Elva H. Johannes, age 83, of Wautoma, passed away Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Rosemore Village, Wild Rose.

She was born May 27, 1929, the daughter of Guadalupe and Isidora (Garza) Hernandez. She married Manuel Ayala on Feb. 16, 1947. He preceded her in death on March 5, 1970. She later married Arden F. Johannes on May 29, 1971. Arden preceded her in death on March 23, 2005.

Elva and Arden operated a dairy farm for many years in the township of Wautoma. She moved to Wautoma from McAllen, Texas in 1952. She raised a family, worked, made many friends and was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma.

She is survived by three children, Nora Ayala-Schumacher, Beaverton, Oregon, Norma (Cyril) VanHeeswyk, Coolidge, Arizona, and Manuel (Kathie) Ayala, Mead, Colorado; one sister, Alicia Martinez, Forest Grove, Oregon; one brother, Rafael (Maria) Hernandez, McAllen, Texas; one sister-in-law, Lucia Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren, Eloy DelToro, Elsa DelToro, Ernest DelToro and Alexandra Ayala-Schumacher; six great grandchildren. Elva is further survived by very dear friends, Julie Vargas and her children, David Vargas and Jessica (Chad) Robinson, Dale and Peggy Brownlow and Family, Julie Mesman and family and loving nephew, Brian (Alice) Johannes and family.

In addition to her husbands and parents, Elva was preceded in death by four brothers, Hector Hernandez, Emilio Hernandez, Arturo Hernandez, and Lupe Hernandez.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma with Rev. Robert L. Stegmann officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday Dec. 12th. at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

Leikness Funeral Home