Michael Wayne Snodgrass, 64, of Colchester, IL, passed away
Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Mike was born June 4, 1955, in Macomb, IL, the son of Harold
Jr. and Darlene (Burkett) Snodgrass. He was a life-long farmer
and enjoyed motorcycles, especially Harley Davidsons.
Mike is survived by two sons, Michael James “Mickey”
Snodgrass of La Harpe, IL and James Paul “Dylan” Snodgrass of
Saratoga Springs, UT. Four brothers, Steve (Karan) Snodgrass of
Fletcher, OK, Ron (Jana) Snodgrass of Ferris, IL, Tom (Jennie)
Snodgrass of Ferris, IL, Tim (Terri) Snodgrass of Colchester, IL,
and close friend and caregiver Judy Benjamin of Meredosia, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jim
Snodgrass, and nephew Ethan Snodgrass.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, February 3 rd ,
2020 at the First Christian Church in Ferris. Visitation will be
held at 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM. Memorials
may be directed to the family of Michael Wayne Snodgrass.
Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Kimberly Marie Lefler, 50, of Nauvoo, Illinois passed away at 10:50 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2020 at her home.

Kim was born on March 21, 1969 in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Laverne L. and Daisy M. (Jones) Bender. On September 18, 2012 she married Donovan Hansen in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He survives.

She enjoyed camping and cleaning. Kim was especially proud of her two sons: Dalton and Demetrius.

Survivors include her husband; two sons: Dalton Billups of Washington, Iowa and Demetrius Baker of Burlington, Iowa; three brothers: Mark (Robyn) Lefler of Colombia, Missouri, Matthew Lefler of St. Petersburg, Florida and Mike Lefler of Quincy, Illinois and her dog: Sissy.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo with Fr. Tony Trosley officiating. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery, LaHarpe, Illinois. Visitation will be from noon until time of services, Saturday, at the funeral home.

A memorial fund has been established in her memory. To leave a condolence please visit Kim’s obituary at sbbfuneralhome.com

Laurene “Rene” Sparrow, 95, of Hamilton, Illinois, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on Thursday,
January 23, 2020, at her home in Hamilton.
Laurene was born on March 9, 1924, in Rocky Run Township, the daughter of Albert K. and Jeannetta
(Staaf) Wemhoner. On July 4, 1948, she was united in marriage to Lester Oran “Les” Sparrow at Trinity
United Methodist Church in Warsaw. He preceded her in death on January 15, 2003.
Laurene was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Warsaw and served faithfully in the church
choir and the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She
loved her family dearly, and spent most of her life as a mother and homemaker, raising her children and
keeping the peace. She loved music and birds of all kinds, and was a talented painter. Laurene was a die-
hard University of Iowa Hawkeye fan, and bought season tickets for over thirty-five years. She would
often write to Coach Kirk Ferentz, and he often replied. Laurene also loved the St. Louis Cardinals,
watching every game she could. She would always read the sports section in the Burlington Hawkeye to
stay informed.
Laurene is survived by her son Carson (Carol) Sparrow of Lafayette, Louisiana; two daughters-in-law:
Karen and Betty; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.
Laurene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Les, her brother Raymond and her sons Terry
Lynn and Gaylen K. Sparrow.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton,
with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Monday,
January 27, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in memory of Laurene.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Frances Hutson, 98, of Niota, Illinois, passed away at 4:20 A.M. Saturday January 25, 2020 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law near Wever, Iowa.
Born May 6, 1921 at Fort Madison, Iowa the daughter of August and Otillia (Gockel) Mansheim.
On September 7, 1942 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Madison she married Clarence “Junior” Hutson. He preceded her in death on November 6, 1995.
Survivors include two sons: Dennis Hutson of Niota, Illinois and Ronald (Dorothy) Hutson of Wever, Iowa. Six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren and one on the way. Also surviving is one sister-in-law Edith “Polly” Hutson and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, daughter-in-law grandson and great grandson. Also preceding her in death were two brothers and three sisters.
Ruth was a member of Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo and the Catholic Women’s Club. She was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and previously worked at the Sheaffer Pen Company.
The family will meet with friends from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church, Holy Family Parish, Fort Madison.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday January 28, 2020 at Sacred Heart Church, Holy Family Parish, Fort Madison with Fr. Thomas Szydlik as Celebrant.
Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fort Madison.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Ss Peter and Paul School in Nauvoo.
Schmitz-Banks and Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sbbfuneralhome.com

Irene I. Renshaw, 92, of Terre Haute, Illinois passed away at 3:40 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Great River Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa.

