Wims, Claire DeVonne 'Connie'

Claire DeVonne “Connie” Wims, 82, formerly of Fairfax, died Sunday, June 5, 2011, at Heritage Nursing & Rehab Center after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Services: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 9, at Teahen Funeral Home by Pastor Jim Coyle. Burial: Linwood Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and again after 9 a.m. Thursday.

Connie is survived by her six children, Peggy Lowe of New Jersey, Bill Nekvinda of Cedar Rapids, Rena Marconi of Cedar Rapids, LuAnne (Mike) Callison of Des Moines, Vicky (Dennis) Slager of Marion, and William H. (Victoria) Wims Jr. of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren, Christopher, Brian, Justin, Jeff, Joshua, Carrie, Caleb, Jordan and Nicole; half brother, Jack Hardin of Swisher; and half sister, Susan Finley of Marion.

Her parents and husband, William “Hap” Wims Sr. (1991), preceded Connie in death.

Claire DeVonne Hardin was born Sept. 5, 1928, in Cedar Rapids, daughter of Ralph and Beulah (Moyer) Hardin. Connie married William “Hap” Wims on Jan. 14, 1950, in Rock Island, Ill. They spent their married life in Fairfax where Connie relished being a homemaker, wife and mother.

Connie was a lively, creative and talented individual who took oil painting classes, knitted, crocheted, sewed and gardened in her flower bed. She decorated cakes, many of which were for family occasions. She loved to dance, read and do crossword puzzles. Connie will be remembered for having a love of life, enjoying her family and friends and having a wonderful sense of humor. She was a kind and gentle soul who loved everyone and will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be made at .