Bergren, Ann Carmichael - Ann Bergren, 87, of the Eastern Star Masonic Home and formerly of 920 South Marshall Street in Boone passed away at the Boone County Hospital in Boone on Sunday morning, February 3, 2013.
She was born on July 10, 1925 in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Homer and Lula (Davison) Carmichael.
She married Allan Bergren. The couple later divorced.
Ann was a graduate of Bedford High School. She received her nursing diploma from Jennie Edmundson School of Nursing and later her Bachelor Degree from the College of St. Francis. Ann was a night supervisor at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City until the late 1950’s before moving to Boone where she was a nurse at the Boone County Hospital until her retirement. Ann always took great pride in the care she provided to the patients in her care and the level of professionalism she demonstrated.
She was a member of the Augustana Lutheran Church and past member of the Democratic Women’s Club. Ann loved playing golf, enjoyed playing bridge, and was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and Iowa Hawkeye football team.
Her parents; son Mark Bergren; and 2 brothers Marvin Carmichael and Bob Carmichael preceded her in death.
Survivors include her daughter Norena Caniglia and husband Phil of Council Bluffs, Iowa; grandchildren Ann Hetland and husband James of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Mary Kay Hill and husband Ryan of Iowa City, Iowa, Ross Caniglia of Sioux City, Iowa and Alan Caniglia of West Des Moines, Iowa; a great-grandson James Hetland of Maple Grove, Minnesota; a sister-in-law Jean Carmichael of Centennial, Colorado; and a nephew Randy Carmichael and wife Belen along with their daughters Ali and Morgan all of Boulder, Colorado.
Following Ann’s wishes, her body has been cremated.
A memorial service were held on Friday morning, February 8th at 10:30 a.m. at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone with Pastor Dick Dahle officiating.
Interment was in the Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.
Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their gift to the Augustana Lutheran Church, Eastern Star Masonic Home or the Boone County Hospital Foundation.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.starkwelin.com. Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone is in charge of arrangements

Boltinghouse, Mary Margaret Rokey - Celebration of Life services for Mary Boltinghouse, age 70, of Lenox, who died Thursday, January 10, 2013 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield will be held Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Sunday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox with the family greeting friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Interment will be held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the MS Society or Lenox United Methodist Church.

Mary Margaret (Rokey) Boltinghouse was born Wednesday, February 11, 1942, on a farm located southwest of Sabetha, Nemaha County, Kansas and was the fourth child of Mary Kathryn (Noble) Rokey and Andrew Peter Rokey. Knowing that the family moved into Sabetha when Mary was about three weeks old, they rented a house on Virginia Street that belonged to the Dribblebliss family. In 1944, they moved to a very large house in the north end of Sabetha. The rooms were very large and a coal furnace heated the house during the winter. Very early every morning, Andrew would build a roaring fire in the furnace to keep his family warm and would then leave to haul milk and cream from area producers. He had customers in the Sabetha area as well as in southeastern Nebraska.

In 1947, they made another move to a rented farm house on the L. O. Henry farm that was located one mile straight north of Sabetha on 6th Street. By this time, there were five Rokey children, Dick age 9; Larry age 8; Andrea age 7; Mary age 5; and Linda age 3. Their father was a farm boy who had been raised on the old Rokey farm northwest of Sabetha and he said, "Five kids don't have any business running the streets in town. They belong on the farm." And he was right; the boys were given the responsibility of feeding and watering the hogs in the mornings before walking to school. When they returned home in the late afternoons, they did the evening chores. The girls had morning chores too. One of the girls would stay in the house with their baby sister while the other one would go to the chicken house with their mother and help her feed and water the laying hens and the rooster. When they returned from school each day, gathering the eggs and dealing with the feisty rooster was their job. The last day of school during the summer afternoons, the Rokey kids were free to roam all over and explore the 160 acre farm on which they lived until it was time to do the evening chores.

In 1948, Mary was in the first grade when she joined her older siblings, Dick, Larry and Andrea, on the walk to Albany #1NB, the country school they attended. Classes for students in the first through the eighth grade were held on the ground floor of a two story limestone building that had been built in 1867 by settlers from Albany, New York who migrated in 1857, to the rural area just two miles north of Sabetha. The second story was a huge community center that measured the length and width of the building. There was a large stage on the east end of the center where the students performed in musical programs and plays for their families and friends. Monday through Friday, during the September to May school year, the Rokey kids walked one mile north of their hill top home to attend classes at the Albany District #1, Nemaha and Brown Counties School. They walked up and down the steep hills of 6th Street. They walked in the sunshine, in the rain, in the chill of the fall, and in the frigid temperatures and the deep snow of winter. Linda, the youngest Rokey child, joined her siblings on the school walk when she was a first grader in 1950. The weather could not stop the Rokey kids from walking North in the mornings to attend school and it could not stop them from walking south in the late afternoons to return to their home. Only an illness could stop the Rokey kids from doing their five-day-a-week school routine!

The Rokey family moved back into town in 1952, where Mary attended 5th grade classes at the Sabetha Elementary School. She continued to excel academically and became a member of the percussion section for the 5th through 8th grade Cardinal Marching and Concert Bands. To earn a little spending money, Mary began babysitting with a neighbor girl in the summer for 1953 for 50 cents an hour. When the word got around that another sitter was available, Mary began receiving calls from mothers who needed a babysitter either at night or during the day. Her father rewarded her for making good grades by giving her $1.00 for each 'A' grade she had on her report card. With that money, and the babysitting money, she was able to buy herself a few clothes. However, the majority of her earnings went into a savings account. She thought she was the richest girl in town! In the 8th grade, she switched from the drums to the brass section and became a trombonist for the high school Bluejay marching, concert and dance bands. The summer before her freshman year in high school, she was hired as a waitress at Buzz Café on Main Street for 50 cents an hour. She worked there until January of 1958.

When Mary was a senior, she was elected by the entire student body to represent Sabetha High School in the Queen Contest at a neighboring towns' very large and very well known "Halloween Parade". She was contestant number 13 during the judging. After competing against contestants from 11 area high schools, and one contestant from Highland Junior College, Mary was crowned Queen of the 1959 Hiawatha Halloween Frolic! She reigned over a celebration that brought an estimated additional 14,000 people into Hiawatha, Kansas! Mary graduated from Sabetha High School in May with the Class of 1960, in the top ten percent of her class. She loved going to school and she loved learning. Mary was an honor student throughout her 12 years of education. She was consistently listed on the Junior High and High School Honor Rolls. She was inducted into The Alpha Club as a sophomore and was inducted into the National Honor Society when she was a junior. Mary began taking the required training she needed to become a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell before her graduation day. She was employed by Southwestern at their Sabetha office from May 16 until October 1st of 1960.

On October 15, 1960, in a 7:00 PM ceremony, Mary and her high school sweetheart and hero, James Allen Boltinghouse of Lenox, Iowa were united in marriage at the Sabetha First Methodist Church with immediate family and a few close friends in attendance. The young couple moved to Creston, Iowa where Jim was employed at the Safeway Grocery Store. Then in February of 1961, they moved to Sabetha after Jim was offered the position of Produce Manager at the Safeway Grocery Store, where he had worked when he was a high school student. Mary was employed at the local hospital as a nurse's aid for several months. Then, for better wages, she changed jobs and drove 18 miles to the neighboring town of Seneca where she was employed as a grain clerk at the ASCS office.

