Rose Marie Thompson Boley

1934 -2026

 

     Rose Marie Thompson Boley, 91 of Keokuk, IA passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 at her home.

     She was born September 25, 1934 in Vincennes, IA the daughter of James and Verna Marmion Thompson. 

     On July 18, 1953 Rose was united in marriage to Robert William Boley.  They shared sixty-two wonderful years together until Bob’s passing on December 28, 2015. 

     Rose had been employed by Iowa Army and Ammunition Plant, Motorola in Quincy, IL and Shaeffer Pen in Fort Madison, IA. 

     Rose and Bob enjoyed many motorcycle trips across the United States on their Harley Davidson. 

     Rose was the heart of her family.  She was a loving mother to five children, Mike, Steve, Dennis, Cheri and Debbie.  Rose was a proud grandmother to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.    Rose was a friend to everyone she met and was beautiful inside and out, with a soul and a smile that made everyone feel at home.

     She shared a love story for the ages with her husband Bob.  Even in their 80’s, they still laughed, flirted, and adored each other like newlyweds.  Though he passed away ten years ago, their love never faded.

     Her loyal dog, “Max” never left her side.  Just as she never stopped loving the people around her. 

     She lived with kindness, joy, and grace, never having a mean bone in her body.  We will miss her deeply, but we take comfort knowing she is reunited with the love of her life again.

     Rose is survived by three sons, Steve (Pam) Boley of Keokuk, Mike (Eva) Boley of Warsaw, IL and Dennis (Brandy) Boley of Keokuk, two daughters, Cheri Soper and Debbie Boley both of Warsaw, IL, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by two half-sisters, Karen Wright and Joann Humes and many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Ella Mae Cannon and Ruby Hallinan.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Pastor Larry Wallingford officiating.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw, IL.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11 a.m., Thursday at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to Lee County Hospice.

     The family would like to thank Lee County Hospice for the excellent care they provided for Rose and support for our family during a difficult time.

     Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com