Virginia M. Riddle

1937-2021

     Virginia M Riddle, 83, of Plainfield, IL, formerly of Keokuk, IA died Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Unit in Joliet, IL.

     Virginia (Hawkins) Riddle was born in Keokuk, IA July 7, 1937. She was raised on the family farm in rural Argyle, IA. She graduated from Argyle High School in 1954. She was very active in school. She was a drummer in the school band, cheerleader, worked on the school newspaper and was active in 4-H.

     She was married to William Riddle for thirty-four years. He preceded her in death on August 14, 1989.

     Virginia had been employed at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Keokuk and later at Pizza Hut in Keokuk, where she was the assistant manager until her retirement.   

     Virginia was generous with her time and talents.  She volunteered as a teachers aide and was a member of the Torrence Grade School PTA.  She was also a member of the Keokuk Art Center, Keokuk Community Fine Art Council and the Ft. Madison Area Art Association. She was a well known artist in the tri-state area. She had an outdoor gallery showing at her home and sponsored an art competition in Keokuk and Ft Madison in 2018. She also produced a music concert at the Grand Theatre in 2016, A Tribute to Willie Nelson with Kevin Kull and Friends to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and donated her paintings to various charities and organizations in the area. She was a big sister for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America for many years. 

     She is survived by her children, Randy (Alice) Riddle of Olathe, KS, Teresa (Jim) Bevering of Plainfield, IL and Robert (Barbara) Riddle of Keokuk, IA.   She is also survived by her sister, June Hawkins Jobe Nellos of Warsaw, IL and eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

     Virginia is preceded in death by her, husband, William L Riddle, her parents, Roy and Daisy (Greer) Hawkins, brothers, Leroy Hawkins, Richard Hawkins, Harold “Sonny” Hawkins, Charles Hawkins and sisters, Betty Hawkins Anderson Tallman and Ruth Hawkins Smith.

     A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, at the Church of All Saints in Keokuk with Reverend David Brownfield, Ph.D. officiating.  Burial will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.  Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are recommended at the church and funeral home. The service will be live streamed on Virginia’s tribute wall on the Vigen Memorial Home webpage or on the Church of All Saints Facebook page or on their YouTube site which can be found at www.allsaintskeokuk.org/live.  

     Visitation will be after 1 p.m., Thursday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends from 6-8 p.m.  A Christian vigil service will be held at 6:00 p.m., during visitation.

     Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Rita Angela Mahoney Sullivan, 89, died Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Wesley Village in
Macomb. She was born July 12, 1931, in Manchester, England to Reginald and Margaret
(Watson) Mahoney. At the age of 18, she traveled to Illinois to visit her sister. She
married Don E. Sullivan on September 30, 1950, at Immaculate Conception Church in
Carthage, Illinois. He died on August 5, 2002.
As a child, she attended St. Cuthbert’s School. Rita had vivid memories of experiencing
the “Manchester Blitz,” when Manchester and much of Northwest England was heavily
bombed during the Second World War. For a period of time, she and her siblings were
evacuated to the countryside to escape the bombing. While she spent the last 71 years of
her life in the United States, and became a naturalized citizen in the 1970’s, she loved her
native country and passed along British customs, including a love of tea, to her children
and grandchildren. Rita and Don resided in West Central Illinois throughout their nearly
52 years of marriage. They raised their growing family on farms in Carthage, Macomb,
and Nauvoo, before moving to Hamilton in 1976. She worked with Don in their
Carthage-based family real estate and auction company and became a licensed real estate
broker. They enjoyed several trips to Ireland together. Rita’s greatest joy and legacy,
however, was her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother,
aunt, and friend. Compassionate, resilient, and prayerful, she was devoted to her Catholic
faith. She will also be remembered for her love of reading, her style, and her sense of
humor.
She is survived by eleven children: Ann (Martin) Florie of Overland Park, KS; Mary
(Morgan) Lewis of Knoxville, IL; Edith (Patrick) Ewing of Hamilton, IL; Michael
(Kelley) Sullivan and William (Sheryl) Sullivan, both of Carthage, IL; Stephen (Rana)
Sullivan of Marriottsville, MD; John (Joan) Sullivan of Rushville, IL; Patricia (Buddy)
Viniard of Burr Ridge, IL; Daniel (Kacey) Sullivan of Hamilton, IL; Joseph (Dawn)
Sullivan of Rushville, IL; and James (Amy) Sullivan of Hamilton; over 70 grandchildren
and great grandchildren with more on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Rita was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Vera
Jones, Margaret Collins, and Madeline Mahoney; and four brothers, Gerard, Reginald,
Bernard, and John Mahoney.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Rita’s many wonderful caregivers in
recent years, first at Maple Grove Memory Care in Carthage and then at Wesley Village
in Macomb.
Friends may call at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage between 4 and 7 PM on Tuesday,
April 27, 2021. The family will not be present. A private family funeral will be held at a
later date, and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Father’s
Friends (helping families in need) c/o Sts. Peter and Paul Church, PO Box 147, Nauvoo,
IL; Haitian Hearts at haitianhearts.org; or a charity of your choice.

