Lavone Margaret Barkowski's Obituary
Lavone Margie (Zimmerly) Barkowski passed away on March 21, 2021 in Houston, TX just 3 months shy of her 107th birthday. “Lonnie” was born on June 19, 1914 in Buchanan County, Iowa, the daughter of Robert A. and Daisy (Harkey) Zimmerly. She graduated Independence School in 1932. Lonnie began working as a dietician at Finley Hospital in Dubuque IA riding the train from Independence, IA on Sunday nights to Dubuque, IA and returning home to Independence on Friday evenings. She met and married Frank Barkowski, and to this union were born two sons, Hurley and Don.
The Barkowski’s moved to Houston, Texas in the 1950’s. Up until just a little over a year ago, Lavone was still very active including taking care of her own yard, painting her house at the age of 105/106. She loved going to the “Penny Parlors” with her friends and was thrilled if she won $20 to $50. Of course, she would never reveal how many pennies she spent to win. Up till about 10 years ago Lavone “worked” at Walmart passing out samples and talking with countless customers who loved stopping by just to talk to “Miss Lavone”. She lived for the daily phone calls from her brother and his wife Robert and Dorothy Zimmerly from Independence, Iowa. She often times made the comment she could not believe the changes and so-called “improvements” that had taken place in her lifetime. When the virus took over the country she stayed in her home afraid to go out. It was likely the depression and loneliness that finally claimed the life of this otherwise healthy and active lady.
Lavone is survived by one brother, Robert Zimmerly, Independence, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank Barkowski and two sons Hurley and Don; brothers James, Jesse (Bud), Wayne and one sister Bernadine.
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