Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial

09/03/2025

Honor a loved one’s memory with a peaceful ash scattering ceremony along the Mississippi River or another meaningful location. 🌊💐

Mississippi Valley Cremation offers dignified ash scattering services that allow families to say goodbye in a serene, natural setting.

Follow the link to learn more about creating a personalized farewell.

Looking for Ash Scattering Services in Moline, IL & Davenport, IA? Trust Mississippi Valley Cremation and Direct Burial for a respectful and peaceful tribute. Contact us today!

09/03/2025

Rhonda J. Sterner

Rhonda JoAnn Sterner, 62, of Lost Nation, IA, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at her home with her loving son by her side. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL.

A complete obituary will be available soon.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on her memory page at mvcremation.com.

View Rhonda J. Sterner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Carlos V. Bernal

Carlos V. Bernal, 68, of Davenport, IA, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, IA. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL.

A complete obituary will be available soon.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his memory page at mvcremation.com.

View Carlos V. Bernal's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Wade Ashby Jr.

Wade Ashby Jr., 75, of Muscatine, IA, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Celebrate Senior Living of Moline, IL. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL.

A complete obituary will be available soon.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his memory page at mvcremation.com.

View Wade Ashby Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

Paula Finch-Poley

Paula Fern Finch-Poley, 67, of Bettendorf, IA, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at her residence.

Born on April 13, 1958, in California, Paula was raised in Geneseo, Illinois. She pursued her passion for education by earning a master’s degree in education and went on to dedicate her professional life to teaching. Paula served as a professor of psychology at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, where she taught at Scott Community College for over two decades. Earlier in her career, she also worked as an adjunct faculty member at St. Ambrose University and Muscatine Community College.

Paula is survived by her husband of 11 years, Greg Poley of Bettendorf; her parents, June and Eric Hagberg of Atkinson, Illinois; her children, Jennifer Bullock (Jason) of Davenport, Iowa, and Steven Ryan (Whitney) of Odessa, Florida; her grandchildren, Lincoln, Adeline, Riley, Avery, Jaeger, & Jaliyah; two brothers, Marvin & Bobby; and two step-sons, Brian & David.

A devoted educator and cherished family member, Paula will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she touched throughout her life.

Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL. The family will hold a private memorial service.

Family and friends can share memories and express condolences at www.mvcremation.com

View Paula Finch-Poley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

Tina Kay Gesling - Knight

Tina Gesling Knight, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, wife, and “TT,” peacefully ascended to eternal rest on August 30, 2025, at the age of 60. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience that will forever inspire those who knew her.

Born on July 27, 1965, in Fort Madison, Iowa, and raised in Burlington, Iowa, Tina lived a life marked by compassion, generosity, and selflessness. She touched countless lives with her kindness—whether through her service at Hope Haven, Saint Francis, and Sterling House in Burlington, or as a dedicated personal caregiver in Phoenix, Arizona. Her heart for others was evident in every role she held and every life she touched.

Above all, Tina was a devoted mother to her three children, DeRay, DaReasha, and DeEdwin. Her family was her greatest blessing and the source of her strength. As a single mother, she taught resilience, resourcefulness, and unconditional love, instilling life lessons that will be carried forward for generations.

Tina is survived by her children: DeRay (Ebony) Gesling of Phoenix, AZ; DaReasha (Chris) Cavin of Phoenix, AZ; and DeEdwin Shaw of Des Moines, IA. She also leaves behind her beloved mother, Hazel Gesling-Smith of Davenport, IA; her grandchildren O’Mari Gesling, Aliandra Pena, DeRay Gesling Jr., and Zion Gesling; her sister Lunjua Guy; her aunt who was raised as a sister, Caroll Martinez; her uncle who was raised as a brother, Tony Martinez; her brothers Trae (Mary) Gesling, Charles Smith, Mark Smith, Joe Smith, Eddie Smith, and Christy (Bruser) Smith; along with many nieces and nephews who lovingly called her Aunt “TT.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Knight; her father, Christy Smith; and her grandparents, Tony Martinez and Lucille Talbott.

Family and friends are invited to honor Tina’s life at her memorial service on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Union Baptist Church. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held, at the Burlington Auditorium in banquet room A where stories, memories, and love will be shared in remembrance of Tina’s beautiful spirit.

Though she is no longer physically with us, Tina’s laughter, love, and unwavering spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and friends can share memories and express condolences at www.mvcremation.com

View Tina Gesling - Knight's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

This Labor Day, we honor the hard work and dedication that built our communities. As you take time to celebrate, know that we’re here to provide compassionate care and guidance when your family needs it most.

