Agnes Mate Milota

Agnes M. Milota, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa, Iowa, at the age of 83. Born on January 23, 1942, in Monticello, Iowa, Agnes was the daughter of Harm John and Phoebe Gladys (Westphal) Rickels. She spent her formative years in rural Monmouth and was a proud 1960 graduate of Monmouth High School, where she showcased her athletic spirit on the basketball court.
Agnes's heart found its match when she married Gilbert R. "Butch" Milota on December 30, 1961, in Monmouth, Iowa. Their union was blessed with love, laughter, and family until Butch's passing on January 3, 2015.
Agnes's professional journey was as diverse as it was fulfilling. After graduating high school, she worked for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids for a year. Her career path led her to various roles, including house cleaning, a stint at Lakehurst, and ultimately, she found joy in working in the kitchen at Sunshine Daycare and Preschool in Maquoketa for over five years.
A devout Christian, Agnes was a dedicated member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through times of joy and sorrow with grace and resilience. Agnes's interests were a reflection of her zest for life. She relished trips to the casino, where she found excitement and camaraderie. An avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, she rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Men's basketball team, sharing her passion with family and friends.
Above all, Agnes's world revolved around her family. Her love for them was boundless, and the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was her most treasured.
Agnes leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her daughters, Jodi (Dean) Nowachek of Monmouth, IA, and Lori (Brent) Klemm of Marion, IA; three grandchildren, Amanda (Phil) Schinstock, Becky (Matt) Koch, and Allison Foster; three great-grandchildren, Emery, Elise, and Rozlyn; brother, Carl Rickels of Monmouth, IA; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, her son Randy Ray Milota, her grandson Tyler James Foster, her sister Gladys Keating, and her brothers John Henry, Howard, Herman, George "Don," and one brother who passed at birth.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Monday, June 30, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Monmouth, IA Cemetery.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.