Daniel W. Snyder, 92, of Carthage, passed away at 6:40 PM at Blessing Hospital on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Dan was born October 23, 1931, the son of Henry and Delphia (Hamilton) Snyder on the farm in rural Carthage, Illinois.  On June 12, 1955, Dan was united in marriage to Elizabeth Greenfield in rural Carthage. 

After graduating from high school, Dan was drafted into the Army, and served two years, including duty in Korea during the Korean war. He later joined the U.S. Air Force receiving his Honorable Discharge as a Master Sergeant, retiring after twenty years of service. During this time, he served in Vietnam during the Vietnam war. After retirement, Dan held many jobs, including a rural mail carrier for 15 years in the Dallas City area. Dan was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed being out in nature, whether hunting, fishing, or camping. He also enjoyed bowling and was a part of bowling leagues for many years. Dan cherished his family and enjoyed all the times he spent with them. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W., NRA, and North American Hunting Club.  He was a member the Burnside Christian Church and had a close relationship with his savior.  

Dan is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Carthage; his son Tim (Tammy) Snyder of Carthage; grandchildren, Ashley (Jack Thomas) Snyder, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Matthew (Meaghan) Snyder, of Ft. Madison, Iowa and Christopher Snyder of Carthage; grand daughter-in-law, Erika Russell of Carthage; great grandchildren, Reily Hills, and Bailee, Kit and Presley Snyder. He is also survived by a brother, James (Wilma) Snyder of Carthage and a sister-in-law, Joyce Wilson of Hokes Bluff, Alabama, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded by his parents; an infant son, brothers, Robert, Floy, Frank, and Arlo Snyder; a sister, Martha Tressler; and Brother-in-law, Kerry Wilson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Visitation will be held Saturday morning starting at 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the Keokuk National Cemetery at 11:00 AM Monday, November 6, 2023. Memorials may be directed to the Burnside Christian Church. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Orville R. Hale, 85, of Nauvoo, passed away at 2:45 AM Monday morning, October 30, 2023, at his home.

Orville was born April 12, 1938, the son of Ray and Ruby Maxine (Copeland) Hale in Carthage, Illinois.  He graduated from Carthage High School.  On January 15, 1961, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Marie Todd in Hamilton.  Orville had served as the Gardening Supervisor of Nauvoo Restoration, Incorporated for many years.  Orville was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Nauvoo where he had served as scoutmaster for many years.  He enjoyed working at the Hancock County Mental Health Center and driving the bus for events.  Orville had a great love of all types of gardening, but especially vegetable gardening and then canning all he grew.

Orville is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of Nauvoo; his daughter, Tammy (Robert) Curtis of Nauvoo; a son, Jonathan R. (Diane) Hale of Renton, WA; grandchildren, Nathan (Crystal) Hale, Ben Hale, Kaleigh Hale, Jordan Curtis, Janelle (Richie) Byrd, Joseph Curtis, Juliana Curtis, James (Sara) Curtis, John Curtis, Jacob Hale and Hannah Hale; a granddaughter-in-law, Jessica; seven great grandchildren and one on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Nathan, Richard and Daniel; a grandson, Jeffery Hale; and a daughter-in-law, Stephanie Hale.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday morning, November 6, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Nauvoo with burial to follow in the Nauvoo City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until time of services at 11:00 at the church.  Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Hospital or H.U.G.S.  Printy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Myrna “Merty” Faye Holmes

1936-2023

     Myrna “Merty” Faye Holmes, 87 of Montrose, IA passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023 at her home.

     She was born August 20, 1936 in Mt. Zion, IA the daughter of Max and Tina Ewing.  Myrna married Robert McCarty on February 27, 1953.  They divorced.  She later was united in marriage to Laverne “Stub” Holmes on July 16, 1977.  He survives.