Brad Alan Bode

1967-2021

     Brad Alan Bode, 53 of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Blessing Health Keokuk in Keokuk, IA.

     He was born August 15, 1967 in Keokuk, IA the son of Ronald Lee and Sharon Kay Spees Bode.

     Brad graduated from Keokuk High School in Keokuk, IA.

     He had been employed by several local businesses through the years, including Happy Joes’s and Walmart.

      Brad enjoyed rock and roll music and loved playing his guitar.  He also enjoyed cooking and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. 

     He is survived by his father, Ronald Lee Bode of Donnellson, IA, his girlfriend, Sherri Morgan of Michigan, three aunts, Patty Means (David) and Vye Land both of Keokuk and Debbie Symmonds of Hamilton, one uncle, Rusty Spees of Keokuk and numerous cousins.

     He was preceded in death by his mother.

     A Gathering of Remembrance will be held at a later date.

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

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Richard H. Weirather, 69, of Nauvoo, passed away at the Great River Medical Center in Burlington Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

Richard was born March 27, 1952, the son of John “Jack” and Elsie (Lundgren) Weirather in Keokuk, Iowa.  He attended Keokuk High School graduating in 1970.  On December 27, 1969, he was united in marriage to Janet Leffler in Warsaw. They later divorced.  Richard had worked in construction and carpentry in his younger years with his father and farmed with his father-in-law.  He then worked as a forklift mechanic for Electric Wheel in Quincy for ten years, Griffen Wheel in Keokuk for seventeen years, and for Hupp Toyota for nine years.  Richard helped support St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Air E-Vac service.

Richard is survived by his son, Derek (Karen) Weirather of Nauvoo; two grandchildren, Marcus Caine Weirather and Jacob Joshua Weirather; and his ex-wife, Janet Weirather of Hamilton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Wendy Weirather in 2014; and two infant sons, Shawn Michael and Jonathan Scott Weirather.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, April 26, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of services at 2:00 at the funeral home in Warsaw.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in memory of Richard H. Weirather.  Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Lilly Mae Harris

1946-2021

     Lilly Mae Harris, 74 of Keokuk, IA passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

     She was born June 25, 1946 in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of Rufus and Marjorie Runyan Tompkins.  She married the late Daniel R. Meek and from that union they had four children.  Tony (Lynne) Meek of Sweetwater, TN, Karla Meek of Keokuk, Mark (Tina) Meek of Keokuk and Dawn (Colin) Grosskreutz of Keller, TX.  She is also survived by four step-children with her marriage to the late Larry L. Reeves, Michael (Dorothy) Reeves of Winchester, MO, Kimberly Anderson of Donnellson, IA, Dean Reeves and Douglas Reeves both of Keokuk.  

     Other survivors include her third husband, William Harris, two brothers, Roger (Debbie) Tompkins and Dewayne (Becky) Tompkins, fourteen grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  

     Lilly was preceded in death by her parents, her foster parents, Ed and Evelyn Gerner, one step-son, Mark Reeves, one brother, J.R. Tompkins, one sister, Barbara Tompkins and one niece, Patricia Tompkins.

     Lilly would be best remembered for her excellent cooking.  She worked in several restaurants, including Trails Restaurant, HD Lee Cafeteria and the L&L Truck Stop.  Thanksgiving was a large family affair and her favorite holiday.  Dressing, goulash, bread pudding and biscuits and gravy were all an annual tradition.  Her kids would “call her out” if she ever altered her recipe.  

     She never knew a stranger and enjoyed talking to friends and family.  All the family knew mom’s loud whistle, her phrase “front and center” and she would use her pointer finger left to right to let everyone know they were all in trouble.

     Her sense of humor, her boisterous character and her life of the party will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA.  Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are recommended at the funeral home.

    Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-2 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to the family.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

 Ronald E.Jacobs

Ronald E. (Jake) Jacobs went to be with his heavenly Father on April 20, 2021.  He was born in Galesburg, Il, May 11, 1942 to John and Patricia (Malmrose) Jacobs. He moved to Dallas City, Il, in 1954 when his dad was transferred with the Sante Fe Railroad. He married Jan Massa April 19, 1965, in Pekin, Il. 

Following his lifelong dream of a Navy career, Ron entered the Navy the day after graduation from Dallas City High School on June 1, 1960.  He spent 3 years, 9 months and 27 days at Tripler Navy Base in Honolulu, HA and was injured on duty.  After spending 3 months in the hospital in Hawaii, he was transferred to Great Lakes Naval Hospital, in Chicago and spent 18 months in the hospital.  Upon release from the hospital, he returned to Dallas City.  He spent 5 years as an Apprentice for Seither & Cherry, Keokuk, Ia., where he became a licensed Journeyman Plumber/Pipefitter for Local #212. After 18 years of working construction, he was hired as a dispatcher for Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Carthage, Il.  He became a Deputy Sheriff February, 1984 and was known in the area as HC-8.  Ron was one class short of an associate’s degree in Law Enforcement from Carl Sandburg College, Carthage, Il. He worked as a deputy sheriff for 22 years, the last 3 as Court Bailiff at Hancock County Courthouse.  He retired May 31, 2004. 

Ron’s first love was his family.  He loved camping, fishing, baseball and was a die hard Cubs fan. He and his family were very involved in Boy Scouts.  Ron was one of a group of 28 people who took an EMT class and started the Hamilton Ambulance Service.  He worked on call for that service for many years. Ron was a life member of the NRA.  Ron was deeply patriotic and stood for every National Anthem he heard and practiced his love of his country. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church in Hamilton for 50 years. 

 Ron is survived by his wife, Jan of 57 years, his daughters Cary Jo Schaub, Wesley Chapel, FL. and Holly Cox, Omaha, NE;  his grandchildren Kayla (Tyler) Zeh, Jonathan Temenak (Chicago), Maslin Cox and Caleb Cox and his daughter-in-law Tricia Jacobs,  He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph, his Mother and Father, John & Pat Jacobs and his in-laws Amel & Josephine Massa.

He is survived by five brother-in -laws, Dr. Dennis (Pat) Massa, Rochester NY; Amel (Carol) Massa, Long Island, NY; Rev. Michael (Kathy) Massa, Marshalltown, IA; Greg (Lisa) Massa, Pekin, Il; James (Pam) Massa, Lexington, KY; and a sister-in-law Pam Davis, (Sean) , St. Charles, MO. and one brother, Donald Jacobs, Arvada, Colorado. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Printy Funeral Home, Hamilton, Il., Friday evening, April 23, 2021 from 5-7 pm with a Rosary being said at 7 pm..  A Christian Mass of burial will be held 10 am Saturday morning, April 24, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hamilton, IL. with Fr. Tony Trosley officiating with burial in Harris Cemetery in Dallas City, IL.  Memorials may be made to his family for his grandchildren’s College fund or to the VA Hammond Hall.

Masks and social distancing are requested.

Printy Funeral Home

720 Main Street, Hamilton IL  62341

Thomas “Tom” Alberts, Sr.

1957-2021

     Thomas "Tom" Alberts, Sr., 63, of Keokuk peacefully went home on Monday, April 19, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

      Born in Keokuk, IA on June 15, 1957, Tom was the son of Marvin “Sonny” Alberts Sr. and Mary Ellen Trugagos and younger brother to Marvin “Tit-Ta” Alberts Jr. 

     On September 22, 1979, he was united in marriage to Bernice Cannon. The following forty-one years were full of love, laughter, and complimenting each other in every way.   He will continue to patiently wait for Bernice from up above, even though she will be late! 

    Tom was a life-long Keokuk area resident, attending local schools and working for forty-four years at Keokuk Steel Castings. He was a great provider for the family he loved so dearly. Tom instilled the values of hard work and dedication in his children and anyone he met; always providing an example of friendship, community and kindness in his actions.

     Tom was a behind the scenes man, practical and always at his best when helping others be at their best. He was always there when you needed him, helping at the drop of a hat and usually with a gentle smile on his face. He enjoyed playing cards with his family and spoiling his numerous grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his family all over the country and remembering to stop and see the sights of every "Welcome to" state sign they drove by. Tom was a rare gem of a man; someone who was truly kind and caring, protective but laid-back and sometimes even a little ornery. To those he felt a special kinship with, he assigned them adoring nicknames. He was affectionately known as "Tom the Toter" since he was always toting something around for someone else. 

