Ora Lea Doris Watrous

Ora Lea "Bobbie" Watrous, our much loved mother, grandmother and aunt, passed away peacefully at her home in Coon Rapids, Iowa on Wednesday, October 29, 2014. Ora Lea (Walburn) Watrous was born February 4, 1923 in Guthrie County, Iowa. She was the second of four daughters born to Clarence and Nora Walburn. Ora Lea attended school in Guthrie County, where she later taught school for five years. She was united in marriage with Lyle L. Watrous on September 21, 1946 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. They made their home in Coon Rapids where they raised four daughters. They farmed east of Coon Rapids for many years until retirement. Ora Lea also worked for Garst and Thomas for many years during detasseling and harvest season and she was a volunteer for New Hope Village Store in Coon Rapids. Ora Lea took great pride and enjoyment in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling to many places throughout the United States. Her love for the outdoors gave her much enjoyment in gardening and taking care of her yard. Quilting, puzzles and reading books were some of her passions along with history and genealogy. Her greatest passion was for the Iowa State Cyclones Team, as she was an avid fan. Whether she attended the game or watched it on TV, she never missed a game. Ora Lea is survived by her daughters: Joan (Neil) Rucksdashel of St. Petersburg, FL; Jane Moncus of Kyle, TX; and Sue (Don) Spencer of Ames, IA; Special nieces and nephew, Lyn Swing and Kristin Hansen of Coon Rapids, IA; John and Donna Walburn of Villa Grove IL; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ora Lea was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lyle Watrous in 2002; daughter Jeri Jean Watrous; grandson Brad Lewis; nephew Mike Scotland; three siblings: Liz Sloss; Mary Scotland and Jean Swing. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.