Irene was born on February 25, 1927 in Courtney, North Dakota the daughter of Henry and Emilie Werner Johnson. On January 18, 1944 Irene married Ellis Anders. He preceded her in death in April of 1952. Irene later married Dale E. Renshaw on February 5, 1972 in Blandinsville, Illinois.

She first worked for Dr. Robert Todd at North Hill Medical Center, following that worked as a beautician. Irene and her husband, Dale, owned and operated the Travelers Inn, LaHarpe, for many years. She also cooked for The Pink Tavern for many years.  Irene worked for a short period at the Sheaffer Pen Company, Sylvania, IAAP, IRC and Fleetwood. She enjoyed canning, quilting and crocheting.

Survivors include four daughters: Karen (Wayne) Bowen-Swisher of Lomax, Maude (Harold) Ravenscraft of Lomax, Beverly Worley of Lomax and Beth (Jim) Vogel of O’Fallon, Missouri; one son: David (Loretta) Anders of Kirkwood, Illinois; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; one son: Dick Anders; two brothers: Ernest and Harry Johnson and two sisters: Margaret Rudolph and Mable Kract.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Nate McCarter officiating. Burial will follow in Glade City Cemetery, Blandinsville. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 26, at Banks & Beals.

A memorial fund has been established for the Great River Hospice House. To leave a condolence please visit Irene’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

Samuel G. “Sam” Clostermery, 68, of Wyaconda, passed away at his home Sunday evening, January 19, 2020 in Wyaconda.

Sam was born October 30, 1951, the son of George F. and Wanda W. (Robison) Clostermery in Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  He attended Carthage High School. Sam loved hunting, fishing, his dog Griz and living in Missouri. He also loved spending time with his family and friends and was very protective of them.  Sam had been a drag racer and was a motorcycle enthusiast, especially Harley-Davidsons.

Sam is survived by a son, Cory (Jennifer) Clostermery of Carthage; a daughter, Mandy (Darrel) Curfman of Carthage; grandchildren, Mercedes (Dantwon) Jackson, Makenzie and Gavin Curfman and Caitlin, Jacob and Cara Clostermery; great grandchildren, Tatum, Audrina and Kingston Jackson; two brothers, Joseph (Alfonso Saavedra) Clostermery of Chicago and Raymond Clostermery of Beardstown; numerous nieces and close friends.

Michael J. Kinman, 62, of Fort Madison, Iowa formerly of Nauvoo, Illinois passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.

Mike was born on June 10, 1957 in Fort Madison the son of Donald D. and Patti Jo Carter Kinman.

Mike worked various jobs including fourteen years at the Nauvoo Cheese Factory, was a self-employed carpenter, did concrete work and played in local bands. In his free time Mike enjoyed wood working, watching Westerns and spending time with his dog, Buddy. Mike loved spending time with his companion, Rhonda, of fifteen years, his sons and grandchildren.

Survivors include companion, Rhonda Ewing of Fort Madison; three sons: Jason (Amanda Donhue) Kinman of Dallas City, Illinois, Joshua (Lindsey Howe) Kinman of Dallas City and Coleman Winn of Donnellson, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren: one brother; Danny Kinman of Nauvoo; three step-daughters: Michelle McEntee, Kelly Rowlett, Leslie Asbury and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo with Pastor Mark Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until time of services Saturday at the funeral.

Cremation will be entrusted to Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home following the service. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.

To leave a tribute please visit Mike’s obituary at sbbfuneralhome.com

Louise Collins, 97, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at OSF Saint Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois.

