Iona Ruth Giosta of Sun City, AZ, formerly of Washburn, IL, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.
Iona was born on February 22, 1929, to Noel and Frances(Deneen) Lorance; she married John Giosta, Jr on September 15, 1947. He preceded her in death on June 25, 2013. She was also preceded by one sister, Judy (James) Carney.
She is survived by three children, John Dan (Ellen) Giosta of Pekin, Tina (Terry) Scroggs of Sun City West, AZ, and Terry (Gloria) Giosta of Varna, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren with a 6th on the way. Further surviving are two sisters, Gert (John) McGrellis of Ft Myers, FL, Dolly (David) Jones of Bonnie, IL and one brother, Ray (Betty) Lorance, of Opdyke, IL.
Iona grew up in Lacon IL and often spoke of her grandfather, Frank Deneen, who founded the Deneen River Company. She spoke of riding on the tugboats and climbing the pilings in the river. She vividly remembered the Lacon tornado, often recalling how if Daylight Savings Time had not been in place, the children of the town would have been in school when the tornado hit. After getting married, she helped her husband on the farm. She was proud of the fact that she went to ICC and got a degree in Art. She loved painting and working on ceramics. One of her most greatest accomplishments outside of her family was assisting with the mural at ICC. Iona was active in her churches and enjoyed playing cards. In her later years, she experienced several cruises. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a fierce advocate for Disability rights after an accident left her with a prosthetic limb.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and no services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made in her name to any no-kill animal shelter or South Side Christian Academy, 3523 W Hill St, Peoria, IL 61605, or a charity of the donor’s choice. To share a memory or send a condolence for her family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
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