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Florence Edna Hayslett, 91, Iowa City
Obituaries · November 30, 2017
Florence Edna Hayslett, 91, of Iowa City passed away Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, at Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville.
Respecting her wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Florence was born Sept. 13, 1926, to Joseph and Edna Billick. For her first five years she lived with her parents and two brothers on a farm near West Liberty. When she was five, they moved to a farm near West Branch and attended a country school. She graduated from West Branch High School in 1944. On May 27, 1944, Florence married a native Iowan, Edward C. Hayslett, in Oakland, California, where he was stationed while in the Navy. When they returned to Iowa, they farmed in the West Liberty and West Branch areas from 1951-1988. They raised four sons while the oldest son, Wayne passed away at the young age of 32.
Florence’s life love was horses. Even as a little girl, she dreamed of one day having a stable of her own. In 1969, that dream came true after building a stable on their farm. Though she raised Arabian horses and was partial to them, she loved all breeds and would even ride draft horses, mules and donkeys. At her stable she trained horses, hosted horse shows, and taught English and Western horseback riding to local people. Starting in 1970, she taught horseback riding to college students in the Department of Physical Education at the University of Iowa for nine years.
Florence and Ed would spend three months in Florida every winter for 30 years until 1988, when they moved there permanently. One year later, Ed passed away in January. Florence stayed in Florida until she returned to Iowa in 1993. She loved to fish and enjoyed doing porcelain paintings as well as making china porcelain dolls. She loved to make things and then sell the items to travelers all over the world. Her talents included pen work on the dolls, while she also taught pen work, crafts and taught knitting and crocheting.
Florence had been a resident of Ecumenical Towers at 320 East Washington Street in Iowa City since 1994. While she lived there, she also taught ballroom dancing at the Senior Center for six years. She was also known for her gardening skills, taking the lead for six years in creating an exceptionally beautiful flower garden in front of Ecumenical Towers. Her apartment was full of lush green plants, so many she would say there was too little room left for living. During her last years, she enjoyed her plants, playing cards and spending time with her friends.
Florence is survived by her children, Russell Hayslett of Clearbrook, VA., Charles and Barry Hayslett, both of Iowa City; a special friend from Minnesota, Carol Jacobsen; many grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Online condolences can be made at lensingfuneral.com.
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