Delores Watters Spain

Delores Watters Spain, 96, of DeWitt, Iowa, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus Friday, September 23, 2022, at Wheatland Manor, surrounded by her daughters while listening to “Hail Mary: Gentle Woman.”

Delores Marie Irwin was born June 25, 1926, in Pukwana, South Dakota, to John “Jack” and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Geppert) Irwin. She was a 1945 graduate of St. Joseph High School, DeWitt, where she played basketball. Delores married Joseph Watters on February 27, 1946, at Immaculate Conception Catholic in Petersville. They resided in Petersville where they raised 9 children and was active in managing the farm. Joe predeceased her on February 12, 1977. Delores later married Paul Spain on April 26, 1990. They resided in DeWitt. Paul passed away October 10, 2000.

Delores was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. She was an avid baker, being known for her pies and chocolate chip cookies. She was a prolific seamstress and made dresses for all eight daughters. Delores was an intense card player, she also enjoyed golfing, traveling with her daughters, and making wedding flowers for many of her daughters and granddaughters. She cherished time spent with family in her happy place, the cabin at Petersville.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Therese (Dave) Roling, Joann Rehr, Mary Catherine (Dan) Schlader, Mary Ellen (Dave) Plambeck, Mary Jane (John) Vance, Mary Beth (Larry) Butt, Mary Lou (Brian) Finnicum, Mary Colleen (Larry) Bartels, and daughter-in-law, Carol Watters; step-children, Paul (Sandy) Spain, Larry Spain, Terry (Helen) Spain, Steve “Woody” (Paula) Spain, and Rita (Pat) Dunlavey; 24 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren, 22 step-great-grandchildren, and 6 step-great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Joseph R. Watters and Paul Spain, son, Joe Watters, step-children, Darrell Spain, Nancy Spain, and Ruth Spain, granddaughters, Kelly Sager, Michelle Johnson, and Adeline Kulper Vance, siblings, Marcella McDermott, Harold Irwin, and Lloyd Irwin.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday 29, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, the Rev. Fr. Stephen Page officiating. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Petersville.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Rick Johnson, Jonathan Vance, Joey Bartels, Benjamin Bartels, Dylan Bartels, and Jesse Spain. Honorary pallbearers will be granddaughters, Lisa Chamberlain, Lori Farrell, Stacie Ronnfeldt, Brooke Garrity, Dana Stodden, Rachael Brown, Lindsey Koons, Jaclyn Ollis, Tonya Salas, Jennifer Moritz, Jamie Vance, Jessica Onken, Ashley Stolley, Katie Smith, Angela Broadrick, and Katelyn Bruner.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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