WALTMIRE, Vivian B., age 94

Died: Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

Graveside Service: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019 at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire with Reverend David Huber officiating

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be given in memory of Vivian to Stand in the Light Memory Choir (P.O. Box 1151, Eau Claire, WI  54702-1151).

Vivian Evelyn Barton Waltmire, 94, of Eau Claire, WI, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Grace Woodlands Assisted Living surrounded by her family.

Vivian was born on August 4, 1925 in Belleville, IL at the home of her parents, George and Laura (Spicer) Barton. Vivian spent most of her younger life as a resident of Lebanon, IL. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1943. Vivian attended the University of Illinois at Normal to major in music education. She married Richard Waltmire on August 15, 1948 in O'Fallon, IL. In October of 1958, a daughter, Nancy Jean, was born to them.

Vivian began her career working as a K-12 music teacher in Batavia, IL. She later taught music in Hawthorne and Funks Grove School Districts in Illinois. Vivian also taught Kindergarten in Montgomery, IL. When Richard's career moved the family to Wisconsin, Vivian stayed at home to raise their daughter, substituted in various school districts, directed the church choir, and was a Past Guardian of Job's Daughters, Bethel #19, West Allis, WI. After moving back to Illinois in 1978, Vivian continued her career as a music teacher in Lake Zurich, IL. Vivian finished her career as a teacher of the Gifted and Talented in Lake Zurich, IL, before retiring in 1990.

After retirement, Vivian and her husband moved to Eau Claire to be with their daughter and family. Vivian enjoyed music, playing the piano, singing in the church choir, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her grandson. She volunteered at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire with the Y-Me Breast Cancer Support Group, as she herself was a cancer survivor. Vivian was also a member of the Yorkville Chapter #295 Order of Eastern Star, Yorkville, IL. In the last few years of her life, Vivian enjoyed being a singing member of the "Stand in the Light Memory Choir" for those living with memory loss and their caregivers. Vivian was a true inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Vivian is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Ronald) Wendt of Eau Claire; grandson, Adam Wendt of Forest Lake, MN; nephews, Richard Childress of Winchester, England and David (Sue) Childress of Crystal Lake, Il; and cousin, Robert (Marilyn) Bussen of Saint Cloud, FL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, George and Laura Barton; grandparents, Robert and Ruth Spicer and Ella Barton; a sister, Eloise Childress; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the nurses and staff of St. Joseph's Hospice for providing Vivian with comfort and peace.