Mary and Jim's first son, James Andrew Boltinghouse, was born Saturday, July 21, 1962, at St. Anthony's Murdoch Memorial Hospital in Sabetha. Jim's family roots were in the soil of southwest Iowa and he wanted to farm, so in February of 1964, the young couple and their 19 month old son, Jimmy, moved from Sabetha to a farm that was located 9.5 miles southwest of Lenox on the old D-Road, now known as J-20. The farm they moved to was called "the old Boltinghouse place" because it had been homesteaded in 1879 by Jim's great-grandparents, Lewis Caswell Boltinghouse and Sara Samantha (Freeman) Boltinghouse. Mary joined the Sunshine Sisters, an afternoon neighborhood club when she first moved to the farm and remained a member for many years because as she said, "I love my Sunshine Sisters."

A second son, David Lee Boltinghouse was born Thursday, July 16, 1964, at the old downtown hospital in Creston. The "old Boltinghouse place" was sold in 1966, and the Jim Boltinghouse family moved to another rented farm 5 miles south of Sharpsburg, Iowa. They bought their own farm located 5 miles northeast of Lenox in 1967. A daughter, Sue Ann Boltinghouse was born Saturday, June 1, 1968, at the new Greater Community Hospital in Creston.

Mary loved life on the farm. She worked in the fields, side-by-side with her husband, pulling the disc or the field cultivator behind the 4020 John Deere tractor. When Jim was in the fields planting crops, she did part of the evening chores by dumping a half dozen or more five gallon buckets of ear corn into long metal feeding troughs for the sows and boars. She and the children helped move the herd of stock cows and their calves from one pasture to another many times.

Her children meant more to her than life itself. They worked, played, laughed and learned together. She considered herself very lucky to be a 'stay-at-home-mom' who could watch her young children get on the school bus every morning around 7:15 AM and loved being at home to greet them when they got off the bus at 4:00 PM! She showed her family how important it was to her that they live in a clean home with plenty of good old home cooking on the kitchen table. She made sure there were always home baked cookies in the cookie jar. She also planted a large garden every spring and preserved the produce for her family. After Jim became an auctioneer in 1972, she and the children helped him with the consignment auctions that he held at various locations in Lenox.

Mary's health began to fail in 1976. The problems that had plagued her at different intervals since January of 1960, hit her hard once again. After going through a series of medical tests at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, she was diagnosed in August of 1976, with Multiple Sclerosis and an incurable eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. Despite her health problems, Mary continued to attend the school activities her children participated in, whether it was athletic contests, dance recitals, vocal music programs, band concerts or school plays. To prove to herself that MS and RP did not have complete control over her life, Mary went to work at the Lenox Time Table in May of 1980. Her duties at the weekly newspaper included writing feature articles about local residents, reporting school sports, reporting local news, writing obituaries, answering the telephone, waiting on customers at the front counter, helping with the bookkeeping, and proofreading the entire newspaper before it was taken to the printer for publication. She also served as the interim editor for a number of months. Mary retired from the job she absolutely loved in April of 1985, exhausted but satisfied that MS and RP did not have complete control over her life. She began using a cane in 1982, to give herself more stability when she was walking.

Mary was a member of the Lenox United Methodist Church, where she took her children to Sunday school, Worship Services and Bible School. She taught Sunday school and Bible School classes for several years. She was also the editor of the church newsletter, "The Echo", for 5 years in the 1990's.

For relaxation, Mary always spent as much time as possible at her sewing machine making sun suits and shirts for her two young sons. In 1968, she began making garments for her little daughter and continued doing that as she grew. Once in a while, she even made garments for herself. She also made jackets for her growing sons and leather vests for her husband. She took great pride in her sewing projects. Mary then learned how to crochet and made many afghans for family and friends.

In 1998, she began falling and couldn't get up by herself. She was forced into using a wheelchair full time to protect herself from broken bones if she fell and to save her energy. In 1993, her husband bought her a used computer. She taught herself how to use it, partly by reading the manual, partly by asking questions of her oldest son and daughter and a friend who knew about computers. But mostly, she learned by using common sense and by not being afraid to click on a command for fear it might be the wrong command! She created her own greeting card templates, bought a paper cutter and started making greeting cards that she sold at a friend's beauty salon. She also made Christmas cards and typed Christmas letters for customers. She named her card business, 'Left Handed Creations.'

Mary always looked on the bright side of life. She met the challenges of poor health with a smile on her face and a strong determination to make the best of her situation. When asked by her family and friends how she could be so cheerful, she would reply, "I have always been a happy person and I plan to remain a happy person until the day I die." She achieved her final goal because of the strength given to her by God Almighty and because of the constant support and encouragement given to her by her loving family.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend are her devoted husband, James Allen "Jim" Boltinghouse of Lenox; two sons, James Andrew Boltinghouse and wife Sheila of Olive Branch, Mississippi; and David Lee Boltinghouse of Fremont, Nebraska; a daughter, Sue Ann Henning and husband Wes of Beatrice, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Britney S. Boltinghouse and Brinne L. Boltinghouse, both of Lincoln, Nebraska; James Andrew Boltinghouse II and Jennifer LO. Boltinghouse, both of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Caylen M. Reganne E. and Treyten J. Henning, all of Beatrice, Nebraska; two brothers, Richard Rokey and wife Patricia of Topeka, Kansas; and Larry V. Rokey and wife E. Marie of Sabetha, Kansas; one sister, Andrea K. Clark and husband Ralph E. of Topeka, Kansas; her mother-in-law, Ruth J. Hogue Boltinghouse of the Clearview Home in Clearfield, Iowa; two brothers-in-law, Larry L. Boltinghouse and wife Sandra K. of Tucson, Arizona; and Reldon D. Boltinghouse of Lenox; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends.

Preceding Mary in death are is her father, Andrew P. Rokey on October 18, 1980; little sister Linda L. Rokey Scurlock on July 17, 1981; father-in-law, Travis C. Boltinghouse on August 1, 1994; her mother, Mary Kathryn Noble Rokey on December 8, 2002; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors, Harley and Catherine Morley, who became second parents and second grandparents to the Jim Boltinghouse family

Brown, Charlie Edwin - Celebration of Life Services for Charlie Brown, age 88, of Lenox, who died Monday, February 11, 2013 in Bethany, Missouri will be held Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Lenox Christian Church. Open visitation with no family present will be Tuesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home from 4-6 PM. The family will greet friends Wednesday morning at the church from 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will be held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Charles Edwin Brown was born July 17, 1924, in Lenox, Iowa. He was one of six children born to Byron Brown and Eva (Shelman) Brown. Charlie grew up in the Lenox area attending school. He met his future wife, Lela Pearl Brown, when he went to her father's farm to help butcher a hog. Two and a half years later, on July 27, 1946, the couple was united in marriage in Atlantic, Iowa. To this loving union, three children were born, Donald, Michael and Amber.