Louise was born on July 26, 1922 in La Crosse, Illinois the daughter of William Earnest and Dora Duncan Dunn. On April 12, 1941 she married Owen Glenn Collins in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 12, 1987.

She worked at the former Hobby’s Newsstand in LaHarpe and later in life retired from NTN Bower in Macomb, Illinois. Louise was a member of the LaHarpe American Legion Auxiliary, LaHarpe Senior Citizens and the LaHarpe Christian Church. She enjoyed playing Bingo with her daughter, Penny, watching the Chicago Cubs, playing cards and dancing. She loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include one son-in-law: Ron Brewer; two daughters-in-law: Becky Dickey and Becky Collins; four grandchildren: Karri (Adam) Wallace, Jody (Rebecca) Collins, Josh (Jodi) Collins and Joe Woodside and five great-grandchildren: Bryce Marsden, Myah Wallace and Tyler Collins, Stefany Collins and Tommy Collins.

Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter: Penny Brewer; one son: Jerry Collins; two grandchildren: Ronald Gregory Brewer and Jerome Woodside: three sister: Madge Housewright, Frances Boyer and Eva Boyd and one brother: Clint Clint Dunn.

The funeral service for Mrs. Collins will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Nate McCarter officiating. Interment will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until time of services Friday at Banks & Beals.

A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe American Legion Auxiliary or LaHarpe Senior Citizens. To leave a condolence please visit Louise’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

Marian Joann Asbury, 89, of Hamilton, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2020, at Montebello
HealthCare Center in Hamilton.
Joann was born on April 9, 1930, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of John Richard and Willanna (Lord)
Asbury. She was a member of Faith Assembly of God in Hamilton, and her faith and church were the
cornerstone of her life. She had read through the Bible over six times, and she knew every Bible story by
heart. As the oldest sibling, she looked after her younger siblings and their children and babysat for most
of them as well. One of Joann’s special talents was that she never forgot a birthday, no matter who you
were. She enjoyed coloring graph paper, and would make beautiful patterns that resembled quilts. She
also loved animals, especially her dogs. Her loving and kind personality and infectious laughter will never
be forgotten.
Joann is survived by two sisters: Susan Parker of Hamilton and Martha Pendergrast of Lizton, Indiana;
her brother John (Brenda) Asbury of Chattanooga, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law: Connie MacDermott
and Nancy Asbury, both of Hamilton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joann is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Joe Asbury.
Joann’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at noon on Saturday, January 18, 2019, at Faith
Assembly of God in Hamilton, with visitation from 10 am to noon at the church directly before the
service. Burial will follow at 1 pm on Sunday at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton.
Memorials may be directed to PAWS Animal Shelter in Fort Madison.
Tributes and Condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Harry Joseph “Joe” Rupp, 68, of Keokuk, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on Saturday, January 11,
2020, at Mississippi Valley Healthcare Center in Keokuk.
Joe was born on June 3, 1951, at St. Joseph Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Harry Aynard Rupp and
Elisabeth Karoline (Kolbeck) Donahue. A lifelong resident of Warsaw and Keokuk, Joe attended St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church in Warsaw and was a faithful member of Black Hawk Masonic Lodge #0238 in Hamilton
for forty-three years. As a young man, Joe was a talented artist and enjoyed shooting pool. He had an
outgoing and friendly personality and a quick wit, and would say hello to everyone he met. In Joe’s eyes,
no one was a stranger.
Joe is survived by two sisters: Lil (Denny) Taylor and Janet (Perry) Harrison, both of Warsaw; his brother
Robert (LuAnn) Rupp of Hamilton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his lifelong companion of forty-two years, Donna Arnold.
Joe’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service with Masonic funeral rites at 2 pm on Friday, January
17, 2020, at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw. Burial at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw will follow at a later
date. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1 to 2 pm at the funeral home directly before the service.
Memorials may be directed to H.U.G.S. of Hancock County.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Boneta F. (Prior) Baker, 82, of Springfield, Illinois, formerly of Carthage, passed away Sunday morning, January 12, 2019 at the Aperion Care Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until time of services at 2:30 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church or the Springfield Aperion Care Center Activity Program.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Kathryn Ann “Kathy” Wemette