     Other survivors include one son, Jerry McCarty (Janice) of Donnellson, IA, her son-in-law, Tim LeMatty of Montrose, IA and her sister-in-law, Janet Ewing of Lenexa, KS, five grandchildren, Jeremy McCarty (April), Jaime Mueller (Jason), Jared McCarty (Selah), Timmy LeMatty and Tammy Robbins (Scott),  eighteen great-grandchildren, Ariel LeMatty (Jason), Timothy LeMatty III (Erika), Ty LeMatty (Paige), Dalton Robbins, Cole Robbins, Cody McCarty (Carrie), Canyon McCarty (Kala), Maverick McCarty (Emily), Julianna McCarty, Jacob McCarty, Skylar Guthrie, Jaylen Brodry, Josie Mueller, Jayden Mueller, Jaxson Mueller, Grace McCarty, Emry McCarty and Wesley McCarty and two great-great-granddaughters,  Abigail and Ember LeMatty.  

     She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Debra LeMatty, one son, Danny Joe McCarty and one brother, Melvin Ewing.

     Myrna had been employed at several businesses in the area including, Green Gables, Ed’s Tap, Corner Cove, Shaffer Pen and Kings Daughters and Sons Retirement Home.

     Myrna enjoyed life on the farm with her husband, Stub since 1972.  Over the years they raised horses, pigs, cows, miniature mules, miniature horses and ducks.  She loved camping and horseback riding, baking, flower gardening and watching wildlife.  Most of all, she treasured the time she spent with her family and friends and her beloved pet dog, Maggie.

     According to her wishes, she was cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

     Memorials may be made to PAW Animal Shelter, 2031 48^th Street, 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

Tracey Wayne Spencer, 58, of Keokuk, passed away at 5:30 PM Friday, October
13, 2023, near Nauvoo as the result of an automobile accident.
Tracey was born April 23, 1966, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Ray and Beverly (Brown)
Spencer. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1984.
Tracey is survived by a brother, Timothy Spencer of Dardanelle, Arkansas; two
uncles, Vincent (Starr) Brown of Altoona, Iowa, and Thomas (Debbie) Brown of
Keokuk, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; both sets of grandparents; two aunts;
and an uncle.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at
Oakland Cemetery in Hamilton. Memorials may be directed to Printy Funeral
Home to assist with burial expenses. Printy Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements.

Candace “Candy” Leigh Herron Bryant

1960-2023

     Candace “Candy” Leigh Herron Bryant, 63 of Keokuk, IA passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

     She was born June 12, 1960 in Lenexa, KS the daughter of Ross Lee and Ruby Grace Crandel Herron.  She graduated from Warsaw High School in Warsaw, IL with the class of 1978.  She later attended Midstate College and completed the Medical Assistant Program in 1999.

     On July 4, 1986 Candy was united in marriage to Thomas Len Bryant in Keokuk.  He survives. 

     Other survivors include four children, Tonya J. Davis (TJ) of Columbia, MO, Kayla L. Bryant of Keokuk, Dana M. Bryant of Columbia, MO and Thomas R. Bryant of Casselberry, FL and four grandchildren, Sierra Grace, Cali Rose, Emmaleigh Elaine and Carlie Jo.  She is also survived by four siblings, Mark Herron (Linda) of Bridgeville, PA, Nick Herron of Bridgeville, PA, Roby Hammond of Kahoka, MO and Rebecca Metternich (Alvin) of rural Carthage, IL. 

     She was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, Carolyn Elaine Herron, step-father, Raymond Priebe, one sister, Mary Marcel Hershberger and one brother-in-law, John Hammond. 

     Candy had been employed by Carl Sandburg College in Carthage, IL as an adjunct instructor.

     She was a faithful member of Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Keokuk.  Candy had also been a member of Keokuk Sister Cities from 1996-2000.

     Candy enjoyed all types of crafts and created beautiful items. She loved to go on camping trips with her family and making memories by the campfire.  Over the years, she enjoyed many memorable vacations, including a cruise to the Bahamas and a train trip to Washington, D.C.  Candy adored her grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with them.

     A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at the Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Keokuk with Pastor Larry Wallingford officiating.  Burial will be in the Sandusky Cemetery in Sandusky, IA. 

     Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Monday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends at that time.   

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation or to Living Waters Assembly of God Church.

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

Stephen Gary Lucas, 76, of Warsaw, passed away at his home at 5:50 AM early Tuesday
morning, October 10, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Steve was born December 25, 1946, the son of Wilber and Gloria (Mahaffey) Lucas in
Burlington, Iowa. After graduating from Davis County High School in Bloomfield, Iowa Steve
was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a communication specialist and data
communication terminal specialist. Throughout his military service he was stationed in Korea,
Vietnam, Hawaii, Virginia, and Texas. He earned several medals during his service including the
Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Medal, Armed Service
Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star, Vietnam Cross
of Gallantry with Palm Unit and Expert Badge with Rifle Bar.
On May 30, 1975, Steve was united in marriage to Arlean White in Kahoka, Missouri. Steve
enjoyed gardening, watching NASCAR races, singing karaoke, and traveling. The thing he
enjoyed most was spending time with his family. Sitting on his deck with his wife each morning
drinking coffee and enjoying the birds and his squirrel “Rascal” was his most cherished time of
day.
After serving in the Army Steve moved to Warsaw where he worked at Hubinger’s/Rocquette
and owned and operated Lucas Refrigeration and Heating until retiring.
Steve is survived by his wife, Arlean; six children, Arlean (Shad) Rockhold, Stephen (Angelina)
Lucas, Jr., Tina White, Tony White, Gary (Michelle) White and Samantha (Mike) Grooms; sixteen
beloved grandchildren; and twenty-two beloved great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Charles and Flossie Smith; a son, Michael
Lucas; a daughter in infancy, Angela Lucas; a brother, Reginald Lucas and a sister, Judy Nalley.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday afternoon, October 15, 2023, at Printy
Funeral Home in Warsaw with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw with military
rites rendered by the Hancock County Honor Guard. The family will meet friends from Noon
until time of services at 2:00 at the funeral home on Sunday. Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is
in charge of arrangements.

Keith Fink

1945-2023

     Keith William Fink, 78, passed away on September 6, 2023 at his home in Dallas, Texas, after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s.

     Keith was born on March 24, 1945, in Blackpool, United Kingdom, the son of Wayne and Edith (Clinton) Fink. He emigrated from the United Kingdom to the United States in 1946 through Ellis Island, New York, with his mother aboard the Queen Mary and the USS Washington. He was raised in Keokuk, Iowa, graduating from Keokuk Senior High School in 1963. On March 12, 1966, Keith was united in marriage to Mary Susan Grogan in Keokuk, Iowa. Together they lived in Iowa, Florida, Indiana and finally Texas. Keith served in the US Army for 2 years receiving a rank of E-5 (Sergeant). He received his bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton College in 1970 and his MBA from Western Illinois University in 1976. Keith retired in 2000 after 24 years of service as Vice President - Human Resources with H.J. Heinz Company-The Hubinger Company and Roquette America, Inc.

   Keith was a golf enthusiast and some of his favorite times were shared with his Saturday morning foursome in Keokuk and with retirement buddies on various Florida courses.  Keith took pride in achieving the title of Master Gardener and he was known to have the most well- manicured yard in his neighborhood.  He was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye’s fan, and the University has undoubtedly lost one of its most passionate supporters. 

     Keith is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Dorothy Fink, daughter, Valaurie Fink Davis, a very special uncle, Roy Fink and his wife, Amanda, his stepbrother, Jerry Chambers and several sisters- and brothers-in-law.  He leaves behind his wife, Sue, his children, Michelle (Todd) Smiley, Brian (Steffy) Fink and Jayden (Josie) Fink; his grandchildren, Logan Smiley, Madison Smiley and her fiancé Joseph Nasca, Parker Fink, Grant Fink and Greyson Fink; and brothers, Kevin (Jodie) Wyant and Chuck Barclay; his sisters-in-law, Jeri Grogan, Diana Grogan, Judy Grogan and Sara Humphrey and many nieces and nephews.  He will be sorely missed by his grand dogs who were his constant companions and brought him much comfort.   

     A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 14 at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, Iowa, with Father David Brownfield officiating.  Military Rites will be held following the mass at the church.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at a later date.

