Gertrude Egbert
1906 - 2002
City of Birth: Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
City of Death: Kahoka, Missouri
Gertrude S. Egbert, 95, of Kahoka, MO formerly of Wyaconda, MO died Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, MO. She was born September 20, 1906 in Mt. Pleasant, IA the daughter of Edward and Mary Buck Noble. She married Ervin Egbert on December 8, 1943 in Kahoka, MO. He preceded her in death on March 16, 1979. She attended the Kirksville Teacher’s College in Kirksville, MO and had taught school in Henry County, Iowa before her marriage. She had lived in the Wyaconda area most of her life, moving to Kahoka in 1995. She joined the Presbyterian Church at an early age. Gertrude treasured her family and friends. She is survived by one step son, George Egbert and his wife Betty of La Fayette, GA, two step daughters, Lois Pondo and her husband Phil of Warren, Michigan and Lucille Brunk of Kahoka, MO, 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, 6 nieces, 3 nephews and several great nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Clifford Noble and his wife Hazel, Howard Noble and his wife Marie and Richard Noble and his wife Bertha. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M., Saturday July 13, 2002 at the Etna Cemeteryin rural Wyaconda, MO with Reverend Ernest Deatrick officiating. Burial will be in the Etna Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. Saturday morning until the time of the services with the family meeting with friends one hour prior to the service at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO. Memorials may be made to the Clark County Nutrition Center in Kahoka, MO.

Pamela Stoddard (Jul 26, 1926 - Jul 14, 2002)

Ada Peterson (Jan 8, 1917 - Jul 14, 2002)

Erma Beaty
1909 - 2002
City of Birth: Hancock County, Illinois
City of Death: Keokuk, Iowa
Erma Lorain Simpson Howes Beaty, 93, of Keokuk, IA, died Saturday, July 20, 2002 at the River Hills Village in Keokuk, IA. She was born June 28, 1909 in Hancock County, IL, the daughter of Alpine and Jennie Little Simpson. She first married Lloyd Howes in 1927 and he preceded her in death. She married Gilbert Beaty on October 25, 1952 in Keokuk, IA. He preceded her in death on May 29, 1997. She had been employed at Decker Manufacturing in Keokuk, IA for many years and also Sheller Globe in Keokuk. She loved the outdoors, animals and enjoyed working in her garden. She was a member of the Golden Point Christian Church, Hamilton, IL. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Ruth Simpson of Hamilton, IL, three nieces, Rosalie Walker and her husband James of Hamilton, IL, Lois Lewton and her husband Frank of Quincy, IL and Sylvia Fry of Texas, and three nephews, Homer Sherrill and his wife Dorothy of Hamilton, IL, Carol R. (Pete) Simpson and his wife Roberta of Minnesota and Bob Anderson of Texas. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Kenneth, Wilbur and Harry Simpson, five sisters, Ruby Schwartz, Lila Sherrill Shoupe, Neva Anderson, Emma Anderson and Ruth Simpson in infancy, several nieces and nephews. Erma was the last of her family. Graveside services were held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday. July 24 at the Keokuk National Cemeterywith Rev. B. Gene Baker officiating. There was no visitation. Memorials may be made to the River Hills Village.

Lester Burch
1926 - 2002
City of Birth: Keokuk, IA
City of Death: Lakeland, FL
Lester P. 'Noonie' Burch was born June 13, 1926, the son of Lester Lewis and Edith Fay Van Etten Burch. He was raised in Keokuk, IA and graduated from Keokuk Senior High with the Class of 1944. He attended Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO before serving two years in the United States Army. Mr. Burch had been employed by the U.S. Postal service for 35 years. While in Keokuk, he was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ, the American Legion, the Moose Club, the Keokuk Yacht Club and the National Association of Rural Letter Carriers. Mr. Burch and his wife Iris were currently residing at the Sandpiper Golf and Country Club of Lakeland, FL. While residing in Sandpiper, Mr. Burch was very active in the community. He enjoyed planning large gatherings for Sandpiper with good food and lively entertainment. He also enjoyed playing tennis, dancing and sailing. And most of all he enjoyed being with his family. Lester P. 'Noonie' Burch of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Keokuk, IA, died of lung cancer Tuesday, July 21, 2002 in Lakeland, FL. Mr. Burch is survived by his wife Laura 'Iris' Sousek Burch of Lakeland, FL, two sons, Stephen Burch and his wife Cherie of Aurora, IL, Christopher Burch and his wife Darline of Worthington, OH, three stepchildren, Halo Rider and her husband Vince of Burlington, IA, Steven Sousek and his wife Linda of St. Petersburg, FL and Michael Creach, husband of the late Laura Sousek Creach, of Keokuk, JA, five grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one step-great-granddaughter and one sister, Bonnie Burch McDowell of Keokuk, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and one step-daughter, Laura Creach. A memorial service for Mr. Burch was held at 11 A.M., Saturday, August 17 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Paul Pennington officiating. Flag presentation was made by the American Legion Post 41 and the VFW Post #3507. Burial was in the Keokuk National Cemetery. There was no visitation.

