Leona M. Good, 77, of Keokuk, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Montrose
Health Center in Montrose, Iowa. Arrangements are pending at DeJong-Printy Funeral
Home in Keokuk.

Kayden Sangster

2006-2026

 

 Kayden Sangster, 20 of Keokuk, IA passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026 at his home.

     He was born May 11, 2006 in Iowa City, IA the son of Thomas and Doreanea McFarland Sangster.  Kayden graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 2024.

     Kayden enjoyed playing video games, riding around in his wheelchair, and, most of all, spending time with his family, who meant everything to him. He was a devoted fan of Toy Story, loved building with Legos, and found great happiness in gifting stuffies to others, a simple gesture that reflected his generous and caring heart. Creative and imaginative, Kayden also took great pride in writing his own book and enjoyed expressing himself through storytelling.

     Kayden had a heart full of love and brought joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His kind spirit, infectious smile, and gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who met him. He never let life's challenges define him and instead faced each day with remarkable strength, resilience, and a positive outlook.  One of his favorite outings was going to Kempker’s in Ft. Madison, IA.

     He is survived by his mother, Doreanea McFarland (Eddie Redd); his father, Thomas Sangster; his siblings, Taylor Sangster (Shonnie Braggs), Kailey Sangster, Korbyn Sangster (Brayton Prewitt), Dylan Sangster, and Laikyn Sangster; his paternal grandparents, Sharon Sangster and Jim Clark; his maternal grandmother, Betty McFarland; and many other relatives and friends and his best friend and cat, Pepper.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 23 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA.  Burial will be in the Hickory Grove Cemetery in rural Keokuk.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service, Thursday, from 9-11 a.m., at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to the family.

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

 

Cathleen Kay Melinda Cameron,68 years of Warsaw, Il (formerly of Hamilton, Il)
passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026, while in the Carthage hospital.
She was born on March 13, 1958, in Keokuk, IA, to Clarence and Barbara (Squires)
Cameron. She was unmarried.
She is survived by her siblings, Perry Cameron of Carthage, Il, David (Marie) Cameron
of Shawnee, OK, Patrick Cameron of Kenosha, WI, and Deirdre “Dee” (Tamara)
Cameron of Gladstone, MO.
Kay was preceded in death by her grandparents, mother - Barbara, father - Clarence
and sister - Bonnie.
Kay graduated from Hamilton High School in 1976 (where she played on numerous
sports teams) and from Blessing Hospital School of Nursing in Quincy, IL in 1979.
She was active in nursing until 1989 when she moved to Kansas City, MO. There she
worked for Equifax as a medical claims’ adjustor utilizing her nursing skills. Kay returned
to the Warsaw area in 2017 where she became well known locally. She enjoyed the
outdoors and pet sitting.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July
30th, at Printy Funeral Home at 405 Cherry Street, Carthage, Il. Burial will follow at the
Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hearts of Hancock Humane Society.
Printy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.prinityfuneralhomes.com.

Richard “Rick” Meredith

1955-2026

 

  Richard “Rick” Meredith, 70 of Keokuk passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026 at his home.

     He was born November 18, 1955, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Warren and Lois Malone Meredith. He graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1974, attended Southeastern Community College, and later Iowa State University.

     Rick was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving his country from 1980 to 1984.

     He was employed at Henniges Automotive in Keokuk for 33 years before retiring on November 30, 2017. Rick had a generous heart and was deeply committed to his community. For many years, he faithfully served as the local Toys for Tots coordinator, bringing joy and hope to countless children and families during the holiday season. He was also a member of United Steelworkers Local 444 at Henniges.

     Rick loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Dallas Cowboys, and the St. Louis Cardinals, and looked forward each year to participating in his fantasy football and baseball leagues. Rick also enjoyed training German Shorthaired Pointers. He took great pride in keeping an immaculate yard and was well known for his meticulous lawn care. An accomplished Master Gardener, he found great satisfaction in working outdoors and caring for his landscape.

     He is survived by his children, Brad Meredith (Melinda) and Candace Graybill (Tyler); his grandchildren, Annalee, Max, and Brody; his longtime companion, Denise Nelson of Keokuk; his sister, Barbie Johnson (Jeff Courtois) of Keokuk; his niece, Tessa Stidham (Rob) and nephew, Jeremy Johnson and his beloved four-legged companions, Lucy and Maverick.

     He was preceded in death by his parents.

     A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at First Christian Church in Keokuk, with Cathie Courtois officiating.

     Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA, where the family will meet with friends during that time.

     Memorials may be made to Toys for Tots of Lee County, Iowa, and Clark County, Missouri, or to PAW Animal Shelter.

