In loving memory of

Jeanette Sammons
October 31, 2014

Jeanette Laverne Ragar Sammons,age 94, a long time resident of Keokuk, IA was called home by God on Friday, October 31, 2014 at the River Hills Nursing Home with family by her bedside.

Jeanette Sammons was born on September 11, 1920 in Philadelphia, MO, a daughter of the late Vernon and Anna Gertrude Hipkins Ragar. She married John William Sammons on February 27, 1939 in Palmyra, MO, who preceded her in death on August 24, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her oldest daughter Dolly Sue White and her husband Harold along with her grandson Stephen Michael.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Keokuk for 62 years while serving on several church committees and was a member of the Women's Full Gospel Fellowship. She was also a volunteer on the Keokuk Area Hospital Auxi liary, served as President of the Parent Teacher Association, and a Den mother with the local scouts. She supported her husband in all of his endeavors including the founding of the John W. Sammons Construction Company in 1956. She and her husband vacationed and visited with family in various states from the East Coast to the West Coast while spending numerous winters in Florida. She traveled the world with John to include Europe, China, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, to name a few. Her last trip was to Colorado to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Surviving are two sons in Keokuk: John David Sammons and wife Bonny and Michael Dale Sammons and wife Kathryn and one daughter Nancy Ruth Holland and husband Charles of Tampa, FL. There are thirteen grandchildren: Daniel, John (Diana), Timothy (Kathy) Coop, Mark White, John Christopher Sammons, Robbie (Bev) Lowery, Sheryl and Tracy McCullough, Debby Wear, Tiffany (Bud) Albers, Matt Sammons, Charles Michael (Sharon) and Justin Holland. There are also 20 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters: Nora Burnham of Palmyra, Betty (Lester) Davis, Cleo (Glen) Voepel of Philadelphia and one brother Arnold (Patsy) Ragar also of Philadelphia. She was preceded in death by her brothers Percy, Norman, Carl,Bud and Ray Ragar; an infant sister Jessie Ragar and sisters Mary Alice Voepeland Stella Cochran.

Jeanette had a zest for life--family was always her focus. As a supportive spouse, a loving mother, and a dedicated grandparent, she will always be remembered and cherished by her relatives and all of her treasured friends.

Friends may call from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, November 7, 2014 at the DeJong Funeral Home in Keokuk. At 11:00 A.M. Saturday, 8 November a memorial service will be conducted at the First Lutheran Church in Keokuk. Pastor Rodney Underwood will officiate and internment will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Keokuk.



Tributes

Ron Dinwiddie wrote on Nov 9, 2014:

"I can remember visiting John and Lavern years ago with my Dad and Mom. Both were good people. Ron Dinwiddie Montrose"

Dana Poe Boots wrote on Nov 6, 2014:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. John and Jeanette were like grandparents to me, and I will always cherish the sweet memories I have of them. Such wonderful people. God bless you all. Dana Poe Boots Quincy, IL"

Carolyn Peterson Johnson wrote on Nov 5, 2014:

"My deepest sympathy to you John David, Mike and Nancy and your families. Jeanette was a good person and a dear friend and she will be missed. I have so many wonderful memories with the Sammons family and I will cherish them forever. I will be thinking of all of you and wishing I could be there to cerebrate her life. "

Barb (Korschgen) Ferguson wrote on Nov 4, 2014:

"Sorry for your loss. I remember growing up next door to the family and I have great memories of her. "

Ron Parsons wrote on Nov 4, 2014:

"To Mike and all the Sammons family, my condolences on the loss of your mother. She lived a good, long life and experienced a lot that most people never did. You were fortunate to have had her all this time. "

Don & Alicia Murphy wrote on Nov 4, 2014:

"John Sammons Family, Don & I are so sorry for the loss of your mother. We will be out of town, but our prayers will be with you all. God Bless You."

Opal Kindelsperger wrote on Nov 3, 2014:

"My dearest friend will be missed by me as she will be missed by so many family and friends. We had some wonderful times together I will cherish all my memories of our friendship but i know I will see her again and we will have eternity to spend together. I wish I could attend her services but because of health problems I can't. I have felt like part of her family for many many years and my heart aches for all of you. Love to John David, Nancy, Mike and the whole family from Opie....Opal Kindelsperger "

Robert Boyd wrote on Nov 3, 2014:

"Johnny, My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Mother. Bob Boyd KHS '60"

Lloyd and Marcia Ragar wrote on Nov 3, 2014:

"Always loved to see and talk to her at the family reunion, we will miss her dearly, God Bless~!!!"

Tiffany Albers and family wrote on Nov 2, 2014:

"She always had such a grace about her. Everybody who knew her truly did love her. She touched so many people. Her beautiful legacy will live on in her memories with our family and I'm sure all who knew her. She was a treasure."