     There will be a visitation from 4-6 p.m., Friday, October 13 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, Iowa. A prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the visitation.   

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Keokuk City of Christmas, PO BOX 73, Keokuk, IA 52632 or The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, uihc.org/donations or 1-800-648-6973.

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

Lorraine Ann Merydith

1946-2023

     Lorraine Ann Merydith, 77 of Keokuk, IA died Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at her home. 

     She was born March 26, 1946 in Quinter, KS, the daughter of Eugene and Angie Cullen Hirsh.  She graduated from Trego Community High School in WaKeeney, KS with the class of 1964 and attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS.      

     On January 29, 1966 Lorraine was united in marriage to Brent Merydith.  He preceded her in death on March 17, 1993.

     Lorraine moved to Keokuk in 1974 with her husband and they owned the Credit Bureau of Keokuk, House of Gifts, Taske Force, Inc. and Keokuk Spirits.  She was the glue that held the businesses and family together until her passing.

     She was a member of the Grand Theatre Foundation Board, Keokuk Yacht Club First Mates, Chuck Wagon Breakfast Club (since 1976), numerous Bridge Clubs, Golden Oaks Society, KYC Thursday Night Poker and the Keosippi Kickers Dance Group.  She previously had been a member of the Keokuk Rotary, Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary and the Newcomers Club.  

     Lorraine took most pride in her family hosting family gatherings, games and parties where her door was always open.  She enjoyed playing any kind of card games, especially bridge, poker, and euchre.  She loved working puzzles, played Sudoku daily and enjoyed her evenings watching Wheel of Fortune at the Keokuk Yacht Club.  She also loved to dance and would light up the dance floor every chance she got.  Lorraine’s favorite song to swing dance to was “Rave On” by Buddy Holly.  She was also a Jimmy Buffet Parrot Head and loved her yearly trips to Mexico with her Keokuk Yacht Club friends. Lorraine was very active in the community and was an avid supporter of the Keokuk YMCA, the Keokuk Concert Association and Planned Parenthood. 

     She is survived by her partner in life for the last twenty years, Tom Boyd of Keokuk, two daughters,  Dawn Merydith (Duane Taylor) of Seattle, WA and Tricia Merydith (Justin Johnson) of Keokuk, one son, Brent Wesley Merydith II (Renee) of Keokuk, bonus daughter, Jamie Robertson (Nate) of Cedar Rapids, IA, ten grandchildren, Merydith Kelley (Brett), McKenzie Marshall, Madylin Long (Nick), Evylin Merydith (Lauren), Brent Wesley “Tres” Merydith III, Penelope Merydith, Bryer Merydith, Kayla Robertson, Brady Robertson and Blake Robertson and three great-grandchildren, Luci Kelley, Hinley Helenthal and Kade Kelley.  She is also survived by three siblings, Loretta Neyer (Terry) of WaKeeney, KS, Gene Hirsh (Carol) of Wichita, KS and Jeanette (Jerry) Seimens of Pratt, KS, one special sister-in-law, Connie Schmidt of WaKeeney, KS and several nieces and nephews. 

     Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents.

     There will be a rosary reading Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 10AM at the Church of All Saints with a Celebration of Life at 2PM at the Keokuk Yacht Club.

Rick Anthony Marlin

1954-2023

     Rick Anthony Marlin, 69, of Warsaw, IL died Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at his home.

     He was born February 14, 1954 in Keokuk, IA the son of Thomas “Tom” and Catherine “Kitty” Marie Rhodes Marlin.  Rick graduated from Hapeville, GA with the class of 1972. 

     Rick was a veteran of the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

     Rick was first united in marriage to Karen Boylston.  They later divorced.  On July 6, 2007 he was united in marriage to Susie Lewis.   She survives.

