Ora Wheatly

Ora Louise Wheatly went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday February 20, after 103 glorious years, five months, twenty days with her family and friends. Ora was born in Spencer, Iowa on August 31, 1903 to David and Anna (Fena) Purinton. Ora graduated from Spencer High School in 1922 and then entered the University of Iowa. She transferred to Drake University in the fall of 1923.
She called Des Moines home for 83 years. Thomas Elias Wheatly captured her heart and they married June 13, 1925. They were blessed with six children. Ora began working at the Hotel Savery in 1949. After 25 years of service, she retired in 1974.
Ora was known for her kind and caring spirit. She lived for her children and her grandchildren. She loved to be with young people - they kept her young. Ora enjoyed traveling across the United States. For years she created beautiful hand-knitted afghans. Ora was a voracious reader and continued to read the Des Moines Register up until her final days. She was a great fan of former Register reporter, Rob Borsellino. Ora spent many hours playing solitaire. She also enjoyed cooking and often did so for her large family.
She was a member of First Federated church and the Helping Hand Club. In recent years, she lived independently with her daughters. She remained bright and witty up until her final days which were spent at the caring Taylor House.
Ora is survived by her daughter Madeline and her husband Don Morey of Des Moines, her son Jack and his wife Ruby of Ankeny, her daughter Charlotte and her husband Don Cox of Des Moines, her daughter Deanna Peterson of Tulsa, Okla., her daughter Kathleen and her husband Tom Lutz of Sarasota, Fla.; 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Ora was proceeded in death by her husband in August 1953; her son Thomas in October 2006 and two grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens., 121 N.W. 60th Ave. Funeral services will be held at the same location at 10 a.m. Friday, February 23.
Memorial contributions may be made to Taylor House Hospice and First Federated Church.

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