Elizabeth "Libby" Withers
A celebration of life for Elizabeth “Libby” Withers was held Sunday, February 16 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon. Rev. Grant VanderVelden officiated the service. The family is requesting donations to Veterans Memorial Hospital Foundation, First Presbyterian Church and Good Samaritan Center, all in Waukon.
Elizabeth Inglis (Hale) Withers passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon. She was 83 years old. Libby was born June 6, 1936 in Waukon to Eloise (Inglis) Hale and Nathan C. Hale.
Libby was educated in Waukon Public Schools and graduated from high school in 1954. She then attended Colorado University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1958. It was here that she met her future husband, Bill, who was also at the university pursuing his medical degree. They were set up on a blind date and had been married almost 62 years at the time of her death.
Bill and Libby were married in Waukon June 24, 1958 at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon, where Libby had also been baptized and confirmed. They completed Bill’s internship back in Colorado, and Libby served as a Visiting Nurse for the City and County of Denver. Bill then volunteered to serve as a medical officer in the United States Army at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, WA. It was here that their first child, William Nathan (Bill Nate), was born in 1959.
Bill and Libby moved back to Waukon in 1961, where Bill joined doctors Clark Rominger and Louis Bray in a private practice that lasted over 30 years, after which he worked 20 years in the Gundersen Healthcare System. It was here that Bill and Libby’s family grew as James Hale, Elizabeth Jane and John Rodger were born. Libby spent her entire life nurturing others and raising her children while supporting Bill in his practice. She was involved in various church, community and family activities. She was also very proud of her connection to the Hale’s stores in Waukon and Decorah that were started by Libby’s father, Nate, and his siblings.
Libby is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Bill; and their four children: Bill Nate (Linda) of Waukee, Jim (Jenifer) of Ames, Jane (Chris) Wilhelm of Valrico, FL and John (Michelle) of Granger. Also remembering her with love are her 11 grandchildren: Nicole (Harvin), Andrew (Elle), Cole, Cate, Emma, Zach, Laura, Alec, Kennady, Nate and Jaxon, all of whom she adored. Libby was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Eloise Hale.
Casketbearers were Libby’s grandsons. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
Of note, the services of celebration were held at Martin Funeral Home per Libby’s request. Historically, the funeral home was originally the Hale home, built by her great grandfather, and was Libby’s first childhood home.
