Viola Carmen Schooley, 98, of Indianola, Iowa and long-time Bloomfield, Iowa resident graduated into eternity on April 9, 2026. She was born March 9, 1928, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Herbert C. and Beulah M. Milburn Wyss. Carmen, with her parents, moved to Iowa when she was 2½ years old. She attended Cooper and Davis Elementary schools in Grinnell, Iowa and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1945. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Arthur W. Schooley, September 15, 1945. Five sons were born to this marriage: Philip A, (Deborah), A. Wayne, (Laurie), Ronald E, (Ramona), William R, (Danae), and David T, (Kathy).
Carmen cared for the home and her children while they were small and then helped Arthur in the produce business in Belle Plaine. Later, they went into the feeder pig business and livestock dealing. They both worked livestock auctions in Belle Plaine, Washington, and Wayland before buying Bloomfield Livestock Market with son, Philip. In 1975, they bought half interest in the Grinnell Livestock Exchange which they operated until selling out in 1982.
The couple spent many years traveling throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The highlight was an RV trip through Alaska and Canada. They spent 30 years wintering in Alamo, Texas, beginning in 1985.
Carmen accepted the Lord as her Savior when she was eight years old and re-dedicated her life in 1980. Carmen and Arthur attended Church of the Open Bible in Bloomfield for many years. She was a devoted wife to Arthur, mother to her sons and daughters-in-law, and loving grandmother. She always loved to cook and have the family in for big meals as long as she was able.
She is survived by five sons; four daughters-in-law; 12 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren at last count.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers. The loss of her daughter-in-law Ramona, grandson John, and grandson-in-law Todd, were especially painful.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the First Church of the Open Bible in Bloomfield with Pastor Charles Courtney officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday with the family present to greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials have been established to the Church of the Open Bible and Suncrest Hospice. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield is in charge of arrangements.