Lester Burch (Jun 13, 1926 - Jul 21, 2002)

Thelma Baltzell (May 1, 1905 - Jul 22, 2002)

Kirk Jinkens
1931 - 2002
City of Birth: Luray, Missouri
City of Death: Keokuk, Iowa
Kirk H. Jinkens, 71, of Keokuk, IA died Friday, July 26, 2002 at the Keokuk Area Hospital. He was born January 26, 1931 in Luray, MO the son of James S. and Letta Blanton Jinkens. He married Anna Jean Hagerman on September 16, 1951 in Wayland, MO. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter: Beverly Laffoon and her husband Robert of Kahoka, MO, two granddaughters, Heidi Hauk of Cabot, Arkansas, and Lindsey Jones and her husband Tom of Wilton, IA, two great grandchildren, Trenton Hauk and Alyssa Hauk, two sisters, Kerdonna Sabatino of Kahoka, MO and Pauline Meyers of Salt Lake City, UT, one brother, Winnie Jinkens and his wife JoAnn of El Dorado Springs, MO, a foreign exchange student, Lena Carlsson of Stockholm, Sweden, two sisters-in-law, Mary Jinkens of Wayland, MO, and Aileen Jinkens of Keokuk, IA, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Shirley Jinkens in infancy and Zora Overhulser, three brothers, Orris, Robert, and James Jinkens. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict following his service in the army he began his employment at Sheller Globe in Keokuk for 40 years until his retirement in 1991. He was baptized in the Bethlehem Baptist Church and attended the Wayland United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking, yard work, working in his garage and raising watermelon. He was an avid Elvis fan, collecting Elvis memorabilia, but most of all his family was his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and treasured the time he spent with his family. Funeral services were 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 30, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Rev. Rebecca Dunger Peak officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Frazee Cemeteryin rural Alexandria, MO. Visitation was held after 9 A.M. Monday with the family will meet with friends from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Wayland United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society, or the Bethlehem Cemetery.

Estin Jinkens
1951 - 2002
City of Birth: Keokuk, Iowa
City of Death: Keokuk, Iowa
Estin Lee Jinkens, 51, of Kahoka, MO died Saturday, August 3, 2002 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, IA. He was born on March 11, 1951, in Keokuk, IA, a son of James and Mary Roberts Jinkens. Estin was a veteran of the United States Army. He had lived in Winchester, MO for 20 years. He had been employed at Fruehauf in Ft. Madison, IA, Electric Wheel in Quincy, IL and had drove a school bus in Clark County for 2 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Wayland, MO. Estin enjoyed putting model cars together, working on cars, looking for mushrooms and hunting. Survivors include his mother, Mary Jinkens of Wayland, MO, three daughters, Bethany Ann Jinkens of Tacoma, WA, Jeri Narney of Oklahoma, Shiloh McCluskey of Kahoka, MO, one son, Russell Jinkens and his wife Jamie of Wayland, MO, one sister Sheila Severin and her husband Tim of Wayland, MO, one brother, Rickie Jinkens and his wife Debbie of Keokuk, IA, five grandchildren, several foster grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father James in April 2002, and one brother, Jimmy Jinkens in 1991, grandparents, six aunts and eight uncles. Funeral services were held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Wayland, MO with Reverend Dan Deatrick officiating. Burial with military rites by the American Legion Post #192 and the VFW Post #4342 was in the Frazee Cemetery. Visitation was held after 1:00 P.M. Tuesday with the family meeting with friends from 6-8 P.M. at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO. Pallbearers were Dave Howell, Steve Davis, Terry Daniels, John Spray, Paul Egley and Roy Boatman. Organist was Tommie Welker. Vocalists were Nathan & Jenny Deatrick. Selections were “In The Garden” and “Safe In The Arms of Jesus.” Memorials were made to the family. The Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO was in charge of arrangements.

