Obituary of Leola Harms

Leola Gertrude (Schultz) Harms, the daughter of Fred M. and Emma (Philiph) Schultz was born near Melvin, IA, on April 14, 1920. She grew up in the Baker Township area, and graduated from Melvin High School in 1938. Leola who was commonly referred to by close friends and relatives as “Toots” first met John Harms when he was dropping off a younger brother at the same confirmation class attended by Leola. Five years later, on December 18, 1939, the two were married. Leola and John farmed together for 40 years-mostly in the Melvin and May City area. They were blessed with three children, Curtis, Barbara and Doug. The couple retired from farming in 1979 and moved to a new home in May City. In 1980 John was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 1981. Leola was active in church activities, enjoyed gardening, flowers, knitting, crocheting and quilting. She will be affectionately remembered by all of her grandchildren for many reasons including the homemade quilts and endless supply of yummy cookies - all made with a very large measure of love. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and was a long-time Ladies Aid member and church supporter. She passed away at the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, IA, on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the age of 90. Those left to cherish her memory are: daughter, Barbara (Dean) Christiansen of Alta, IA, son, Douglas (Sharen) Harms of Larchwood, IA, daughter-in-law, Mary Harms of Mitchell, SD; 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Donnenwerth of May City, and Ardyce Winter of Owatonna, MN; other relatives and friends. Leola was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John, son, Curtis Harms, son-in-law, Dennis Aljets, and two great-grandchildren, Kallie Aljets and Taylor Harms. A Celebration of Life Leola G. Harms Born ~ April 14, 1920 Died ~ December 9, 2010 Age ~ 90 years 7 months 23 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2010 St. John’s Lutheran Church May City, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Paul Johnson Organist ~ Luella Heilman Congregational Singing “Abide With Me” #878 “Amazing Grace” # 744 “Joy to the World” # 387 Scripture Readers Rev. Paul Johnson ~ Psalm 23 Courtney Harms ~ Isaiah 43: 1 - 3 Kirsten Aljets ~ John 14: 1 - 4 Pallbearers Kevin Harms Troy Aljets Tony Harms Eric Harms Kristie Kruckman Kim Arbaugh Trisha Douglas Heidi Blom Honorary Pallberars Randi Weaver Tracy Harris Interment Harrison Township Cemetery May City, Iowa