Wiley, Twila A.

Twila A. Wiley, 63, of rural Palo, peacefully exchanged her broken body for one with angel wings Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at Northbrook Manner Care Center in Cedar Rapids, following a long struggle with ALS. Services: 11: a.m. Wednesday, St. Jude Catholic Church, 50 Edgewood Rd. NW, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Mark Reasoner. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., at Teahen Funeral Home, 3100 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, and after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Twila was born the daughter of Joe and Leona Venneman, in northern Benton County, near Cheny, on Nov. 6, 1947. She began her education at Polk Number Nine country school, attended Washington High School in Vinton, and graduated from Mount Mercy College. Twila taught elementary students for 36 years in the Cedar Rapids School System.

Twila was a wonderful cook and loved to bake. She enjoyed bowling, quilting, gardening, going to soccer games and traveling. She especially enjoyed the travels after her diagnoses with ALS. She also enjoyed the outdoors and watching wildlife. One of her special delights was being named Mrs. Tree Farmer of the Year in 2009.

Twila is survived by her husband of 44 years, Larry Wiley of Palo; two sons, Landis of Cedar Rapids, and Tyman of Palo; a brother, Gary (Linda) Venneman of Humboldt; a sister-in-law, Janet Venneman of Luzerne; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ross (Shirley) Wiley of Walker, and Delores (Larry) Stueck of Vinton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant sons, Douglas and Lincoln; and her brother, Joe Vennemen.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice of Mercy of Cedar Rapids, Northbrook Manor Care Center and the MDA/ALS organization, including the local ALS support group.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published in The Gazette Sept. 20, 2011.