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Posted by SGB Joyce Boley, 25, sustained serious injuries trying to save her children, said her sister, Cheryl Boley, of Revere, Mo. “We're at the hospital now,” Cheryl said this morning. Joyce's mother, Diana Boley, is there too, along with other relatives. “They just took her in for surgery. The positive thing the doctors are saying is that age is on her side. Her lungs were burned badly. There's extensive damage to her lungs, but she's young and that's on her side.” At 4:52 a.m. Tuesday, firefighters were called to the fire at 500 N. 13th St. They arrived three minutes later and were told children were still in the house. They attempted a rescue, but were not able to save Elizabeth Maureen May White, 2, and Dylan Matthew Dean White, 4. The children had died of smoke inhalation. Boley and White were treated at Keokuk Area Hospital and airlifted to Iowa City. “Joyce is burned on 60 percent of her body,” Cheryl said. “Matt is pulling through. “She's fighting; she's put up a good fight. God and everyone else is on her side. We hope she pulls through this for Dalton. She's a wonderful mom. “In honor of my sister, I want to say whatever speculation is going on, my sister is fighting to come home to her son. And he can read and he knows what's going on and what they're saying about her. It's hurting him. He just wants her home. “My sister is a well-loved and an awesome mom and she's fighting for her life.” Cheryl said several news outlets have published comments and speculation about the family, but said the Daily Gate City has been accurate and fair to her sister. Cheryl said Joyce and she have been through a very tough time lately. Their father died from cancer a year ago, which affected them and their family deeply. “She's been my best friend,” Cheryl said. “She and the babies didn't deserve this.” Cheryl asked the community to offer prayers for her sister's survival. Dalton, who is staying with family members, lost everything in the fire. He wears size 5 pants, size 4 shirts and size 11 1/2 shoes. Items can be taken to the South Lee County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 801 Main St., Keokuk, said Shirley Concannon of the Red Cross. The Salvation Army, Keokuk, will accept donations of clothing for Dalton or his father if they are “good, clean, new or used clothing in their size,” said Susan Leaf of the Salvation Army. She said the organization also has food and other items if the family needs them. No sizes have been available for Matthew White. According to Sarah Vigen of Vigen Memorial Home, Keokuk, people have been calling to see how they can help the family with expenses. “The family has set up a memorial,” Vigen said. Donations may be sent or brought to the funeral home at 1328 Concert St., Keokuk. Vigen said an obituary is likely to be sent out today. Vigen Memorial is donating part of its services for the children's funeral and also is discounting some services. However, the family is responsible for the cost of the funeral itself, she said. Any memorial money or donations will go to the family, specifically Diana Boley, not to the funeral home, Vigen added. An account for donations in the name of the White and Boley Fund has been set up by a family member in all branches of the Pilot Grove Savings Bank in Donnellson, Houghton, West Point, Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, Packwood and Winfield.
on 5/17/2007, 6:54 pm
69.179.168.185
Fire victim fighting for her life, sister says
By Cindy Iutzi/Gate City Staff Writer
Thursday, May 17, 2007 4:15 PM CDT
The mother of two children who died in a house fire Tuesday in Keokuk is in University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, fighting for her life, according to a family member.
Their brother, Dalton, 6, escaped the house unharmed, and his father, Matthew White, 34, was found standing in the street, but injured. Boley was found lying on the ground in front of the house extensively burned.
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