Gertrude J. Huls, 96, of Carthage, passed away at Memorial Hospital in Carthage Friday, June 25, 2021.

Gertrude was born August 22, 1924, the daughter of John and Hannah (Tobias) Wachtendorf at the family farm near Basco.  As a young girl she would help families in their homes when new babies arrived.  On September 14, 1942 she married her husband of over 60 years, Irvin Huls, in Kahoka, Missouri.  She worked at Memorial Hospital as an aide for several years.  She then worked at Sheller Globe in Keokuk for approximately 20 years.  After her retirement from Sheller-Globe she worked in the home health industry in the Carthage area until she was 83 years old.  After retiring from home health she began her quilting hobby making many quilts for her family.  She enjoyed quilting with the Immanuel Lutheran Church quilting group and didn’t miss many Thursday quilting days.  Gertie was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Gertie is survived by five children, Shirley Payne of Carthage, Connie (Bill) Sutton of South Carolina, Dale (Clarice) Huls of Keokuk, Kevin Huls of Carthage and Brenda Huls of Keokuk; twelve grandchildren and step-grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Cameron and Erma Huls; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irvin; two sons, LaVerne “Shotsie” and Jerry; a son-in-law, Jim Payne; two brothers, Richard and Junius Wachtendorf; and two sisters, Anna Reed and Wilma Martens.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday morning, July 2, 2021, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church south of Carthage with burial to follow in the church Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of services at 10:00 at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church or Memorial Hospital Foundation Inpatient Services.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

LeRoy Veach, formerly of Bowen, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Quincy.  He was ninety-nine years old.

LeRoy was born December 18, 1921, in Chili, Illinois, the son of Harve and Hersie Ellen (Akers) Veach.  He attended Bowen High School graduating in 1941.  LeRoy served in the US Navy during WWII, from 1942 until his Honorable Discharge in 1946.  On June 27, 1949, he was united in marriage to Wilma Schoch in Bowen.  She preceded him in death in 2013. Le and Wilma were married for 63 years.

LeRoy worked as a Correctional Officer at the Iowa State Penitentiary and retired in 1984.  He was a member of the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Bowen, the Denver Masonic Lodge #464, the Quincy Consistory 32 Degree Mason, and the Bowen American Legion.  LeRoy coached Little League and Pony League baseball for many years and was a lifelong Cubs fan.

LeRoy served forty-two months in the Navy in WWII on the USS Santa Fe in the Pacific Theatre of operations.  He was awarded a number of medals and ribbons during his years of service.  These included the Asiatic Ribbon and thirteen battle stars.  Stars were awarded for the Philippine Liberation, WWII Victory Medal, and the American Area Unit Commendation.  Lee was privileged to be present at the signing of the Peace Treaty at Tokyo Bay, with General MacArthur present.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wilma, Son David, grandson Richard Barber III.  Also brothers Carl and Dale Veach and sisters Midge Veach and Betty Buzzard.  LeRoy is survived by three children, Danny (Holly Califf) Veach, Cyndi (Tom) Bigham, Susan Veach, and daughter-in-law, Susan Kirbach Veach.  Grandchildren, Joel (Jenni) Veach, Jenna (Joey) Eslick, Carly (Jesse Gallaher) Bigham, and Aubrey Nelson.  Step-grandchildren, Wesley Hudson and William Bigham and many great grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes LeRoy was cremated.  A memorial service will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage at 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 14, 2021 with burial to follow in the Bowen Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until time of services at 10:30 AM.  Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veteran’s Home, Quincy, Illinois in care of Danny Veach, 700 Wendell St, Golden, IL 62339.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Stanley L. Tucker

Carthage — Stanley Lewis Tucker, 78, of Carthage passed away June 25, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Stan was born August 20, 1942 in Decatur, IL, to Lloyd O. Tucker and Lois M. (Kinser) Tucker. He married Judith A. (Leischner) Tucker on June 9, 1968 in Urbana, IL, at Wesley United Methodist Church on the University of Illinois campus. She died January 29, 2017, in his arms. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Michael Hirsch, and one brother Danny Tucker.

Survivors include his daughters Amelia M. (Trey) Zibutis of Springfield, and Elizabeth D.  (Gary) Hulvey of Chatham; grandchildren Madison and Tucker Hirsch, Sam and Kate Hulvey; Jack, Emma and Maggie Zibutis; two brothers Edward (Mitzae)Tucker and Lloyd Tucker; sister in law Mary Lynn Tucker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Until fifth grade, Stan attended Prairie Hall grade school, a one-room country school in Macon County. He was a 1960 graduate of Unity High School, Mendon, Illinois. He received his B.S. in 1964 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he attended graduate school for two years and then received his Juris Doctor in 1969. 

