Iona Gerard

McCLURE, Ill. -- Iona M. Gerard, 87, of McClure died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born May 25, 1921, in Charleston, Mo., daughter of Acheal and Allene Opal Benson. She and Harold Gerard were married in 1939 in Tennessee. He died June 15, 2006.

She was a member of East Cape Baptist Church. She grew up in Cairo, Ill., moved to McClure in 1944 and farmed ever since.

Survivors include a son, Steve Gerard of McClure; four grandchildren, Blake Gerard of Cape Girardeau, Stacy Miller of Salt Lake City, Tate Gerard of McClure, Nicole Gerard of Homestead, Fla.; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Lynn Gerard.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond Oxford officiating.

Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery at McClure.

Memorials may be made to Lindsey Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 159, McClure, Ill., 62957.