Hometown: Lost Nation, Iowa September 20, 1918 - October 15, 2015

Viola Holtz, 97, of Lost Nation, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 14th at the Maquoketa Care Center. Visitation will be Monday, October 19th from 9 to 11 AM prior to the service at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation followed by a burial in the Busch Cemetery, in rural Lost Nation. Lahey Funeral Home in Lost Nation is assisting the family with their arrangements. Viola was born in rural Oxford Junction, Iowa, September 20, 1918, to Elias and Hattie (Borgert) Sheldon. She attended one room schools through 8th grade, graduating from the Lost Nation High School in 1935. She married Clyde Holtz in Clinton, Iowa, March 31, 1939. He proceeded her in death in June of 1983. They farmed most of their married life in rural Lost Nation. She also worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for 21 years. Viola was a lifelong member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In her later years she joined the quilting group where she liked to tie knots and the pot luck dinners. Viola always had a garden and did a lot of canning, especially tomatoes. She enjoyed reading, cross word puzzles, caring for many cats, and feeding the birds. She loved having her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed all times spent with family and friends. Viola is survived by one son, James (Teresa) Holtz, Lost Nation, one daughter Dianne Shea, Maquoketa, Four grandchildren, Brian (Debra) Shea, Delmar, James D. (Jody) Holtz, Lost Nation, Suzanne (Kevin) Schrader, DeWitt, Kathleen (Anthony) Wild, North Liberty. Eight great grandchildren, Cassandra & Ian Shea, Joshua & Jenna Holtz, Kyle & Stephanie Schrader, Alex & Evan Wild. One brother, Edmund (Eleanor) Sheldon, Lost Nation. Two sister-in-laws, Norma Sheldon, Dewitt, and Mickey Sheldon, Lost Nation and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde, 2 brothers, Lyle, and Myron Sheldon, and one son-in-law, William Shea. A memorial has been established or donations may be given to The Hope Lodge, 750 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52246.