He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1970 and joined the Carthage, IL, law firm now known as Tucker, Hartzell and Bryant. The firm has been in continuous existence in Hancock County serving Western Illinois since 1852. 

Stan was admitted to the Illinois Supreme Court and all Courts of Illinois; the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois; the 7th Circuit United States Court of Appeals; the United States Tax Court; and the United States Supreme Court. He was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council 1981-85; the Administrative Law Section Council 1986-1990; the Judicial Advisory Polls Committee from 1985-1989, Chairman 1990; and the Judicial Evaluation Committee for many years, evaluating candidates for the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court.   

Stan was a member of the Hancock County Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; Appellate Lawyers of Illinois; American Bar Association; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100, and was designated a member of the Illinois Super-Lawyers in 2006. He was an elected member of the Assembly of Delegates of the Illinois Bar Association 1978-82.

He was a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Civil Practice Committee 1985 to present, the Amicus Committee, filing friend of the court briefs in the Illinois Supreme Court 1985 to present, and a member of the Legislative Committee 1985 to present.

Stan was a reporter for the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association publication “The Brief,” reporting cases in that publication from 2001 to 2014. At the time of his death he had written over 100 appeals. 

In March 2012, he was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee by the Honorable Thomas Kilbride, Chief Justice, and served on that committee until 2021. 

His case, CIPS v. Westervelt (1977), is a nationally recognized case establishing that unsightly power lines could be considered as a factor in determining damages under the “just compensation” clause of the United States Constitution. 

In 2011, in a case that received national press, Stan’s work representing the Illinois State Rifle Association alongside Former Governor James Thompson representing the Illinois State Police, contributed to the prohibition of disclosure of the names of FOID cardholders after he obtained a temporary restraining order against the Associated Press. 

Stan was the author of numerous articles including "Improving the Jury Decision Process", "An Appraisal of Supreme Court Rule 23", "IICLE, Administrative Law Handbook, Chapter 8, Judicial Review of Administrative Actions” and also wrote in multiple articles in the Trial Briefs ISBA Civil Practice Newsletter. 

He served on the board of The State Bank of Lima from 1975 to 2014 also acting as Vice President and Chairman of the Board; and served as Special Assistant Attorney General, IL Department of Transportation-Conservation 1983-1995. He spent many years from 1970 to present serving as city attorney for Hamilton, Warsaw, Elvaston and Carthage.

Stan was instrumental in founding the Hancock County Volunteers for Diabetes non-profit. He also acted as attorney for the Hancock County Mental Health Center and served on the board of directors. Stan was Democratic County Chairperson for Hancock County for over 20 years.

In addition to his distinguished legal career, Stan was a member of the Hancock County Gun Club. He enjoyed working in his shop on his car collection. He also loved vacationing with family and friends. Stan and Judy traveled the world together but found the most enjoyment in their time spent at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, visiting there for over 40 years, hosting their children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, July 2, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, Illinois, followed by a 7:00 pm memorial service.

A private family burial will be held in Mount Zion Township Cemetery, Mt. Zion, Illinois.

Donations may be made to Centennial Ebenezer Methodist Church, Big Neck, Illinois.

Jerry “Bud” Weber

1937-2021

     Jerry “Bud” Weber, 84 of Monmouth, IL formerly of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Heartland Healthcare in Galesburg, IL. 

     He was born May 15, 1937 in Keokuk, IA the son of Gilbert and Leta Perkins Weber.

     Bud was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country from 1959-1962.

     On September 19, 1960 he was united in marriage to Carol Joy Reeves.  She preceded him in death on July 24, 2010.

     Bud had been employed by Keokuk Steel Castings for thirty-seven years.

     Bud enjoyed being on the river, trying his luck at casinos and going out to eat.  He treasured the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

     He is survived by two sons, Myron Weber (Tina) of Monmouth, IL and Jerry Weber of Keokuk, eight grandchildren, Shane Weber, Rachel Dewitt, Tyler Weber (Laura), Cody Weber, Alicia Dewitt, Jay Weber (Sierra), Dakota Weber and Cheyanne Brewer (Keith) and seventeen great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by three sisters, Annabelle Weber of Keokuk, Dolly Gray of Kahoka, MO and Linda Jerez of CA and two brothers, David Michael Weber and Steven Weber (Donna) both of Keokuk.

      Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one great-granddaughter, two brothers, one sister-in-law and one brother-in-law.

     A Gathering of Remembrance will be held from 12 noon- 10 p.m., Sunday, at the American Legion Post #41, 727 Main St., Keokuk, IA.

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

Georgia L. Meyers, 83, of Montrose, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Montrose
Health Center, Montrose, Iowa.
Georgia was born on January 11, 1938, the daughter of George and Emma (Sapp) Rossi.
Georgia was a member of Montrose Church of the Nazarene and loved listening to southern
gospel music. She enjoyed being a homemaker and farm wife and loved crocheting and giving
those items away to others. Georgia also loved John Wayne and Shirley Temple movies and
working on puzzles in her spare time.
Georgia is survived by her two sons: Gene (Michelle) Meyers of Fort Madison, Iowa and Michael
Root; grandchildren Amy Troge and Elizabeth Meyers; great-grandchildren Wyatt Troge and
Jason Troge; two sisters Marge Crabtree of Pharr, Texas and Emma Jean Johnson of Davis City,
Iowa; brother Tommy Rossi of Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Georgia was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Robert Stoops, Billy Stoops, Helen Nye,
Viola McCroy and George Rossi; and granddaughter Jennifer Meyers.
Georgia’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 11 am on Friday, June 25, 2021, at
Montrose Church of the Nazarene with a visitation from 9:30 am to 11 am directly before the
service. Burial will follow at Montrose Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Montrose Church of the Nazarene.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

Carmelitta "Carm" Ann Horton, 84, formerly of Niota, passed away Saturday, June 19. 

Carm, born September 30, 1936 in Union County, Iowa, was the daughter of Urban and Dorothy (Johnston) Baker.  She graduated from Creston High School, Creston, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Edward Lewis Horton in Creston on September 5, 1955. He preceded her in death 2009. Carm whose passion was raising her seven children managed to fit in a career – which included bookkeeper, accountant, Farm manager, Bank officer, Branch manager, Insurance sales - to name just a few, retiring 1994.  After retirement she was active in the community thru Home Extension, holding office of Treasurer for Pontoosuc township, and hosting the local Pitch club. She was a devoute Catholic, and parishioner of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo. She also participated in Women's Club and Toatmasters. Carm, being an active mother, served as 4-H Leader, Cub Scout Leader, as well as on the PTOs, Drama Clubs, and Choral groups.

Carmelitta is survived by her children: Martha Frank of Des Moines, Iowa; Carol Horton of Des Moines, Iowa; Philip Horton of Salida, Colorado; James (Lori) Horton of McKinney, Texas; Paul (Tara) Horton of Anchorage, Alaska; Matthew (Angela) Horton of Muscatine, Iowa; and Sarah (David) Miller of North Liberty, Iowa – grandchildren: Colleen Frank, Shay Altshue, Zerron Horton, Christopher Frank, Karl Frank, Kevin Frank, Kathryn Frank, Lexis Miller, Beau Miller, Brooklyn Horton, James Horton, Dallas Miller, Joseph Horton & Grace Horton - great grandchild Scott Frank; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She has been preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; and her brother, Damian Baker.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday morning, June 24, 2021, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo with burial to follow in the Nauvoo City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton with a Rosary at 7:30 PM at the funeral home.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.  The family requests that memorials be made to 

1.  St. Peter’s and Paul Church or

2.  Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation

Gerald B.  “Jerry J” Johnson, 55, of Blandinsville, Illinois passed away at 12 Noon Saturday, June 19, 2021 at his home.

He was born October 20, 1965 in Macomb, the son of Mike and Ruth Ann (Daniels) Johnson. On August 23, 1985 he married Debbie Snelson at Argyle Lake State Park, near Colchester, Illinois.

Jerry worked in radio from the time he was 14 until 2005 at which time he started his own company, Gas & Go Radio. He was a dedicated member of the Blandinsville Community Organization.

Jerry had his pilot’s license and loved to fly. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing on the river and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Debbie, his father and step-mother, Mike and Ada Johnson of Keokuk, Iowa, his mother, Ruth Ann Floyd of Blandinsville, one daughter, Amanda (Joe) Smith of Blandinsville, one son, Cody Johnson of Bushnell, Illinois, three grandchildren, Aubrey Smith, Blake Smith and Josh Selmon, two brothers, Scott (Kari) Floyd of Carthage, Illinois and Josh Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, three sisters, Angi (Kevin) Moormann of Aldridge, Missouri, Christy (Kevin) Lingenfelter of Nevada, Iowa and Julie (Ben) Ballard of Mediapolis, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and step-father, Jerry Floyd.

