Vera Bishop
August 31, 1928 ~ March 6, 2019
Vera Marie (Welker) Bishop, 90, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday March 6, 2019, at St Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 1-3 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 1844 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids. Memorial Service to follow at 3 p.m. Private Interment: Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville, at a later date.
Surviving are her five children, William (Susan) Bishop of Cedar Rapids, Judy (Dave) McArtor of West Chester, Marsha (Alan) Peterson of Washington, Kathy (Warren) Garton of Morley, and Randy Bishop (Fianc�� Debra Akerly) of Monticello; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Welker of Patton, Missouri, Perry Welker of Fenton, Missouri, Karol Welker of Fredericktown, Missouri, and Darrell Welker of Patton, Missouri; and sisters, Mary Jane Ehlers of Perryville, Missouri, and Verna Gloth of Whitewater, Missouri.
Vera was born August 31, 1928, in Patton, Missouri, to George and Esther (Yamnitz) Welker. She attended Hammertown Country School graduating at 8th grade, then worked as a lady's maid to help with family finances. On March 11, 1945, she married Chester Bishop in Perryville, Missouri. Shortly thereafter they moved to Iowa and eventually settled in Mechanicsville where they raised their 5 children. After divorcing in 1968, Vera went to work for Collins Radio, retiring in 1989 after 28 years. Vera spent most her retirement living in Anamosa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Growing up in Mechanicsville with you was very special! Kathy Moravek
I am so saddened to hear of Aunt Veras passing. She was a wonderful lady, kind and genuine. Paula and I had talked many times of driving up to see her…and sadly it never happened. I’ll always regret that. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know well how great that loss it. She was such a beautiful lady inside and out. Sending much love.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hold many special memories of Vera with laughs, tears and embraces. She was such a classy, kind and intelligent woman and could have done about anything in life but she chose to be a “Mom” and one of the best. Heaven was sent a beautiful angel on this day. May you now rest in Peace, Vera.
We are very blessed to have spent quality time with Grandma Vera while she lived with our parents (Bill and Susan). She always had a big smile, and wanted everyone to know how much she loved them! Grandma was a genuine person who cared deeply for her family. She spoke her heart and told wonderful stories. We miss her very much but are happy she is home now. We look forward to being reunited one day. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends as we honor Grandma’s life. Jamie, Laura, & Levi The Clasen Family
I’ll miss you Grandma. I’m so grateful for all the time we got to spend together this last year. Angie Moore
I’m going to miss my grandma very much. I’ll never forget the way she lit up and her genuine smile when one of us walked in. I know she loved us very much and we love her too. She was a very special lady.
I love you and will miss you so Aunt Vera. You always made us laugh with something silly. I loved listening to you and Mom talk just about anything. Stories of when you were growing up. You would always say “MaryJane I can’t believe we did that, and to live and tell about it. Good Lord.” Then she would have that little laugh and snicker that we all loved to hear. Soon Mom ‘MaryJane’ and Vera would begin laughing so hard, it was wonderful it was contagious to all that was around. Soon Dad ‘Leonard’ would walk in and say it sounds like a hen house in here with all this cackling going on.’ Good times and wonderful memories. Hold onto the Love and the good memories. Your Mother was a strong women. She went above and beyond for her children. You were her world. I pray for you all and I ask that you would use this time to reflect and count the blessings you all have. Even though I wasn’t able to make it today. I am with you all in prayers and spirit. Love you all. Connie ‘Ehlers’ French, Terry French, Casie and Garrett.
I found one more photo here you can see Vera laughing harder
I did find another photo her you can see Vera laughing much harder. Good Times! Love you all – Connie, Terry, Casie and Garrett
Rest in peace Vera 🙏 you we’re a awesome Lady I have so many good memories of you if I would of known I would have been to your veiwing. K-Lea Simonsen