     If life was the journey, and Heaven was the destination, Tom was the steadfast captain of his ship, face always to the horizon and not troubled by the waves. No fuss or praise was ever required. And now that his journey is over, his spirit will still guide all who knew him; clear and bright until we all can reach the shore. 

     In addition to being forever missed by his wife, Bernice, Tom was the loving father of three children, Pansy (Devin) Alberts Mallonee of Ottumwa, IA, Thomas “Tom”  (Teresa) Alberts, Jr. of Keokuk, IA, and Luke (Beth) Alberts of Oak Park, IL. He was the adoring grandfather to: Ciera, L-Dogg, Little Joe, Natty, Joshy, Nina, RiRi, LeeRoy, Baby J, and Deli. He was the great-grandfather to Butch, Daxton, Aves, Sage, L.T, and Kinzlee. Additionally, he is survived by his older brother, Marvin (Winnie) Alberts of Keokuk, his aunt, Shirley Benedict of Fairfield, IA, brothers-in-law, Harry (Josie) Cannon, Pat Cannon, KJ (Dena) Cannon, sister-in-law, Vickie (Chuck) Mann, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     A celebration of life will be held on June 12, 2021 near Tom’s 64th birthday with details to be provided closer to the date.

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

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Wanda Lee Baugher

1931-2021

     Wanda Lee Baugher, 89 of Burlington, IA formerly of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, April 18, 2021at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

     She was born September 26, 1931 in La Harpe, IL, the daughter of Arlie L. and Gladys Rhea Smith.  Her father was killed in WW II and she was raised by her mother and step-father, William Briley.  Wanda graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1949.

     On December 24, 1958 she was united in marriage to James Earl Baugher in Kahoka, MO.  He preceded her in death on March 22, 2013.

     She is survived by one son, Steven Baugher, one daughter, Denise (Jeff) Wharton,            two grandsons, Jason (Danica) Wharton and Aaron Wharton, two great-grandchildren, Ronan James Wharton and Eve Marie Wharton and Eve’s mother Victoria Alvardo all of Burlington, IA.  She is also survived by one half-brother, Bill (Sonny) Briley, two half-sisters, Liz (Rodger) Newberry and Dorothy (Rich) Burrell, very special cousin, Ned (Patty) Rhea all of Keokuk and other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

     Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her father, mother and step-father, sister, Betty McGeHee, and half-brother, John Briley and in-laws.

     A private graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, in the Keokuk National Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Bixby officiating.  Family and friends are invited to the Family Worship Center, 2439 Belknap Blvd, following the graveside service.

     In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Association, the Lung Association or to Donor’s Choice.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Shari Lynne Dunagan

1949 -2021

     Shari Lynne Dunagan, 71, of Keokuk, IA, died Sunday, April 18, 2021 at her home. 

     She was born December 21, 1949 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Charles and Helen Knowles Stephens.  Shari graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1968.

     On September 27, 1969 she was united in marriage to Daniel J. Dunagan.  He preceded her in death on October 30, 2017.

     Shari had been employed at Keokuk Water Works for forty-two years, until her retirement in 2019.

     She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Keokuk, where she taught Sunday school for forty-years.  She was also a member of Tri State Quilters Guild and the American Legion Auxiliary. 

    Shari enjoyed spending time outdoors mowing her yard, gardening and feeding the birds.  Shari was a wonderful cook.  She loved to collect recipes and share her favorite dishes with family and friends.    She was an avid shopper and frequently stopped at one of her favorite stores, Simply Home in Keokuk.  Shari liked going on walks with her friends and also enjoyed meeting with them on Taco Monday at the American Legion and the South Side Boat Club for Bobbi’s Burgers.  Shari and her sister Penny were dedicated volunteers at the Keokuk High School concession stand for many years.  Shari never missed any sporting events that her grandchild, niece and nephews were involved in. Throughout her life, she delighted in crafting, sewing, quilting and making beautiful wreaths, floral arrangements and cemetery decorations.   Most of all, Shari loved her family and treasured the time she spent with them. 

     She is survived by one son, Jason Dunagan of Keokuk, one grandson, Charles “C.J.” Dunagan of Keokuk and six nephews, Kory (Leah) Hotop of Keokuk, Ethan (Alexis) Hotop of Hamilton, IL, Dan Burke, Robert (Teresa) Burke and Scott Burke all of Keokuk and Tim Hardy of St. Louis, MO, 

     Besides her husband, Shari was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister Penny Hotop, and her husband, David Hotop and  Penny’s daughter, Samantha Whiteside, one uncle, David Knowles, one sister-in-law, Sherry Jasperson and two aunts, Thelma Hilberer and Ruth Seyb.