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

Carl L. Sparrow

1951-2026

 

   Carl L. Sparrow, 75 died peacefully at his home in Keokuk on Monday, July 13, 2026. His daughter and son-in-law were blessed to be at his side.

     Carl was born May 21, 1951, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Robert and Jessie Sparrow. He grew up in West Point, Illinois, primarily raised by his grandparents Alva and Mabel Sparrow. He attended school in Bowen, Illinois, with the class of 1970. Carl started out his career with the Keokuk Gas Company and stayed with the company until his retirement. He saw the company bought and sold many times, eventually requiring his transfer to Johnson City, Tennessee, where he lived for 25 years. He and his wife Diane returned to Keokuk to retire.

      Carl is survived by his wife Diane Sparrow, his daughter Melissa (Alan) Brewer of Hamilton, and sons Dennis (Lynne) Sparrow of Quincy and Adam (Stephanie) Sparrow of Texas. Carl cherished his grandchildren, Jacob (Courtney) Ayers, Lizabeth (Zack) Taylor, Sam Sparrow, Emma Sparrow, and Skylar Sparrow, and his three great-granddaughters, Elliot Ayers, Hazel Taylor, and Ruby Taylor. Additionally, he is survived by his step-daughter Tammy of New Mexico and step-son Tim of the Kansas City area, their spouses and children. Locally, he is also survived by multiple siblings and their spouses, as well as a special sister-in-law Peggy (Doug) Peterson.

      Upon Carl’s request, there will be a private graveside service for immediate family only on Monday. Memorials may be made to Lee County Hospice.

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

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

Cindy “Scoot” Snyder

Cindy “Scoot” Snyder, 74, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 11:15 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Monmouth Rehab and Nursing in Monmouth, Illinois. 

 

Cindy was born March 29, 1952 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of S. Dale and Bonnie (Conn) Stout. On February 14, 1999 she married James “Jim” Snyder at the Burnside Christian Church, Burnside, Illinois.

 

Cindy was a 1970 graduate of Burlington High School. Following high school, she managed the Ayerco Gas Station in Burlington. She later lived in Donnellson and Fort Madison, Iowa, before making her home in LaHarpe. She then attended the former Midstate College in Carthage, Illinois, earning her Medical Assistant degree. She worked as a Medical Assistant for the remainder of her life at numerous medical clinics throughout the area. 

 

Cindy was lover of animals, especially her Cocker Spaniels. She and Jim were foster parents to many children. She enjoyed shopping, and always found the “best deals”, whether in the store or online. She was a longtime member of the Burnside Christian Church. 

 

Besides her husband, survivors include two children: Katie Mellinger of Middletown, Iowa and Joey Snyder of Quincy, Illinos; two grandchildren: Andrew “Cecil” Mellinger of Burlington and Lucas Mellinger of Middletown; two sisters: Teresa Swiney and Leah Kuntz; her step mother: Mary Lou Stout of Nashville, Tennessee; one step-sister: Krista Williams and her in-laws: Jim and Wilma Snyder. Also surviving is her beloved Cocker Spaniel: Clover. 

 

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister: Sharon Cottrell.

 

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home. 

 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. 

 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Burnside Christian Church with Pastor Mark Nichols officiating. 

 

A memorial fund has been established for the Burnside Christian Church or the Humane Society of McDonough County. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Cindy’s obituary at banksandbeals.com. 

 

 

Robert James Clarizio, 69, of Forney, Texas, formerly of Hamilton, passed
away at 1:18 PM, Saturday, July 4, 2026, at his home.
Robert was born February 16, 1957, in Smyrna, Tennessee, the son of Carl
Joseph and Gloria (Lenzi) Clarizio. He is survived by his wife, Tracy of
Smyrna.
Private burial will be held at the family plot in Riverside Cemetery near
Hamilton. Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Marie Lemley, 83

Helen Marie Lemley, 83, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, in Macomb.
She was born at home September 10, 1942, in Tennessee, IL to the late Albert and
Mildred (Moore) Lemley.
She is survived by her brother Junior Lemley and sister Marilyn (Robert) Baxter, both of
Tennessee, three nephews, Wyatt Baxter who has been a devoted caregiver, Brad
(Kelsey) Baxter, Brian (Jackie) Baxter, one niece Carrie Dawdy, eight great nephews
and nieces, and one great grandniece.
Preceding her in death are her parents, a brother Arthur Lemley, a sister Shirley
Riggins, and a brother-in-law Bill Riggins.
Helen graduated from Colchester High School. She spent her life living on the
McDonough and Hancock County line on the family farms. She enjoyed spending time
with family and living in the countryside. Whether she was tending to her flowers,
reading the newspaper, or spending time in the kitchen, Helen found joy in the little
things.
A graveside service will be held at 10am on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Oak Grove
Cemetery east of Carthage. A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, July 10,
2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Printy Funeral Home is handling
arrangements.

