Leola Porter

Leola Eleanor Porter of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the age of 101.

She was born October 20, 1917, to Elmer and Lora (Graham) Smith in Lewis, Iowa. Leola graduated from Lewis High School in 1936 where she played basketball and went to state twice with the Lewis Warriors.

Leola began her career as a scrub nurse working her way up to head surgical nurse at the Atlantic Hospital from 1939 to 1945. She also enlisted with the United States Navy Reserve as an Apprentice Seaman and served active duty for a short time during World War II.

On April 19, 1944, she was united in marriage to Boyd Porter in Council Bluffs, Iowa, after which they moved to Des Moines and lived most of their married life. Leola worked as a dental assistant in various dental offices in Des Moines and was also employed at Park Avenue Shoe and Clothing. Leola moved to Atlantic after her husband passed away in 1996.

She was a member of the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis and Wakonda Christian Church in Des Moines.

Leola is survived by her three sons, Craig Porter of Polk City, IA, Douglas (Connie) Porter of Omaha, NE, and Crandall Porter of Ankeny, IA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Gene (Janet) Smith of Farmington, NM; nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Lora Smith; her husband, Boyd Porter; her sister, Anna Mary Nelson; and her brother, Lee Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa. A private family burial will be at the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.