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Lona Madge Gowing, 98, Mitchellville
Obituaries · April 06, 2017



Lona Madge Gowing (known as Madge), age 98, of Mitchellville, formerly of Keokuk and West Branch, passed away March 28, 2017, at the Mitchell Village Care Center.

A memorial visitation was Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the United Presbyterian Church in Keokuk, with memorial services following at the church. Burial was in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Madge was born Jan. 17, 1919, in Grant City, Mo., to Artie (Dehart) and Joe Miller. She was the oldest of three children. She attended high school in Hatfield, Mo., and received her bachelor of science degree from Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in 1948. She received her master’s degree in home economics from the University of Illinois in 1954. Her teaching career started in a rural grade school in Grant City, Mo., followed by teaching at several other small schools. Her last position was teaching home economics at Keokuk High School. She was married to Robert J. Gowing on Aug. 14, 1955, in Keokuk.

Madge’s life was centered around her family and friends, whom she loved immensely. With her love of cooking, she had many gatherings at holidays and all year long for family and friends. Anyone was always welcome. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Madge is survived by her daughter, Sherri (Mike) Anderson of Altoona; grandchildren, Ryan (Lesley) Anderson of Johnston and Sarah (Chad) Rahm of Bondurant; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob, in 2003; and her two brothers, Doyle and Leland.