Elaine Duncan, 83, of Carthage, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 11:29 AM at her
home.
Elaine was born on April 17, 1938, in Lacrosse, Illinois, the daughter of Morris and Frances
(Dunn) Housewright. On March 4, 1961, she was united in marriage to Bill Duncan in Carthage.
He preceded her in death on October 10, 2005.
Elaine graduated from Carthage High School in 1958. She was a member of the United
Methodist Church in Carthage. Elaine was a homemaker and very much a people person. You
may have enjoyed visiting with her when she worked in the Carthage area at Casey’s, Wareco
Service Station, SuperValu or Crystal Ball Roller Rink. Elaine was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and
enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially her favorite, #9 Chase Elliott. She was an animal lover –
including her two dogs, PeeWee and China. Elaine enjoyed nature, gardening and yearly
summer vacations. One of her favorites was going to see Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty in
Nashville, Tennessee.
Elaine is survived by two children: her daughter Tammy (Ron Flanegan) Varner of Burnside,
Illinois and son David (Kim Southerland) of Dallas City, Illinois; three grandchildren: Jessica,
Brandy and Jeanne; five great-grandchildren: Sheppard, Leahava, Isabelle, Calvin and Oakland;
her brother Robert (Reva) Housewright of Burlington, Iowa; her sister Shirley Stephenson of
Carthage and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Elaine is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bill.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at Moss Ridge Cemetery in
Carthage, with Pastor Jennifer Fielden officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Hearts of Hancock Humane Society.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lucena (Long) Derks, 94, of Carthage, passed away at 10:25 PM Friday evening, May 21,
2021, at the Silver Maple Care Center in Carthage.
Mary was born the only child of Reuben Ray and Vera Claudine (Simmons) Long in Hancock
Township, Hancock County, Illinois. After graduating from the three-year High School in
Burnside she was a Senior graduate of Carthage High School in 1944. She was united in
marriage to Lawrence Lee Derks, Sr. on April 28 th , 1944, in Hamilton, Illinois by the Reverend
H.C. Reichel. She and Lawrence moved to the Derks family farm in 1946 after Lawrence was
Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Mary Lu is survived by her husband; two daughters, Dixie Ann (Robert) Williamson of Chatham,
Donna Lou (Jack) Myers of Arlington Heights; two sons, Lawrence Lee (Park) Derks, Jr. of Burke,
VA and William Ray (Candy) Derks of Rochester; grandchildren, Ben Williamson, Mary Ann
(Todd) Henry, Ira (Erin) Hanks, Andy (Brandy) Derks, Lucas (Sarah) Williamson, Kim Derks,
Miakea (George) Toubekis, Lawrence Derks III; step-grandchildren, Patrick Myers and Kristin
(Eric) Riger; great grandchildren, Josh & Katie Henry, Mackenzie Derks, Gabby Amos, Theoni
and Thrasso Toubekis, Cody Williamson and Madison and Drew Derks and two step-great
grandchildren, Ayla and Eliana Riger.  
She was preceded in death by her parents and close aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mary Lu was part owner and employed by Derks’ Superette in Ferris for several years, worked
in Central Supply at Memorial Hospital in Carthage for four years, and most recently at Farmers
State Bank of Ferris for sixteen years retiring in 1996. She helped Lawrence on the farm as
much as possible while raising their children. She especially liked to disc but admitted to not
being good at raking hay and never learned to milk the cows. First and foremost, she was a
farm wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of Burnside Christian Church, Carthage
American Legion Auxiliary and Republican Women’s Group of Hancock County. She loved the
Lord as well as her family and looks forward to a family reunion in heaven.
Private family inurment will be held with a memorial service at a later date.

Joshua James Frakes

1984 -2021

     Joshua James Frakes, 36 of Elvaston, IL died Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

     He was born December 10, 1984 in Keokuk, IA the son of Russell and Karen Mason Frakes. 