Penny Dill
1954 - 2002
City of Birth: Keokuk, Iowa
City of Death: Quincy, Illinois
Penny Boley Dill, 47, of Hamilton, IL died Sunday, July 28, 2002 at the Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL after battling with cancer. She was born October 20, 1954 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of John Edward and Martha Elaine Lambert Boley. She married Gary Dill on July 28, 1980 in Carthage, IL. He survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Pasha Dunn of Keokuk, one granddaughter, Eternity Dunn of Keokuk, and a future grandchild on the way, two sisters, Pam Belton and her husband Michael of Keokuk and Peggy Jahani and her husband Mohammad of Sacramento, CA, seven brothers, John Boley and his wife Chris of Burlington, Mark Boley and his wife Tammy of Hamilton, Daniel Boley and his wife Rosie of Burlington, Andy Boley of Burlington, Scot Boley, Doug Boley, Todd Boley all of Keokuk, several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, a special grandma, Thelma Lambert, a child in infancy and one brother, Dale Joseph Boley. She worked as a nurse's aid at Keokuk Convalescent Center and River Hills Nursing Home for several years. She attended Cardinal Stritch High School. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother. She spent most of her time adoring her granddaughter. She enjoyed riding around in their car, and playing bingo. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 1 at All Saints Parish in Keokuk, IA with Father Christopher David officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemeteryin Keokuk, IA. Visitation was held after 1 P.M. Wednesday with family meeting with friends from 7-9 PM at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA. A rosary service was recited at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday. Memorials may be made for an education fund for her granddaughter, Eternity.

Otha Adams
1920 - 2002
City of Birth: Weston, Missouri
City of Death: Keokuk, Iowa
Otha P. Adams, 81, of Keokuk, IA died Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at the Keokuk Area Hospital. He was born October 15, 1920 in Weston, Missouri the son of Mark Oregon and Jane Watts Adams. He married Lucy Pruett Pawson on May 7, 1943 in Kahoka, Missouri. She preceded him in death on March 5, 1995. Survivors include a sister, Frances Miller of Lebanon, IL, three step-daughters, Doris 'Dorie' Tessen her husband Ken of Norfolk, VA, Patricia VanVerst of Weatherford, TX and Janette Miller and her husband Allen of Keokuk, IA, one foster son, Dan Brocksmith and his wife Connie of Graham, WA, twelve grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren and three nieces and three nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Nick, Harold, Lewis and Charles Adams. He worked at the Powderworks in Powdertown, IA, Sinton Tranfer, Midwest Carbide and Dryden's of all Keokuk before moving to California. In California he worked as a cargo agent for Trans World Airlines in Los Angeles for 30 years before his retirement in 1983. In 1984 he returned to Keokuk. He was a member of the Civil Conservation Corporation from 1937-1938 where he planted trees at Shimek Forest and did construction in Keosauqua Lacey State Park. He is also a member of the International Association of Machinists and The First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA. Otha enjoyed woodworking, going on drives and eating out. Funeral services were 10:30 A.M., Saturday, August 3, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with and Rev. Bill Mitchell and Rev. Jim Davidson officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery, Keokuk, IA. Visitation was held after 1 P.M. Friday with the family meeting with friends from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA.

