Viola Handley

March 23, 1928 — December 12, 2023

Viola Handley

Service Details

In Loving Memory
Viola Ruth (Killam) Handley
March 23, 1928 – December 12, 2023


Viola Ruth Handley passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, Iowa at the age of 95.

Vi, daughter of James and Bertha (Gray) Killam, was born March 23, 1928 on the family farm located on U.S. Highway 92, nine miles east of Greenfield, Iowa. She was a graduate of the Greenfield High School class of 1945.

Growing up on the family farm, Vi enjoyed being outside with her dad, James (Billy), working with livestock and doing chores. As a child she attended the Grand River Township Country School #2, located on the family farm. During those early years, she worked part-time at a nearby country store. Following graduation from high school she worked for a locally-owned insurance company and at one of the four grocery stores located on the town square in Greenfield, where she met her future husband.

On November 14, 1946 Viola was united in marriage to Joseph Charles Handley in Newton, Iowa. Vi and Joe worked together on their family farm and later as owner-operators of the Greenfield Locker. The family moved to Ankeny in 1964. Vi was employed in the actuarial department at Banker’s Life, later known as the Principal Financial Group, from 1968 until her retirement in 1993. She continued to work for Principal on a part-time basis for several years thereafter.

Vi was a devoted wife and mother of four children, and friend to all she came to know. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and was meticulous about keeping the home and yard looking nice. Vi and Joe enjoyed time with family and their many friends and neighbors.

Vi was preceded in death by her husband Joe, parents James and Bertha, and sister Gladys Leinard. She is survived by her children, Gary (Nancy) Handley of Greenfield, Larry (Diane) Handley of Polk City, Iowa, Terry (Nancy) Handley of Bondurant, Iowa, and Sherri (Brad) Sommers of Dallas Center, Iowa; nine grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; several relatives and countless friends.

There will be a visitation from 4-7pm on Tuesday, December 19th at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. A public graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 20th at the Greenfield Cemetery in Greenfield, Iowa. The family will host a luncheon immediately following the burial at the Gathering Place, at the corner of Highway 92 and 1st Street in Greenfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a gift in support of Blank Children’s Hospital. Gifts can be sent to Blank Children’s Hospital, 1415 Woodland Ave, E200, Des Moines, IA 50309 or made online at https://www.unitypoint.org/giving/blank-childrens-hospital-foundation/donate.

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