Charlie worked at the Lenox Locker in the 1940's and then as an Automotive and Transmission Specialist for the Ford Garage in Lenox until 1978, when he opened his own repair shop "Brown's Fix-It Shop" at their home on Walnut Street in Lenox. Charlie repaired all kinds of machinery including mowers and vehicles. Charlie and Pearl lived at the same residence in Lenox for 65 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Donald Brown and wife Darla of Ridgeway, Missouri; Michael Brown and wife Shirley of Morrison, Colorado; one daughter, Amber Abernathy and husband Randy of New Hampton, Missouri; a sister, Annabell Jones of Mount Ayr, Iowa; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Charles in death are his parents, Byron and Eva Brown; his loving wife Pearl on July 21, 2011; one brother, Virgil Brown; three sisters, Veda Miller, Marcella Briner and Laraine who died giving birth to her child; and one granddaughter, Krystal Brown

Brown, Lavon McMath - Lavon Brown, daughter of Leland & Edna (Hartman) McMath, was born July 11, 1922 at Clearfield, Iowa. Lavon lived her entire life at Clearfield and graduated from Clearfield High School. Following graduation, Lavon taught country school in Ringgold and Taylor County.
In 1945, Lavon married Paul C. Brown and lived on a farm until 1989 when they moved into Clearfield. Two children were born; Terry Lee and Anna Eileen. Lavon belonged to the United Presbyterian Church and while there, she was ordained an elder, which was a great high light for her. When the United Presbyterian Church closed, she and her family joined the United Methodist Church. She belonged to the U.M.W. and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was active in both organizations until her health failed. Lavon was a loving and caring mother and she enjoyed cooking for family or anyone else who might come along.
Lavon became a resident of Clearview Home in Clearfield and it was there that she passed away on January 13, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul on December 21, 2002; brother Dwight McMath and his wife Helen; brothers-in-law Dale Schlapia and Dale Brown and his wife Thelma Brown.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children Terry (Nancy) Brown of Jefferson, IA and Anna Eileen (Brad) Varner of Oak Grove, MO; 7 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren Brandon (Angela) Brown and their children Jacob & McKenna, Dominic (Amanda) Brown and their children Alivia, Ella, and Wilson, Tristan (Jenni) Brown and their children Mara & Becca, Rhett Brown, Tiffany (Todd) Blansit and their children Jackson, Abigail, Brooklyn, and Caiti, Leah (Nate) Parks and their children Elayna, Brady, and Paul, Gabriel (Katie) Hancock and their child Tahlula; step-granddaughter Bobbi Jo; brother Bob (Shirley) McMath of Lenox, IA; sister Maralyn Schlapia of Mt. Ayr, IA; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Mt Ayr, Ia

Celebration of Life Services for Wayne E. Christensen, age 84, of Lenox, who died Sunday, January 13, 2013, at his home will be held Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Open visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until 7:00 PM. The family will greet friends from 5-7 PM at the Lenox American Legion. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the North Cemetery in Lenox. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the Wayne Christensen Memorial Fund.

Wayne Eldon Christensen was born April 8, 1928, in Greenfield, Iowa the son of Emma and Clarence Christensen. He graduated from the Greenfield High School with the Class of 1946. Following graduation, Wayne, along with some buddies, enlisted in the United States Marines. In 1947 he was honorably discharged. Wayne then attended Buena Vista College where he played football. He then transferred to Drake University where he continued to play football. While attending Drake University, he met the love of his life on a blind date, Rose Marie Weppler. The couple was united in marriage on June 26, 1949, at the Fletcher Chapel Church in Cass County, Iowa.

In 1950, Wayne and Rose moved to a farm southeast of Lewis, Iowa. In 1957, they moved to Fontanelle on a farm north of town. In 1959, they moved to Greenfield where Wayne worked at a gas station. In December of 1962, they moved to Lenox where he was a feed salesman until he and Rose became the school custodians. They continued doing this until they purchased the sanitation business in May of 1974. In 1991, they sold the sanitation business to their son Tom. Wayne continued to drive the truck until 2004.

One of Wayne's passions in life was sports, especially football, wrestling and softball. Wayne was involved in starting the Lenox High School Softball Program. He also helped to develop the Lenox Little League Baseball Program. During this time, Wayne also played softball on the 'Town Team League', where he played the position of pitcher until he was over 50 years old! Wayne and Rose were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the John J. Harris Tournament in 1993.

Some of Wayne's hobbies were hunting, golfing and woodworking. All of his grandchildren are fortunate enough to have something he made for them. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lenox and volunteered with the Lenox Stock and Saddle Club. Wayne spent many hours watching the Dallas Cowboys and LA Dodgers play . . . and ALWAYS watched the Iowa Hawkeyes!

Wayne's greatest love was his family. Together he and Rose were blessed with 12 children, Gary Wayne, Lary Eugene, James Lester, Thomas Lee, Gail Edward, Teresa Marie, Lynn Alan, Daniel Ray, Lori Sue, DeeAnn, Christopher Todd and Craig Jon. Wayne loved life. He was a man of honesty, integrity and you always knew where you stood with him! Each of these traits are evident in his children.

Left to cherish the memory of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather is his loving wife of 63 years, Rose Marie Christensen of Lenox; his 12 children and their spouses, Gary and Suzanne Christensen; Lary and Vickie Christensen; James and Kathy Christensen; Thomas and Janis Christensen; Gail and Lana Christensen; Teresa and Gary Stoaks; Lynn and Janet Christensen; Daniel and Lori Christensen; Lori and Ron Weller; DeeAnn Brokaw; Chris and Linda Christensen; Craig and Veronica Christensen; 43 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Don and Alice Baker; Marlowe and Connie Weppler and Beverly Weppler; along with numerous nieces, nephews relatives and many, many friends.

Preceding Wayne in death are his parents Clarence and Emma Christensen and parents-in-law, William and Bernice Weppler; a brother, Lester Christensen; brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Georgetta Christensen; 2 sisters and their husbands, Ruby and Elmer Lager; Bernice and Jack Jones and brother-in-law, Harold Weppler; one grandson, Jordan Brokaw; two great-grandsons, Micah Malausky and Zayden Christensen; and a great-granddaughter, Jentri Christensen