Marjorie Elting
1926 - 2002
City of Birth: Keokuk, Iowa
City of Death: Keokuk, Iowa
Marjorie A. Elting, 75, of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at the Keokuk Area Hospital. She was born August 19, 1926 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Harry and Beulah Van Hyning White. On December 30, 1950 Marjorie was united in marriage to Claude L. 'Puz' Elting in Montrose, IA. He preceded her in death on February 12, 2001. Survivors include two daughters, Chris Spann and her husband Leo of Keokuk, IA and Claudia Rose and her husband Gary of Keokuk, IA, three grandchildren, Shelly Rose and her fianc' Bob Stephenson, Steffy Fink and her husband Brian, and Christie James and her fianc' Adam Woodworth, and two great-grandchildren, Angelica and Alyssa Rose. She was also preceded in death by her parents. She was employed as the Lee County Deputy Auditor from 1970-1989. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Keokuk, IA. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her family. Graveside services were held at 11:30 A.M., Monday August 5, at the Keokuk National Cemeterywith Reverend Bill Mitchell officiating. A Memorial service was held at noon Monday at the First Christian Church of Keokuk and the family will meet with friends at the church following the memorial service. A Memorial was established for the First Christian Church, 928 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, IA 52632.

Franke Kilkenny
1918 - 2002
City of Birth: St. Patrick, Missouri
City of Death: Keokuk, Iowa
Franke E. Kilkenny, 84, of Kahoka, MO died Tuesday, August 06, 2002 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, IA. She was born May 15, 1918 in St. Patrick, MO, a daughter of Joseph A and Annie Kirchner Ellison. She married James Cecil Kilkenny on August 7, 1934 in St. Patrick, MO. He preceded her in death on October 4, 1994. Franke was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kahoka, MO and the Altar and Rosary Society. She had worked at Sheller Globe in Keokuk, IA for several years before her retirement. She loved to read. Franke was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her family. Survivors include four daughters, Anne Brown and her husband Glen of Kahoka, MO, Mary Lou Orton and her husband Leon of Memphis, MO, Lois Bryan and her husband Larry of Nashville, TN and Dorothy Schock of Donnellson, IA, 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and two sisters, Ruby Hunziker of Kahoka, MO and Virgie Bender of Montrose, IA. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Hazel Minnerly and Katie Sweet, one brother Elza Ellison, one son-in-law Roger Schock and one grandson, Alan Brown. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 9, 2002 at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kahoka, MO with Father David Cox officiating. Burial will be in the Kahoka Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 1:00 P.M. Thursday with the family meeting with friends from 6-8 P.M. at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO. A prayer service will be 6:30 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating. Memorials may be made to the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kahoka, MO.

Lucas Heule
2002 - 2002
City of Birth: Iowa City, Iowa
City of Death: Iowa City, Iowa
Lucas Andrew Heule, son of Johanna K. Gorham and Joshua M. Heule of Keokuk, IA died at birth on August 12, 2002 at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA. He is survived by his parents, grandparents, Don & Kathryn Gorham and Jana & Mark Heule all of Keokuk, IA, great grandparents, Jack & Eileen Fader, Marion & Joyce Ramsey all of Keokuk, IA and Erma & Harold Heule of Port Orange, FL, great great grandmother, Gladys Davis of Keokuk, IA, Aunts and uncles, Scott Gorham of Keokuk, Margaret Rowe and her husband Michael of Keokuk, IA, Emily Rohlfs and her husband Kirk of Canton, MO, Cayla Heule, Jacob Heule and Jared Heule all of Keokuk, IA. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Max and Mary Gorham and a cousin Nathaniel S. Gorham. Private funeral services were held at the St. Johns Episcopal Church in Keokuk, IA with the Rev. Bruce Blois officiating. Burial was in Babyland at Oakland Cemeteryin Keokuk, IA. There was no visitation. Memorials may be made to the St. Johns Episcopal Church, Keokuk, IA.

