Mercedes Lorraine Degen

, age 74 of Lomax, Illinois died at 7:00 a.m. Sunday January 19, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born January 26, 1939 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Everett and Donna Logan Jones. On June 16, 1956, she married Robert McBride in Dallas City, Illinois. They later divorced. On March 18, 1977, she married John R. Degen in Lomax. He preceded her in death on August 7, 2010.

Mrs. Degen was an independent truck driver for many years, and also drove for Richers Trucking Company of Wever, Iowa. Earlier in life, she had worked for the former IRC Company in Burlington, Iowa. She was a member of the Independent Truckers Association.

Survivors include two daughters- Robin Reu of Dallas City, IL, Dawn (David) Davolt of Fort Madison, IA, two sons- Robert McBride of Oklahoma City, OK, Glen (Myrna) McBride of Choctaw, OK, one step son- Vernon Degen of Burlington, IA, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, two sisters- Linda Eland of Lomax, and Janice (Duane) Sourwine of Burlington, IA, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one son - Danny McBride, and one grandson- Jacob Olson.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday January 27, 2014 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, IL. Graveside services will be held at Crane Cemetery, near Lomax, at a later date. A memorial fund has been established for the Lomax Ambulance Service