Bernadette Anna Stambaugh

Bernadette Anna Stambaugh, 68, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 4:39 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Born January 15, 1950, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Benjamin and Rose (Marcelli) Costa. On December 2, 2000, she married Hughie Stambaugh in West Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Survivors include her husband Hughie of Donnellson, Iowa; one daughter: Tracy (Joel Kriebel) Ferrizzi of Oreland, Pennsylvania; one step-son: Justin Stambaugh of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren: Sgt. Patrick M. Cassidy, Jr., USMC of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Alyssa Rose Cassidy of Newton, New Jersey, Angel Noel Ferrizzi of Norristown, Pennsylvania and Rachel Marie Ferrizzi of Norristown, Pennsylvania; two step-granddaughters: Jewel Stambaugh of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Nia Stambaugh of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three great grandchildren: Gianna Joy Rosario of Newton, New Jersey, Benjamin Rosario IV of Newton, New Jersey and Giovanni Dominic Rosario of Newton, New Jersey.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother in infancy.

Bernadette was a 1967 graduate of the Upper Merion High School in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She has been active in church for many years and is a member of the First Christian Church of Keokuk, Iowa. Other than the certainty of eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, especially interactions of any kind with her BFF Alyssa Rose. She was tremendously proud of her 100% Italian heritage and was able to document her grandparents voyage from Italy to America as well as their path to becoming U.S. citizens. She enjoyed watching football and was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. She loved animals of all kinds and despised anyone who mistreated them.

Her body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at First Christian Church in Keokuk, Iowa with Pastor David Turner officiating.

Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her memory to a local animal shelter.

Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences to the family may be left at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.