Vernona, (Nonie), was born December 5, 1923 in Yale, IA to Fred and Vera Dubes. She graduated from Yale High School in 1941 and attended Iowa State Teacher’s College, now The University of Northern Iowa.
She was a member of First Christian Church in Davenport for 75 years, singing in the chancel choir for 39 of those years. She was a deaconess and treasurer of the church for several years.
Nonie worked in business in Yale, Glenwood, and Davenport, IA for all her working years, spending 13 years at the Quad City Times, and 25 years at Alter Co. She enjoyed reading, gardening, woodworking, music, and especially photography. She enjoyed planning trips and traveling with her dear friend and, after way too long, wife Vivian. Together they visited all 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, all provinces of Canada, and the British Isles.
Nonie was a member of Plus 60, AARP, and various environmental organizations.
Survivors include her sister Jean (Bob) Cornish, nieces Lori (Tim) Raup and LuAnn (Bruce), Tamisiea, several grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews, and many special friends including Marty and Jerry Yeast.
She was preceded in death by Vivian Eileen Boyack, wife of 2 years, and life partner of more than seventy years. It is worth noting that after 70 years together, when Nonie and Vivian were finally able to marry, their story became known around the world. They were interviewed by news sources from many countries and received congratulatory cards, flowers and letters from more than 25 countries.
Memorials may be made to Ridgecrest Village or your local Hospice organization. Services for Nonie will be held at Ridgecrest Retirement Center at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 24. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial will take place at Davenport Memorial Park.