     Other survivors include two sons, Tony Marlin (Heather) of  Hampton, GA, Clay Marlin (Heather) of Daytona, FL, one grandson, Nathan Marlin (Cierra) of  Barnesville, GA, one granddaughter, Sara Sherred (Michael) of  Barnesville, GA, and three great-grandchildren, Cameron and Chloe Marlin and Annabelle Sherred.  He is also survived by one sister, Kathy Dunne (Andy) of Keokuk, two brothers, Tim Marlin (Renee) of Warsaw, IL and Daniel Marlin of Keokuk and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Pat and Nick Marlin and three nieces, Elizabeth Marlin, Tommi Washburn and Lauren Kaylee.

     He had been employed in the state of Florida as a surveyor for twenty-five years, until his retirement in 2011.

     Rick was a sports fanatic and loved all sports.  He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves and Miami Dolphins fan. He enjoyed watching the Little League World Series on television.  He loved sitting at the river fishing and taking in the view.  Most of all, Rick treasured the time he spent with his family and his dogs, Ellie and Daisy. 

     A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, October 9, 2023 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Father Larry Snyder officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery.

     There will be no visitation.

     Memorials may be made to Warsaw Little League.

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

Stanley Keith Watson

1953 – 2023

     Stanley Keith Watson, 70, of Keokuk died Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa, IA.

     He was born on August 3, 1953 in Keokuk, IA, the son of Gerald and Lucille Varner Watson.

     Stanley had been employed by Midwest Carbide and Ferro-Sil of Keokuk until health reasons prevented him from working.

     He was an avid bowler in his younger days, and spent many hours league bowling at the Arrowhead Bowl in Keokuk. Stan was a sports enthusiast. He loved watching football and baseball, and was a complete die-hard Cubs fan.  He was a member of the Keokuk Odd Fellows Lodge 13.

     Stan attended Bel Air Baptist Church when he could and professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior.

     He spent what time he could with his children and grandchildren, he often went to dinner with his grandson, Ashten, when Ashten was in town.

     He is survived by two sons, Keith (Jennifer) Watson and Cody Watson, one daughter, Mackenzie Watson, six grandsons, Ashten Watson, Nick Bender, Noah Wright, Nolan Wessel, Jeremy, and Jared, two granddaughters, Alyssa and Natalie. He is also survived by one sister, Debbie Suter, one niece, Lora Suter Washburn and her daughters, Whitney Edwardson and Bethany Meyers and their families, one aunt, Helen Thorn and cousins, and by his special friend Claudia and her children and grandchildren who were like family to him.

    Stan was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, Russell Suter, and one special aunt, Norma Varner.

     A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Pastor Mike McMillen officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

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

     Memorials may be made to Keokuk Odd Fellows Lodge 13 or USBC Youth Bowling.

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

Cynthia Luanne Howes passed away peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving children, friends and little dog, Daisy. 

Cindy was born February 3, 1955, in Plymouth, Illinois, the daughter of Robert F. Swisegood and Helen J. (Campbell) Swisegood. Survivors include her children: Son Ryan (Grace) Howes, daughter Erin (Nathanael) Slosson, and son Nathan Haislip; her siblings Steve (Colette) Swisegood, Melinda (Mychael Cervantes) Hopper, Laurie (Greg) Wery, James Swisegood, and Joseph Swisegood; grandchildren Liam, Luke and Lily Slosson, Aunt Pauline Reid, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her companion Kirby McCall. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brothers-in-law Cameron Wagaman and Jim Hopper.

Cindy was raised in Hamilton, Illinois. She attended Western Illinois University and worked at Dadant & Sons. She then had a lengthy career at Maurices followed by working at a local doctor’s office until her retirement.

Cindy loved music; particularly The Beatles (Paul was her favorite), Bob Dylan, and (more recently) Lynyrd Skynyrd, with a particular interest in the band’s local connection via former Keokuk resident Steve Gaines. She loved coffee and several Little Debbie confections, especially the Nutty Buddy. She had an incredible knack for making crafts: wheat weaving, wreaths, and jewelry made, in part, from baked rose petals (which she had chopped up with a coffee grinder that her son gave her because she loved coffee, in classic Cindy style). She was an avid reader and erudite about many subjects. She loved fashion. She had an interest and appreciation for local history and enjoyed our beautiful world and all of nature. She loved gardening, growing plants and flowers, and taking care of her little home in Hamilton. She could be a little stubborn and contrarian, which could be funny and exasperating, in roughly equal measure. Through her years, she enjoyed taking care of kittens and cats, parakeets and love birds and other little animals. Most importantly she loved having and raising her three children. She was then blessed with her precious grandchildren. Cindy lived in Hamilton and Warsaw all her life. She led a modest, quiet life and was satisfied with the simple things.