     A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, at the First Baptist Church in Keokuk with Pastor Bob Brandhagen officiating.  Burial will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery.   Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are recommended at the church and funeral home. The service will be live streamed on Shari’s tribute wall on the Vigen Memorial Home webpage.

     Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Wednesday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with family meeting with friends from 5-8 p.m.

     Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Jackson Township Fire Department.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Terry Lee Thomason, 68, of Carthage, passed away at Blessing Hospital in Quincy on Thursday, April 15, 2021.

Terry was born May 28, 1952, the son of A. J. and Bonnie (McGraw) Thomason in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  On February 25, 1977, he was united in marriage to Claudette Aynes in Oquawka, Illinois.  He was a truck driver retiring in 2005.

Terry is survived by his wife, Claudette, of Carthage; daughters, Wendy Noble of Stronghurst, Illinois, and Cassie and Carrie Moser, both of Burlington, Iowa; a son A. J. Thomason of McAlester, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren; three sisters, Kathy Thomason of Stronghurst; Malinda (Bill) Hoover of Stronghurst; and Angie Thomason of Macomb, Illinois and a brother, Kevin Vaughn of Stronghurst.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Eugene Coyle, 95, of Hamilton, passed away at 10:24 AM, Saturday, April
17, 2021, at his home.
Robert was born February 15, 1926, the son of John Sleet and Clara Belle (Jordan)
Coyle in Blandinsville, Illinois. He attended Hamilton High School graduating in
1944. He then served in the United States Navy as a Pharmacist Mate. After his
Honorable Discharge he was united in marriage to Dora Marie Cox on February
28, 1948, in Carthage. She preceded him in death in 2011. Robert was the
maintenance supervisor for Roquette for many years retiring in 1985. Robert was
a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, Mustangs and old
tractors.
Robert is survived by his son, Robert L. (Rita) Coyle of Hamilton; daughter, Connie
S. (Don) Heller of Canton, Illinois; grandchildren, Robert W. (Amy) Coyle, Richelle
(Robert) Shattell, Jessica (Chad Lankford) Crossland and Ryan (Misti) Crossland;
great grandchildren, Kaylee, Alaijah, and Josiah Shattell, Brandon and Brenton
Coyle, Trinity and Coraline Lankford and Neville and Oliver Crossland; and a sister,
Vera (Paul) Hardy of Ft. Madison, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Verlin, William and Mallory
Joseph “Jay” Coyle.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Tuesday afternoon, April 20, 2021, at
Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton with military rites rendered by the Hancock
County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. at Printy
Funeral Home in Hamilton prior to services at the graveside on Tuesday.
Memorials may be directed to Lee County Hospice or the Hamilton Public Library.
Masks and Social Distancing requested. Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in
charge of arrangements.

Norine Laura Jobe, 53, passed away at 6:49 P.M. Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy after a long battle with peripheral vascular disease.

Norine was born July 8, 1967, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Dennis and June (Hawkins) Jobe.  She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1985.  She was an excellent singer and enjoyed karaoke.

Norine is survived by her companion, Robert Symmonds, of Keokuk; her dogs, Tera and Mandy; mother, June (George) Nellos of Warsaw; brother, Wes (Julie) Jobe of Hamilton; sisters, Nadine Jobe of Montrose and Nina Whippie of Keokuk; nieces, Breanna Smith, Nicole Miller and Taylor Gibson; nephews, Jason Smith and Brandon Whippie; her aunt, Virginia Riddle; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Jobe.

Visitation without the family will be held Sunday evening, April 18, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  A private family service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Susan Diane Sewell, 68, of Hamilton, passed away at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, on Thursday, April 15, 2021. She was born June 5, 1952, in Keokuk, Iowa to Robert and Glenda (Bolton) Reneau. Susan graduated from Hamilton High School in 1970.

Susan married Larry Sewell in Hamilton, Illinois on October 15, 1977. She worked at University of Illinois Extension in Carthage, Illinois for 25 years. Susan was involved with teen court and was a Hancock County community worker helping with health education, Hancock County 4H and Safety Town. She enjoyed gardening in her free time as well as cooking and baking. Susan was actively involved in Western Illinois Threshers and could often be found volunteering for community events in the area. Susan was a member of New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk, Iowa. 

