Barbara Jean Varner

Barbara Jean Varner, 79, of Keokuk, died at 3:44 PM Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at Great River Hospice House in Burlington, Iowa. Barbara was born July 29, 1937, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret O'Day Ette. She was united in marriage to Lloyd McLaughlin. He preceded her in death in 1965. She married George "Jody" Varner and he preceded her in death in 1984. She lived most of her life in Keokuk and attended St. Vincent schools and St. Peters Catholic Church. Barbara enjoyed crocheting and loved to travel. She especially enjoyed the Mississippi River and watching the eagles. Barbara collected chicken figurines and enjoyed eating chicken. She dearly loved her grandchildren. She is survived by four children, David (Brenda) McLaughlin of Georgia, Lloyd McLaughlin of Keokuk, Patty (Bob) Traver of Zion, Illinois, and Dennis McLaughlin of Keokuk; and a stepdaughter, Sheila (Gene) Davis of Wilmot, Wisconsin; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by five brothers and sisters, Margaret Belknap of the Quad Cities, Mary Claybaugh of the Quad Cities, Mike Ette of Center Point, Iowa, Janet Rhodes of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Donald Et...[more]

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of Loveland, Colorado; and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; two children, Susan Varner and James McLaughlin; stepson Phil Varner; and brothers and sisters, Joe Ette, Jr., Richard Ette, and Helen Ette. Memorial service will be at 4:00 PM Sunday, February 5, 2017, at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 1212 Concert Street with Rev. Marty Goetz officiating. Visitation will be held at 2:00 until the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family of Barbara Varner.