Reva Elder admits she still has a little trouble remembering things since she suffered from a stroke two years ago, but her joy for life has not been affected.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner
Reva Elder admits she still has a little trouble remembering things since she suffered from a stroke two years ago, but her joy for life has not been affected.
Reva still owns her own home, but at present is living in Alternative Shared Housing in La Harpe. She has been there off and on for the past five years. The home is for those who need assistance and is owned and operated by Connie Williams.
Sadly last year, Reva lost her only child -Brenda Shutwell - to cancer.
Williams said, Reva will be 95 on June 15th and will be enjoying lots of parties and lots of attention and those wishing to send cards or to phone her are welcome to do so.
Reva grew up in Colusa, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. George Lincoln in the horse and buggy era. Her dad was a country mail carrier and often took her for rides.
"I had real curly hair, people liked it. They were always commenting about it," she said.
"I really didn't like to cook," she admits, "but I did it. I really love to sew."
Reva has sewn quilts and made many of her own clothes and her daughter's.
She and her husband, Bill Elder, came to La Harpe when he was hired as a teacher and coach at La Harpe High School. He loved history and he coached all sports, she said, working at the school for quite a number of years. Later he owned and operated a feed store.
Their only child, a daughter, Brenda was born to the couple in La Harpe, and Reva remained a homemaker. Later she worked at the post office and at the telephone company for short periods.
She continued sewing and loved to read, and was a member of the Union Church and several local organizations.
She belonged to The Thursday Club which met in La Harpe ladies homes, a ladies card club, the D.A.R., and church groups.
She attends the Union Church, saying, "I enjoy the Lunch Bunch each Sunday, thanks to Marie Atkins, my good friend, and to Tom and Ellie Koopman who take many after the Union church services to various restaurants in the vicinity.
In looking back, Reva said she and her husband loved to travel. "I just loved Hawaii, though I don't remember much about it now."
"I liked television years back, but the ones I see now are absolutely horrible."
Reva spends time now watching the weather-channel or the Christian Channel and is a big fan of the Bill Gaithers. She also admits she is a Cardinal fan of sort.
She loves animals and always has had "a kitty," she said.
"I had a cat named "Mable' who had lots of children," she laughed, "and I would take care of all of them."
"I love to read, but I spend most of my time napping, I'm afraid."
At The Alternative Home, Reva loves the dog, "Tyler" (pictured with her) and "Tommy" the cat.
"They are best friends," Williams said. "Reva is a very sweet lady, - really a joy to have."
"If well-wishers want to call her she would love it. You may phone her at her number at (217) 659-3470," said Williams.
Or Cards can be sent to her at...
Reva Elder,
201 Timberview Road
La Harpe, Il 61450