Alja Rashid

KEWANEE – Alja Jane Rashid, 87, of Kewanee, died at 8:05 a.m., Thursday, March 27, 2025 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born June 9, 1937 in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Jack and Alice Marjorie (Wagner) Isenhart. She met her husband James F. Rashid while attending the University of Iowa. They married and he later preceded her in death on June 28, 2012. Surviving are three sons; Brian (Kathy) Rashid of Bettendorf, IA, Paul (Cathleen) Rashid of Neponset and James Rashid of Kewanee, two daughters, Adeeba Rashid and DeEtte (Scott) Stauffer, both of Kewanee, a daughter-in-law, Lisa Rashid of Kewanee, a brother, Jon (Roxanne) Isenhart of Colorado, a sister, Jacquelin Flaherty of Cedar Rapids, IA, sixteen grandchildren; Nathan, Jake, Tawnie and Tori, Ashley and Jamie, Rachel, Tytus and Zebulon, Chelsey, Jessalyn, Donnie and Brooke and Nichole, Colton and Caleb and sixteen great grandchildren with another one on the way. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her son, Tony Rashid.

Alja graduated from Davenport Central High School, she received her teaching degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA and met her husband at the University of Iowa. Together, they opened Jimal’s in 1967 a very successful eating establishment in Toulon. She also had been a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader. She was an avid nature and animal lover who enjoyed the mountains, Indian culture and lore, gardening, nurseries, antiques, traveling and going to zoos. First and foremost, she loved her family and cherished the time spent with them; she especially enjoyed attending their sporting events and activities.

Private services will be held at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Henry County Humane Society-Kewanee Chapter or to the Wildlife Prairie Park.

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