Schmitz Funeral Home obituary - Vera H. Royce, 99, Colona, Ill.

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Vera H. Royce, 99, of Colona, Illinois formerly of Nauvoo, Illinois passed away at 4:05 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Vera was born on July 23, 1920, in Basco, Illinois, the third daughter of Sam and Olga (Satory) Jacobs. She was a graduate of Warsaw High School. On October 6, 1946, she married William D. Royce, Sr. in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He preceded her in death.

ROYCE

Survivors include four children Patricia Shoemaker of Rushville, Illinois, William (Michaela) Royce, Jr. of Henderson, Nevada, Dennis (Lori) Royce, Sr. of Colona, Illinois and James (Judy) Royce, Sr. of Maricopa, Arizona, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Rev. Robert Jacobs and her sisters Awanda Koehler, Lorine Meyersick and Zella Wollbrink.
The Royces were on the move throughout their married life, moving almost yearly due to Bill’s promotions in the retail business. Vera’s address books lists 27 home addresses in seven states from 1946 to the present! The Royces first moved back to the area in the early 1970’s as owners of The Fair Store in LaHarpe, Illinois. Vera began working at the Nauvoo Jack and Jill store in 1974, and she and her husband moved to Nauvoo from Warsaw in October, 1977, when Bill became manager of the store. Nauvoo was her home for 40 years. After her husband passed away in 1994, Vera returned to work at the Jack and Jill store for several years. Anyone in Nauvoo who shopped for groceries could always be sure of a smile and a sincere greeting as long as Vera was on the register. Vera was a most gracious ambassador to visitors and locals of the downtown Nauvoo business community. She always made everyone feel welcome. Vera was a member and was the organist at the Nauvoo United Methodist Church until the age of 95. In 2015 she was honored as the Grand Marshal for the Nauvoo Grape Festival parade. She was also a member of the Township Board in Nauvoo for over 25 years. Vera loved to travel and especially enjoyed trips with her “mission ladies”. She was always ready to enjoy any activity that anyone invited her to. Spending time with her family was the highlight of her life and she loved to VISIT with people. She never knew a stranger and could always find the best in every single person she met. Her kindness and love of life will be the memory of Vera that most people will keep with them for a lifetime and were the best examples of God’s goodness on this earth.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at the Nauvoo United Methodist Church in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Memorial Service to be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at the Nauvoo United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Hendrickson officiating.
Burial will be at the Nauvoo City Cemetery, Nauvoo, Illinois.
Memorials have been established in her memory for the Nauvoo United Methodist Church or the Nauvoo Fire Protection District.
Schmitz-Banks and Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo is assisting the family. To leave a condolence please visit Vera’s obituary atsbbfuneralhome.com

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