Martha S. Youngmeyer

Martha S. Youngmeyer, 71, of Carthage, Illinois, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026,
at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.
Martha was born on December 12, 1954, in Carthage, Illinois, the daughter of Michael
“Mike” and Betty (Munson) Strubinger. She graduated from Carthage High School in
1972, and went on to attend Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. On January 2, 1993,
she was united in marriage to Stephen “Steve” Youngmeyer in Carthage, Illinois. He
preceded her in death on January 19, 2026.
Martha was employed at KOKX Radio in Keokuk as a DJ for many years before
becoming Secretary for Institutional Research and Planning at Western Illinois
University, where she retired after sixteen years (with a pension, as she loved to point
out). After retirement, her switchboard skills were needed at WCAZ radio in Carthage,
where she broadcast sports for several more years. Martha was a talented quilter and
had a quilt displayed at the nationally acclaimed Paducah Quilt Show in Kentucky. She
was an avid Chicago Cubs and Caitlyn Clark fan, often rewatching old Cubs games and
sharing the results with her family. Above all else, Martha will be remembered for her
devotion and loyalty to her family and her unending love for her grandchildren.
Martha is survived by her daughter Tanya (Robert) West of Carthage, Illinois; five
grandchildren: Ava Law, Garrett West, Owen West, Taylor West and Skylar West; two
brothers: Charles (Susan) Strubinger of Missouri and Larry (Bill) Strubinger of Florida;
and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Steve.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 2 to 6 pm, with family meeting
friends from 4 to 6 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.
Memorials may be directed to the family for her grandchildren’s education.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Martha S. Youngmeyer

Martha S. Youngmeyer, 71, of Carthage, Illinois, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026,
at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.
Martha was born on December 12, 1954, in Carthage, Illinois, the daughter of Michael
“Mike” and Betty (Munson) Strubinger. She graduated from Carthage High School in
1972, and went on to attend Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. On January 2, 1993,
she was united in marriage to Stephen “Steve” Youngmeyer in Carthage, Illinois. He
preceded her in death on January 19, 2026.
Martha was employed at KOKX Radio in Keokuk as a DJ for many years before
becoming Secretary for Institutional Research and Planning at Western Illinois
University, where she retired after sixteen years (with a pension, as she loved to point
out). After retirement, her switchboard skills were needed at WCAZ radio in Carthage,
where she broadcast sports for several more years. Martha was a talented quilter and
had a quilt displayed at the nationally acclaimed Paducah Quilt Show in Kentucky. She
was an avid Chicago Cubs and Caitlyn Clark fan, often rewatching old Cubs games and
sharing the results with her family. Above all else, Martha will be remembered for her
devotion and loyalty to her family and her unending love for her grandchildren.
Martha is survived by her daughter Tanya (Robert) West of Carthage, Illinois; five
grandchildren: Ava Law, Garrett West, Owen West, Taylor West and Skylar West; two
brothers: Charles (Susan) Strubinger of Missouri and Larry (Bill) Strubinger of Florida;
and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Steve.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 2 to 6 pm, with family meeting
friends from 4 to 6 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.
Memorials may be directed to the family for her grandchildren’s education.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Lee Sherrill

1956-2026

 

 Betty Lee Sherrill, 70, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away at her home on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

     Betty was born on January 21, 1956, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Larry and Mary (Henley) Sherrill. She graduated from Mt. Zion High School in Mt. Zion, Illinois, with the Class of 1974.

     Throughout her life, Betty held a variety of occupations.  She began her career working as a nurse's aide before becoming a certified medical technician. Betty later went to police academy and completed her training at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and made history as the first female police officer in Decatur, Illinois, serving the community for five years. She later spent ten years as a semi-truck driver.  Most recently, Betty was employed at the Hampton Inn in Keokuk, where her quick thinking and compassion were evident when she performed CPR on a guest, saving his life.

     Betty had a deep love for animals and especially enjoyed attending all types of animal shows. She was an avid collector of Beanie Babies and took great pride in her extensive collection. She loved decorating her home for the holidays, with Halloween and Christmas being her favorites. Betty also enjoyed watching movies and never missed an episode of Ghost Adventures, hosted by Zak Bagans. Above all, Betty had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

     She is survived by her son, Matthew Lorenz of Cincinnati, Ohio; her son-in-law, Johnathon Lorenz of Cincinnati, Ohio; her mother, Mary Sherrill of Keokuk; two brothers, Doug Sherrill of Des Moines, Iowa, and Larry Sherrill Jr. of Keokuk; and four sisters, Linda Nihiser of Keokuk, Judy Lash of Clinton, Illinois, Terri Sherrill of Washington, Iowa, and Diana Richardson of Keokuk.