Coleman, Helen Jean McMillin - Helen Jean (McMillin) Coleman, age 84, of Gravity, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 4, 2013, at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center, in Bedford, Iowa. At her request, no services will be held. Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa, is in charge of the internment. Memorials can be directed to the Gravity Fire Department. Memories may be shared at: www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.
Helen was born on September 27, 1928, in rural Bedford to Gene Edward and Alma Beatrice (Lee) McMillin. The oldest of 10 children, Helen would tell you she spent most of her time growing up "taking care of kids" and dreaming of becoming an aviator! After graduating from Bedford High School in 1946, she moved to Maryville, MO, where she waitressed while dating Bill Coleman.
After a short courtship filled with trips to the Candy Kitchen, Hopkins and Maryville, Helen married Bill on December 31, 1948, in Grant City, MO, and they began farming on "the ranch" in rural Hopkins. In 1955, their one son, Kevin, was born, and in the spring of 1958 they moved north of Gravity to start the family farm. Helen enjoyed raising chickens and bottle calves. After moving into Gravity in 1970, she would still make frequent trips to the farm on her motorcycle or moped to do chores or visit Kevin's family.
Affectionately referred to as "The Boss" by her family, Helen enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, traveling, going to the Starlight with Bill, and spending time with family.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Norman, Marvin, and Ronald; sisters Flo Marie and Mary; and brothers-in-law John Million and Roy McGraw.
She is survived by her son, Kevin and daughter-in-law Cindy, Gravity, IA; her grandchildren Deeanna Coleman, Earlham, IA, Denise Coleman (Levi Hensley), Bedford, IA, Kristin (Brian) Sheffield, Earlham, IA and Kile Coleman, Gravity, IA; her great-grandchildren Andrew, Jerod, and Tara Leporte, Brett and Ben Hill and Kody Coleman, Landon and Cale Sheffield, and Kase Coleman; brother Paul (Jo) McMillin, Council Bluffs, IA; sisters Wilma McGraw, Essex, IA, and Linda (Tom) Anderson, Essex, IA; sisters-in-law Anna May McMillin, and Kathy Supinger, Betty (Ron) Hardee of Belton, MO; Bedford, IA; Doris Coleman, Maryville, MO, and Mary Brand, Ravenwood, MO; brothers-in-law Russ (Vivian) Coleman, Grant City, MO; and Raymond Morrison of Maryville, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was a strong woman who would do anything for her family.
Her memory will be cherished by all

Fay, Mearl Elvin - Memorial services for Mearl Fay, age 93, of Corning, who died Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis, Iowa. Inurnment will be held at the Atlantic Cemetery in Atlantic, Iowa at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be directed to the family or Alzheimer's Association. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Mearl Elvin Fay was born February 3, 1919 in Lewis, Iowa the son of James Edward Fay and Minnie Bell (Bartles) Fay. He grew up in Lewis where he graduated from the Lewis High School and entered the United States Army in 1941. Mearl served in the Aleutian Islands and worked on the Alcan Highway. On November 21, 1941, he was united in marriage to Isabelle Dorine Rhoads. The couple was blessed with five sons, Jim, Tim, Max, Paul and Mick.

Mearl worked many years at the Creston Livestock Auction Company and was highly regarded as a livestock buyer. He had a deep love for horses and his sons grew up raising, breaking and riding them. They were also involved in rodeos from Little Britches on up. Mearl's love of horses was passed on to his sons and his grandchildren. He and Isabelle also enjoyed square dancing for many years. They dearly loved the Blue Skirt Waltz.

Left to cherish Mearl's memory are three sons, Tim Fay of Corning; Paul Fay and wife Betty of Lenox; and Mick Fay and wife Kathy of Lewis, Iowa; a daughter-in-law, Karen Fay of Purdum, Nebraska; ten grandchildren, Jeanne Fay; Jason Fay; Kimberly Lopez and husband Manny; Mindy Clapper and husband Shane; Max J. Fay and wife Cristin; Kati Bayles and husband Lonnie; Aubrey Weldon and husband Brett; Roger Butler and wife Dominique; Kerri Waller and husband Jayson; and Kasey Fay; twelve great-grandchildren, along with many other extended relatives and friends.

Preceding Mearl in death are his parents, James and Minnie Fay; his wife, Isabelle Fay in 2011; two sons, Jim Fay in 1969 and Max Fay in 2004; three brothers, Eldon Fay, James Fay and Lester Fay; and two sisters, Zeta Eblen and Marcella at infancy

Grimes, Zelma "Roberta" Newberry - Funeral services for Roberta Grimes age 89 of Bedford who passed away January 8, 2013 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Saturday morning and continue until service time. Interment will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed to the Fairview Cemetery Association or Hospice of Central Iowa. Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Zelma Roberta Newberry was born to Bessie and Palmer Newberry on May 31, 1923. She grew up as the second youngest of nine children; having three sisters and five brothers. Life in those days was very disciplined; the boys helping with the outside work and the girls doing the chores and cooking inside.

Roberta attended school in Ravenwood, graduating with the class of 1942. After graduation she moved to Saint Joseph, Missouri, where she found employment and a husband! She was married to Bob Benson in 1946, and they moved to Chicago. She was very proud of the fact that she (a small-town girl from Missouri) was able to negotiate the big city where she rode the el to work at the Spiegel retail stores.

In August of 1953 Roberta and Bob Benson welcomed a son Michael into their family. Bob was called to the army soon after and Roberta moved to Bedford where she shared a home in the country with her sister Doris and family. In 1954 Bob Benson died while he was still in the service and Roberta became a young widow.

Life on a farm was great for Mike because he had two older cousins, Joe and Steve, to play with (and pester), and there were so many things to investigate. But life in southwest Iowa wasn't as exciting for Roberta until she became acquainted with Bob Grimes! They met at a dance at the Hopkins Legion Hall in the fall of 1955 and were married the following July. It was a family joke that Bob had seen Mike and couldn't resisit him; that Robert had just come along as part of a package deal. The new family moved into a home on Jackson Street, just to the west of where Mike and his family live today.

Robert and Bob became a team in marriage (celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2006) and in business. In 1957 the Davis Paint Store opened and it was very successful due to Bob's skills as a salesman and Roberta's selling paint, wall-paper, and manning the cash register. They worked together for 39 years, retiring in 1995.

One of the highlight's of Roberta's life was becoming a grandmother, and what a grandma she was! All one little girl had to do was to bat her eyes and Grandma would come running. Babysit - what a pleasure! Tickle a child until she fell asleep - even better! But the very best had to be bragging about what this little girl was up to. She'd been known to somehow interject Elizabeth or her accomplishments into conversations with perfect strangers. Grandma and Liz spent many hours together talking, looking at old pictures, and just enjoying each other's company. Roberta was a great wife, mom and mother-in-law, but she was an A-Number 1 grandma and she practiced her trade until her very last days.

Roberta was a go-getter! She loved being busy and working; she cooked, cleaned, and enjoyed life thoroughly until late May 2011. At that time Roberta's health declined and she was in almost constant pain. She never really recovered, and in Octboer 2012 she moved to Bedford Nursing and Rehab.

Roberta is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Bob; her son Mike and his wife Susan, all of Bedford; her granddaughter Elizabeth of Omaha, Ne, and her sister Doris Allen of Hopkins, Mo. was well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Pauline King and Una Williams, and her brothers Roscoe, Woodrow, Carl, James and Kenneth Newberry and a grandson, Andrew Benson at infancy.

Roberta was a fairly quiet person until you got to know her. She will be remembered for her love and devotion to family, her pride in the order and cleanliness of her home, her sense of humor and her homemade noodles. She will be missed!