1942-2020

Kathryn Ann “Kathy” Wemette 77, of Keokuk, IA died Friday, January 10, 2020 at
UnityPoint Health-Keokuk.
She was born May 14, 1942 in Toledo, IA the daughter of Hugo and Helen Bernatz Joens.
Kathy graduated from Toledo Public High School with the Class of 1960, then furthered her
education at the State College of Iowa (University of Northern Iowa) where she received her
Bachelor of Arts degree.
On June 1, 1968 she was united in marriage to Thomas Wemette at St Patrick’s Church in
Tama, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 12, 2006.
She had been employed as a high school social history teacher before becoming a
homemaker. Although she stopped teaching, she was a lifelong student of history and loved
learning through experiences.
Kathy was a member of The Church of All Saints in Keokuk and was actively involved in
the Religious Education and other church programs. She was also an active member of multiple
Keokuk High School booster programs and was involved with fund raising and working
sporting events. Those who attended Keokuk Football games during the 1990s would know
Kathy as the “Keokuk Cart Lady” where she proudly sold Keokuk apparel. She served on the
Lee County Historical Society Board for over twenty years, where she managed the Miller
House and worked the annual Civil War reenactment. Kathy was always willing to volunteer,
and participated in a Mother’s Study Club, Relay for Life, Girl Scouts, and Little Feathers.
Kathy faithfully supported many community programs over several decades.
Throughout her life, Kathy enjoyed traveling nationwide. She never missed an opportunity
to take off on an adventure with her beloved friend, Joyce Sapp. She also enjoyed watching
sports and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye, Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. Friends and
family knew her to be a bit competitive regarding sports and card games. Kathy adored her four
grandchildren and was an enthusiastic fan of all their school and sport activities. She had a zest
for life and filled each day with love, laughter, and memories to treasure.
She is survived by: one daughter, Nicole Nemecek (Bryan) of Keokuk, IA; one son, Mark
Wemette (Jessica) of Fairfax, VA; four grandchildren, Thomas Nemecek, Zachary Nemecek,

Lissa Nemecek, and Avery Kathryn Wemette; in-laws, Bob Wemette (Bev) of Alma, WS, Mary
Strangstalien of Westby, WS, and Pat Daniel (Bruce) of Belvidere, IL; and many nieces and
nephews.
Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Jerrie Kueny
and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at The Church of All
Saints with Reverend David Brownfield, Ph.D. officiating. Burial will be in the Hickory Grove
Cemetery in Keokuk.
Visitation will be held after 3 p.m., Tuesday, with family meeting with friends from 6-8 p.m.
at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk. A Christian Vigil will be held at 8:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Grand Theatre or The Church of All Saints.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Joan D. Hays

1931-2020

      Joan D. Hays, 88, of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at UnityPoint Health-Keokuk.

     She was born December 7, 1931 in Waukegan, IL the daughter of Robert G. and Grace E. Wood Donnelly.  

     Joan graduated from Waukegan Township High School in Waukegan, IL.

     On June 6, 1975 she was united in marriage to Robert G. Hays in Hamilton, IL.  He preceded her in death on October 16, 2011.

     She was a member of Bel Air Baptist Church in Keokuk.

     Joan had been employed at Amour Dial in Montrose, IA as a quality control secretary for many years, until her retirement.  

     Joan enjoyed crocheting and created beautiful gifts for her family and friends to enjoy.

     She is survived by one daughter, Gayle Kil of Portage, MI, two sons, Kenneth Marshall of Overland Park, KS and David (Shelly) Marshall of Keokuk, two step-sons, Scott (Julie) Hays of Keokuk and Rex Hays of Overland Park, KS, one step-daughter, Lynn (Glenn) Carter of Montrose, IA, fourteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one sister, Elizabeth Shuka of Ames, IA, one sister-in-law, Diane Donnelly of WI and many nieces and nephews.

     Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, one son, Stephen Marshall, one brother, Michael Donnelly, one son-in-law, Richard Kil and one brother-in-law, William Shuka.

     A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Mike McMillen officiating.

     Memorials may be made to Bel Air Baptist Church or Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove, WI.

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

Denise Ahalt Land, 85, of Carthage, passed away at 10:20 A.M. Thursday, December 26, 2019, at the Red Maple Care Center in Carthage.

Denise was born January 7, 1934, the daughter of Joshua Dawson and Anne (Kelleher) Ahalt in Jersey City, New Jersey.  She grew up on Pine Key, an island off the coast of Florida. Denise graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1952 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Denise was employed by Eastern Airlines in Tampa, C & J Travel in Dover, New Hampshire and Great Bay Marina in Newington, New Hampshire.  She was the administrator of Hawthorne Lodge Nursing Home in Sullivan, Illinois and was the office manager of Murphy Cap and Gown in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Denise kept active in retirement by volunteering at the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, the Red Cross, the food pantry, Food for Thought, the Carthage Library, and taught water aerobics.  She was active in the Catholic Women’s Club and was the Hancock County Republican Woman of the Year in 2005. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage.

Denise is survived by four children, William Joseph (Deirdre) Gambrell of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Ann (Derek) Vannice of Clive, Iowa, Richard Hiers (Pam) Gambrell of Carthage and Carol Gambrell-Hughes of Flowery Branch, Georgia; four step-children, Linda (Dale) Schiff of Troy, Illinois, Patti Land-Wisley of North Port, Florida, Nancie Taylor of Mattoon, Illinois and Pam Land of Sullivan, Illinois; fourteen grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers and sisters, Michael Ahalt, Anne Perfit, Loretta Puopolo, Sheila Goss and Mary Quaid.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 18, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage with burial to follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Carthage.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage or Hickory Grove (Red Maple) Apartments in Carthage.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lou Fahnstrom, 57, of Carthage, passed away at 10:07 A.M. Monday,
January 6, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.
Mary was born May 13, 1962, the daughter of Tressler and Goldie (Hoover)
Hasten. On February 19, 2008, she was united in marriage to Paul Fahnstrom.
Mary is survived by her husband, Paul, of Carthage; three sons, Tressler (Jennifer)
Stephenson and Justin (Barb Vaughn) Stephenson, both of Quincy and Michael
(Kati) Stephenson of La Harpe; three step-children, Kris Fahnstrom of Galesburg,
Andrea (Wesley) Paul of Wayland and Billi Fahnstrom of Wayland; nine
grandchildren; two brothers, Larry Hasten of Keokuk and Bryant (Cheryl) Hasten
of Carthage; three sisters, Esther (Robert) Cott of Crystal Lake, Bonnie (Kenneth)
Watkins of Bowen and Debra Robinson of Keokuk.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister, Donna Fay; and two
brothers, Bruce and Garry Hasten.
A time of memories for family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 11,
2020, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the home of Bryant and Cheryl Hasten. Printy
Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Jean Wendorf

1936 – 2020

     Betty Jean Wendorf, 83, of Leesburg, FL formerly of Nauvoo, IL died Sunday, January 5, 2019 at the Tavares Hospice House in Leesburg.

     A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday at the Nauvoo City Cemetery, Nauvoo, IL.

     There will be no visitation.

    The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family will arrangements

Verlan Lee Stevens, Sr.

1931 – 2020

     Verlan Lee Stevens, Sr. of Gowrie, IA, formerly of Keokuk, died Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Pearl Valley Rehab Center in Gowrie.

     He was born on August 19, 1931 the son of James and Cora Williams Stevens in Kirksville, MO.

     Verlan was united in marriage to Letha Marie Reed and she preceded him in death in 1966.

     He enjoyed collecting stamps and Indian jewelry.  Verlan was a fan of Elvis and loved listening to his music.

     He is survived by two sons, James (Janet) Stevens, Sr. of Keokuk, and Lewis “Art” Stevens of Missouri, three daughters, Shirley Stevens and Nancy (Stacy) Bell all of Keokuk and Laurie (Gary) Townsend of Peoria, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

     Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by one son, Verlan “Spud” Stevens, Jr, five daughters, one grandson, Jack L. Stevens and several brothers and sisters.

     A gathering of remembrance will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 11 at the Lake Cooper Foundation at 810 Main St in Keokuk.

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Rita Jeanne (Hierstein) Hull, age 94, formerly of Nauvoo, Illinois and Plymouth, Michigan, passed away January 5, 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan at Upjohn Care and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born May 19, 1925 in Ft. Madison, Iowa, the youngest of six children born to Henry and Genevieve (Moffit) Hierstein.  In 1943, Rita graduated from Catholic Central High School in Ft. Madison.  She married Robert Lee Hull on December 27, 1947 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo.  He preceded her in death on May 22, 1980.
Rita spent her childhood and early adulthood in Iowa, where she had worked at Sheaffer Pen Company in Ft. Madison and Iowa Business Forms in Iowa City. She and Robert later moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she worked for the Student Book Store. Rita and Robert eventually settled in Plymouth, Michigan where they lovingly raised their family of six children. While living in Plymouth, the family were members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Parish where she was the President of the Rosary Altar Society.  After her husband’s death, she moved to Nauvoo, Illinois and enjoyed over thirty very happy years surrounded by a multitude of extended family and lifelong friends.  During that time, she worked as a library aide at the Nauvoo Public Library for 10 years.  She was a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the Catholic Women’s Club, Co-chairperson of the Sts. Peter and Paul funeral guild, and a member of the Hancock County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and the Nauvoo Senior Singers. She moved to Michigan in 2015 to be closer to family in her final years.
Besides her husband, Rita was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Lawrence, Henry, and James, two sisters, Marian Hopp and Margaret Koenig, and a foster sister, Dorothy (Fernetti) Bruegger.  Rita is survived by three sons, Thomas (Michaela Zuber) Hull of Eugene, Oregon, John (Dianne) Hull of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Tim (Sheri) Hull of Grass Lake, Michigan and three daughters, Linda (Larry) Rybicki of Mendon, Michigan, Lois Hull of Chula Vista, California, and Mary (Tim) Lynn of Tampa, Florida, 16 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Rita devoted much of her life to raising her family. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, was an avid reader and traveled the world to visit her children. Rita will be remembered for her ever-present kindness, strength, determination, and fabulous sense of humor.
A visitation will be held in Michigan on Wednesday, January 8, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Eickhoff Funeral Home (eickhofffuneralhome.com) in Mendon, Michigan. A second visitation take place on Friday, January 10, in Nauvoo, Illinois at Schmitz - Banks, and Beals Funeral Home (sbbfuneralhome.com) from 5 PM to 8 PM, with a rosary at 7:30 PM. A funeral Mass will take place at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 11, 2020, followed by interment in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul School in Nauvoo, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, or the Upjohn Heritage Employee Recognition Fund.
The world changes year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you will never pass away. May you be held in the arms of God and dance with the angels

Margie Viola Boston, 93, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away at the Cedar Pointe Care Center in Rolla, Missouri late on Sunday morning, January 5, 2020. 

Margie was born October 16, 1926, the daughter of Ray Harold and Viola Maude (Myers) Boston at home in Hancock County, Illinois. She was united in marriage to John Cameron in 1949 and they later divorced. After high school Margie went on to study music at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and the University of Tulsa, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She later received her Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of Iowa. She retired as Chair and Professor of the Music and Drama Department at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri (former University of Missouri, Rolla). Margie was an accomplished vocalist, performing as a soloist in many opera and musical productions. She was a pioneer in pursuing her Doctorate at a time when that was less common for women. Throughout her career she directed or produced many musical productions and was recognized for her innovative approaches. Margie was a member and former president of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Rolla. 

