LaVonna “Vonnie” Marie Rea, 92 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died Saturday, October 17, 2026. She was born August 17, 1934 at La Harpe, Illinois, a daughter of Morris O. and Mildred R. (Shoemate) Horner. On December 12, 1953, she married Melvin E. Rea at the First United Methodist Church, Fort Madison. They were married for 59 years. He preceded her in death on November 1, 2013.
She was a 1952 graduate of Fort Madison High School. She worked in food service for the Fort Madison school system. For 10 years, she worked at Sheaffer Pen. Vonnie loved reading, sewing, quilting, and was a member of the Fort Madison United Methodist Church.
She is survived by four children: Marcia (Michael) Liggett of Herrin, Illinois, (g) Matthew (Helen) Fodge and Maggie Fodge; Jan (Steve) Niggemeyer of Maynard, Iowa, (g) Alan Niggemeyer, (g) Brad (Shae) Niggemeyer and (gg) Micah Niggemeyer and Olivia Niggemeyer, (g) Caitlin (Jordan) Reinking and (gg) Wyatt Reinking, Henry Reinking, and Jack Reinking; Jeffrey (Maria) Rea of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, (g) Jesse (Beth) Rea and (gg) James Elizabeth Rea and Marcus Rea, (g) Aimee (Michael) Glennon and (gg) Camdin Freed and Solomon Freed; and Todd (Jeniffer) Rea of Cedar Falls, Iowa, (g) Jace Rea, Grant Rea, and Breck Rea; one sister-in-law, Elinor Horner. She is preceded by her parents, husband and one brother, LaVerne “Jack” Horner.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 - 11:30 am Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. A Memorial Service will follow and begin 11:30 am Friday at the Barr Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Nancy St. Clair, officiating. Burial will be at Soldiers Circle in Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established for the Fort Madison United Methodist Church, contributions may be left at the Barr Memorial Chapel. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Rea Family, and an online guest book may be found at
www.barrmemorialchapel.com.
