Obituary of Connie Walterschied

Constance A. Walterschied, 84, formerly of Doniphan, MO, departed this life Thursday, November 12, 2020 in Poplar Bluff, MO. Connie was born October 7, 1936 in New Haven, CT, the daughter of Kenneth A. and Eleanor M. (Moses) Miller. Connie attended College of the Ozarks where she met the man she was to marry on a double-blind date. She had been on a date with his buddy, and he was with her friend. But Lewis E. Walterschied told his buddy when they returned to their barracks (as they were stationed near the college) that he (Lewis) was going to marry Connie. Sure enough, on October 2, 1955 in Freeport, IL, they were married. Unfortunately, Lewis preceded her in death on January 11, 2002. Connie started working and volunteering at a young age and continued to work until an on-the-job injury sidelined her from paying work. Connie, not one to stay sidelined, turned her energies to genealogy and helping whoever needed help. Connie was an excellent letter writer. If someone needed a formal letter written pleading their issue, Connie was delighted to help. Connie was also a member of the chapter of DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) in Poplar Bluff, MO. While living in Ohio, Connie and Lewis helped run the Native American Indian Center. They invited ministry into their home. Connie was an active member of the Democratic Party in Toledo, OH for many years. In 1972 Connie served as a delegate to the National Convention. She was also active in the New Democratic Coalition and Young Democrats in the 60s and 70s. Her belief that people’s lives could be improved through political activism never wavered. Connie continued to be active in politics after moving to Ripley County, MO in 1984. Connie and Lewis were Precinct Committee Officers, both serving for many years until Lewis’s unexpected death in 2002. Connie was so proud when her son, John, age 23, said, “I want to fill Dad’s office”, and was voted in. In the early 90s Connie was one of the founding board members of the Current River Sheltered Workshop. She continued to serve on the board for many years. The Current River Sheltered Workshop is still running, providing jobs for the handicapped citizens of Ripley County today. Connie loved the Lord and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Doniphan, but due to her health had not been able to attend church for some time. Connie is survived by three sons, Charles Walterschied of Doniphan, MO, Eric (Cynthia) Walterschied of Pine/Bardley, MO, and Kenneth (Sue) Walterschied of Memphis, MI; nine grandchildren, Megan, Patricia, Devon, Kyle, Kristi, Melyssa, Staci, Erin, and Robert; several great-grandchildren, and a long-time friend she called her daughter, Vicki Catlow. Connie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sisters, Susan Beard and Margaret “Peggy” Brobst; son John M. Walterschied on October 25, 2010; daughter, Gale Jones; and daughter-in-law- Jackie Walterschied. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Lean on Me Food Pantry.