Services will be held at 10:00a.m. Monday, June 28, 2021 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Gary Smith and Tim Maxwell officiating. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends Sunday June 27th from 3:00 until 5:00p.m. at Banks & Beals. Memorials may be made to the MDH Hospice. To leave a condolence, please visit his obituary at banksandbeals.com

Ronald Lee “Ron” Lambert

1967 -2021

     Ronald Lee “Ron” Lambert, 53, of Montrose, IA died Sunday, June 20, 2021 at his home.

     He was born July 16, 1967 in Keokuk, the son of Gerald and Delores South Lambert and graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1986.  He then attended Quincy Tech and received his automotive mechanics certificate. 

     On September 26, 1992 he was united in marriage to Amy Case in Donnellson. She survives.

     He is also survived by a son, Andrew Lambert of Donnellson, French daughter, Orane Demuynck of Roclincourt, France, sister, Sue Seabold (Tony Brady) of Keokuk, brother, Donnie Lambert (Darci) of Keokuk, his father-in-law, Raymond Case of Farmington, brother-in-law, Bryan Case (Tammy) of Donnellson, and sister-in-law, Elisha Lindsay (Jeron) of Montrose.  He is also survived by grandmother, Helen Wall of Donnellson, nieces and nephews, Charles Case, Kurtis Case, Kailee Case, Ryan Lindsay, Blake Lindsay, Chris Day (Emily), Brandon Daniel (Marjorie), Josh Daniel, Amanda Schmitt (Brandon), Ashley York, Dawn Lambert, Teracea Lambert, Jessica Lambert and Abby Lambert, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, aunts and uncles, Linda and George LeMaster, Chester South, Colleen South and numerous cousins.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Heather Renae Lambert-Pullins, mother-in-law, Norma Case, brother-in-law, Tim Seabold, aunt, Carla South and uncles, Larry South and Jerry South.

     Ron had been employed by Pizza Hut as a manager for several years.  He retired in August 2019 from The Iowa State Penitentiary after sixteen years of service.

     Ron was a member of New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk and had been a wish granter for the Make a Wish Foundation. 

     One of Ron’s life-long passions was muscle cars.  He could identify a muscle car by seeing a small portion of the bumper from two blocks away.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and knew the history of the sport from the early ‘60’s on.  Ron and Amy celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary by taking a NASCAR themed cruise.  Ron also enjoyed putting together model cars to perfect authenticity.  Ron was a talented cook and created unique recipes and smoked meats for his family to enjoy.  He treasured the time he spent with his family and dogs.

     A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, at the New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk with Dawn Farris officiating.  Burial will be in the Montrose Cemetery.

     Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Wednesday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with family meeting with friends from 6-8 p.m.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the University of Iowa Foundation Cystic Fibrosis Research Center.

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

Fred Seamans, 81, beloved husband, son, brother, father, and grandfather was called to his eternal resting place on June 15,2021.  He entered this world September 16, 1939 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, born to Harold and Bernadine Seamans.  Fred attended Pattonville High school in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in May of 1957.  After graduating Fred continued his education at Washington University obtaining an Associates in Electronic Engineering  degree in 1962.  Fred served his country in the army from 1962-1965. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Celia Lou Lionberger on June 22, 1963 in Carthage, Illinois.  Fred worked for the State of Missouri Conservation Department from 1965-1975, General Electric in Houston from 1975-1981, before finally moving his family to Ponca City, Oklahoma to work for Conoco Oil company until his retirement in 1985.  Fred was a member of First Lutheran Church in Ponca City. In his spare time his hobbies included going to the senior center to play dominoes,bridge, and pool. He also enjoyed playing chess and tinkering in his garage with his Ham radio equipment.  Fred is survived by his daughter, Melinda Farris and husband Chris of Bentonville, Arkansas, his son Keith Simpson and wife Jennifer of Westford, Vermont, brother Dennis Seamans and Cheryl Davis of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, and six grandchildren Mikael Seamans of Dallas, Marcus Farris of Bentonville, Zachary Farris of Bentonville, Joseph Farris of Fayetteviile, Arkansas, Sydney Farris of Bentonville , and Kathryn Simpson of Westford, Vermont.  Funeral services will be held at Printy Funeral Home of Carthage, Illinois at 11 a.m. on June 22, 2021 with burial at Moss Ridge Cemetery to follow.  A memorial for friends in Ponca City will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Fred’s honor to the National Multiple Sclerosis society, American Cancer Society,  or the Disabled American Veterans.

