Iris Likens

Iris J. Likens, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Nov. 30, 2020 at Chateau Girardeau.

She was born Oct. 13, 1929, in Flint, Michigan, daughter of Plutarch P. and Lucille Beckman Conrad.

Iris was a life-long educator who began her own education in Marble Hill, Missouri, where she attended both elementary and high school graduating in 1947. Iris continued her education at Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Missouri where she completed her Master's Degree in Education. She taught at several elementary schools in southeast Missouri, with the last 25 years being at the former Hawthorn School in Cape Girardeau. As an educator, Iris always looked for opportunities to learn and upon retirement in 1988, she began her second career in volunteering with multiple organizations including Southeast Hospice, National and State Park Systems and Abbey Road Christian Church. She shared her knowledge of history and the communities that she was a part of with others through her involvement in the restoration of the Red House in downtown Cape Girardeau and her part-time work at the Bollinger Mill State Historic Site throughout retirement.

Iris enjoyed the outdoors and exploring new places. Whether it was camping or bike riding, she always enjoyed traveling the United States and the world. A few of her favorite locations included, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Ireland, Israel, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Likens, who passed away in May of 2020.

Iris is survived by her children, Brad (Pat) Ferguson, John (Cathy) Likens and Dr. Christopher (Nancy) Likens. Iris is proud of her seven grandchildren, Shannon Ferguson, David (Kim) Likens, Jim Likens, Sarah Likens, Robert Likens, Andrew (Rachel) Likens, and Morgan Likens. Also surviving are two sisters, Patty Conrad and Jo Burford of Marble Hill.

Iris was an active member of Abbey Road Christian Church and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abbey Road Christian Church in Cape Girardeau.

The family will have a private graveside service at 2 p.m. Friday at Cape County Memorial Park and a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.