Obituaries : Elma E. Geater

VINTON: Elma E. Geater, 89, passed into the gracious realms of Eternity December 25, 2016 at the Vinton Lutheran Home. Visitation will be held at Phillips Funeral Home, 212 E. 6th St. in Vinton on Wednesday, December 28th from 4 to 8 p.m.. Interment will be held at a later date. A Memorial Fund has been established to the Iowa National Heritage Foundation. Miss Geater was born in Benton County to Earl and Myrtle (Ralston) Geater on March 30, 1927. Many happy days were spent on the farm of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Geater where Elma developed a strong interest in agriculture, nature and outdoor activities. She attended Taylor #3 rural school and graduated from Vinton's Lincoln High School in 1945. Her family moved to Vinton in 1946 and Elma was employed at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids. In 1952 she relocated to Duluth, MN, then out to California in 1955 continuing employment in the electronics field while also exploring many points of interest in the West. After returning to Iowa in 1967 she eventually became self employed in organic gardening nd furniture restoration. Elma was also employed as head Grounds Keeper for the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton. Elma enjoyed art, reading and travel and supported several charities related to environmental issues Surviving is one sister, Susan Kay Strohecker of Independence; sister-in-law, Eloise Geater; several nieces and nephews and their families also remain; and special friends Dennis and Roxanne Higgins. Also surviving is her much appreciated companion of 53 years, Eleanor DeSilva. Elma was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Myrtle Geater; and brothers, Duane and James Geater.