MCLEANSBORO – Margaret Rosalie Lovan passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 96.

Rosalie Lovan was born on July 27, 1927, in Hamilton County, IL. Her parents were Gifford and Euna Nelson. She had three brothers and three sisters Charles Wayne, Dallas Dean, William Ralph, Verla Jean, Doris Leveda and Ruth Ann. She attended and graduated from McLeansboro High School. She attended beauty school in Mt. Vernon, IL. Rosalie married James Earl Lovan on December 21, 1947. James “Jim” Lovan was the son of McLeansboro residents Earl and Maude Lovan.

Rosalie loved to travel. It didn’t matter if it was with family or friends. Her favorite story is after attending a cosmetology convention in Paris, France and going through security in the Paris airport. She was the only one in the group that was escorted into a small room and strip searched! For years after that encounter anytime she went through security she wondered if she would be searched again. Rosalie and her husband, Jim, traveled mostly by car in the early years. She always said Jim did the driving, and she did the humming. Problem was she couldn’t carry a tune. Margaret was the daughter-in-law of Maude Lovan. Jim worked in the oil industry until his death on June 26, 1996.

During the 1970’s Rosalie opened a beauty salon in Venice, Florida. During the years she had the salon, she was the happiest in doing what she loved to do. Rosalie and Jim moved to The Woodlands, Texas, in 1981. Rosalie then found her new favorite past time – shopping. Rosalie stayed busy with her love of painting on clothing. Her love of color and art was her special gift. She is survived by her only child Laura Lee Lovan. She resides in The Woodlands, Texas.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Odd Fellows Cemetery in McLeansboro under the assistance of the Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, IL.