Arthur Lowe
1913 - 2002
City of Birth: Brazil, Iowa
City of Death: Ft. Madison, Iowa
Arthur Delmar Lowe, 89, of Ft. Madison, IA, died Friday, August 16, 2002 at the Ft. Madison Community Hospital in Ft. Madison, IA. He was born January 20, 1913 in Brazil, IA the son of Willard and Elizabeth Stearns Lowe. He married Helen Scott on August 17, 1935 in Centerville, IA. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, James Scott Lowe of Rockford, IL, and Robert W. Lowe of Denver, CO, 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Jesse Lowe, Roy Lowe, Ray Lowe and Wilford Lowe, and two sisters, Janet Palmer and Golden Moore. Mr. Lowe had been a resident of Ft. Madison for the last 53 years and was employed at Shaffer Pen for 35 years until his retirement in 1975. He was a member of the Ft. Madison First Christian Church, the Senior Citizens Newberry Center and the Scott Klann Society. Mr. Lowe has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 608 10th St., Ft. Madison, IA.

Betty Morse
1934 - 2002
City of Birth: Havana, Illinois
City of Death: Kahoka, Missouri
Betty Bernice Morse, 68, of Kahoka, MO died Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, MO. She was born April 8, 1934 near Havana, IL, a daughter of Skeet and Bessie Bloyd Hilton. She married Robert Morse on November 13, 1954 in Macomb, IL. He survives. Other survivors include four children, Bill Morse and his wife Cindy of Kahoka, MO, Barbara McCombs and her husband Marvin of Kahoka, MO, Brenda Bain and her husband David of Wayland, IA and Brian Morse of Kahoka, MO, two sisters, Mary Brewer of Bushnell, IL and Shirley Spencer of Ocala, FL, two brothers, Eddie Hilton and Benny Hilton of Bushnell, IL, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and Bobby Hilton, two sisters, Ruby Haney and Jenny Hiermeier and one son-in-law, Danny Rankin. Betty had worked as a C.N.A. at several area Nursing Homes. She and her husband also farmed near Smithfield, IL. She moved to Kahoka from Plymouth, IL in 1995. She enjoyed gardening, swinging in her swing and going to yard sales. She always had a freezer full of treats for the grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Friday at the Kahoka Cemeterywith Reverend Ernest Deatrick officiating. Visitation will be held after 1:00 P.M. Thursday with the family meeting with friends from 6 – 8 P.M. at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO. Memorials may be made to the family. The Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO is in charge of arrangements.

John Nicol
1927 - 2002
City of Birth: Knox CIty, MO
City of Death: Davenport, IA
John N. Nicol was born on July 11, 1927 in Knox City, MO, the son of Raymond E. and Violet M. Goodson Nicol. On July 27, 1951, he was united in marriage to Bertha H. Cochran Nelson in Kahoka, MO. Mr. Nicol was a veteran of the United States Air Force and Navy. He was a resident of Davenport, IA for twenty-eight years, moving to Keokuk, IA in 1984. He had been employed at Electro Metals in Keokuk, IA for ten years and then worked for the Rock Island Railroad for 28 years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Eagles Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, both of Keokuk, IA. Mr. Nicol had many interests and hobbies, including hunting, fishing, woodworking and treasure hunting.. He also was a ham radio operator, a gunsmith and locksmith and collected model airplanes. John N. Nicol died Sunday morning, September 1, 2002 at the Genesis West Medical Center, Davenport, IA at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Bertha of Keokuk, IA four daughters, Mildred Cady and her husband Raymond of Davenport, IA, Carolyn Barry and her husband Vernon of Davenport, IA, Charlotte Cooksey and her husband Christopher of Bloomington, IL and Barbara Egley and her husband Robert of St. Francisville, MO, four sons, Victor Baldwin and his wife Babette of Wayland, MO, William Baldwin and his wife Dixie of Warsaw, IL, John R. Nicol and his wife Judy of Wayland, MO and Robert Nicol and his wife Barb of Blue Grass, IA, thirty three grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, two brothers, Londale Nicol and his wife Kay of Ft. Worth, TX and Bill Nicol of St. Petersburg, FL, four sisters, Charlotte England and her husband Albert of Canton, MO, Jean Stubblefield of Lakewood, WA, Mary Lou Winn and her husband Michael of Spring Grove, PA and Betty Amon and her husband Jerry of Ft. Worth, TX, several nieces and nephews including Violet Cady, Omer Cady, and Kenneth & Cindy Lovell, who showed special friendship by loving and caring for Mr. Nicol. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Charles Nicol, one grandson, Charles Nicol, one sister, Wilma Ludwig, two brothers, Frank and Charles Nicol. Graveside services with military rites were held at 11 A.M. Thursday, September 5 at the Wyaconda Cemeteryin Wyaconda, MO with Pastor Terry Lovell officiating. Following the Graveside service, family and friends gathered at the St. Francisville Community Center in St. Francisville, MO. A memorial has been established for the family.