Margie is survived by her brother, Larry William (Jane) Boston of Livermore, California, her brother-in-law David Gnann of Nauvoo, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Raymond Boston; three sisters, Elizabeth Elwanda “Bettie” Merritt, Shirley Ann Gnann and Marilyn Jean Morris. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 16th, 2020 at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until time of services at 11:00 at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to The Music Scholarship Gift Fund, The University of Iowa School of Music, 93 E. Burlington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Analie S. Leininger, 100, of Nauvoo, Illinois passed away at 2:35 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2020 at her home.

She was born on May 13, 1919 in Adliswil, Switzerland the daughter of Henry and Rosa (Haller) Egolf. She emigrated to Nauvoo with her family in 1922. In 1942 she married Richard D Scott in Victoria, Texas. He was a pilot of a B-17 and was Killed-In-Action in September of 1943 near Sicily during World War II. On November 5, 1949 she married Alfred E. Leininger in Nauvoo. He preceded in death on May 22, 1993.

Analie was a 1937 graduate of the Nauvoo High School. She then attended Western Illinois Teachers College, Macomb, Illinois. Analie worked various jobs throughout her life as a secretary, librarian, music teacher, church organist and as a fabric store sales clerk. She loved day lily gardening, sewing, furniture refinishing, cooking, reading and cats. Analie and Alfred took trips to Europe to meet her Swiss cousins, or stay with Rosalyn and Jan in Germany. She was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Nauvoo.

Survivors include one son: David Alfred Leininger of Nauvoo; one daughter: Rosalyn (Jan) Sorensen of Hamilton, Illinois; nieces and nephews: Brian, David and Bill Evenson and Linda Richards; several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; one sister: Rosa Evenson and one brother: Henry Egolf Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo with Pastor Pete Hagglund officiating. Burial will be in the Nauvoo City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until time of services Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the Christ Lutheran Church or American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be left at sbbfuneralhome.com

Vicky Sue “Peaches” Lee, 60, of Carthage, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.

Vicky was born August 4, 1959, the daughter of Junior and Naomi Leeds in Keokuk, Iowa.  She was raised in Basco and graduated from Warsaw High School in 1977, the area she loved.  The next year she began working at Methode Electronics in Carthage where she spent 30 years working in document control.  On July 2, 1988, she was united in marriage to Lamont Lee in Carthage, Illinois. Vicky loved spending time with her family and friends.  She also enjoyed fishing and Mickey Mouse. Those who knew her best enjoyed her “problem solving” in their lives and will miss all her brittles and various other treats.

Vicky is survived by her husband, Lamont “Potsie” Lee of Carthage; nephew, Dan Sammons and family of Kernersville, NC; and two sisters, Judy Haist of DesMoines and Kathy Hoener of Mendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday morning, January 6, 2020, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton.  Visitation will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Sunday evening. Memorials may be directed to the family of Vicky Lee. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Martha Anderson, 68, of Carthage, passed away at 9:43 A.M. Wednesday
morning, January 1, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
Martha was born July 12, 1951, the daughter of Orrin and Margaret (McKee)
Anderson in New York City, New York. She was active in establishing My
Matthew’s House animal shelter and CASA. She had worked in social services
with College Plus and as a Juvenile Court Advocate. She enjoyed water aerobics
during the summer.
Martha is survived by a sister, Laura Anderson of Chicago, Illinois and numerous
cats.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, January 7, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at
Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in
Carthage. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday evening at Printy
Funeral Home in Carthage. Memorials may be directed to the Carthage Public
Library. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Harold Richard Stein

1941 – 2019

     Harold Richard Stein, 78, of rural Montrose, IA, died Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the Montrose Health Center.

     Richard was born on September 30, 1941, and resided in the Montrose area for most of his life.  He was the son of Harold John and Clovere E. Brumbaugh Stein.  They preceded him in death.

     No service is planned.  Interment will be in the Montrose Cemetery.

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is in charge of arrangements. 

     On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Donald E. Ford, 82, of Niota, Illinois, passed away at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at his home in Niota.

He was born on September 1, 1937, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Warren E. and Flora (Collins) Ford. 

