Wava S. Aker, daughter of Joseph and Ethel Maude (Gordon) Snowdall, was born on July 6, 1910, at rural Unionville, Missouri. She passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2008, at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 97.

One of 12 children (7 brothers, 4 sisters), Wava's early life was spent growing up in the rural Randolph, Iowa area. The family later moved near Essex, Iowa where Wava attended country school at Tarkio Center School. She attended high school in Shenandoah where she graduated with the Shenandoah High School Class of 1928. Following high school Wava attended McGregor School of Hairdressing and Cosmetology in Kansas City, Missouri. She worked at D. W. Newcomer Funeral Home as a Lady Attendant and later at Monorah Hospital while in Kansas City. On August 19, 1953, Wava was united in marriage to Martin J. Aker in Kansas City. In 1954, they moved to Denver, Colorado, where she worked for Moore Mortuary, Scott's Surgical Co. as a bookkeeper and receptionist and at St. Anthony's Hospital (there when JFK was shot) and McConaty Mortuary each for five years. She last worked as an in-home aid for Mary Delehant. In 1980, her husband Martin passed away and Wava moved back to Shenandoah. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah and was active in the Guild.

Preceding her in death were her parents and husband, Martin Aker. Survivors include her son, Roger Snowdall of Raytown, MO; two grandchildren, Alan Snowdall of Kansas City, MO and Lisa Long and her husband Don of Independence, MO; four great grandchildren; friend of over 20 years, Karen Haigwood of Shenandoah, IA; other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Coin, Iowa. Words of comfort were given by Father Vern Smith. Casket bearers were Roger Snowdall, Rick Haigwood, Tim Haigwood and Vaughn Livingston. Memorials in Wava's name are being directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church or to the Garden View Care Center Activities Fund. Everyone is invited to attend a Memorial Mass in honor of Wava on Saturday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Services were entrusted to the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home of Shenandoah.