Beverly “Bev” Elaine (Knobbs) Bartholomew, 87, of Hamilton, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, at her home in Hamilton.

Bev was born on February 25, 1934, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Michael and Alice Elaine (Reed) Knobbs. She grew up in Montrose, graduating from Montrose High School in 1952. When Bev was in school, she attended half of the school year in Montrose, and the other half in California, so she could get a cultured view of the world. On September 2, 1952, she was united in marriage to John Richard “Bart” Bartholomew at Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on August 31, 2013. 

Bev worked at various businesses in the Hamilton and Keokuk area, and was a member of New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk. She was a member of National Campers and Hikers (Now FCRV) and pioneered her version of “Glamping”. She enjoyed spending her free time antiquing, attending auctions and square dancing, but her favorite activity was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Bev is survived by a son Douglas R. Bartholomew and wife Mala of Hamilton; two daughters, Shelley R. Hawley and Monte Leenerts of Warsaw, Illinois and Lisa E Hayes of Hamilton; grandchildren, Monica M. Bartholomew of Aurora, Illinois, Leah M. (Rob) Paulson of Lombard, Illinois, Lindsay J. (Eric) Schlotterbeck of Carthage, Illinois, Nicholas John Hawley of Des Moines, Iowa, and Jame C. (Amanda) Hayes of Muscatine, Iowa; great grandchildren, Madison Hoskins, Ethan Schlotterbeck, Logan, Andrew and Macy Hayes, Connor Paulson, and one on the way; and her sister-in-law Ruth Knobbs of Meridian, Idaho.

Bev is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son-in-law Jodie Hawley, her granddaughter Jaime Nicole Hawley and her brother-in-law Robert W. Knobbs. 

A graveside service will be held at 10 am on Friday, June 18, 2021, at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. Family and friends will gather at 9:30 am on Friday at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk for a procession to the cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3 to 7 pm, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk.

Memorials may be directed to Lee County Hospice and the Keokuk Animal Shelter.

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

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Ann Ellefritz, 78, of Carthage, passed away at 3:55 P.M. Monday afternoon, June 14, 2021, at the Montrose Health Care Center.

Shirley was born August 19, 1942, the daughter of Levi and Irene (Reamer) Myers in Carthage, Illinois.  She graduated from Carthage High School.  On May 14, 1966, she was united in marriage to Gayle “Pete” Ellefritz in Carthage.  He preceded her in death in 2005.  Shirley was a beautician and had also worked at Methode Electronics until her retirement in 2007.  She loved going to the casino, fishing and playing cards and horseshoes.  She was an excellent cook and enjoyed camping and going to “backyard” sales.

Shirley is survived by her a daughter, Jeanette (Bob) Dewitt of Cortland, Mississippi; a son, Randall (Martha) Ellefritz of Keokuk; two step-sons, Jeffrey Ellefritz of Dixon, Illinois and Mark Ellefritz of Mediapolis, Iowa; grandchildren, Jennifer (Adam) Akers, Stephanie (Heather) Roberts-Wrenn, Sarah (Vince) Massingill and Jessica (Chris) Wilsey-Gatske; one brother, Roger Law of Carthage; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, David Roberts; and two sisters, Marilyn Kitch and Mary Burton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday morning, June 19, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in McKay Cemetery near Burnside.  Visitation will be held Friday evening from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. with family meeting friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.  Memorials may be directed to the American Red Cross.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Lorene Vass, 98, of Burnside, passed away at 8:55 AM, Monday, June 14, 2021, at the Klein Center in Burlington, Iowa.

Helen was born June 14, 1923, in Blandinsville, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Omer and Edna Blanche (Foster) Logan.  She graduated from Carthage High School.  On December 28, 1944, she was united in marriage to Ralph Lee Vass in Carthage, Illinois.  Helen was a homemaker and farmed alongside her husband.  She loved quilting and was a longtime member of the Burnside Christian Church.

