Florence Rachel Willis Waltman

Florence Rachel Willis Waltman passed away January 31, 2013. 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. She wed William “Bill” Waltman in Chicago 1943. The couple raised four sons.With degrees in secondary education from the University of Northern Iowa and Colorado State University, Florence began her career in education in Iowa, but spent the next 20 years working in Fountain, Colorado at Fountain-Fort Carson Schools before retiring. In retirement, Florence and Bill settled in Canon City and enjoyed traveling. Florence was also active late in life in the community, particularly at Canon City’s St. Michael’s Parish. She also served as a volunteer counselor in a community program for teens.Florence is survived by her four sons: William (Elsa), San Antonio, Texas; James (Phyllis), Canon City, Colo; John “Larry” (Jean), Tecumseh, Mich; and Robert (Lynn), Greeley, Colo. and nine grandchildren as well as a wide circle of friends.Recitation of the Rosary was at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Wilson Funeral Home at 1449 South 9th St. in Canon City. Funeral mass is to be celebrated at 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Canon City. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Canon City, Colo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fremont County Humane Society, 110 Rhodes Ave., Canon City, Colo., 81212.Arrangements were handled through Wilson Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.wilsonfuneralhome.org.