Elva Arlene Colvin


Elva Arlene Colvin, the daughter of Jesse and Maude (Andersen) Howlett, was born January 1, 1916 on a farm in Shelby County and died February 1, 2013 at the Oakland Manor Nursing Home in Oakland, IA at the age of 97 years and one month.


Elva attended several country schools before attending and graduating from Hancock High School. On December 1, 1934 she was united in marriage to Joseph Colvin. Six children were born to this union: Wayne, Bonnie, Robert, Dick, Diane, and Steve. They lived and farmed in several different places before moving into the town of Oakland in 1967. Elva continued to live in town and maintain her own home until several years ago when she moved in with her daughter Bonnie and then to Oakland Manor in October of 2009.


Elva enjoyed crocheting, doing crossword puzzles, collecting owls, and was known as an excellent cook. She had enjoyed playing cards, and had taught all of the grandchildren how to play.


Elva is preceded in death by her husband Joseph; her son Robert; her parents; her brother Harold; her sister Lola Christensen; and her daughter-in-law Barbara.


She is survived by her children: Wayne Colvin and wife Mary Lou, Bonnie Lytle, Dick Colvin, Diane Hamilton and husband Steve, and Steve Colvin; her grandchildren: Mary, Dawn, Paula, Valerie, Jonathan, Jennifer, Candy, Becky, Brian, Shelly, Colette, Joe and Marc; her great grandchildren; and her great great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.


Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the Oaklawn Cemetery at Oakland. A prayer service will be held on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Rieken Vieth Funeral Home, followed by visitation with the family until 4:00 PM. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.