Harris, Alan Dean - Alan Dean Harris, formerly of Bedford and Davenport, IA and Chanhassen, MN, currently of Holly Springs, NC, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and practical joker who put family first then golf and then work, left us too soon at the age of 55 on February 12, 2013. He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Jackie; sons, Ben and JJ; daughter, Kristen and fiancé, Shane Ryan; brother, Dennis and wife, Cindy; and sister, Valery; sister-in-law, Sandy; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and sharp wit. We will celebrate the man he was and the people he taught us to be. See you on the back 9!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Drs. Will and Katie Harris; and brother, Dr. Dan Harris.
A funeral service were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511.
The family receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the funeral home.
Dean loved plants and fresh herbs. If you would like to send flowers, please consider sending the family a plant or fresh herb that they can memorialize Dean with at home.
Condolences may be sent through www.brownwynnecary.com

Huffman, Erwood "Cotty" - Erwood "Cotty" Huffman, son of Zed and Mary D (England) Huffman, was born March 18, 1925 at Clearfield, Iowa. Cotty served in the U.S. Navy during World War II; helping with the rebuilding of Pearl Harbor and Japan. Cotty was honorably discharged on February 17, 1946 and on March 21, 1946 he married his sweetheart, Norma Jean Levi. Cotty was a draftsman and carpenter. Cotty and Jean loved to dance and people enjoyed watching them.
Cotty was a member of the American Legion, Woodside Post #97 in Clearfield.
Cotty became a resident of Clearview Home in Clearfield and he passed away there on January 22, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Jean on August 17, 2006 and a brother Donnie.
Survivors include his daughters Betty (Wayne) Brammer of Clearfield, IA and Vickie (Kevin) Kelm of Rockfield, KY; grandchildren Kimberly Brown, Rocky Huffman, Jason (Angie) Cole and Heather (John) Etheridge, Crystal (Scott) Repp of Altoona, IA; great-grandchildren; great- great granddaughter; brother T.M. "Mac" Huffman; other relatives and friends.
A memorial fund has been established to the Clearfield Cemetery.

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Mt Ayr, Ia

King, Raymond Eugene - Raymond Eugene King of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on February 8th, 2013. Memorial services with military honors for Raymond were held on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Best Funeral Services, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.bestfuneralservices.com.
Raymond Eugene King of Phoenix Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home in Phoenix ,AZ February 8th 2013. He was born October 22nd,1939 in Iowa City, Iowa to Frank Frederick and Opal Darlene (Hoops) King. He grew up in Colorado, later moving to Bedford, Iowa where he graduated with the class of 1958 at Bedford Community High School. He served with the 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After being discharged, he worked at jobs in Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, and lastly, Arizona. Ray (Gene as called by many family members) is survived by his wife of 22 years, Donna, daughter from former marriage, Kimberly Allen, granddaughter Breanna, and great granddaughter, Lillianne, his mother Opal King, brothers David and Frank, and sister, Julia. He was preceded in death by his father Frank, 2 nephews, one niece, and sister in-law, Donna. Ray had a love for the outdoors-especially fishing. He, along with family and friends, tried his luck in many waters, in several states, usually with good results. He had a special bond with his faithful dog, Poncho and they were rarely seen apart. A litter of rescued kittens provided companionship and enjoyment in his declining years. He will be sadly missed by all- his smile, his sense of humor, his love for family and friends. He is “GONE FISHING” with Dad and Poncho

Marley, Wayne - Celebration of Life Services for Wayne Marley, age 102, of Bedford, who died Tuesday, February 26, 2013 in Bedford, Iowa will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held the day of the service, Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 9 AM until service time. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Wayne Marley was born September 27, 1910 at the Joe Keith farm southwest of Bedford, Iowa. He was the youngest son of Robert C. Marley and Edna (Jared) Marley.
Wayne lived his entire life within five miles of Bedford. He attended school at Frog Valley Country School, south of Bedford; he went through the eighth grade. He did not attend high school because he wanted to start farming. Wayne loved farming and was very disappointed when he had to quit because of health reasons.
On February 27,1932, he was united in marriage to Evelyn King. They were blessed with three children, Janet, James and Nancy. The family lived on the farm southwest of Bedford where they all worked in a large garden, milked cows, raised hogs, and chickens and row cropped. Wayne spent a lot of time helping Evelyn plant and take care of her many flowers.
Wayne loved to travel and take pictures. He traveled to the East Coast, West Coast, Texas, and many times to South Missouri and the Ozarks. He saw a lot of changes in travel in his life, from a two day trip to Clarinda in a horse and wagon as a kid, to a plane ride to Texas in a matter of minutes later in his life.
. Left to cherish Wayne's memory are his son James Marley and wife Joyce of Bedford, Iowa; daughter, Nancy Mouat and husband Malcolm of Gavois Mills, Missouri; son-in-law Duane Book of Savannah, Missouri; six grandchildren: Jo Ellen Sommer (John), Doyle Book (Micki), Dan Marley (Janet), Phil Marley (Theresa), Wendy Needy (Doug), Heidi Mendez (Rickey); two step grandchildren; Matthew Hook (Amanda), Chad Davis (Melissa) 23 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.
Preceding Wayne in death were his parents, his wife Evelyn of nearly 60 years, his daughter, Janet Book, his brother Carl, numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles.
Wayne will certainly be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a devoted family man and a Christian example to all.

Mattly, Florence A. - Funeral Services for Florence A. Mattly, 93, of Bedford, Iowa entered into eternal rest on January 3, 2013 at the Griswold Care Center in Griswold, Iowa will be held Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Roland–Ritchie Funeral Home in Corning, Iowa. Interment will take place in the Oakland Cemetery at Quincy. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until service time. Memorials may be directed to the family. Memories can be shared with the

Funeral services for Mack McCall, age 92, of Lenox, who died Wednesday, January 23, 2013, will be held Saturday, January 26, 2013, at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. Visitation will be held Friday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3-7 with the family greeting friends from 5-7. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to the family. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Mack Eli McCall was born the youngest of three children, on May 26, 1920, in Guthrie Center, Iowa the son of Hugh and Eugenia (Sheeder) McCall. Mack's mother died when he was only 18 months old and his father moved his family to a farm east of Diagonal, Iowa where his grandmother, Flora McCall, helped raise him. Mack grew up attending country school, graduating from the Diagonal High School with the Class of 1938. On October 20, 1940 he was united in marriage to Nina Benson in Grant City, Missouri. Two children were born to bless their lives, Donna and Leonard.

In 1942, Mack enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1945. After his discharge, the family moved to a farm north of Sharpsburg where they lived a few years. Then they moved to a farm south of Lenox, then to a farm south of Prescott. In 1964, they purchased their present farm and home where they continue to live. Mack joined the Lenox United Methodist Church in 1951 where he served as an usher for many years. He was also the Commander of the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 in Lenox for 8 years. Mack still loved farming and getting the ground ready for planting season every year. He enjoyed going to the Tiger Den for coffee every morning and going into Casey's 'to give the girls a hard time.' Mack never met a stranger. He loved people and he loved to talk!

Left to cherish the memory of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend is his loving wife of 72 years, Nina McCall of Lenox; two children, Donna Helms and Gordon Wildes of Mesa, Arizona; Leonard McCall and wife Mina of St. Joseph, Missouri; five grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; along with many other family relatives and a community of friends.

