DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home obituary - Carol Gaylord, 83, Keokuk

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Carol “Eileen” Gaylord, 83, of Keokuk, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020, at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

Eileen was born on March 21, 1937, in Argyle, Iowa, on the family farm, the daughter of Joe and Ruth (Perkins) Grossman. On August 12, 1956, she was united in marriage to Paul Gaylord in Donnellson, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 23, 2019.

Eileen was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, where she gave of her time freely and served with the Trinity United Methodist Church Women’s Group. She was also a long-time member of P.E.O. LZ Chapter. She enjoyed a successful career as assistant manager at J.C. Penney in Keokuk for thirty years until her retirement. Eileen had a servant’s heart, volunteering for many years with the Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary and serving as a patient advocate for the hospital. She enjoyed being outside, hiking, or just taking a long walk. Eileen and the love of her life, Paul, traveled extensively, both abroad and in the United States. Above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

Eileen is survived by two sons: Rick (Jan) Gaylord of Keokuk and Steven Dean (Rhonda) Gaylord of Indianapolis, Indiana; her daughter Julia (Matt) Kanakares of Davenport, Iowa; nine grandchildren: Kerri (Mike) Rose of Parker, Colorado, Chris (Kathee) Hughes of Keokuk, Meghan Leenerts of Hamilton, Illinois, Brock Odle Anderson, Indiana, Chase Odle of Indianapolis, Beaux Campbell of Indianapolis, Corey Gaylord of Indianapolis, Sean (Michele) of Davenport, and Rachel (Zach) Henzen of Guam; three sisters: Betty Messerschmitt of Ottumwa, Iowa, Wynona Lucas of Magnolia, Texas and Jan Lind of Leadville, Colorado, and her sister-in-law Dotty Grossman of Argyle, Iowa. Other survivors include many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, two sisters: Deloris and Ruthie, and her brother Bob.

Services will be held at later date.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk or the Grand Theatre Foundation.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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