- Date Of Birth: February 9, 1917
- Date Of Death: January 31, 2013
- State: Colorado
Florence Rachel Willis Waltman passed away January 31, 2013 in the company of her family. She was born February 9, 1917 to Earl and Mabel (Martin) Willis in Riceville, Iowa. She graduated from Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1935 and soon moved to work in Chicago. There she met William Waltman, the love of her life, whom she married in 1943. The next 56 years she devoted to him and to their four sons. Florence’s and Bill’s careers took them to Iowa, where Florence graduated with a degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa. She later earned a master’s degree from Colorado State University. While Florence’s career in education began in Iowa, she worked for more than 20 years as a teacher and counselor at Fountain-Fort Carson Schools in Fountain, Colorado. In retirement, Florence and Bill settled in Canon City. They enjoyed traveling to the American West, often in their Harley and side car. Their last project was building their dream home overlooking Canon City and the mountains. When Bill died in 1999, Florence acquired Mack, her beloved “Schnoodle” dog, and began a new phase of life, including an increased involvement in the community, particularly at Canon City’s St. Michael’s Parish. A devout Catholic, she found a welcome home in this parish. At St. Michael’s she was able to pursue her love of sewing with the parish sewing group. She also served as a volunteer counselor in a community program for teens. Florence, a gentle soul with a strong (sometimes stubborn) core, enjoyed a wide circle of friends, and she will be missed. Florence is survived by her four sons: William (Elsa), San Antonio, TX; James (Phyllis), Canon City, CO; John “Larry” (Jean), Tecumseh, MI; and Robert (Lynn), Greeley, CO; and nine grandchildren; and Mack.