Preceding Mack in death are his parents Hugh and Eugenia McCall; a brother, Hugh McCall and a sister, Myrtle Hukill

Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph Miller, 92, of Lenox, entered into eternal rest January 3, 2013 in Corning. Services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox. Visitation will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on Friday, January 4, 2013 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Interment will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of SW Iowa. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Joseph Eugene "Gene" Miller was born on May 2, 1920 at the family farm northwest of Sharpsburg, Iowa to Joseph and Mary (Sapp) Miller. He attended Grove #9 Country School and graduated from Sharpsburg High School with the Class of 1937.

On June 4, 1944, Gene married Rose Novak. This union was blessed with seven children: Stephen (Sharon) Miller of Wesley Chapel, Florida; Catherine (Howard) Yarnell of Maryville, Tennessee; David (Rita) Miller of Lenox, Iowa; Frances Young of Lakeland, Tennessee; Margaret (Pat) Murphy of Des Moines, Iowa; Nancy (Rick) Long of Sycamore, Illinois; and Alan (Deb) Miller of Lenox, Iowa; Eighteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren survive.

Gene worked for the U.S. Postal Service delivering mail in Sharpsburg, Lenox, and Creston besides farming, raising dairy cows, mowing the cemetery, and plowing gardens to support his family. Music was very important to him and he had a natural talent, teaching, himself to play several instruments by ear. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister Helen in infancy; a brother Raymond Miller; Rose, his wife of fifty years; a granddaughter, Julie Young; and a granddaughter-in-law, Debbie Miller

Poppa, Jill Diane Harrington- Jill Diane Poppa was born February 5, 1947 at Davenport, Iowa to Kermit Edward and Eva Dorothy (Winans) Harrington. She passed away March 5, 2013 at Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 66.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Fred Poppa.
Jill is survived by her husband, Larry, of Bedford; children by marriage: Todd and Brenda Poppa, Gravity, IA, Tim and Michelle Poppa, Omaha, NE, Troy Poppa, St. Joseph, MO, and Tiffany Poppa, Sacramento, CA; grandchildren Nathan Poppa, Nick Poppa, Gracie Poppa, Payton Poppa, Ryan Poppa and Scotty Emerey; siblings Joy and Gunnard Nelson, Brookfield, FL, Jerry and Ramona Harrington, Maryville, MO, Janie and Larry Harbin, Maryville, MO, and Jeanne Nicholson and Don Hawhee, Bedford, IA; in-laws Harold and Donna Poppa, Austin, TX, Rita Poppa, Maryville, MO, Jerry and Mary Price, Maryville, MO, Jim and Anna Jones, Graham, MO, Jim and Marline Poppa, St. Joseph, MO, Terry and Sharin Poppa, Maryville, MO, and Richard and Mary Poppa, Orlando, FL; and many other friends and relatives.
Memorials services will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2013 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, with Rev. Ted DeHass officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. www.MemoriesOnline.co

Sawyer, William "Bill" - Memorial services commemorating the life of William "Bill" Sawyer, age 82, of Lenox will be held at 1:30 PM, Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox, with Reverend Tim Maxa officiating. Visitation will be held in the fellowship hall of the United Presbyterian Church following the service. Private family inurnment will be held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials may be directed to the Lenox United Presbyterian Church or Greater Regional Hospice. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox, IA.

Bill was born October 17, 1930 in Ames, Iowa, the third child of M.K. and Vivian (Scott) Sawyer. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1948 and married Ann Norton in Hopkins, MO May 27, 1951. He had been involved in the retail grocery business in Bedford, Story City, and Dows, Iowa before purchasing and operating the Lenox Super Valu Store in Lenox. After 11 years in Lenox Super Valu, he was employed as a meat inspector for the State of Iowa.
He was an avid golfer and has 11 (!) holes-in- one. He also enjoyed bowling, restoring Model A Fords, and motorcycling. Bill had a gift for singing and was a member of a quartet while living in Dows as well as a member of the Lenox and Yuma, AZ church choirs. Bill was a member of the Lenox Rotary Club, Masons, Shriners and the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. He was a wonderful, dedicated Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa who loved spending time with his family. Bill had a zest for life and was a jokester. Whenever there was a family get-together, all of the nieces and nephews would return to their respective homes with a fresh supply of "Uncle Bill stories". Bill was preceded in death by his parents M. K. and Vivian, a son Scott, a grandson Brad, brother Charles, and sisters Elise Tranbarger and Kay Dinsmoor.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Ann, son Steve and wife Connie, daughter Jill Sawyer, daughter-in-law Erena Sawyer-Wagner, grandchildren Tyson Sawyer and fiancee Kathryn Polking, Alison Munter and husband Josh, Tara Suter and husband Adam, Devon Sawyer, and Paxton Sawyer. Also, great-grandchildren Laney and Brodey Suter and Max and Cate Munter.
Siblings left remembering their brother are sister Sondra Parman and husband Lowell, brother John Sawyer and wife Georgalee, brother Bob and wife Katherine, brother Tom Sawyer and wife Claire

Schnepp, Zona Maxine Ridnour - Funeral Service for Zona Schnepp, 88, of Corning, IA, who passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Corning Nursing and Rehab, will be held Friday, March 15, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home in Corning, Iowa. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home with the family greeting friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Interment will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Dallas Center Cemetery in New Market, Iowa. Memorial may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Iowa.

Zona Maxine Schnepp passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the Nursing Home in Corning, Iowa. Zona was born August 19, 1924, in Gravity, Iowa. She was the eighth of nine children born to John and Eliza Blanche Ridnour. Zona graduated from Corning High School in 1942. She taught Kindergarten through the 8th grade at the Taylor County One Room School House from 1942 to 1957. She also worked in the kitchen at various restaurants in Corning, including Mitchell's Café and the Corning Nursing Home. Zona spent 23 years until her retirement at Rosary Hospital, where she served in housekeeping, pharmacy tech and purchasing agent.

She loved baking, crossword puzzles, quilting and sewing.

She is preceded in death by parents John and Eliza; brothers, Elmer, Eldon, Oren, Orval; sisters, Hazel and Meda.

She is survived by her brother Ralph (Joyce) Ridnour of Omaha, her sister Betty Johnson of Corning, twin daughters, Lola (Larry) Wentz of Sioux City and Linda Green of Blockton, three grandchildren, Keenan and Quintin Crow of Sioux City and Tiffany Green of Blockton

Sickels, Ardith Geraldine Matheny -Graveside services for Ardith Sickels, age 91, of Taylor County, who died Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield will be held Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 10:45 AM at the Mamrelund Lutheran Church Cemetery in Stanton. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford Saturday morning from 9 AM until 10 AM. Memorials may be directed to the family. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Ardith Geraldine (Matheny) Sickels was born December 31, 1921, in Platteville, Iowa. She was the second of five children born to Joseph Earl Matheny and Hazel Macie (Tamerius) Matheny. Ardith attended Taylor County Rural Schools and Bedford High School.

