The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Meet Your Neighbor

by Sally Day, For The Quill

Just beyond a quaint bridge, overlooking a very long stretch of railroad tracks, barely into Lomax, lives Lauren Chockley and her charming family. She spent her early years in Lomax and was born at Burlington Memorial Hospital in Burlington, Iowa.

Lauren was in the Class of 2005 Southern High School, which held the distinction of being the very last class of that school. She then matriculated to Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa, where she first received an Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences and then an Associate Degree in the Science of Nursing. Lauren utilizes those degrees at Great River Medical Center, where she is employed in the Case Management Department.

Amongst her hobbies, Lauren loves horseback riding. She mostly does this with her Dad and since she started her family hasn't had as much time as she would like to for this. She also loves photography. Once a month Lauren and her family meet with friends of hers from high school. She enjoys that Friends Gathering very much.

The television show, "The Voice" is also something Lauren thoroughly enjoys. "I am a big fan!", she admitted.

Lauren is the daughter of Ron and Shelly Gittings of Stronghurst. Her Dad works for the City of Stronghurst and her Mom is employed at the same location Lauren is - Great River Medical Center. Shelly is a Respiration Therapist. The Gittings have been married for 35 years and love staying busy with their children and grandchildren.

Lauren's only sister is Jessica and her husband, Jeremy Burrell are the parents of two children, a daughter, Addison, 5, and son, Tanner, 3. They live in Carman. Jessica and Jeremy are both teachers at West Central School District.

She also has two brothers, Justin Gittings and his girlfriend, Kelly Heinold, live in Stronghurst. They both are employed at the Iowa Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa. Her brother, Andy Gittings lives in Stronghurst. Andy is employed by UPS in Burlington, Iowa.

Lauren's Grandma, Shirley Beavon lives in Lomax and is retired from Winegard.

Last, but not least, is Lauren's husband, Andy Chockley, originally from Stronghurst. He is employed by the BNSF Railroad out of Galesburg as a Machinist. Together they have a very handsome little boy, Jacob "Jake" Henry Chockley. Jake will be 2 years old on February 27.

Andy's parents are Eric and Peggy Chockley of Stronghurst. They are employed by the BNSF Railroad and GRMC, respectively.

One thing Lauren misses is the family vacations at her grandparent's home in Licking, Missouri. They had very limited television - only three channels! And the vacations were very simple, a simple life. Those grandparents, John and Dorothy McCollough have since passed and the house has been sold. Those vacation days are over are now and the Chockleys have begun a new tradition. Over the 4th of July this year, Lauren and Andy and little Jake traveled to Lake of the Ozarks. They had a very good time and Jake enjoyed his first fireworks.

When asked if she had any future plans, Lauren's first words were, "More babies!" She has that in mind, as well as furthering her nursing career.

Lauren's motto - "Life is a dance, you learn as you go."