"Judy, I know how hard the loss of your mother is for you and all your family. My sincerest condolences to you all. I remember her as a very caring, and loving woman. I won't be able to attend the services, but will add my prayers for you all. God Bless Peggy Morningstar Murphy"
In loving memory of
Nellie Marguerite LaMaster
July 16, 1922 - June 7, 2018
Nellie Marguerite Seller LaMaster, age 95, of Keokuk, passed away June 7, 2018 at Cape Albeon Assisted Living in West County St. Louis.
A celebration of life service will be held at First Baptist Church in Keokuk at 11 am, Monday, June 11, 2018, followed by lunch at First Baptist. Visitation will be before the service at 10 a.m.
Marguerite was born July 16, 1922, daughter of Edwin and Lottie White Seller.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald LaMaster, her son Ronald LaMaster, and three brothers, Theodore Seller, Sylvan Seller, both of Kahoka and Elmer and his wife Erma Sellers of Mt. Sterling, IA.
Survivors include: a daughter Judith (Steven) Comfort of Kirkwood, MO and their daughter Jennifer Comfort; and a son Larry (Gayle) LaMaster of Blue Springs, MO and their daughters Christina LaMaster of Bloomington, IL, and Kimberly (Donnie) Andersen of Blue Springs. Great-grandchildren include: William Venema of Brooklyn, NY; Cassidy Venema of Athens, GA; Cecilia LaMaster, Drake Sterner, Owen Sterner and Ava Andersen all of Blue Springs.
Surviving niece and nephews include: Gary (Elodie) Sellers of Fairfield, IA, Linda (Darrell) Lamer of Tonganoxie, KS, and Randy (Marla) Sellers of Lenexa, KS.
Surviving brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws include: William (Mary) LeMaster of Pensacola, FL, Mary Toops, Harold (Roseann) Lemaster, all of St. Francisville, MO, Gary (Mary) LeMaster of Alexandria, MO, Janis Davis of Burlington, IA, Kenneth (Jan) LeMaster of Revere, Kathy LeMaster of Wayland, and Vince Holtkamp of Luray, MO.
Marguerite was born in Memphis, MO. During the depression her parents lost their farm near Gorin, and she moved to various rental farms before her parents were able to buy a farm 3 miles south of Kahoka. Marguerite graduated from Kahoka High School at the top of her class. During W.W. II, Marguerite moved to Keokuk and worked at many "men's" manufacturing jobs as she supported the war effort. She married Donald LaMaster in 1944 as he was being shipped out to Germany with the U.S. Army.
Marguerite joined the First Baptist Church in Keokuk in 1943 and remained an active member, serving as a deaconess and treasurer and countless other volunteer assignments. For over 30 years, she lived at 1228 South Seventh St. and served in the PTA at Lincoln School while her three children were students there. Marguerite was the glue that held the household together as Don worked swing shift (that rotated every week) at Union Electric/Ameren. Marguerite was only 59 when Don passed unexpectedly during emergency heart surgery. She moved to a smaller house at 31 Pleasant Lane where she lived for the next 30 years. At that time she was active in the Keosippi Kickers, AARP, the "Young at Heart" club, Red Cross, card clubs and many other social and volunteer organizations. Hobbies included gardening and quilting. She lived at River Hills Village Assisted Living for 5 years, before moving in 2016 to be near her daughter Judy. Marguerite lived at Cape Albeon, where she had a lovely apartment in assisted living with excellent care. Judy and Larry enjoyed the opportunity to see their mother frequently.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, PO Box 124, Keokuk 52632.