Lena Kay Salyers

Lena Kay Salyers, 81, of Keokuk, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Mississippi Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Lena was born on January 30, 1945, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Margaret (McDaniels) Salyers. She was a housekeeper at Keokuk Area Hospital and worked at the recycling plant in Keokuk until her retirement. Lena loved to play Bingo, and spent her days crafting, solving word searches and crossword puzzles, and watching television, some of her favorites being the Hallmark Channel, Good Witch and Days of Our Lives. She also had a big heart for dogs and cats. Lena will always be remembered for her happy demeanor and her love for her family.

Lena is survived by five siblings: David Salyers of Keokuk, Bonnie Milligan of Oakland, Illinois, Connie (Edward) Weisinger of Tioga, Illinois, Theresa Corethers (Kenny Cooper) of Keokuk, and Danny (Judy) Salyers of Burlington, Iowa; two grandchildren: Annabelle Van Velkenburgh and Terry Joe Van Velkenburgh; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Lena is preceded in death by her parents; her son Terry Lee Van Velkenburgh and infant son Lewis Edward Van Velkenburgh; and two sisters: Mary Weisinger and Nancy Baxter.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, with burial at Sand Cemetery in St. Francisville, Missouri.

Memorials may be directed to the Mississippi Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center Activities Department or P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter.

DeJong-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.