View Video Tribute Margaret Varner, 83, of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at Lexington Square in Keokuk, IA. She was born on October 29, 1922 in Kahoka, MO, the daughter of Delbert and Eliza Bell Rittenhouse. She first married Howard Mortimer. She then married David Washburne. They both preceded her in death. She then married John Varner. She had been employed with the Keokuk School District and worked at the Senior High School until her retirement in 1983. She was a past member of the Eagles Club in Keokuk, IA. Margaret enjoyed working on crossword and jigsaw puzzles and playing bingo. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading poetry and nursery rhymes. Margaret was a proud grandmother and loved to spoil her grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Howard Mortimer and his wife Jean of Arlington, TX, and David Washburne and his wife Sherry of Keokuk, IA, three daughters, Mary Ransdell and her husband Marvin, Vickey Swainey and her husband Gary and Vanessa Englebrecht and her husband Edward, all of Keokuk, IA, twenty-one grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, her former husband and good friend, John Varner of Keokuk, IA and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by one son, Jerry Joe Washburne, one great-grandson, Austin Gilbert, four sisters, Elaine Walker, Irene Rubemeyer, Ruby Dray, and Jean Hall. A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday at the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, IA with Reverend Bill Mitchell officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA or the Alzheimer's Association.