Heaven gained another beautiful soul on July 11, 2023, when Leora M. Vance, 88, of Mendon, formerly of Hamilton, left this world peacefully from her home surrounded by her daughter and grandchildren.

 

Leora, also known as “Lee” to many, was born on April 30, 1935, the daughter of Ray and Gertrude (Hoffman) Rowlette in Keokuk, Iowa.  She graduated from Keokuk High School in 1953.  On June 10, 1973, she was united in marriage to Dr. William A. Vance, Jr.  He preceded her in death on the same date of July 11 in 2006.

 

Leora had jobs outside of the home including being a receptionist for Vance Chiropractic Clinic in Keokuk for her husband, but her most loved job was being a “stay at home mom” for her daughter and grandchildren.  Her daughter and grandchildren were her everything and she was theirs.  There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.  She loved unconditionally and with her whole heart never expecting recognition or anything in return.  Leora had been a member of the Eastern Star for many years.  She loved reading, cooking, baking treats for her family, walks in the woods and especially spending time with her family watching movies or a good western or just being together.  She enjoyed reading her Bible and her Christian faith became a central point in her life.  Leora was an avid animal lover, and her pets were part of her family as well.  Proverbs 31:31 “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”  “A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take” …that was our Mom and Nana.  She will be deeply loved and missed every day always and forever but held close in our hearts and our cherished memories until we are together again in Paradise.  We thank God for her…the wind beneath our wings.”

 

Leora is survived by her daughter, Aimee Vance, currently of Mendon; grandchildren, Brittany Loter of Hamilton, and Devin and Noah Woodworth, currently of Mendon; great grandson Damien Loter of Hamilton; fur children, Lilly, Nala, Charlie, Cinder, Otis, Oscar and Old Feller; a sister-in-law, Evalee Rowlette of Keokuk and one niece, Melodie Vrandenburg of Keokuk; Special friends, Mike and Carolyn Moore of Mendon, Jim West of Mendon and Haven Kuhlmeier of Quincy.

 

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Richard Rowlette; and one niece Gretchen Rowlette.

 

Private family services will be held.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.