     He had been employed by several local businesses through the years, including Thomas Cardella, Walmart, Henniges and Core 4 Us.

     Joshua was an outdoorsman at heart and enjoyed hunting, fishing and mushroom hunting.  It was the time he spent with his family that he treasured most and the memories that were made will live on in their hearts forever.

    He is survived by five children, Hannah Frakes and her mother, Ashley Arthur, Emma Frakes, Teri Frakes, Tanner Frakes and Easton Frakes and their mother, Markie Pflug, his parents, Russell and Karen Frakes, one sister, Jeanie Frakes, his fiancé, Melissa Rhodes and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

     He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, one uncle, Terry Frakes and two cousins, Anthony Frakes and Barb Masterson.

     A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Larry Wallingford officiating.  The service will be live streamed on Joshua’s tribute wall on the Vigen Memorial Home webpage.

     There will be no visitation.

     Memorials may be made to the family, in care of Russell and Karen Frakes.

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

Darrell Lee Huling, 66, of Denver, passed away at 6:15 PM Friday evening, May 14, 2021.

Darrell was born June 18, 1954, the son of Kenny J. and Emma Lee (Peterson) Huling in Kirksville, Missouri.  He started working as a farmhand at fifteen years old.  He enjoyed cutting wood and gardening.  Darrell was very energetic and hardworking his entire life.  On August 10, 1996, he was united in marriage to Frances M. Peek in Denver.  

Darrell is survived by his wife, Frances “Fran” M. Huling of Denver; children, James (Teresa Brewer) Huling of Denver, Sara (Dennis) Manes of Bushnell, Shawn (Cindy) Huling of Mt. Sterling, Amanda (Dan Miller) Preader of Fort Madison and Jonathan Huling; step-children, Toni (Steve) Cloke of Marango, Iowa, Rebecca (Dennis) Penrod of Danville, Iowa, Karrie (Jason) McCleary of Mediapolis, Iowa, Heidi Coon of Mediapolis, Iowa, Daniel (Billie) Young and Matthew Young of Colusa; thirty-seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and one on the way; siblings, Kenny (Julie) Huling of Carthage, Lisa (Christopher) Juneman of Las Vegas Mary (Kurt) Johnson of Bowen and Susie (Jim) Harrison of Warsaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edna Doyle; a brother, David Huling; and two grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Harmony Township Cemetery in Bentley, Illinois. Memorials may be directed to the family of Darrell Huling. Printy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bruce Edwin Brooks

1958 -2021

     Bruce Edwin Brooks, 63 of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Mississippi Valley Healthcare Center in Keokuk, IA. 

     He was born March 21, 1958 in Keokuk, IA the son of Edwin and Betty Elder Brooks.  

     Bruce was a member of the Musicians Union in Nashville.   He loved playing traditional country music and was an amazing self-taught steel guitarist. Bruce had played with numerous bands over the years most notably Ronnie Milsap and Johnny Paycheck.   He performed throughout the country at well-known venues including the Grammys, the Kennedy Center and numerous times at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, TN.   

     Bruce enjoyed drag racing, traditional country music and playing cards.    Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.      

     He is survived by his parents, Edwin and Betty Brooks of Canton, Missouri, three daughters, Jenny Mueller (Tyler) of Farmington, Iowa, Sarah Cameron of Kahoka, Missouri  and Gretchen Eaton of Keokuk, Iowa, four grandchildren, Ian Martin, Jera Wilson, Luke Wilson and Kinley Eaton, two sisters, Missy Brooks of Canton, Missouri and Suzi Brooks-White (JR) of Revere, Missouri,  three brothers, Brian Brooks of Bedford, Indiana, Rob Brooks (Mary) of Alexandria, Missouri and Quentin Brooks (Darci) of California, along with many nieces and nephews. 

     He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Farold and Leta Brooks and Ben and Iva Elder.  

     Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, May 22 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, Missouri with the family meeting with friends at that time.   

     A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, Missouri.   Burial will be in the Chambersburg Cemetery.   

