Author: Allison Jacobs

Sharon (Goddard) Gillis, 79, of Mount Pleasant, IA, joined her husband Ron and her parents in Heaven on Monday, May 2,2022. She is survived by her children, Bradley (Renee) Gillis of Mount Pleasant, IA; Cary Gillis of New London, IA; and Darin Gillis of Mt. Pleasant, IA; 8 grandchildren, Kristin (Tello) Chavez, Melinda Ray, and Shelby (Austin) Allen, Heidi (Gavin) Kennedy, Holly (Jason) Reyes, Heather, Hagin, and Harper Gillis; 6 great-grandchildren; a sister Donna Cook and brother Danny (Cookie) Goddard; and other loving family.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 6, 2022, from 1-7 pm at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel with family greeting friends from 5-7 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The family has established a memorial fund in her memory. The service will be Livestreamed at Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at powellfuneralhomes.com.

Sharon Lee was born September 22, 1942, in Mt Pleasant, IA, the daughter of Darrell and Phyllis (Gentile) Goddard. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1961 and married Ronald Gillis on May 26, 1963, in Mt Pleasant, IA, and together had 3 children. Sharon devoted her life to serving others and had a huge heart for children. She volunteered with the Mount Pleasant Marching Band for years and worked in the high school music office. Throughout her life, she served in many schools throughout the area, as a secretary and paraeducator. Sharon enjoyed gardening and knew the name of every flower; she loved music, marching bands, plays, watching sports, and caring for her many dogs over the years, most recently her little girls – Sophie and Daisy. More than anything, she loved her people fiercely, engaging in their lives in every way she found.  “Shanee” as her family (and many friends) knew her, rarely missed a game, event, or any opportunity to show up for those she loved. She had a contagious laughter and lit up whenever she was in the presence of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She was devoted to the Lord and gave generously to those in need.

Living in her hometown all her life, Shanee didn’t know a stranger and all who knew her, felt her genuine care and kindness through the ways she invested in them. She brought so much joy and laughter wherever she was, and this world was beyond blessed to have been touched by her beautiful and devoted heart. No one is loved quite like our Shanee, and we will greatly miss her presence in our lives as we carry countless, irreplaceable memories in our hearts until we see her again.

James Craig “Swede” Martin, 71, of New London, passed away at home on April 30, 2022.  Born January 5, 1951, in Fort Madison, he was the son of Merlin and Louise Boecker Martin.  He married Jeanette Brown on January 27, 1971 in Kahoka, Missouri and she died November 27, 1992.  He then married Jean Hill and they later divorced.  He attended Mount Pleasant schools and worked in the construction field.  He was a hard worker, who also enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, NASCAR and spending time with his children, grandchildren and family.

Survivors include his sons, Eric (Luann) and Jared (Missy) both of New London; grandchildren, Jaci Zippe, Kyler, Brady, Rylan, Brianna and Easton Martin and Zoe and Zane Long, step-grandchildren, Lexie Little and Boden Glaha; great grandchildren, JoJo and Cub Zippe; sisters, Gloria (Bob) Wagaman of Michigan, Yvonne (Nathan) Kerr of Morning Sun, brothers in law, Donny Messer of Washington and Doyle Dunn of Mount Pleasant.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sisters, Patty Dunn and Linda Messer, and two brothers, Johnny and Tommy Martin.

Swede donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program and there will be no formal services at Elliott Chapel, New London.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Alma Margaret “Peggy” Parcell, 88, of Lockridge passed away on Sunday, May 1^st at her home. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 5th at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Harvest Baptist Church or the Lockridge Baptist Church in her memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family at murphyfuneralandmonuments.com. The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is assisting the family with the arrangements for Peggy Parcell.