Survivors include one son: Randy L. (Roberta) Ford of Burlington, Iowa; two grandchildren: Brandon Ford and Sara Ford; six great grandchildren; two brothers: Richard Ford and Roger Ford and one sister: Carol Beth Ford Feehan. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother: Marvin Ford.

Donald served in the Army National Guard. He owned Ford Sales and Service in Niota for many years and he later retired as a truck driver. Donald was a member of the Southside Boat Club in Keokuk, Iowa. He enjoyed restoring old tractors and being with his friends.

Donald’s body has been entrusted to Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home for cremation.

A private Graveside Service will be held at a later date at Pleasant Point Cemetery in Oakland Mills, Iowa.

A memorial has been established in his memory and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Nauvoo, Illinois 62354.

Schmitz-Banks and Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo is assisting the family. On-line condolences to the family may be left at www.sbbfuneralhome.com.

Brad J. Christensen, 52, of Nauvoo, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at the Montebello Health Care Center in Hamilton, Illinois.

He was born on January 27, 1967, in San Francisco, California, the son of Cal and Josie (Jemmett) Christensen.

Survivors include one daughter: Katy Christensen of Colfax, Illinois; one son: Andrew Christensen of Normal, Illinois; his mother and father: Josie and Cal of Nauvoo, Illinois; four siblings: Cherie McRae of Louisiana, Ann Cox of Nauvoo, Illinois, Vaun Christensen of Utah and Leah Mattaeo of Bakersfield, California.

Brad graduated from Marsh Valley High School in Arimo, Idaho, where he held the state record for his weight class in wrestling. Following high school he received his Bachelors Degree in accounting. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a former Eagle Scout. He enjoyed golfing, working on his former family farm in Idaho and he was an avid sports fan.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo, Illinois, with Bishop Joseph Smith officiating.

Burial will be at Nauvoo City Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be left at sbbfuneralhome.com.

Michael Duane “Mike” Thompson, 73, of Ferris, passed away at his home Tuesday morning,
December 31, 2019 at 6:55 A.M.
Mike was born November 10, 1946, the son of Herbert Ora and Hilda Irene (Greenplate)
Thompson in Macomb, Illinois. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1964 and went on
to attend trade school in Quincy, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 until his
Honorable Discharge as a Sargent in 1968. He then served from 1971 to 1972 in the Army
Reserves. On May 5, 1989, he was united in marriage to Donna Lynn McHugh in Keokuk, Iowa.
Mike was a mechanic for International Harvester retiring in 2000. He later worked for GPLS in
2010 and was a bus driver in 2013. Mike was currently serving on the Ferris Village Board and
had been an active member of VFW Lodge 5117 and was a Past Commander. Mike was a
member of the U.A.W. and the First Baptist Church in Carthage. He was a St. Louis Cardinals
fan. Mike enjoyed stock car racing and was a Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fan and had been a driver
himself. He also enjoyed playing cards and “tinkering” in his garages. Mike loved dressing up
for Halloween and as Santa Claus for Christmas. He kept his sense of humor even up to the
time of his passing.
Mike is survived by his wife, Donna, of Ferris; son, Wyatt (Rebecca) Twaddle of Gurnee; a
special sister, Jennie (Tom) Snodgrass of Ferris and her family, a daughter, Charlotte Cross and
family of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; three sons, Jeff Thompson and Mike Thompson and family
of Macomb and Nathan Thompson of Edwardsville; two children very close to the family, Josh
(Danelle) Twaddle of Des Moines, Iowa and Jaci Twaddle of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sisters and
brothers-in-law, Jody (Robert) Hasten and family of Carthage, Robert (Sherri) McHugh and
family of Andover, Illinois, Jeanie (Greg) Jones and family of Carthage, Richard (Melody)
McHugh of Moline, Illinois and Dean (Terri) McHugh and family of Carthage; and numerous
nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Robert Wayne Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the First Baptist Church
in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage with military rites
provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and Hancock County Honor Guard. Visitation will be
held Friday evening from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. with family meeting friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. A
memorial fund has been established. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of
arrangements.