Leta Madge Nye, 87, of Keokuk, IA died Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at River Hills Village in Keokuk, IA. She was born on September 28, 1925 in Keokuk, IA, the daughter of Ernest and Maude Dickson Biddenstadt. On August 18, 1946 she was united in marriage to Delmar Nye at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk, IA. He preceded her in death on January 24, 2005. Leta was a lifetime resident of Keokuk and graduated from Keokuk High School. She then attended the University of Iowa for one year. She had been employed at the A&W, Sheller Globe and the All Star Dairy all in Keokuk. Leta was a long-time active member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk. She sang in the church choir and served as a Sunday school teacher. She also helped prepare funeral dinners at church for families losing a loved one. She was a former member and past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening and took pride in growing her own vegetables and beautiful flowers. When her children were younger she enjoyed making their clothing. She loved to watch Nascar and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan. She also enjoyed feeding the birds and reading, especially National Geographic. Leta had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed entertaining friends and family in her home. She was a wonderful cook and family gatherings and holidays always featured an abundance of great food and good times that filled the hearts of her loved ones with wonderful memories. She was a loving mother and grandmother and treasured the time she spent with her family. She will be lovingly remembered by three sons, Craig Nye and his wife Monica of Fort Madison, Iowa, Chad Nye and his wife Gina of Keokuk, Jay Nye and his wife Tracie of Keokuk, one daughter, Nancy Hunter and her husband Brad of Florida, seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, one sister Joann Othmer and her husband Richard of Fort Pierce, FL and a long-time pen-pal from England. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister Cleta Biddenstadt in infancy. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 16th, 2013 at the Keokuk National Cemetery with Reverend Matt Hunt officiating. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk, IA.