Helen is survived by two children, John (Jean) Vass of Burlington and Marilyn (Bob) Mocella of Thornton, Colorado; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Rick) Kerns, Jeffrey Vass, Anthony (Anne) Mocella and Elizabeth (Edward) Hilquist; and great grandchildren, Karolyn and Benjamin Hilquist and Carter and Austin Kerns.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and three brothers, Howard, Richard and Ralph Logan.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of services at 11:00.  Memorials may be directed to Burnside Christian Church.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Orval Thomas “Tom” Sims, Jr., 95, of Carthage, passed away on Friday, June 11, 2021, at the Heritage House in Carthage, Illinois.

Tom was born on June 9, 1926, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Orval Thomas and Viola Rose (Nye) Sims. Tom’s family left Manhattan when he was young to move to Wamego, Kansas. Tom remained in Wamego until leaving home to join the military.  After serving his country, Tom met Dorothy Mahe; whom he married on May 10, 1946. Their family included one son, Terry Lee Sims. Dorothy preceded him in death on December 18, 2000. 

During his working career, Tom held several jobs, including running a gas station, a hobby shop, truck driving, and operating as a private pilot. Children who grew up in Carthage during the 1960’s will remember playing with the enormous slot car track he had in the basement of his hobby shop. When he wasn’t working, he had several hobbies to occupy his time.  Tom loved anything with an engine, especially airplanes.  In addition to multiple model airplanes that he built and flew for years, Tom also built and flew his own experimental aircraft as well as his private planes.  In his later years, much of his time was focused on his numerous motorcycles and cars.

Tom served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, serving aboard the USS Colhoun. His ship was hit by four Kamikaze planes and sunk on April 6, 1945 at the Invasion of Okinawa.  Although many lives were lost that day, Tom was fortunate to survive.  Tom was honorably discharged from the Navy on April 18, 1946, receiving three gold stars for his service in the Pacific.

Tom is survived by his sister Darlene (Mike) Glazer of McPherson, KS, along with grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy and his son Terry Lee.

Services will be held at a later date.

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

Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Arlene Hardy, 80, of Carthage, passed away at her home Sunday, May 30, 2021.

Betty was born January 15, 1941, the daughter of Clarence and Iona M. (Austin) Hardy.  She graduated from Carthage High School in 1959 and attended Carthage College and Western Illinois University. She was employed at Western Illinois University as a computer programmer and retired after 30 years in 1997. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, watching TV, and shopping. She was an avid Cubs fan. Her greatest love was spending time with her family and friends. 

Betty is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Mark) Barrett of Carthage; three grandchildren, Robert Murphy, Alyssa Hardy and Austin Barrett; four great grandchildren, Davin, Kaylin and Calvin Murphy and Rilynn Remick; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, three sisters Marjorie Thurman, Mary Adams, Maxine Ganion and two brothers Robert and Ray Hardy. 

Visitation will be held Sunday evening, June 6, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.  A memorial service will be held at a later date

Marilea “Snooky” Lowe, 73, of Carthage, passed away at 4:10 AM early Sunday morning, May 30, 2021, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Marilea was born January 28, 1948, the daughter of Bernhard “Ben” and Clarice Maxine (Miller) Appeldorn in Keokuk, Iowa.  She attended Plymouth High School graduating in 1966.  She was united in marriage to Jerry Lowe in Carthage in 1985.  She loved her job delivering medicine for Wear Drugs and being a full-time grandma to her grandchildren.  She loved feeling needed, from picking up your mail to shuttling grandkids to games or practices. She was always on stand-by.  She cherished her lunches with family and friends and there wasn’t a waitress in town that didn’t know how much she appreciated them.  She always supported those that may have needed an extra hug, a friend or just someone to listen.  When it comes to games (cards, Scrabble, Clue, Aggravation etc.), she was tough competition, and wouldn’t let you win…you had to earn it.

Marilea is survived by her husband, Jerry, of Carthage; her son, Rusty (Stephanie) Willey of Carthage; stepchildren, Kimberly (fiancé, Aaron) Lowe of Breese, Illinois and Brandon Lowe of Albers, Illinois; grandchildren, Bethany (Dan) Scheetz, Alyssa (fiancé, Ethan Summers) Willey, Morgan (Jake) Reinhardt and Abbie Horstmann; great grandchildren, Asher Russell Scheetz and Hollis Randall Scheetz; and one sister, Janice Miller of Macomb.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Carolyn Ellerman and Rosalie “Rosie” Dilts.

Graveside services will be held Thursday morning, June 3, 2021, at 11:00 AM at South Cemetery near Basco.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Carthage Clippers Fire Department or Blessing Hospice.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.