"Dear Lee Family: I just heard of Virgil's death today, and I send my most sincere sympathy. Virgil and I were friends for many years, although I lost touch with him after his memory started going. He was the most kind-hearted person I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He's in God's hands now, and his legacy will live on forever."
In loving memory of
Vivian Lockett
July 12, 2010
Vivian Lorainne Lockett, 95, of Keokuk, died at 1:30 AM Monday, July 12, 2010 at River Hills in Keokuk.
Vivian was born March 31, 1915, in Kirksville, Missouri, the daughter of George and Zelma Conklin Gardner. She married James D. Lockett, Sr. in Kirksville, Missouri, on October 17, 1936. He preceded her in death in 1982. Vivian worked for 15 years at Sullivan-Auwerda and then was church secretary for 23 years at Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 67 years. Recently she had lived at River Hills Village in Keokuk. The family would like to thank the staff of River Hills Village and the Rose Garden unit for the care given to their mother.
She is survived by three children, James (Judy) Lockett, Jr. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Jerry (Sandy) Lockett of Houston, Texas; Nan (Mike) Marlin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; ten grandchildren
eighteen great grandchildren; a sister, Narka Schoonover of Denver, Colorado; sister-in-law, Jean Gardner of Kirksville, Missouri; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Rusty and Dale Gardner, and a sister, Gerry Kite.
A funeral service were Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. John Raab officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Park.
A memorial fund has been established with Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, Iowa.
Tributes
"Our deepest sympathies to your family as you mourn the loss of your dad. We will remember him as a faithful worshiper at church, always with a smile and kind word for others. May you be comforted in the knowledge that he now has the reward of eternal life. Gary and Sandy Scheuneman"
"Hi to Virgil's family, Vern and I are in Texas or we would definitely be at Virgil's funeral. He was my favorite uncle and he always told me that I was his favorite niece. He probably told the others the same, but he was special to me. I have many pleasant memories of spending summers at Grandma's and playing with Virgil, Duane and Glenn. Virgil and I would play catch with me. I'm sorry for your loss, especially with Alzheimer's. He has been gone for a while. But remember the good times. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time."
"Virgil was a very caring person. He had a lot of passion for people. "
"So many memories of Uncle Virgil - kind, caring, thoughtful, gentle. He always had a smile and a big hug for me, and it breaks my heart to know that Alzheimer's took him from his family. My mother's heart is also broken; her name is Hazel (she's Virgil's older sister), but he always called her "Sis". She sits and reads his obituary over and over and although Alzheimer's has taken its toll on her as well, I know she's remembering and missing him and other family members who have gone before them. We all have a special place in our hearts for Uncle Virgil and Aunt Hazel. Rest in peace - you're together again. Love, Pat Anderson Strittmater"
"MOUNTAIN MEADOWPEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent by Canadian Honker.We are so sorry for the passing of Virgil. He had a very kind heart. Always and forever, Canadian Honker Family "
"My condolences to the Lee family sorry to hear this sad news."
"Dear Family, I have known and loved Viv for many, many years. She was the most wonderful, inspiring, loving lady I have ever know. We all have great memories of Viv, Jim and all the coaches and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Linda "
"To Jim, Jerry, Nan, and your families -- Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother, a lovely lady who with your father gave so much to Keokuk, serving to make it the kind of hometown we are proud to remember. Ed. Huiskamp "
"Your Mom and Dad were the best people I knew. Your Mom always had a smile on her face and a greeting to make anyone's day. We were so blessed to have them "
"My dear Jim,Jerry,Nan & families, I'm so sorry I won't be able to attend any of the services for you wonderful Mom. I am going out to DE to visit my sister and family. Please know you are all in my prayers. You had her for so much longer than I had my parents, you were blessed. She is now with her dear husband and your father, Jim. My sisters and I always say we were raised in the best of times and your Dad was one of the reasons, what a great person as well as teacher and coach he was. Now they are together again at peace with no more suffering. I didn't get to visit with your Mom often, but when we had a visit it was always about our families. She was so proud of all of you. All of you are also in my prayers for your dear husband, Nan. I pray for relief of his pain. God Bless, Sincerely, Martha(Sigmund)Barclift"
"Please accept our condolences, thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Les and Linda Dame and children"
"Jim, Jerry and Nan, o sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. My sincere condolences to you and your entire familes. I remember all too well the contributions your parents made to the youth of Keokuk and how very proud they were of their children.Any words I may have would be of little comfort to you right now but I hope the pain and sorry you feel will soon be replaced by cherished memories. My thoughts are with you all. Bob Boyd KHS'60 Prescott, Az"
"Jim and Jerry- My condolences. The last of two wonderful people who were your parents. My best.Peace. Ron Staggs"
"Dear Jimmy, Nan and Jerry, What wonderful friends our mothers were~ I know you will miss her greatly, but having lived such a long and wonderful life, she's in better hands now. Better hands....just like she always hoped for when playing Bridge. God Love Her....she was a very special wife and mother, wasn't she? My very best to each of you, Dianne"