Ola Bernice Walters

ola walters

November 29, 1929 ~ March 2, 2025

Born in: Hillsboro, IL
Resided in: Westmont, IL

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Ola Bernice Walters “Bernice” passed away on March 2, 2025, at age 95 years.  She was born to Willard and Laura Fuller on November 29, 1929, and had been a lifelong resident of Hillsboro, Illinois, until she moved to Burgess Square Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Westmont, Illinois in 2022.

She married Frank Adam Walters on May 5, 1952, raised three children, and worked as an Executive Assistant at Hurst-Roche in Hillsboro for many years. Her most impactful role was that of consummate caretaker to her husband while he suffered from Parkinson’s disease, and to both her brother Willard and her mother in their later years. She championed frugality, honesty, fairness, intelligent discourse, and progressive policies. She was a relentless enforcer of proper grammar and correct spelling while her passion was solving the most difficult of crossword puzzles. She loved all children and children were naturally drawn to her.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; two brothers, Donald Dean Fuller (infant), and Willard Jr. Fuller; and two sisters, Betty Elsmore and Mary Hughes.

She is survived by two brothers, Rex Fuller (Bonny), and Drex Fuller (Sue); one sister, Virginia Joyce; and her three children, Janet Smietana (Paul), Betty Faron (Charles), and David Walters (Pamela).

Also surviving are three grandchildren, Adam Smietana (Marcella Melgarejo), Emily Wu (Benjamin), and Sarah Smietana (Jon Blazek); three great grandchildren, Boaz Earl Wu, Ola Rose Wu, and Waylon Walter Blazek; and many extended family and friends.

Services will be privately held, with burial in Union Cemetery, Panama, Illinois.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Homes with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or to offer condolences to the family.

Services

Private Graveside Ceremony:

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  1. Light a CandleRest in peace, Aunt Bernice 🙏🏻💕. We will never forget your wonderful laugh and beautiful smile. You were my favorite homework helper and always encouraged me to work hard in my education. You inspired me to love encyclopedias and the grammar rules! And, you are the only person I know who cleaned from ceiling to floor every summer when Betty Jean would come visit. Until we meet again.

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  2. Light a CandleAunt Bernice, I am so heartbroken to say goodbye. I definitely won the lottery to have you as my aunt, and even more so to grow up living right next door. I’ll always remember your real Christmas trees with the big colored bulb lights and tinsel, the smell of homemade tomato juice coming from the kitchen in the summer (picturing you using a cone food mill by hand to make the juice), and laughing with you while talking about how you washed ziplock bags and aluminum foil to reuse them. You were the only person I knew who typed everything, including your checks. I had fun typing on your typewriter for hours and hours. I was always amazed by your short hand and your ability to complete crossword puzzles. You were the family historian, and I could count on you to answer any question about the Fuller/Criner family tree. Every time I see instant coffee or hear You Are My Sunshine, I think of you. I asked for a pumpkin pie from scratch one Thanksgiving, and you came through. You even put little leaves of pie crust on top to decorate it. Hudson, Holden, and Halle felt at home at your house, too. You always had apples and yogurt for them to eat. I know Hayes would have loved you just the same as they did. You loved reading to all of us (including my kids) and you were the best reader. You had the best books, too. You made Madeline come to life when I was little, and I can still hear and see you reading Miss Nelson is Missing. Your kindness and love will never be forgotten. Your hard work will never be forgotten. I enjoyed all of the time I was able to spend with you, and I look forward to seeing you again. I love you!

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  3. Bernice basically taught me everything I know and use in my career as a secretary/office manager. She was a mentor and friend during my years at H-R. Her dedication to her husband and family was inspiring.

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  4. Light a CandleI am so sorry for your family’s loss. Bernice was such a wonderful lady. I first became acquainted with Bernice when she interviewed me for a job taking care of her husband Frank. I worked for them for several years. She was so
    pleasant to talk to and one smart lady. She will be missed by many. Again I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my hugs and prayers to all of you!! ❤️🙏

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  5. Light a CandleI am so sorry for your family’s loss. Bernice was such a wonderful lady. I first became acquainted with Bernice when she interviewed me for a job taking care of her husband Frank. I worked for them for several years. She was so
    pleasant to talk to and one smart lady. She will be missed by many. Again I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my hugs and prayers to all of you!! ❤️🙏

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  6. Light a CandleBetty, Janet and David – Please know that some of my favorite childhood memories include the times I spent at your home. Mrs. Walters was always so kind and put up with a great deal of craziness from the wild bunch of us. I had, and have, the utmost respect and admiration for the wonderful person she was. God care for you and bless your family.

    Cindy (Rappe’) Rice

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