Forrest Blum
1923 - 2002
City of Birth: Hannibal, Missouri
City of Death: Wayland, Missouri
Forrest Dale Blum, 79, of Wayland, MO, died Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at his home. He was born on February 17, 1923 in Hannibal, MO, a son of John C. and Iva A. (McKinney) Blum. He married Hazel Vera Foglesong on July 16, 1949 in Kahoka, MO. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Nancy and her husband Lon Simpson of Lincoln, IL and Nina and her husband James Coons of Kahoka, MO, three sons, Dale Blum and his wife Connie of Nauvoo, IL, Van A. Blum and his wife Jennifer and Daryl Blum and his wife Regina, all of Kahoka, MO, one step-sister, Helen Howell of Wyaconda, MO, eleven grandchildren, one great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Elnora (Blum) Pitford, two brothers, Leroy and John C. Blum and one granddaughter, Shannon Carol Blum. Forrest enlisted into the Army on April 16, 1943 and served until March 18, 1952. He was Honorably discharged with a rank of Sgt. First Class after serving as a paratrooper in World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Campaign Stars, Good Conduct medal, Army of Occupation (Japan) Medal and Commendation Medal. He worked for Smith Brothers of Wyaconda, MO where he and Hazel raised their family until moving to Kahoka and later to the Wayland area. He worked at Drydens/Sheller Globe in Keokuk, IA until his retirement in 1979. Forrest was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his produce with family and friends and selling his produce at the Farmer’s Market in Kahoka and Keokuk. He was a devoted Cardinals fan, rarely missing a game on TV, radio or attending the games. He was a loving husband, father and grandpa. He was of the Baptist faith. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 6, 2002 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO with Reverend Dan Deatrick officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the National Cemetery, Keokuk, IA. Visitation will be held after 1:00 P.M. Thursday with the family meeting with friends from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Wayland First Baptist Church or the Donor’s Choice.

Mary Gibson
1918 - 2002
City of Birth: Wayland, MO
City of Death: Keokuk, IA
Born on April 9, 1918 in rural Wayland, MO, Mary Ellen was the daughter of James and Ruth Woods Egley. On May 29, 1937, Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Roy Wayne Gibson. Mrs. Gibson was a member of the First Christian Church of Keokuk, IA. She loved her church and taught Sunday School and was a former Sunday School Superintendent. She received the Mother of the Year award at church while Reverend Browning was the minister. She was Block Mother in her neighborhood. She was a devoted wife and mother and helped raise many of her grandchildren. She enjoyed her pets, gardening and growing flowers. She was a member of TOPS. Mary Ellen Gibson, 84, of Keokuk, IA, died Thursday, September 12, 2002 at the Keokuk Area Hospital. She is survived by two daughters, Colleen Grisham of Keokuk, IA, and Pauline Lorenz and her husband Ron of Keokuk, IA, one son, Ted Gibson and his wife Barb of Kahoka, MO, nine grandchildren, Debbie Buschling, Rick Lorenz, Corey Grisham, Tracy Grisham, Randy Gibson, Dan Gibson, Brenda Heavin, Tracy O'Shea and Troy O'Shea, thirteen great-grandchildren, Ryan Holsted, Kayla Buschling, Katelyn Grisham, Courtney Gibson, Michael Gibson, Alexis Gibson, Dayton Gibson, Sydni Heavin, Clay Heavin, Trystan Grisham, Schyler Grisham, Allyson Gibson and Emily Gibson, one brother, Edward Egley and his wife Gin of Ft. Madison, IA, two sisters, Willa Trask and her husband Maurice of Springfield, MO and Mabel Lee VanAusdall of Warsaw, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, on February 4, 1999, her parents, one son in infancy, Kenneth Gibson, four brothers, Robert Egley, Eliza Egley, Henry Egley and Glen Egley, two sisters, Bertha Hulsebus and Beulah Egley. Funeral services were held at 10 A.M., Monday, September 16, at the First Christian Church of Keokuk, IA. with Reverend Matt Hunt officiating. Burial was in the Hickory Grove Cemeteryin rural Keokuk, IA. Memorials were established for the First Christian Church of Keokuk, IA or the American Cancer Society.

