LaWona Talcott

LAWONA KAYE (LOU) TALCOTT

Cedar Rapids

LaWona Kaye (Lou) Talcott of Cedar Rapids passed away quietly with family at her side on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at St. Luke's Continuing Care Hospital after a short illness. Celebration of Life will be at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. Graveside services will be Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Charles; their daughter, Jennifer Ann Talcott of Cedar Rapids; a brother, Jim (Pat) Exline of Okeene, Okla.; two sisters-in-law, Joan Exline of Norway and Linda Talcott of Marion; a goddaughter; Lacie (Bryan) Zeien, Cedar Rapids; two nieces, Kim (Joel) Snetzler and Karla Waggener (Sam Yancey), both of Cedar Rapids; four nephews, Warren Waggener of Hiawatha, Rod (Karie) Exline of Homestead and Chris Talcott and Pat Talcott, both of Marion; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Justin David Charles Talcott, in 1995; her parents; her brother, Glenn; and her sister, Carleta.

LaWona was born Jan. 7, 1955, in Albia, Iowa, to parents Ronald and Lucille Exline. She married Richard C. Talcott on Nov. 7, 1987, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. LaWona was employed 19 years with O'Reilly's Auto Parts and managed the 18th Avenue SW store when O'Reilly's first came to Cedar Rapids. For the last few years, she has managed the Center Point Road hub store. During her tenure with O'Reilly's, her career began as the only woman store manager for her region. LaWona accomplished Store of the Year twice during her years with O'Reilly's.

Lou began her profession in auto parts with Sieg Co. of Cedar Rapids over 20 years ago, and she has touched many people, many vehicles and industries in Cedar Rapids during her time in the auto parts industry.

LaWona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. She enjoyed her calling in the auto parts arena, but mostly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her husband of 28 years. She and Rick were a match made in heaven from the start, and their devotion for each other was evident in everything they did together and for each other every day of their lives together.

LaWona touched so many during her brief life with us – she will be lovingly remembered as the "go to" gal for car parts in Cedar Rapids. When no one else had the part or the answer, Lou could find it and have it and get it for you. Her relatives, friends and customers will miss her tenacity, her loyalty, her well-known ethics and values, her knowledge of parts, and most especially, her absolute love and devotion to her family.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Luke's Hospital Intensive Care Unit and especially the wonderful nurses and doctors of the sixth floor continuing care hospital for their outstanding and loving care provided for this very special lady during her extended stay with them.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.