Mildred Medley

Mildred “Milly” Medley, 95, of Keokuk, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at River Hills Village in Keokuk. Born on August 16, 1930, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Guy Raymond Ross and Pheobia Arvella Copeland, she graduated from Keokuk Senior High School with the class of 1948 and remained a proud lifelong resident of the community.

On February 20, 1980, Milly married Maxwell K. “Max” Medley. He preceded her in death on August 29, 2001. Over the years she worked at several locally owned businesses, including a dental office, Harold’s Place, and various restaurants before spending several years at the Keokuk Country Club. Wherever she worked, she formed lasting friendships and was remembered for her kindness and warm spirit.

Milly was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church, where she served on the Church Council, participated in the Naomi Church Circle, and helped with the annual fall bazaar. She was also active in the Keokuk BPW, Kalawequois No. 748 Chapter of Questers, the Keokuk Country Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Hoerner Y. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially the river view she loved, the flowers in her garden, and the many hours spent on her front porch visiting with neighbors and waving to friends and their dogs. Her bright smile and friendly wave became a comforting presence in the neighborhood. Milly enjoyed a full social life filled with coffee at McDonald’s, daily drives, dinners with friends, and antiquing. She was often seen driving her convertible along her favorite route around Rand Park, taking in the river.

She is survived by her children, Timothy (Robin) Johnson of Urbandale, Iowa, and Tammy Johnson of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Brittany (Jeromy) Speciale, Isaac Johnson, and Rachel (John) Mershon; and four great-grandchildren, Leo and Lucia Speciale, Joel Johnson, and Moshe Mershon. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.