     She was preceded in death by her infant son, David Joseph Lorenz, and her brother, Michael Sherrill.

     In accordance with Betty's wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held.

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

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

 

Donald Hornung

1933-2026

  Donald Hornung, 93, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Azria Health Prairie Ridge in Mediapolis, Iowa.

     Donald was born on March 15, 1933, in Keokuk, the son of William "Bill" and Justine (Verburg) Hornung. Following his graduation from high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting on January 13, 1953. He was honorably discharged on January 12, 1957.

     After returning home, Donald began a career with Burlington Northern Railroad, where he worked as a shipping clerk for more than thirty years before retiring.

     Donald found pleasure in painting, writing, and reading biographies.

     He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Janet Cunningham and Wilma Magerkurth; half-sister; Leona Manley and his brother, Robert Hornung.

     A private graveside service will be held at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk at a later date.

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

Sandra Louise (Thorn) Johnson, 82

 

Sandra Louise (Thorn) Johnson, 82 of Carthage, IL passed away on Thursday,
February 19, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, IL.
A celebration of life to remember the love and joy that Sandra brought to so many will
be at 1pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. A visitation
will be held at 12pm prior to the service. Printy Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements.

 

James Edwin  Phillips

James Edwin Phillips, age 89, of Warsaw, Illinois, passed away peacefully on
Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Born on February 27, 1937, Jim proudly served his country as a Specialist in the U.S. Army
during the Cold War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to his lifelong home of
San Diego, California, where he met Barbara Romero (Shiepe) and welcomed his two boys.
Deeply committed to public service, Jim worked hard to balance a dual career as a San
Diego City Supervisor over the Roads and Water Department while simultaneously serving
as a Reserve Officer for the San Diego Police Department.
In 1969, he married Janet R. Phillips, and upon his retirement, they found their peaceful
haven at Happy Acres Farm in Warsaw, IL where Jim spent his later years enjoying the
quiet and open skies of the land. More than anything, Jim was a fiercely supportive father,
uncle, and grandfather, serving as a steady anchor for his family. His sons' younger years
were rich with outdoor adventures, family camping trips, fishing, coaching little league
baseball, and reveled in the excitement of riding dirt bikes together. Jim carried that same
energy into his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather, taking immense pride in
watching his legacy grow through the generations.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet; his parents, James Perry Phillips and
Greta Ruhnow; and his sister, Evelyn Lubic.
His love and devotion live on through his surviving family: his sons, James D. Phillips and
Ronnie Phillips; his grandchildren, Audra (Mike) Tibbits, Lynsey (Devin) Beaston, James
Phillips, Zachary Phillips, Cody Phillips, and Sophie Phillips; his great-grandchildren, Jett,
Amelia, and Maverick; and his beloved nephews and their children.
In accordance with Jim's explicit wishes, there will be no formal funeral services, burial, or
public memorial held.  Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw in in charge of arrangements.

Susanne “Susi” Gabriele Strick

1973-2026

 

 Susanne “Susi” Strick 52, of Keokuk, IA passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. 

     She was born November 10, 1973, in Kempen, Germany, the daughter of Hans and Irmgard Kaufmann Becker. Susi graduated from Hauptschule Hinsbeck in Hinsbeck, Germany.

On September 5, 2003, she was united in marriage to Oliver Strick in Hinsbeck, Germany. He survives.

     She is also survived by her daughter, Anna Strick of Keokuk; her sister, Gabriele Becker-Kohnen of Hinsbeck, Germany; and many cherished friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.     She was preceded in death by her parents.

     Susi began her career as a dental assistant in Germany. After moving to Keokuk, she dedicated herself to serving students as a paraeducator with the Keokuk Community School District, where she was known for her caring nature and willingness to help others.

     She enjoyed being outdoors and loved running, exercising, and staying active. Susi also enjoyed traveling and looked forward to spending time at Mark Twain Lake with family and friends. She was very involved in her daughter Anna's life and was active in the Catholic school system, serving as a room mom and helping whenever she could.

     Susi's greatest joy was her family. She treasured the time they spent together and the memories they made over the years. She also shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Chloe, who was a constant companion.   

     A celebration of life will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at Rand Park in the Main Shelter House in Keokuk with family meeting with friends at that time.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hope Lodge in St. Louis, 4207 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

     Vigen Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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