Louise Silver
September 25, 2013
Louise Silver, 95, passed away September 25, 2013, in Des Moines. She was born March 23, 1918, on a farm near Ankeny, the daughter of Foster and Blanche (Strain) Webb.
Louise spent the first 8 years of her education at Yoder country school, located one mile east of the family farm. Grades 9-10, were completed at Woodside and then completed grades 11-12 at East High School where she graduated in 1934. She attended Drake University for one year and began teaching in a one room rural school in Dallas County at the age of 18. Louise later received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in education from Drake University. Some schools where she taught were Canary Lake (Saydel), Bondurant, Peru, Lorimor and West Des Moines before retiring as a Des Moines elementary principal in 1981.
She married her loving husband, Master Sergeant Roy W. Silver on December 28, 1941. They were the first couple to be married at the Berwick Congregational Church and for many years she taught Sunday school class and took an active part in the music programs. Son, Ken was born in 1943, son, Harold in 1946 and son, David in 1953.
In 1960, she and Roy purchased the Silver family century farm near Altoona where she continued to live even after Roy’s death in 1993. She enjoyed playing bridge, socializing with friends, and volunteering for various organizations. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, honorary teachers’ sorority, Berwick Women’s Club, East Des Moines Christian Women, East High Alumni Association, Iowa Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary, Iowa State Education Association, Des Moines Area Retired Personnel Association and Berwick Congregational Church. Most of all, Louise loved her family and spending time with them.
Louise is survived by her sons, Ken (Jean), Harold (Paula), and David (Julie); five grandchildren, Mark Silver, Mike (Jamie) Silver, Chris (Kristin) Silver, Angela (Joe) Chrismore, and Will Silver; six great-grandchildren, Stefan Adams, Lindsay Adams, Kelly Silver, Spencer Silver, Baylee Chrismore, Pearey Louise Silver; sister, Jean Jennett of Nevada, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; parents; and siblings, Joseph C. Webb, Paul V. Webb; and Mary Catherine Webb.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, September 30, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, with burial to follow at Berwick Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 3 to 5 pm, Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Berwick Congregational Church or Iowa Lutheran Auxiliary in loving memory of Louise.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sally Spaulding
10/03/2013
I will truly miss Louise's great smile and friendly personality. She was a great person, and great bridge player.
Sincerely, Sally Spaulding
Shelley Foreman
10/01/2013
Louise was a wonderful teacher and a beautiful soul. She was loved by all of the students she worked with including myself. The world was a much better place with her in it. May she rest in peace and love. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Sharon Schatz
09/30/2013
We had three children that attended Douglas School when Louise was principle. I also volunteered at Douglas. Our children loved her. When she retired we would see her at the store etc, She was always so friendly and always smiling. She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Richard Arthur
09/29/2013
Louise had a wonderful laugh . My grandmother (Grace Arthur) always said when Louise laughed you knew she really meant it. Louise will be missed by many.
Charlie & Cindee Beattie
09/29/2013
Harold & Paula and your family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prays.
Barbara Hans
09/29/2013
I worked for Louise when she was the Principal of Jefferson. She was a warm, caring person who always had a smile on her face. We reconnected at the memorial service for Maxine Hartung in Berwick and had a delightful visit. She was as charming in her 90's as she was in her 50's. I know you will miss her but she left the world a better place.
Emma Jean Blank
09/28/2013
I wish to extend my condolences to Louise's family. I so enjoyed seeing her at Alpha Delta Kappa meetings. She always had a big smile for everyone. She will be missed by many.
Carol Hanner
09/28/2013
I was a volunteer at Douglas Elementary when Mrs. Silver became the principal. I was impressed that she would come out of her office in the morning to greet the kids as they came in the door. What a nice way to start their day! She was one very special lady!
Pat Leeper
09/28/2013
My thoughts and prayers with you guys . Sorry for your loss.
Mary McCracken
09/27/2013
I'm sorry for your loss. You had great parents and Grandparents. My prayers are with you and family. She is with Jesus and of course her Husband Roy.
Mary Beth Overton
09/27/2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Louise was one classy lady. I always enjoyed our conversations and most of all our friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie Capehart
09/26/2013
Please accept my condolences for your loss of this wonderful lady. She was a teacher at I believe Stowe school when I was there and she was always special to me. I lost track of her but always wondered where she was.