Lillie "Louise" (Bell) Hickey

Lillie Louise Hickey, 98, of Hamilton, formerly of Keokuk, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Louise was born on July 17, 1924, in Hamilton, Illinois, the daughter of Robert and Hazel (Elwell) Bell, and moved to Keokuk when she was eight, graduating from Keokuk High School in 1942. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Hoyt Simpson, he preceded her is death in 1963. She was later united in marriage to John Hickey, he preceded her in death in 2002.

Louise was known for her strong faith in God, and also for being fun and a tad bit ornery. She enjoyed embroidering pillowcases for all of her children and grandchildren, and relaxed by playing Bingo and Poker. Her baking and cooking were known throughout the area, especially her homemade pie crusts, egg noodles and bread. Her home was a revolving door of friends and family, especially around the holidays. She put her family first, and enjoyed babysitting her children and spending weekends at the family cabin in Alexandria, Missouri. She was a 5th generation grandmother several times over.

Louise is survived by four children: Kenneth (Barb) Simpson, David Simpson and Bryan (Sara) Simpson, all of Columbia, Missouri, and Lynn Hickey of Hamilton; her step-daughter Suzette Hickey of St. Simons Island, Georgia; two sisters: Joyce Townsend of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Janet Clingingsmith of Huntsville, Alabama; former daughter-in-law Ann Haney of Burlington, Iowa; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, two children: Bruce Simpson and Karen Linquist, her brother Robert Bell and her son-in-law Leeland Linquist.

Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the funeral home for expenses.

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