Obituary of Beatrice Mrytle Walters

Beatrice M. "Bea" Walters, 96 lifetime resident of Iowa City died Thursday, November 29, 2012, at Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Coralville. Memorial services will be held 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 19th, 2012, at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City with a time of visitation half hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be made in Bea's name to the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. Beatrice M. Griffith was born June 16, 1916, in Iowa City the daughter of Webster and Ivia (Stahl) Griffith. She attended schools in Iowa City graduating from City High School in 1934, and later in 1938 from the University of Iowa with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. On June 4, 1939, she was united in marriage to Gerald R. "Jack" Walters, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. For many years she taught the third and fourth grades in the Iowa City Community School District, retiring in 1977. She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was active in UMW. Bea was a member of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Following retirement she became a member of the Embroidery Guild of America belonging to the Plum Grove Chapter, where she served as president, and secretary of the Heartland Regional Office. In her retirement she enjoyed learning many forms of stitchery, silver smithing and pottery; and especially enjoyed extensive travels with her husband, Jack, including a trip around the world! Her family includes her husband of over 73 years, Jack; daughter, Susan Walters of Longmont, CO; son-in-law, Bill Innanen of Columbia, MD; two grandchildren, Christopher Innanen (Jody) and their child, Cassie; and Stephanie Innanen Segall (Dan) and their child, Jax. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Donna Innanen; and a sister, Berta Meer.