Iola Mae Blythe

Iola Mae Blythe VALPARAISO, IN—Iola Mae Blythe, 86, passed away in her home with family by her side on January 9, 2022. She was born on August 10, 1935 to Irvin and Iola Clark. Iola lived her life with a servant’s heart. She loved The Lord and exuded love—especially to her family. Iola was known for her cooking skills, delicious meals, and her ability to “feed an army”. Her trustworthiness, compassion, generosity, kindness, and sense of humor knew no bounds. She was a humble mentor who was involved with her children and grandchildren and became “Mom” or “Grandma” to many of their friends.

Throughout her life, Iola has been the ultimate “cheerleader” for her husband, Richard “Dick” Blythe, who preceded her in death. She is survived by: her four children: Lester (Sue) Blythe, Carrie Blythe, Michael “Mike” Blythe, and Rodger (Susan) Blythe; her ten grandchildren: Kyle Blythe, Amy Blythe, Jody (Eric) Landis, Tricia Harris, Ryan (Patti) Blythe, James (L.K.) Johnson, David (Rachel) Blythe, Trent (Lisa) Harris, Tarin (Alex) Tsirtsis, and Katy (Zach) Robinson; “Memaw’s" great-grandchildren: Porter, Cayia, Tanner; Maylee, Molly, Nadia, Amira, James (III); Brynlee, Addie, Aubrey, Tyler; Mae, Ryan (Jr.), Mila, Jillian, Marino, and ?. Iola is also survived by her siblings Jean Pickett, Bette Scott, and Arthur “Art” Clark as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her loving husband, “Dick” Blythe, Iola was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Iola Clark; her siblings-- Jerry Clark, Donald Clark, and Sally Harbin; in-laws Lester and Ethel Blythe.

The family of Iola Blythe would like to express their appreciation to the healthcare providers at Northwest Health, as well as Dunes Hospice, during her illness. In addition, the family appreciates all the love and prayers for comfort, as well as hundreds of comments, regarding the impact Iola had on their lives.

Iola’s Christian faith in Our Lord gives her family the assurance that she has been reunited with many friends and family—especially, her husband who she loved and missed dearly. What a heavenly celebration! She was our sunshine and will be missed dearly. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date with Jimmy Fleshman officiating. In the meantime, Iola would want you to spend time with your family.

Donations can be made to Jerusalem Baptist Mission (an orphanage in Haiti) at 370 W. 200 N; Valparaiso, IN 46385

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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