Julia Irene Hardy, 89 of Keokuk, IA, died on Monday, July 23, 2007 at the Montrose Health Center in Montrose, IA. Born August 11, 1917, in Montrose, IA, she was the daughter of Carl A. and Achsa LaDuke Peterson. On October 12, 1940, she married Francis Hardy in Keokuk, IA. He preceded her in death on January 22, 2003. Mrs. Hardy was a teacher in the Keokuk community school district for thirty-six years and also served as guidance counselor, reading specialist and private tutor. She was a life-long member of the First Lutheran Church of Keokuk, a life-member of the Beta Sigma Phi International, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International/Alpha Epsilon Chapter and an active member of the Lee County Retired School Personnel Association. Mrs. Hardy was also a thirty-five year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and past matron of the Order of Eastern Star #40. In retirement she pursued her love of poetry writing, publishing a collection of original work for which she garnered numerous awards. Survivors include one daughter, Judith Eblin and her husband Terry of Ladd, IL, one son, Bruce Hardy and his wife Pamela of Wever, IA, three grandchildren, Nora Hardy of Keokuk, IA, Elaine Virden and her husband Vince of Montgomery, IL and Ann Madamba and her husband John of San Bruno, CA and five great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, one brother, one sister and a grandson, Nicholas Vitale in 2001. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Thursday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Terry Mahnke officiating. Burial was the Keokuk National Cemetery. Memorials were established for the First Lutheran Church of Keokuk and the PAW Animal Shelter in Ft. Madison, IA.