Van (Caldwell) Dale, age 85, of Alton, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at Eunice Smith Home with her family by her side.
She was born June 13, 1930, in St. Louis, the daughter of Charles and Lucille (Eichorn) Caldwell. She married Robert A. Dale at St. Patrick’s Church in Alton and he preceded her in death in 1974. She then married John LaBoube, and he preceded her in death as well.
A devout Catholic, she spent a large part of her youth at the Eichorn Farm, a Missouri Century farm, where she developed a love of the outdoors. Mrs. Dale enjoyed traveling with her family, especially camping, and eventually became a travel agent. She loved lighthouses and being near the sea. Needlepoint, beachcombing, and painting were some of her favorite hobbies.
She is survived by seven children and their spouses, Jeff and Brenda Dale of Alton, Daniel and Gloria Dale of Lake Charles, LA, Denis and Michele Dale of Edgerton, WI, Robert “Andy” Dale of Wood River, Mary Lue and Pat Allen of Camp Verde, AZ, Charles and Diane Dale of Gilbert, AZ, Jeremy and Sharon Dale of Martinez, CA; nineteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her loving relatives of the LaBoube family.
In addition to her husbands, Robert and John; she is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 7, 2015, from 4 to 8:00 pm at Staten-Fine Funeral Home in Alton. The rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton with Fr. John Wykes officiating.
A private family inurnment will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Laguna Madre 190 Port Road, Port Isabel, Texas 78578.
Staten-Fine Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and a guestbook may be found at www.staten-fine.com.