Robert, Gary, and Jeff and enjoyed golfing, bowling, tennis, and traveling, including many fishing trips to Canada. Once Billy retired, they spent winters at the Sunflower park resort in Surprise, Arizona. Cleora became a full-time Sunflower resident after Billy’s passing in 2006. Cleo remained active, social, and spiritual throughout her life. Through the age of 91, she played in a bowling league, danced at celebrations, and proved a formidable opponent in Scrabble and various card games. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and dedicated member of the Latter Day Saints Church.

Cleora is preceded in death by her parents: Andrew and Mary Matilda Peterson, husband Billy D. Walls, and four sisters.

Survivors include; her sons Robert D. Walls and wife Debra of San Clemente, California, Dr. Gary Walls and wife Jennifer of Corona, California, and Dr. Jeffrey Walls and wife Lisa of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren: Nicole, Jaclyn, Alexander, Elizabeth, Brandon, and Michael Walls; great grandson Caleb Anger.

Visitation will be held on Friday, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials to the LDS Church.

The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship to the LDS Church after the committal Service.

In Loving Memory Of

Cleora Walls

Born

September 13, 1926                                Safford, Arizona

Entered Into Rest

March 17, 2018                                    Omaha, Nebraska

Funeral Service

10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Logan, Iowa

Officiating                               Bishop R. Adam Bendorf

Congregational

“How Great Thou Art”

“Amazing Grace”

Casket Bearers

Robert D. Walls                                        Dr. Gary Walls

Dr. Jeffrey Walls                               Dr. Alexander Walls

Matt Earlywine                                       Ethan Earlywine

Final Resting Place

Rose Hill Cemetery

Missouri Valley, Iowa

To Those I Love

And Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you have shown

But now it’s time I travel on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a little while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.

And if you listen with your heart you’ll hear

All of my love around you soft and dear.

And then, when you must come this way alone

I’ll greet you with a smile and say

“Welcome Home.”

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