White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Della Faye Walthart, 92 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at ABCM Rehab Independence-East in Independence.  She was born on May 7, 1920, in Deer Creek, Minnesota, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Mary Irene (Haymaker) LeVelle.  She graduated from high school in Aurora, Iowa, with the Class of 1939 and then earned her teaching credentials at the Normal School in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  In later years she attended more classes at the University of Northern Iowa.  On November 28, 1941, she and Russell William Walthart were married in Kirksville, Missouri.  He preceded her in death in 1994.  Mrs. Walthart was a psychiatric aide at the Mental Health Institute in Independence for 15 years.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence and the Farm Bureau.  Mrs. Walthart enjoyed time spent visiting and playing cards with neighbors.  She also was busy taking care of her chickens and her garden.

Mrs. Walthart is survived by 4 sons, Ronald Walthart of Quasqueton, Iowa, Steve (Linda) Walthart of Independence, Dennis (Carol) Walthart of Colesburg, Iowa, and Douglas (Julie Peyton) Walthart of Strawberry Point, Iowa, and 1 daughter, DeeAnn (Patrick) O’Loughlin of Independence, Iowa.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 brother, Wilford (Judy) LeVelle of Walnut Shade, Missouri.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son, Terry Walthart, 2 grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Iowa, with Rev. Scott Meador officiating.  Arthur Underwood will be an Honorary Casket Bearer.  Casket Bearers will be Scott Walthart, Matthew Walthart, Mark Walthart, Travis Walthart, Curtis O’Loughlin, M.D., and Ryan O’Loughlin.  Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 25^th, at the Garrison Cemetery in Garrison, Iowa.

Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.