     Memorials may be made to the family. 

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

Eleanor Susannah “Sue” Schrader

1928 – 2021

     Eleanor Susannah “Sue” Gordon Schrader, 92, of Carthage, IL, formerly of Hamilton, IL died Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Memorial Hospital in Carthage, IL.

     She was born on May 21, 1928 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Donald R. and Veta Mae Thompson Gordon.    Sue graduated from the Hamilton High School with the Class of 1946.

     Sue was united in marriage to Melvin W. Schrader in 1947 and he preceded her in death in 1983.

      Sue and her husband Melvin owned and operated Schrader’s Store in Sutter, IL for 30 years. After the death of her husband in 1983, she moved back to Hamilton, IL.

     Sue had been a member of the Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Sutter, IL since 1947.  

     Sue enjoyed traveling and doing volunteer work in her community.  She had been a volunteer with the Hancock County Red Cross since 1972.  She served on the Board of Directors of the Security State Bank from 1985-1994. Sue joined Chapter U. of P.E.O. in 1985.  She was a charter member of the VFW Auxiliary 5256 and a member of the Entre Nous Club. In 1990 she joined Security Stars and in 1994 she joined RSVP. She formed a grief support group in Hamilton in 2005 and helped many people deal with their grief after a death. Sue brought sunshine into the lives of all who met her and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

     Sue is survived by one brother in law, Emmett Schrader, four sisters-in-law, Dorthy Limkeman, Alice Schrader, Audene Schrader and Linda Schrader and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Sue was also preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Lynn Gordon Schrader and Brian Melvin Schrader, her sister, Laveta Morris, two nephews, one great nephew and three cousins.

     A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Bethlehem United Church of Christ Cemetery in Sutter, IL with Reverend Mark Binder officiating.

     There will be no visitation.

     Memorials may be made to the Hickory Grove Activity Department, 404 S. Adams Carthage, IL.

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

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

William Edward “Bill” Corvaia

1947 -2021

     William Edward “Bill” Corvaia, 74 of Keokuk, IA died Friday, April 30, 2021 at Country View in North Liberty, IA. 

     He was born February 11, 1947 in Centerville, IA the third of four children, to Dan and Opal Hart Corvaia.  He and his family moved to Keokuk in 1952.  Bill graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1965.

     On July 14, 1965 he was united in marriage to Anita Cloud.  She preceded him in death. 

     Bill was a business man and at one time, owned and operated three retail businesses.    Hillbilly Heaven and Corvaia’s Furniture and Appliance both in Keokuk since 1986.  He also had one store in Ft. Madison, IA.

     He was an avid antique collector. 

     Bill was of the Catholic faith. 

     He is survived by two sons, Anthony W. Corvaia of Kirkwood, IL and Timothy E. Corvaia (Tonya) of Dallas City, IL, five grandchildren, John, Chris and Devin Corvaia, Andrew Adams and Wendy Corvaia, ten great-grandchildren, one sister, Deanna M. Ramaker of Granbury, TX.

     He was also preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Josephine and one brother, Joseph D. Corvaia.  

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Reverend David Brownfield, Ph.D. officiating.  A private family burial will be held in Sunset Memorial Park in Keokuk.  The service will be live streamed on Bill’s tribute wall on the Vigen Memorial Home webpage.

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

     Family will meet with friends following the funeral service at Meyers Courtyard from 1 p.m.  – 4 p.m. Saturday.  

     Memorials may be made to the family.  A special thank you to Clyde Mitchell for helping and being Bill’s best friend.

