Donovan, Arlie Marie

Arlie Marie Donovan, 86 of Independence, formerly of Brandon, died Sunday, May 29, 2011, at the Buchanan County Health Care Center in Independence of natural causes. She was born Oct. 4, 1924, in North English, Iowa, the daughter of Samuel and Ida Mae Brenneman Steckly. She married Robert W. “Bob” Donovan on Nov. 28, 1946, in Iowa City; he preceded her in death on August 14, 2005.

She was a homemaker and farmed with her husband for many years near Brandon. She was a former member of the Brandon Rebecca Lodge #366 and had been a volunteer for many years with the Buchanan County Hospice. She loved spending time with her family, crocheting, reading, traveling and was a huge Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan.

Survived by one son, Tom (Deanna) Donovan of Robins; four daughters, Linda (Stephen) McHale of Ft, Meyers, Fla., Marni Kay Donovan of Fayette, Kathy (Marvin) Cook of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Bobbie (Galen) Pettengill of La Porte City; six grandchildren, Tori Davison, Melana Doolin, Brooke Pettengill, Brandee Pettengill, Whitney Doolin and Abby Donovan; two great-grandchildren, Stacia Allen and Nevaeh Jackson; and one brother, Dean (Mary Ellen) Steckly of Kalona.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, LaVerne Loucks; and two brothers, Dale and Rolland Steckly.

Private family graveside inurnment will be held Wednesday in the Brandon Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the La Porte City Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

La Porte City Funeral Service in charge of arrangements, (319) 342-3131.

Online condolences may be left at .