✨ Learn more about our cremation and direct burial services at Mississippi Valley Cremation. Visit us to see how we can support you with dignity and respect: https://www.mvcremation.com/

08/29/2025

Joseph Wells

Joseph M. Wells, 64, of Silvis, IL, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025, at in Davenport, IA, surrounded by family.

Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences at www.mvcremation.com.

View Joseph Wells's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/29/2025

Celebrate a life well lived by creating a lasting digital tribute. 🕊️✨

MemoryLinks from Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial offers a meaningful way to honor loved ones through personal memorial pages—perfect for sharing memories, photos, and heartfelt messages with family and friends.

Follow the link to learn more about this unique memorialization option.

Looking for cremation and direct burial services in Moline, Mississippi Valley Cremation can help. Simple and respectful arrangements during difficult times.

08/27/2025

Diana L. Fuller

Diana L. Fuller, born on March 14, 1966, in Hannibal, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her unwavering love and support for her family, particularly her grandchildren. Diana dedicated herself to the joy of being a grandmother to Brylee and Carter Fuller, cherishing every moment spent with them.

Throughout her life, Diana was an embodiment of kindness and generosity; she was always willing to do anything for anybody. Her warm spirit resonated deeply with those fortunate enough to know her. Diana found joy in simple pleasures, most notably spending time with her campground family, where memories were woven during countless gatherings and adventures.

Diana is survived by her devoted husband, David Fuller, and their children, Bryar (Kacee) Fuller and Mickenzie (McKenzie) Fuller. She was also a treasured sister to Kimie (Paul) Barger, Cathi Stoddard, Betty Whitman, Patty Stoddard, David (Angie) Bohannon, Joe Cramlett, and Paul (Georgia) Bohannon, and many nieces and nephews. A special friend, Karen Kelley, stood by her side until her last moments, offering comfort and support.

Diana was preceded in death by her loving parents, Red and Catherine Bohannon, and her brother, Don Stoddard.

A celebration of life in honor of Diana will be held on Friday, September 5th, at the Eagles Club in Carbon Cliff, starting at 4 PM. This gathering will be an opportunity for family and friends to come together to share stories, reflect on her beautiful spirit, and remember the joy she brought into their lives.

Diana L. Fuller will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Family and friends are invited to join at her service and also share memories and express condolences on her memory page at mvcremation.com

View Diana L. Fuller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/27/2025

Preserve your legacy with the help of modern technology. 📱🗂️

From recording interviews to organizing old photos and documents, there are powerful digital tools available to help you capture and protect your family's history for future generations.

Follow the link to explore meaningful ways to document your story.

Our elders have rich stories to share. There’s no better time than now to sit down and hit Record.

08/27/2025

Lance W. Rector

Lance W. Rector, a beloved father, papa, and friend, passed away on August 26, 2025, at the Arcadia Care of Kewanee in Kewanee, Illinois. Born on September 13, 1958, in Springfield, Illinois, Lance's life was marked by his unwavering love for his family and a dedicated career in the asphalt industry, where he also proudly obtained his CDL and drove a semi-truck for 20 years.

Lance was a proud veteran of the United States Army, embodying the qualities of service and commitment throughout his life. He graduated from Lanphier High School, setting in motion a journey filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Lance had an infectious sense of humor and a heart that knew no bounds; there was not a soul alive he wouldn't befriend. His genuine nature and warmth touched the lives of all who knew him, making him a truly remarkable person.

Known for his culinary skills, Lance made the best fried pork chops and homemade gravy, delights that will forever remind his family of the joyful gatherings they shared. He had a passion for sports that was only matched by his love for spending time with his family. Whether cheering for the Bulls, Bears, or Cubs, watching games brought him immense joy. He also cherished teaching and playing board games with his granddaughters, Chevelle and Carlee, creating precious moments that filled their lives with laughter and love.

The bond he shared with his daughter, Charli Vela, was one of his proudest accomplishments. As a single dad, he devoted himself wholly to her upbringing, instilling in her the values of kindness, resilience, and the importance of family. Richard Vela, Charli’s husband, was also embraced by Lance, as he always welcomed family with open arms.

Lance was surrounded by love during his final moments, reflecting a life rich with connections and warmth. He leaves behind his cherished daughter, Charli Vela, son-in-law Richard Vela, and granddaughters Chevelle and Carlee Rector, along with numerous cousins who were fortunate enough to call him family. He was predeceased by his mother, Shirley Gean Rector, and his wife, Barbara Rector.

His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, inspiring them to embrace life with the same humor and kindness that he so freely gave. As they remember Lance, they will carry forward the legacy of laughter, love, and the indelible mark he left on their lives.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his memory page at mvcremation.com.

View Lance W. Rector's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.