Angelia L. Deming

Angelia L. Deming, age 82, of Sabula, IA, passed away Wednesday, July 10, at her home outside of Sabula. Memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, IL. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Angelia was born on December 13, 1941, in Quinlin, Missouri, daughter of Charles and Irma (Eady) Hale. She was one of eight children and spent her early years surrounded by family in Arkansas. Angelia experienced a transformative year in middle school when she stayed with her sister in California, a time she fondly remembered. Her family later relocated to Rockford, IL, where she attended East High School. It was in Rockford that she met her future husband, Robert Deming, on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Captivated by her playful nature and long, beautiful hair, Robert quickly fell in love. The couple married on January 6, 1962, and shared a remarkable 62 years together, raising three children and creating countless memories.

After their marriage, Angelia and Robert remained in Rockford where they enjoyed dancing and riding their Harley. They frequently escaped to the Sabula area for weekends of boating and camping on the houseboat Robert built. Enamored with the region, they purchased property outside of Sabula and, with the help of family, built their home by hand, completing the project and moving in 1974. They cherished their life in Sabula along the Mississippi River for the next 50 years.

Angelia had a passion for gardening, nurturing a variety of flowers and vegetables, including roses, lilacs, day lilies, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. Her gardens were a testament to her hard work and love for nature, especially her fondness for beautiful flowers. Angelia was known for her tireless work ethic, holding several jobs over the years. In Rockford, she worked nights at National Lock. Upon moving to Sabula, she managed the front office for Droste Chiropractic in Clinton, IA, before becoming a cashier at Sullivan's Foods in Savanna. Her 30-year tenure there, ending in her retirement in 2020, allowed her to engage with the community she loved.

An accomplished cook, Angelia delighted her family with a wide array of dishes, with fried chicken, fried potatoes, and chocolate pie being some of her family’s favorites. She also enjoyed bird watching, particularly feeding hummingbirds and orioles, finding joy in their presence. Angelia's home was her sanctuary, where she found peace surrounded by her flowers, cooking for her loved ones, and enjoying the company of family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to her family and community.

Angelia will be dearly missed by her husband, Robert “Butch” Deming of Sabula; two daughters, Faith Cook of Fayetteville, NC, and Gwen (Wes Chrest) Deming of Clinton; four grandchildren, Jessica Cook of Camanche, IA, Matthew (Brandi) Franzen of Sabula, Julianna (Auston) Albers of Homer, GA, and Erica (Doug) Housenga of Camanche; five great-grandchildren, Sophia, Madison, Denali, William, Wilder, and one on the way; one sister, Ruth Love, and many nieces and nephews. Angelia is preceded in death by her son Michael Cook, her granddaughter Samantha Welch, her parents Charles and Irma, her siblings, Marie, Norman, Aileen, Karen, and two infant twin brothers, Lester and Chester.