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

Ruby Marilyn Wetzel, 98, of Carthage, formerly of Warsaw, passed away at 12:23 AM Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Ruby was born May 6, 1923, the daughter of Charles and Mabel (Armour) Webb in Tennessee, Illinois.  She graduated from Colchester High School and went on to get her teaching certificate from Carthage College and Western Illinois Teacher’s College in Macomb.  She was a high school English teacher and later substitute taught.  In 1950 she was united in marriage to Andrew Wetzel.  He preceded her in death in 2016.  Ruby was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Warsaw for many years. She was also an active member of the Rocky Run Unit of Homemakers extension. Ruby taught Sunday school and was a member of the UMW. She enjoyed spending time with her Church friends as they spent many years serving Kiwanis meals. She enjoyed using flowers from her own garden to create beautiful arrangements for the Church altar. Ruby made lifelong friends with the women in her Ladies Aide Society. 

Ruby is survived by six children, Jeannine Anderson of La Salle, Illinois, Charles (Cathy) Wetzel of La Fayette, Colorado, Roger (Karen) Wetzel of Sutter, Julie (Donald) Walker of Carthage, Thomas (Michelle) Wetzel of Highland Ranch, Colorado and Christine (Avery) LeJeune of Ferris; grandchildren, Heather (Mavolio) Grier, Amanda (Donald) Gibb, Nathan (Yoselin) Anderson, Sarah (Lance) Hackett, Kandace (Peter) Bass, Joseph LeJeune, Alyssa (John) Shields, Katie (Greg) Savage, Avery (Sarah) LeJeune, Jr., Derik (Hayley) Wetzel, Seth LeJeune, Shane Wetzel, Caden Wetzel; step-grandchildren, Kyle Schrader, Amy (Brian) Harder, Doug Washburn and James Washburn; great grandchildren, Lauryn, Jaxson, Lawson, Hailyn, Maisyn and Kaenon Grier, Olivia Gibb, Nathan Anderson, Dax Wetzel, Gabrielle Hamelton, Rowan Hackett, Andrew Shields, Daniel Shields, Conner Shields, Jax Washburn, Kai Washburn, Olivia Mobely, Oliver Washburn, Gemma Savage, Theodore Savage, Emma Schrader, Josie, Haislyn, Kashlyn, Grayson, and Hudson. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew; son in law, Ronald Anderson; great grandson, Edison Drew Savage; granddaughter, Andrea Josephine LeJeune; step grandson, Matthew Washburn, and three siblings, Kenneth, Mary and Clarence Webb.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday morning, May 15, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw.  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 United Methodist Church in Warsaw.  Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Linda Ann Rose, 76, of Hamilton, passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021, at Montrose Health Center in Montrose, Iowa. 

Linda was born on May 4, 1944, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert F. and Mary E. (Carlile) Ruhs. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1962 and went on to attend Gem City Business College. In 1963, she was united in marriage to Harold Peters in Colorado, and they were later divorced. In 1992, she married Dale Rose in Hamilton, and they were later divorced. 

Linda was a member of First Christian Church and the Rainbow Girls in Hamilton. She was employed at Dryden Rubber in Keokuk as a computer operator before moving to San Antonio, Texas, to work for the State of Texas. After returning to Hamilton, Linda was employed at Methode until her retirement in 2009. In her free time, Linda enjoyed attending family gatherings, playing games, eating out with friends, shopping, watching NFL Football and talking politics. She also enjoyed collecting 1950’s memorabilia. Linda loved horses, especially her horse Dusty. She was an excellent cook and shared her delicious cinnamon rolls with her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. 

Linda is survived by her sister Nancy (Philip) Gray of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her nephew Paul (Lisa) Gray of Tulsa; her aunt Rachel Carlile of Glenwood, Iowa; cousins Denise (Merle), Abbey, Chad and Kory Bloyd, all of Menden, Illinois and numerous other cousins; her step-son Sean Rose of Jacksonville, Illinois; her niece Heather (Pete) Jones of Hamilton; and her great-nieces and great-nephew Sarah (Jonathan) Dilley, Linda Jones and Collin Blackwell, all of Hamilton. 

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and her son Tim Peters.

Linda’s life will be celebrated with a private family graveside service to be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Montrose Health Center for their loving care of Linda.

