Elda Way

Services: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 10:30 AM- United Christian and Baptist Church, Hwy 22 and 4th St., Kalona, IA Visitation: Wednesday, Jan 14, 3-7 pm at Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona Memorial Fund for United Christian and Baptist Church, Kalona Historical Society or Iowa City Hospice. Burial-Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona Casket Bearers: Bryan Fry, David Fry, Don Hartzler, Chris Hartzler, Duane Mast, Keith Troyer. Honorary Casket Bearers: Steve Reif, Don O. Miller, Earl Fry, Arlo Fry, Chuck Houdesheldt, Tracy Anderson, Dean Miller. Elda G Bigelow Way was born north of Wellman in Iowa County on August 5, 1916. She passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at the age of 92 years. She was the daughter of Harry and Gertrude (Fry) Bigelow. Elda graduated from Kalona High School with honors, in 1934. Elda and Eugene Way were married on October 5, 1934, in Des Moines. Elda was a very active member of the Kalona community. She was a member of the United Christian and Baptist Church, Kalona Alpha Study Club, ABC Club, over 60 year member of Rebekah Lodge, member of Kalona Historical Society from it's formation, and had served on the Kalona City Council(1974-1976) and as Mayor for one year. Elda had many interests: she and Eugene organized and served as coordinators of the Kalona Food Pantry, she enjoyed fishing in Lake McBride, loved to cook, playing bridge, attended home Iowa Women's Basketball, accompanied many Bell Choir trips and helping people. Elda was manager of the Eclipse Lumber Yard, correspondent for Kalona News, Gazette, Iowa City Press Citizen, Washington Journal, KCII and KXIC, and retired after 40 years with the Kalona Savings Bank (now Hills Bank & Trust) as assistant Vice-President. Surviving her are her sister-in-law, Rose Bigelow of Kamas UT, three nephews and one niece, Ron Bigelow of Kansas City, MO, James Bigelow of Murray, UT, Kip Bigelow of Kamas, UT, and Jana Bills of Kamas, UT. Also surviving are 18 great newphews and nieces, a number of great-great newphews and nieces and a special couple, Judy and Chuck Houdsheldt of Blue Grass and a cousin and wife Earl and Norma Fry, faithfull caregivers. Preceding Elda in death were her parents, her husband Eugene(June 16, 2006) her brother, John Bigelow (1991) and two nephews. Elda's family extends their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown Elda during her illness and at this time of their loss. God bless each of you.