Steven Martin
1951 - 2002
City of Birth: Charleston, West Virginia
City of Death: Lexington, Kentucky
Steven Ray Martin, 51, of Stanton, KY, died Thursday, September 12, 2002 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, KY. He was born February 16, 1951 in Charleston, WV, the son of Bill Martin and the late Katherine Hall Martin. He married Barbara Schreck in March of 1989 in Lexington, KY. He was a 1969 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, Charleston, WV. He was a former salesman in the coal mining industry and was employed by Freeman Corporation, Winchester, KY. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Schreck Martin of Stanton, KY, two daughters, Melissa Martin and Andrea Martin Brown, both of Canton, OH, his father, Bill Martin of Charleston, WV, step-mother, Janet Martin of Charleston, WV, two sisters, Sherry Beane, Charleston, WV and Tama Hudson of Florida, and two grandchildren, Dominick Martin and Devin Brown. Funeral services were held Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 3:00 P.M. at the Wells Funeral Home in Stanton, KY with Reverend Brett Layton officiating. Visitation was Friday, September 13 from 6-9 P.M. at the Wells Funeral Home. Visitation was also held from 5-7 P.M. Monday, September 16 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO. Graveside services were held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at the Kahoka Cemetery, Kahoka, MO with Father Roland Carbone officiating. Soloist was Jared McAfee singing “Amazing Grace” and "How Great Thou Art." Burial was in the Kahoka Cemetery, Kahoka, MO.

George Martin
1928 - 2002
City of Birth: Hancock County, IL
City of Death: Keokuk,, IA
George W. Martin was born on April 5, 1928, the son of Wayne and Iva Barnaby Martin, and raised on a Mississippi river bottom farm in west central Illinois. He enlisted in the Army and served in Korea. While in Korea he won the Southeastern Asia Military Olympics horseshoe pitching event. He came home and attended South Dakota State University where he graduated in 1955. Upon graduation he accepted a position in Liberia, West Africa where he managed 800 workers on a 150,000 acre rubber tree plantation for Firestone Rubber Company. Returning to the U.S. in 1956 he worked as a Field representative, then District manager for the Olin Corporation. In 1970, he moved to Paducah, KY where he became the McCracken County Extension Agent for Agriculture with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. He retired in 1989 and moved to Keokuk, Iowa in 1991. George W. Martin passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa at the age of 74. George was a father, a grandfather and a friend. He is survived by his former wife, of 25 years, Margaret Anderson of Portsmouth, VA, three children, Tracy Jones and her husband Keith of Blacksburg, VA, Lincoln Martin of Benton, KY and Gillian Martin of Rockville, MD, three grandchildren; Isabel, Will and Maggie. Also surviving are his four brothers, Paul Martin of Thailand, Robert Martin of Warsaw, IL, Melvin (Mud) Martin and his wife RaeJean of Kahoka, MO, Link Martin and his wife Jodee of Muscatine, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, one brother Frank Martin and one sister Millie Dace preceded him in death. Visitation was held from 2 ' 4 P.M. Saturday, September 21 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with the family meeting with friends at that time. Burial followed in the Oakland Cemeteryin Warsaw, IL.