Susan is survived by: her husband, Larry; two daughters, Shay (Sam) Darnell of Quincy, Illinois and Tara Baker of Hamilton; one son, Justin (Andrea) Sewell of Hamilton; two step-children, William Sewell and Julie (Jeff) Camp of Alexandria, Louisiana; eight grandchildren, Morgan, Ryan, Brenna, Logan, Brenden, Walker, Abbygail and Joshua; three brothers, James (Becky) Reneau of Hamilton, Ed (Stephanie) Reneau of Warsaw and David (Vickie) Reneau of Hamilton; and one sister, Doris (Mike) Ritter of Hamilton. 

Susan was preceded in death by her parents and sister Barbara Reneau.

Private family services will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 3:30 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton, with Mark Hanson officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Sunday, April 18, 2021 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton, Illinois. The service will be livestreamed at www.printyfuneralhome.com on Susan’s obituary page. 

Memorials may be made to Hamilton Fire Department or Hancock County Ambulance.  

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Lee Jansma, 79, of Sutter, passed away at 7:56 PM Friday, April 9, 2021, at the Countryview Care Center in Macomb.

Don was a long-time resident of Lansing, IL. He worked in auto body repair until he retired. Don also worked at Lake Shore Marina in Cedar Lake, IN for several years. Don loved classic automobiles, was an avid collector and car show attendee. Don enjoyed fishing and always had a joke or something funny to say. He cherished spending time with friends.  

 He was one of 14 children born to Elliott and Clara Jansma, and often spoke of being the 13th and only left-handed child. He is survived by four children: Steven Jansma, Kathy (George) Eubanks, Tracy (Steve) Balkema and Becky (Tyler) Roskamp; three step children: Amy Alexanderson, Sara Webber and Amanda Donaldson; eighteen grandchildren: Dayton and Joshua Conkright, Logan Roskamp; Ella and Annabell Eubanks; Lucas and Clara Balkema; EJ Marshall, Malena and Lucy Jansma; Ashlyn Westfall, Dominic and Riley Wielgos; Wyatt Donaldson; Amiah, Armani, Cynthia and Zoie Alexanderson; and five siblings: Grace (Harry) Sikma, Ruth VanKley, Arthur (Ilene) Jansma, Carl (Beverly) Jansma, and James (Butch) (late Gloria) Jansma. He was the beloved “Uncle Duck” to numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a son, Joey and siblings: Richard (Marge) Jansma, Tillie (Cornelius) Koster, William (Norma) Jansma, Elliot (Beverly) Jansma, Pete (Joyce) Jansma, Mike (Betty) Jansma, Joyce (late Howard) Dockweiler, and Cora (late Don) Slager.

Cremation rites are being accorded. To honor Don’s memory, we encourage you to visit a local car show and enjoy the atmosphere. There will be a private celebration of Don’s life at a later date.

Memorials to the family or your local auto club.

Lois Maxine Eichhorn, 95, of Carthage, passed away Monday, April 5, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. at the Oak Lane Care Center in Stronghurst, Illinois.

Lois was born July 8, 1925 at home in rural Denver, Illinois, the only child of Prentie and Laura (Eichman) Akers.

She married Alfred Eichhorn on February 5, 1944, in Madison, Wisconsin.  He preceded her in death in 2001.  They had two children.

Nancy (John) Ferguson of Niota, Illinois and Lori (Bill) Crose of Rochester Hills, Michigan; five grandchildren, Jeff (Vicky) Ferguson of Niota, Jenni (Mike Wescott) Ferguson of Niota, Jessica (Dave) Griffiths of Colusa, Emily (Amanda) Crose of Maryland and Libby (Chris Davis, Jr.) Crose of Arizona; great grandchildren, Ryan Boddeker, Megan (Dan Hardy) Boddeker Jeremy (Aerial) Ferguson, Jonathan Ferguson, Joshua Ferguson, Zachary Six, Jenna Ferguson, Tatum Griffiths, Quinton Crose, Mia Griffiths and Frankie Crose; great great grandchildren, Jaxson, Jonah, Charlie Kay, Jade, Payton, Colson and David.

Lois always had a pretty smile and she loved being with her family and friends.  She was an active member of the Red Hat organization and belonged to several card clubs when she was younger.  She did needle work, loved her flowers and enjoyed talking on the telephone and watching basketball.  She worked at Good Apple and the Journal-Pilot and was a member of the First Christian Church in Carthage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Alfred “Ike”.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday morning, April 9, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.  Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church in Carthage or Compassus Hospice.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.