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

Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Knight

1929-2021

     Robert Knight, 92, of Donnellson, IA died Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Ft. Madison Community Hospital in Ft. Madison, IA.

     He was born January 9, 1929 the son of Robert and Emma Kudebeh Knight.  Robert graduated from Montrose High School with the class of 1947.  After high school he enlisted in the United States Maries and served on the aircraft carrier Philippine Sea. 

On November 27, 1952, Robert was united in marriage to Marian Alice Tweedy at the Methodist Church in Montrose, IA. She preceded him in death on September 22, 2017.

     In Robert’s younger years he worked at several service stations in the area as a mechanic and also farmed crops.  He then worked for the Ordinance Plant on the railroad.  He retired from Ortho after twenty years of employment.  

     Robert enjoyed working in his garden and took great pride in his yard.  He was a gifted mechanic and enjoyed working on antique cars.

     He is survived by three sons, Kenneth Robert Knight of Cedar Rapids, IA, Charles Edward Knight and Kyle David Knight (Linda) both of Donnellson, two daughters, Carolena Marie James (Ronald) of Fort Madison, and Christine Deon Johnson (Gary) of West Point, IA, two granddaughters, Heather Marie James (Caleb Nelson) of Davenport and Crystal Ann Edmunds (Ryan) of Cedar Rapids, one great-granddaughter, Autumn Pearl Thurman of Davenport, and several nieces and nephews.

     He was also preceded in death by his parents, twin children, Keith and Kay Knight and one sister, Bernice.

     A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Montrose, IA with Elaine Foley officiating.  Burial will be in the Montrose Cemetery. 

      Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home with the family meeting with friends at that time.  Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are required at the funeral home.

     Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

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

Irma Jean Gittings, of Colchester, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, May 5, 2021 at 10:35 PM at her home.

Irma Jean was born March 29, 1939 in Alexis, Illinois, the daughter of Lester and Dorothy (Derry) Husband. She went to school in Colchester, Good Hope and Plymouth, Illinois.  In her lifetime she worked at restaurants, King Seely in Macomb, was a security guard at Case in Burlington, Iowa and hauled crops during the summer for farmers.  Erma married Richard Elmer Roberts on March 11, 1957. She was later united to Larry Gittings January 27, 1978 in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 30, 2007. 

Mrs. Gittings loved yard sales, auctions, working outside and going to Casinos. Erma cherished her family and friends. She opened her heart to everyone and welcomed all into her home; taking in many who had no place to go. She was known as “Granny” by the homeless people she took in.   

Irma is survived by two children: Richard Eugene (Crystal) Roberts; Katherine (Kevin) Curry of West Point, Illinois; one step daughter, Laura (Steven) Jones of LaHarpe, Illinois; grandchildren, Terri (Brad) Schisler, Jody (Tom) Turner, Jeremia Kisier, Amanda Kisser, C.J. Roberts, Michael Roberts, Jr., Brian Fye, Dustin (Natasha) French, Michelle Jefferson and Trinity Roberts, T.J. Burgdorf and Richie Roberts, a grandson, who she raised; two step grandsons, Colby and Chase Claassen; Great grandchildren, Cheyenne, Kenney, Sierra Phem and Tom Turner, Mika and Nevaeh Gordon, Rilya Kirby Roberts, Michael Gordon, Sierra Kirby Roberts, Silas Roberts, Hattie Roberts, Tristen Vass and Lyric Roberts;  three brothers: Jerry (Connie) Husband of Mendota, Illinois, Larry (Nomi) Husband of Mendota, Illinois; and Marion (Ruthie) Husband of Oquawka, Illinois; two sisters: Doris (Richard) Bates of Dayton Beach, Florida; Glenda (Bernard) Smith of Colchester, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Husband of Colchester;  and several nieces and nephews. 

Irma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry; two children: daughter, Cheryl Jean Roberts and son, Michael Roberts SR.; one grandson, JR Roberts; one great grandson, TJ Turner; a sister, Judy Danner; and two brothers, James and Olin Husband.