Cindy will be greatly missed by her children, family, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, October 9, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton.  Family will meet friends from 9:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 at the funeral home.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn Jane Brackensick, 92, of Niles, Michigan, formerly of Warsaw, Illinois, and Tucson,
Arizona, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Woodland Terrace in Niles,
Michigan.
Carolyn was born on November 1, 1930, in Chambersburg, Illinois, the daughter of James and
Idabelle (Watkins) Crawford. On August 6, 1950, she was united in marriage to Gerald William
“Jerry” Brackensick in Chambersburg, Illinois. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2001.
Carolyn graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, and attended Gem City
Business College in Quincy, Illinois. She was a teacher in Warsaw and Hamilton, Illinois, for
many years until her retirement. She always stayed interested and engaged in her former
student’s lives. Carolyn was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Warsaw and was
active with all church-related events. She was a member of BPW (International Federation of
Business and Professional Women) and enjoyed spending her free time reading. She enjoyed
attending her grandchildren’s activities from baseball games to dance recitals.
Carolyn is survived by two sons: James A. (Cindy) Brackensick and Jay W. (Nikki) Brackensick;
grandchildren Hunter Brackensick, Spencer Breitenstein and Maggie (Willie) Moore; and great-
grandchildren: Xander Ryder, Lane Breitenstein, Saylor Breitenstein, and Fayth Marie Moore.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gerald William “Jerry” Brackensick,
her brother William Crawford, and her sister Joann Browning.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
The family would like to thank the staff of Woodland Terrace Assisted Living in Niles, Michigan,
for their thoughtful care for the last eight years.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

It is with saddened hearts that we say goodbye to our loving mother, grandmother, great-
grandmother and great-great-grand mother, Willa. She passed away quietly on 30 September
2023 after suffering several months of illness.  It will be difficult to imagine our world without
her in it.
Willa was born 31 July 1929 to Lee Evans and Tillie Malinda (McIlmoil) Cameron in Elderville
Illinois, the first daughter and fourth child of eleven.  She attended Elvaston Grade School and
graduated from Hamilton High School (1947).  
On 15 December 1948, Willa married the one and only love of her life, George Eugene Loring.
They lived in love together in Hamilton for nearly 62 years.  Sadly George predeceased her by
13 years on 8 December 2010.  Willa and George spent the last half of their lives together, 24/7,
working for the Hamilton Police Department and later working together at the Loring Wood
Workshop, refinishing wood furniture.
She was mother to Ginger Swank of Hamilton, IL, Edward Loring of Burlington, IA and Russell
Loring of Cathedral City, CA.  She was grandmother to Brandi Blunck (Andy) of Davenport, IA
and Brandon Loring of Salem, IA.  Her great-grandchildren are Devin Cellucci of Davenport, IA,
Carter Blunck of Davenport, IA,  Baily Kemp of Hiawatha, IA.  Her great-great-grandchild is Eli
Kemp of Hiawatha, IA.
Of 10 brothers and sisters, surviving her are Clarence Cameron of Carthage, IL, Marjorie
Whitaker (Stanley) of Keokuk, IA and Larry Cameron (Carol) of Warsaw, IL.
Willa was preceded in death by her father and mother, Lee Cameron and Tilly
Cameron.  Brothers and sisters preceding Willa in death are Lyle Cameron, Albert Cameron,
Lester Cameron, Lulabelle Shark Laffoon, Marlene Whitaker, Billie Mac Cameron and Donnie
Cameron and daughter-in-law Cheryl Loring.
Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in
Hamilton, with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. Visitation will be held at the
funeral home from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday directly before the visitation.
Memorials may be directed to the Lee County Hospice or Keokuk Animal Shelter.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.