Ardith married Raymond Wisdom and lived near Blockton, Iowa. As a farm wife, she raised chickens and helped with chores. The couple later divorced. She ran a restaurant in Blockton. While living in Clarinda, Iowa, Ardith worked as a telephone operator at the State Hospital. At this time, she also provided a home for and cared for her mother Hazel. Ardith met and married Gerald Anderson on September 14, 1964. They lived in Gerald's family home in Stanton, Iowa. They enjoyed traveling most weekends to see their family and friends. Ardith loved being a wife and homemaker and she and Gerald remodeled and created a lovely home. After Gerald's death, Ardith moved to Clearfield, Iowa to be near her family. In the following years, she met and married Glade Sickels on August 31, 1991. Though they were married a short time before Glade's death, they enjoyed the years traveling and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed attending church with Glade and became a member of the Hamilton Memorial Missionary Church in Bedford, Iowa. The Clearview Home Nursing Staff has graciously given Ardith the care she has needed for the last several years.

Though Ardith did not have children of her own, she was a 'second mom' to her many nieces and nephews. "Auntie" or "Aunt" always liked having summer visitors. Nieces and nephews spent many weeks being pampered by Aunt Ardith. She loved feeding everyone all her great recipes and keeping everyone 'spic & span'! That sparkle in her eyes told everyone she loved to tease and have fun. Even in later years, she looked forward to going places with her sister, brothers, nieces and nephews.

Left to cherish Ardith's memory is a brother, Wilbur "Wiggs" Matheny of Hawthorne, Nevada; two sisters-in-law, Eileen Matheny of Clearfield and Marilyn Beck Matheny of Lenox; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Ardith in death are her parents, Joseph and Hazel Matheny; husbands Gerald Anderson and Glade Sickels; a sister, Mary Lou Walkup and her husband Robert Walkup; two brothers, Earl Matheny and Joe Matheny

Snyder, Raymond William "Ray" - Celebration of Life Services for Ray Snyder, age 78 of Bedford, who passed away Tuesday evening at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Friday, March 22, 2013, at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 – 7 PM with the family greeting friends from 5 – 7 PM. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be given in Ray's name or directed to the Bedford First Baptist Church or the Bedford High School Booster Club. Memories may be shared at: www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.

Raymond William "Ray" Snyder was born in Southgate, California the youngest child of William and Rosezella (Croy) Snyder. Ray moved to Bedford in 1948, graduating from Bedford HS in 1952, where he excelled at athletics, especially football. Ray spent two years in the Army where he served in Germany and France working on radio towers, earning the rank of Corporal. He then spent three years studying pre-engineering at NWMSU. He was united in marriage to Patricia (Anderson), of Hopkins, Missouri August 18, 1957 at the First Christian Church, Ray and Pat moved to California where Ray began a career with NASA, working primarily on mass spectrometers. After 12 good years and raising 4 children in Lancaster, California, Ray and Pat moved to Bedford so their children could benefit from the more stable Midwest family and school environment. Ray used his teenage experience helping his father in his carpentry business and working on a traveling roofing crew to start his own construction business. Ray's "jack of all trades" abilities and strength along with his selling ability helped him build a loyal roofing clientele in SWIA and NWMO, using primarily PACE roofing products. Ray also enjoyed commodities markets as a hobby for many years and worked as a licensed broker for a short time. Ray loved to learn new things, reading and working on his computer. He loved to talk to people and also to travel, especially when it involved heading "west" with Pat. Ray enjoyed coaching Little League baseball, swimming and diving, skiing and camping with his family. Ray was a member of the Bedford 1st Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and also volunteering on several construction projects. He also enjoyed frequenting the Junction Café for coffee and visiting. Ray loved his family and friends and lived life with zeal. He was a positive person even through his later life brought physical challenges. Ray will be missed dearly, but always remembered as a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Ray is survived by wife, Patricia, Bedford, Iowa; children Michael and wife Judy, Round Rock, Texas, Michelle and Mark Iglehart, Blue Springs, Missouri, Susan and Dean Rowe, Bedford, Iowa, Rene' and Roger O'Riley, Hopkins, Missouri, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; brother Dean and wife Bonnie Snyder, sisters, Lois Scheiffele and Naomi Stockton, brothers-in-law, Roger Anderson and Ron Anderson.

Preceding Ray in death, his parents, William and Rosezella, and brother Richard Snyder

Tribolet, Elizabeth Pistole - Elizabeth J. Tribolet, age 90, of Council Bluffs, passed away March 11, 2013, at Risen Son Christian Village in Council Bluffs.

Elizabeth was born June 30, 1922, in Hopkins, Missouri, to the late Ava and Lena (Blake) Pistole. She graduated Hopkins High School in 1940. Elizabeth married Harold G. “Pete” Tribolet on February 28, 1942. They were blessed with three children. The Tribolets made their home in Bedford, Iowa, before moving to Council Bluffs in 1965. Elizabeth worked as a secretary for City Glass for 20 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of First Christian Church, Co. Bluffs.

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Tribolet in 2005; brothers, Charlie Pistole in WWII and Dale Pistole.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Steve) Grandfield of Council Bluffs, Kay (Ted) Gundlach of Lakewood, Colorado; son, Ronald (Nancy) Tribolet of Humble, Texas; grandchildren, Matt (Korie) Tribolet, Doug (Kim) Tribolet, Chris Gundlach, Eric (Courtney) Gundlach, DeDee Oliver, Deanna Malek and Cole Grandfield; great grandchildren, Grant, Grace, Kaylee, Robyn, Ronnie, Kail, Kyleigh, Braden, Peyton, Gavin and Avery; sister, Darlene Andrews; brother, John (Edith) Pistole all of Hopkins, Missouri; nieces and nephews

Funeral service for Antoinette "Net" Van Gelder, age 88, of Lenox, who passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox, IA. Visitation will be held the day of the service, Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox, IA. Interment will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox, IA. Memorial may be directed to the family at this time.

Antoinette Vander Vegte was born on April 17, 1924 in Hull, Iowa; she was the daughter of Dick and Grace (Schottert) Vander Vegte. She was raised in Hull, IA until 1937 when her family moved to Orange City, IA. On Februrary 14, 1952, she married Dick Van Gelder, widower, in Orange City, IA. At that time she became the mother of Dicks's three children Darwin, Rodney, and Jean. Antoinette and Dick made their home in Wisconsin for many years where they were blessed with three more children, Terry, Paul, and Chuck. In 1975 they moved to the rural Lenox, IA area to farm.

Antoinette enjoyed her annual trips to Texas with Dick, family reunions, gardening, reading, and writing weekly letters to her sister Gertrude.

She is survived by her husband, Dick E. Van Gelder of Lenox; her children: Darwin Van Gelder and his wife Lanor of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Rodney Van Gelder and his wife Ginger of Holland, Michigan, Jean Tjarks and her husband Wayne of Holland, Michigan, Terry Van Gelder of Escondido, California, Paul Van Gelder and his wife Leesa of rural Lenox, Iowa, and Chuck Van Gelder and his wife Rachelle of Rural Lenox, Iowa; her fifteen grandchildren; her twelve great-grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Dick and Grace; her siblings: Herman, Ed, Henry, Gerrit, Dick, Johanna, Henrietta, Minnie, and Gertrude.