Memorials may be directed to the family of Irma Jean Gittings for funeral expenses.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Sylvia Pearl Bloyd, 86, of Warsaw, passed away at 11:00 A.M. Sunday morning, May 2, 2021, at St. Vincent’s Home in Quincy.

Sylvia was born April 9, 1935, the daughter of Fay and Ruby (Crabtree) Barber in rural Warsaw.  She graduated from Warsaw High School.  On July 24, 1954, she was united in marriage to Eldon Bloyd in Warsaw and he preceded her in death in 2016.  Sylvia had been a Girl Scout leader for several years and was a member of the Wilcox Township Board.  She had worked at the Schlegel Rubber plant for 38 years before retiring in 1998.  She enjoyed cooking, camping, flea markets and spending time with her family and friends.  She and Eldon had lived on their family farm in rural Warsaw for 54 years of their marriage.  

Sylvia is survived by her daughters, Connie Bloyd and Laura (Gary) Nichols, both of Warsaw; grandchildren, Nicole Nichols, Shawn (Paula) Bloyd and Ashley (Kevin) Randolph; great grandchildren, Vayda Nichols, Ryland Bloyd, Kenley Nichols, Abrielle Bloyd and Falon Nichols; a brother-in-law, Dale (Nancy) Bloyd; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldon; a sister Viola Prewitt; and a brother in infancy, Fay Ellsworth.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 P.M. Saturday evening, May 8, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until time of services at 5:00 at the funeral home.  A memorial fund has been established.  Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements

Carolyn S. Leisch, age 77, passed away Sunday May 2, 2021 in Shenandoah, TX. She was born in Quincy, IL July 23, 1943, the daughter of Cletus Vale Houston and Hazel Mae (Bullard) Houston. Her early years were spent farming in Adams County and Hancock County where she attended Warsaw High School. She married Robert A. Vance in 1960, and they had two children, Randolph (Randy) Ivan, and Sandra (Sandy) Lyn and were engaged in farming near Denver, IL.

While in the Carthage area, she was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, and Chairman of the Music Committee. She and her sister, Arlyene, were known for their beautiful voices and sang together at the Church many times. She was Chairman of Hancock County Homemakers Extension, President of Music Boosters at Carthage High School, and Vice President of Mother’s Club at Union Douglas Grade School. Carolyn and Robert later divorced after 24 years of marriage.

She graduated from Patricia Stevens Career College in St. Louis, MO and moved to Aurora, CO near her sister, Arlyene, in Colorado Springs. She created Advanced Hotel Marketing Corporation and later married retired Illinois State Trooper, Gerald (Jerry) W. Leisch, of Danville, IL where they resided. He passed away from Cancer after 3 years of marriage in 1996. She then relocated to Colorado once again until she suffered a stroke in 2003, then lived in Montgomery, TX with her daughter, Sandra, and her family for a few years. She worked at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs a brief time before returning to her daughter in Texas again in 2011. Her last years were spent in Woodland Manor Nursing Home in Conroe, TX suffering from Vascular Dementia.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Melvin Houston, of Basco, IL, a brother, Hubert Houston and his wife, Janice, of Golden, IL, and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Houston, of Holliday, MO.

She is survived by her son Randy Vance and wife Audrey, of Johnstown, PA, daughter Sandra Harding and husband J.T., of Montgomery, TX, three grandsons; Benjamin Vance of Johnstown, PA, Hunter Harding of Vernon Hills, IL, and Tanner Harding of Highlands Ranch, CO, one brother Marvin Houston of Holliday, MO, and one sister Arlyene Reynolds and husband Randy, of Colorado Springs, CO, plus several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Carthage on Friday, May 7, 2021 from 10am-12pm with a Funeral Service to immediately follow at the Church. A luncheon will be provided afterward at the Church as well. For further information contact Printy Funeral Homes in Carthage.

