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Wessale, Lillian Langhurst
Lillian Langhurst Wessale, 95, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Cedar Rapids, died May 9, 2012, of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Lillian Maye Langhurst was born Sept. 19, 1916, at the family home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Eva (Chalupsky) Langhurst. She grew up in rural Cedar Rapids, attending Lone Willow school and Wilson High School. In 1939, Lillian married John Wessale in Kahoka, Mo., and the couple moved to California. In 1947, they returned to Cedar Rapids, when John became a partner in the Waconia Sorghum Co.
Lillian was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed baking, sewing, quilting, oil painting, collecting antiques, gardening, music and reading. While living in Cedar Rapids, she was a member of the Sports Car Club of America and a member and historian of Seminole Valley Farm.
In 1973, Lillian and John moved to Cave Creek, Ariz. She continued her love of gardening, growing a variety of cacti from seed and many other desert plants. There was no doubt, she inherited her mother's green thumb. She was active in the Cave Creek Museum & Guild and the Cave Creek Rock & Mineral Club. She enjoyed hiking and exploring the desert and mountains of Arizona. Lillian possessed a boundless curiosity and interest in everything that came her way.
In 2001, she moved in with her daughter, who had the honor of caring for her throughout her illness.
Survivors include her daughter, Kay Wessale Schnieber; granddaughter, Kelli; three great-granddaughters, Alexandra (Sheldon), Randi and Zoe; great-great-granddaughter, Lillianne; her brother, Arling Langhurst of North Liberty; and many nieces and nephews.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Edward, Fred, Charles, Louis and Ray Langhurst; her sisters, Gladyce Miller, Florence Bailey and Lydia Langhurst; and her former husband, John.
Lillian was a loving, caring woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
“Such joy you brought, such courage you showed. A smile for all, a heart of gold.”
Published May 13, 2012 in The Gazette
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