Iona L. Rich

Iona L. Rich, 83, of Flat Rock, IL, died December 9, 2020, at Cotillion Ridge in Robinson, IL. She was born January 16, 1937, in Lawrenceville, IL, the daughter of Ralph & Rose Waldrop, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her father-in-law & mother-in-law, Chester & Martha Rich; by her siblings, Ralph Waldrop, Jr., Betty Bellinger, and Gerald Lee Waldrop; and by her son-in-law, John Nestleroad. She married Billy Wayne Rich on September 3, 1955, and he survives. She is also survived by her children, Debbie & husband Larry York (Flat Rock, IL), Andrew Rich (Mattoon, IL), Malinda Nestleroad (Vandalia, IL); by her grandchildren, Jeremie Hughlett, Tad Hughlett, Ashley Hardiman, Cody Rich, Payton Rich, Sydnie Nestleroad, Collin Nestleroad; by her great-grandchildren, Brittney Hughlett, Temprance Hughlett, Miles Hardiman, Liam Hardiman, River Hughlett, Tiegan Hughlett, Tyson Hughlett, Jordyn Hughlett; by her siblings, Patty Hill, Linda Hixon, Katie Corrie, Sharon Wampler, Walter "Buck" Waldrop; by her sisters-in-law, Nancy Stewart, Alice Tennyson, Peggy Garrard; by her brother-in-law, Jeff Rich; as well as several nieces and nephews. Iona grew up in the Flat Rock area and was a 1955 graduate of Robinson High School. She found employment with L.S. Heath for a time, but moved on to Victor Dana, where she worked as a tool and die maker for over 30 years before retiring in the late 1990's. Away from work, she found great enjoyment in seeing the country from the comfort of the family camper. No matter where they traveled, not a small amount of time was spent antiquing, a pastime that filled her home with trinkets and her heart with joy. She was also known to visit the boats on a regular basis, as gambling provided her with a sense of excitement, especially in her twilight years. Back home, Iona tended to her geraniums just as she tended to her family: with love and care. They will forever cling to cherished memories made over the course of countless Friday nights gathered around Bobe's Pizza (her favorite!) This goofy, headstrong soul made an impact over the course of her 83 years, and we are thankful that the love she so freely gave continues to live on in our hearts. It was Iona's wish to be cremated without public services. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements.