The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Meet Your Neighbor

by Deb Olson, Quill Reporter/ La Harpe Office Manager

Meet your neighbor Deloris Woodside who lives in La Harpe.

Deloris was born and raised in the La Harpe community. Her parents were Cecil and Ruby Burford, both of whom are deceased.

Deloris had two sisters, Idaline and Pattsy, and two brothers, Junior and Dan. Only Dan survives.

In 1951 Deloris married Rodney Comstock. They lived on a farm east of La Harpe. Rodney passed away in 1975.

Deloris and her sister Pattsy worked for Glen Poulter in La Harpe for several years before purchasing the shop and renaming it My Sisters Place Floral and Gift.

They added shops in Stronghurst and in Blandinsville. Deloris still has the shop in La Harpe. She has been in business for 40 years.

In 1984 Deloris married James Woodside. Between the two of them they have five children: Steve (Linda) Comstock, Julie (Rich) Gacke, Lee (Ginger) Woodside, Kay (Michael) Aldridge and Denise Woodside.

They have seven grandchildren: Michael (Matt) Zimmerman, Tony Comstock, John Aldridge, Adam (Ashley) Marinda, Kyle and Brian Gacke, and three great-grandchildren: Ryann, Charlie and Jack Zimmerman.

Deloris graduated from La Harpe High School in 1950 and Gem City Business College in Quincy the following year.

After graduation Deloris worked at the bank in La Harpe. She retired from the bank when her son, Steve, was born. She did accounting in her home for local businesses for several years.

When Deloris sister, Idaline, passed away her two younger children, Ezra and Julie came to live with Deloris and her husband, Rodney. Ezra returned home after months but Julie remained and became their daughter.

Deloris is a member of the Union Church where, in the past, she taught Sunday School and was Christian education chairman. In her younger years she was very active in Scouting and served on the Two River Council three times. She also served as treasurer of the Golden Rule Club.

She enjoys reading, gardening, bridge, farming, and floral design.

My Sisters Place has been closed recently due to health problems. The store is now open and Deloris is looking forward to serving her customers once more.

Deloris has two favorite quotes. "Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't and the other half have nothing to say and keep on saying it." Robert Frost

"My critics are unpaid guardians of my soul" E. Stanley Jones

Her favorite Bible verse is "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."