She will be buried next to her late husband, Jerry Leisch, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Danville, IL on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 1pm.

Kathryn D. “Kay” Branson

1935-2021

     Kathryn D. “Kay” Branson, 85 of Keokuk, IA died Saturday, May 1, 2021 at her home.

     She was born November 27, 1935 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of John Henry and Mildred Peterson McKay.  Kathryn graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1953.

    On July 4, 1953 was united in marriage to Donald L. Kiser.  He preceded her in death on April 2, 1998.  She then married George Branson, Jr. on December 23, 2000.  He survives.

     Other survivors include two daughters, Carol Anderson (Pete) of Columbus, GA, Angela Kiser of Muscatine, IA and two step-sons, Gregory David Branson (Heather) and Jeffrey Scott Branson and one step-daughter, Gwyn Branson all of California.  She is also survived by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild and one brother, S. Thomas “Tom” McKay (Sharon) of Keokuk. 

     Besides her first husband Donald, she was also preceded in death by one son, Kevin Lee Kiser and one brother, John A. McKay and one sister, Carolyn Ragar Dodson.

     Kathryn was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women in her younger years.  Then she became a member of The Community of Christ Church.

     She enjoyed listening to music, especially piano and violin.  Kathryn truly appreciated art.  Throughout her life she delighted in oil painting portraits and leaves behind many beautiful paintings for her family and friends to cherish.  She was a friend to many and loved spending time conversing with them.  Kathryn was an enthusiastic fan of her children’s events and was always very involved in all of their activities.

     A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, at the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA. 

     There will be no visitation.

     Memorials may be made to Hope Home Healthcare, PO Box 7, Ft. Madison, IA  52627.

     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

Marilyn Kay Cameron

1947-2021

    Marilyn Kay Cameron, 74, of St. Francisville, MO, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at the Gunderson Medical Center in La Crosse, WI.

     She was born January 31, 1947 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Wilford Claude and Mabel Hilda Watkins Ludwick.  Marilyn graduated from Clark County R1 High School with the class of 1965.  She furthered her education at Southeastern Community College and received her AA degree.

     On October 4, 1969 she was united in marriage to John C. Cameron.  He preceded her in death in 2011.

     Marilyn had been employed at several different nursing homes through the years in the activities department.

     Marilyn was a devout Catholic and a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, IA. She was very artistic and was always doodling, painting and creating things. Horses were a large part of Marilyn’s life. In her youth she was involved in horseracing and showing horses.  She enjoyed planting flowers, reading and cooking. She was generous with her time and talents and had organized numerous community events.  Marilyn had a quick wit and great sense of humor.  She had an infectious sense of style and was always well dressed.   Most of all, Marilyn adored her family, eating lunch with her sisters and spending time with her grandchildren.

     Marilyn is survived by two daughters, Courtney Cameron of La Crosse, WI and Amanda Cameron of Wayland, MO, three grandchildren, Tyler John Sparks, Cameron Greer and Callianna Cameron Davis.  She is also survived by three sisters, Joan Arnot of Agency, IA, Ruth Ludwick of Memphis, MO and Carol Matta of Toledo, IA, her brother in law and sisters in law and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband John C. Cameron Jr., son John C. Cameron III, brothers Kenneth L. Ludwick ( Doris Hiller); W. Gail Ludwick (Dorothy); brother in laws, Pete Peterie; James Schaffer; Wesley Arnot; and her nephew Donald L. Ludwick.   

     A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk with Reverend David Brownfield, PhD officiating.  Burial will be held in the Sand Cemetery in St. Francisville, MO.  The funeral mass will be lived streamed and may be viewed on the Church of All Saints Facebook page or on their YouTube site which can be found at www.allsaintskeokuk.org/live or on Marilyn’s tribute wall on the Vigen Memorial Home webpage.  Masks are required and social distancing requirements will be in place at both the church and the funeral home. 

     Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Monday, 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 p.m.

     Memorials may be made to the ALS Association.   

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