Roberta Rule
1922 - 2002
City of Birth: Wyaconda,, MO
City of Death: Ft. Madison, Iowa
Born on June 9, 1922 in rural Wyaconda, MO, Roberta was the daughter of Raymond W. and Mabel A. Barrows Schuster. On June 24, 1944, Roberta was united in marriage to William Hercules Rule in Burlington, IA. He preceded her in death on June 26, 1988. Roberta had been employed at Sheaffer Pen in Ft. Madison, IA. She was a member of the Montrose Presbyterian Church. She loved to read and crochet. Roberta Maxine Rule died Friday, September 20 at the Ft. Madison Community Hospital in Ft. Madison, IA at the age of 80. She is survived by three sons, Harry Lee Rule Sr. and his wife Nancy of Montrose, IA, Billy Ray Rule and his wife Jeanne of Keokuk, IA and Edwin Keith Rule of Montrose, IA, one daughter, Anita Sue Hill and her husband Rick of Montrose, IA, twelve grandchildren, two step-granddaughters, nine great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandsons, four brothers, Leland Wayne Schuster and his wife Edna of Kahoka, MO, Richard Lynn Schuster and his wife Gayleen of Memphis, MO, Franklin Abbott Schuster of Keokuk, IA, Gale Edwin Schuster and his wife Jean of West Point, IA, sister-in-law, Joy Rule of Keokuk, IA, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, two uncles, Lee and Wayne Barrows, four aunts, Georgetta Wood, Stella Colter, Florence Walker and Margaret Westbrook, one nephew Stephen Wayne Schuster, two sisters-in-law, Helen Schuster and Berniece Rule, and two brothers-in-law, Paul Rule, Sr. and James Rule. Funeral services were held at 2 P.M., Tuesday, September 24, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Dr. Jim Eads officiating. Burial was in the Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, IA. Memorials were established for the American Cancer Society and the Montrose Presbyterian Church.

Anna Roberts
1932 - 2002
City of Birth: Kahoka, Missouri
City of Death: Kahoka, Missouri
Anna Rose Roberts, 70, of Kahoka, MO died Saturday, September 21, 2002 at the Clark County Nursing Home, Kahoka, MO where she had been a patient for only 24 hours. She was born March 17, 1932 in Kahoka, MO a daughter of Lewis A. and Katie Marie Kirchner Schmid. She married Carl Aaron Roberts on April 10, 1955 in Hannibal, MO. He died February 25, 1980. Anna Rose graduated from the Kahoka High School with the class of 1949. She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kahoka, MO. Anna Rose retired from Dadant and Sons in Hamilton, IL on January 14, 2000 after 34 years of faithful service. She will be remembered for her many notes and cards showing her love and sincere caring for her family and friends. She is survived by three sisters, Marie Walker of Kahoka, MO, Opal Moore of Covington, TX and Mary Shores of Quincy, IL, one brother Vernon Schmid and his wife Darlene of Kahoka, MO, several nieces and nephews including, Daryl Schmid, his daughters, Shiloh and Shannon of Kahoka, MO, Brian Schmid of Hannibal, MO, Cindy Nutt and her family of Overland Park, KS, Linda Sain, Joyce Self and Dale Hecox. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one nephew, Matt Moore, and brothers-in-law Lawrence Walker, Russell Shores and Charles Moore. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kahoka, MO with Father Roland Carbone and Father David Cox officiating. Burial will be in the Kahoka Cemetery, Kahoka, MO. Visitation will be held after 9:00 A.M. Tuesday with the family meeting with friends from 6-8 P.M. at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO. A scripture service will be held at 7:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or The American Cancer Society.

Inez Toops
1909 - 2002
City of Birth: Birmingham, Iowa
City of Death: Kahoka, Missouri
Inez R. Toops, 93, of Kahoka, MO died Saturday, September 21, 2002 at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, MO. She was born May 5, 1909 in Birmingham, IA, a daughter of John and Mary Ellen Winney Riedel. She married Ernest Toops on May 12, 1927 in Farmington, IA. He preceded her in death on September 10, 1959. She had resided in Iowa for a few years before moving to Missouri. She was employed at the LaHoma Guttings Nursing Home in Kahoka, MO for a few years. Inez was a member of the Peaksville Christian Church. She was the last child living from her family. She is survived by several Grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Opal Riedel of Liberty, MO. several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Mary Maxine Beaird Schaffer, one son, Ernest Melvin Toops, three sisters, Nellie Reid, Viola Henry, Pauline Beaird, two brothers, George and Robert Riedel. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating. Burial was in the Revere Cemetery, Revere, MO. Memorials were established for the Peaksville Christian Church or the Clark County Nursing Home.