Jill “Penny” Blakely, 73, of Keokuk, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at New London Specialty Care in New London, Iowa.
Penny was born on November 27, 1952, in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of William F. and Rose (Neves) Elder. In 1971, she graduated from Eisenhower High School in Chicago, Illinois. She was united in marriage to Wayne Zohfeld in 1972, they were later divorced. Penny spent her working years as a caregiver and a homemaker. On July 20, 1996, she was united in marriage to Charles Blakely in Keokuk, Iowa. He preceded her in death on September 14, 2026.
A member of the Christian faith, Penny was introduced to the Lord at Sandusky Methodist Church, where her father ministered. She cared for the less fortunate, a trait she carried throughout her life. Penny was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She loved her husband Charles dearly and he cared for her faithfully through the final years of his life. She was always up for a trip to Denny's or any of the many other local breakfast cafes for breakfast and coffee. Penny loved music and sang along to every song she knew. Her love language was gift-giving, and she could often be found shopping online, much to the chagrin of her husband. Always onery and a tad stubborn, Penny had a wonderful smile and loved to make phone calls to friends and family, both will be missed. She will always be remembered for her love of her family (especially her grandchildren) and her beloved dogs.
Penny is survived by her daughter Tammy (Aaron) Smith of Galesburg, Illinois; her son Jody Zohfeld of Keokuk; seven grandchildren: Cole (Riley) Horner, Gavin (Diana) Horner, Lydia Smith, Damien Zohfeld, Landyn Zohfeld, Aydin Zohfeld and Cavin Roach; two sisters: Judy Walker and Joyce (Harold) Williams; two brothers: Michael and Tom Elder; her ex-husband and close friend Wayne Zohfeld; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Penny is preceded by her parents, two sisters and two brothers.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, with burial to follow at Sand Cemetery in St. Francisville, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 12 pm (Noon) to 2 pm on Sunday, November 8, at the funeral home directly before visitation.
Memorials may be directed to the Keokuk Humane Society.
Memories and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
