Viola M. Bolinger

Viola Mae Bolinger was the start of a long line of 12 children born to Rex and Austie Pearl (Spencer) Bolinger on Nov. 3, 1933, at home in Ringgold County. The first Bolinger children were born at home; then, beginning with the twins, the children were born in a hospital. So, if you ask the younger ones, Vi was the boss. Vi graduated from Clearfield High School in 1953.

Vi married Dwayne Wahl from Diagonal on March 4, 1954. They spent several years in Kansas where Dwayne worked for Boeing. They adopted Daniel Wayne Wahl while living there. Daniel was born March 22, 1963.

Dwayne was transferred by Boeing to Washington, where they lived in Bothell. When Dwayne retired, they made the decision to move back to Iowa to be closer to family. They bought an acreage south of Clearfield where they lived together through Dwayne’s death and her own.

She loved to collect owls, dolls and anything else that caught her eye. She was very independent and hated to give up being able to get in her car and go anytime she wanted to. One of the things she loved was being at family reunions with everyone.

We must not forget her music. Anytime she could, she her sister Doris would go to dances and jams in the area. She even has her brother Junior on tape, singing songs they liked. She and most of her brothers and sisters get their love of music from their mother.

Love of family was always a big thing in her heart. Before retirement, Vi and her family took many trips, usually to scenic areas. Pictures as well as film and slides are a true testament to her avid travels. Vi always told everyone that she never sleeps in the daytime, although we have the picture to prove she did.

Vi was a fan of flea markets. Shortly after moving to Clearfield, she and her husband were often making and selling items. She enjoyed making things of all sorts; making afghans, crocheting and quilting, were in her array of goodies.

Viola passed away May 22, 2026, at Clearview Home in Mount Ayr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Austie; her husband Dwayne and brothers: Junior, Robert (Doc), Lowell Dean and one of the twins, Clark.

She is survived by her son, Daniel, of Washington; aunt, Dorothy and family; sisters-in-law, Sandy Bolinger and family, Margie Keener and family, Lowell Dean Bolinger’s family, Robert (Doc’s) family, Floyd and Kay Bolinger and family, Doris Bolinger and family, Ron and Del Bolinger and family, Clark’s family, Dora Ray and family, Georgie Springer and family and Melvin and Sharon Bolinger and family; lots more family and friends.

Open visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 28, at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, with services beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, at the funeral home.

Casketbearers are Erron Bolinger, Chad Bolinger, Wade Bolinger, Virgil Bolinger, Taylor Ray and Alec Hinderson. Burial will follow in the Marshalltown Cemetery in Benton. Memorials are to the American Cancer Society. Casual attire is encouraged for the service.