Wackernagle, Arloa Jean Wyman -Arloa Jean Wackernagle, daughter of Carl and Grace (Motsinger) Wyman, passed away on February 6, 2013 at the age of 88 years. She had been in failing health over the last year at the Clearview Nursing Home in Mt. Ayr, Iowa.
Arloa, was born August 16, 1924. Her parents, two brothers, and a sister moved from Grant City, Missouri to a farm west of Maloy, Iowa while she was very young. Her parents and brothers drove the school bus, pulled by horses, which left early to pick up other kids and got home late. They had no electricity so they studied by lamp light. As a child, she helped raise chickens, collect eggs, milk cows, rake hay with the horses, and lead the hay horses to put hay in the barn.
On February 15, 1944, she married Iver Wackernagle. To this union were born S.C. (Jack) Wackernagle of Bedford, Iowa and Vicki O'Conner of Altoona, Iowa.
She enjoyed her flowers, gardening, playing cards, bowling, and mowing her yard. She played cards and board games with her grandkids. She always had a good meal or snack ready for her visitors or family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law Tom O'Conner; brothers Billy and Junior Wyman; sister Virginia Brown; brother-in-law Kenneth Brown; sister-in-law Hope Wyman.
Survivors include her children Jack (Debbie) Wackernagle of Bedford, Iowa and Vicki O'Conner of Altoona, Iowa; grandchildren Gary (Olivia) Wackernagle, Amy (Tyler) Sheeley, John (Gracie) O'Conner, Melissa Grange; great grandchildren Caitlin and Iver Wackernagle, Cassidy (O'Conner) Hernandez, Shelbi O'Conner, Johnny O'Conner, Iver O'Conner, Tanna (Grange) Cortes, Taylor Grange, Travis Grange, Tomi O'Conner; great great grandchildren Jaden, Adrian, Lionna, and Tiago; sister-in-law Betty Wyman.
A memorial fund has been established for HCI Care Services in Mt. Ayr

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Mt Ayr, Ia

Funeral services for John "Jack" Westerkamp, age 65, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into peace Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at his residence in New Market, Iowa, will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 28, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Andrew Rubenking officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 2-4 p.m., Sunday, January 27 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa Burial will be in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials may be given in his name.

Jack Westerkamp, age 65, died peacefully and comfortably on the morning of January 23, 2013 surrounded by his family in New Market, Iowa. Jack was born the oldest of five children on November 6, 1947 to John and Mary Ellen Westerkamp

Jack grew up in Chicago, IL with his family. He met his wife, Laurel, and proposed to her in front of the fountain in a crowded mall. They settled in Davenport, IA and raised a family of four kids: Lindsay, Steven, Peter, and Rebekah.

Jack had always been a family man, and was a provider in every sense of the word. He was committed to doing whatever it took to take care of his family, working a variety of jobs­ (often at the same time) including among others youth counselor, shoe salesman, stock boy, car salesman, school bus driver, church janitor, and factory lineman. Some of the kids' memories of Jack include him going on little or no sleep after working third shift so that he could attend their athletic events or recitals before returning to work.

Jack truly was a hero to many, and passed on the characteristics of intense work ethic, passion, empathy, determination, and faithfulness to his children, and inspired the same in his friends and neighbors. He never complained, regardless of the hardships he was facing or the staggering tasks that lay ahead of him. Having lived a life putting God and family above all, Jack passed away embraced in the loving presence of his wife and kids.

Jack also had a great sense of humor, which he kept with him even in his last few days. He kidded the hospice nurses, joked with his children, and made a tremendous impact on those around him simply from one brief interaction.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Rebekah, and is survived by his siblings, Mary Ann (Karl), Thomas (Diane), Diane (Roger), and Julie (Randy). His legacy is carried on by his wife, Laurel, and children, Lindsay (Cody), grandson William, Steven (Krista), and Peter

Funeral services for Gwen Wetmore, age 94, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska, will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 4, 2013 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. Robert Keefer officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 1-2 p.m., Monday at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Fairview Cemetery, Bedford or to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Clarinda. Condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Gwendolyn V. Wetmore, 94, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died after a great day on Thursday, February 28, 2013. She was the daughter of Joseph Walter and Mabel (Cooper) Greenway. She was born January 15, 1919 in rural Taylor County, Iowa. Gwen grew up in the Bedford area and graduated from Bedford High School. She worked for over 25 years as the financial secretary for the First United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa and was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Vern L. Trumbo, husband of 7 years, Harland Prather and husband of 10 years, Frank "Bud" Wetmore, her parents and brother, Walter "Chub" Greenway.

Gwen enjoyed traveling, shopping, golf, embroidery, reading and old Western movies on television. She loved life, her family and was delighted when surrounded by her great grandchildren. She always addressed life in a positive, gracious manner with poise and dignity.

Gwen is survived by her daughter, Joyce (Judson) Douglas of Lincoln, Nebraska and her son David (Vicki) Trumbo of Lafayette, Colorado. Grandchildren Justin (April) Douglas of Lincoln, Nebraska, Megan (Greg) McDonald of Broomfield, Colorado and Andrew Trumbo of Richmond, Texas. Great Grandchildren include Alexandra and Jacquelyn Douglas, Tate, Hayden and Clare McDonald and Alexander, Presley and Barrett Trumbo. Step sons, Frank Wetmore of Bellevue, Idaho, Daniel (Cindy) Wetmore of Mission, Kansas and Victor (Sue) Wetmore of Tucson, Arizona with their children and grandchildren

Funeral services for Letha Wurster, age 102, of Lenox, who died Wednesday, January 16, 2013 (on her 102nd birthday!) at the Lenox Care Center will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 at 3:00 PM at the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Interment will be held at West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Letha's name.

Letha Melva (Basler) Wurster, the daughter of Fred and Amelia (Wurster) Basler was born on a farm in the Lenox, Iowa area on January 16, 1911. The family moved to Kansas when Letha was six months old and returned to the rural Lenox area three years later. There were four children in the family, Paul, Letha, Freda and Robert. Letha attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Lenox Community High School with the Class of 1929. She attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa for two years and then returned to the Lenox area to teach at a country school. While attending college, Letha and her cousin Martha Haering would hitchhike back and forth between Indianola and Lenox on the weekends.

Letha's sister Freda introduced her to Walter G. Wurster in 1933, and they were married on May 26, 1934. They lived on a farm 2 ½ miles southeast of Lenox. To this union three children were born, Walter Gerald, James Merwin and Gloria Jean. Letha was a very hard worker. She always had a big garden, did a lot of canning of fruits and vegetables and for many years raised chickens. Her husband passed away in 1970. Letha believed in keeping busy, so in 1971, she went to work at the White Way Café for her cousin Georgia Eberle. She continued to work there until the restaurant closed. After the restaurant closed, Letha helped care for elderly ladies in the community. Letha was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for her children and grandchildren as well as herself. She did crocheting and in her later years, took up quilting. She made beautiful quilts and made sure each grandchild received one. Her quilts were a beautiful example of her creativity and diligence in being as productive as possible each day of her life. Letha enjoyed working outside in her yard and garden. She believed in eating healthy and exercising. She was an avid walker. When she lived in the small house on J13, and the weather was too bad to walk outside, she would walk round and round the circle of hallways in the house! When living at Vintage Park, all residents and employees were amazed at her diligence with her walking routine!

Letha moved to Vintage Park in 2005, and really enjoyed being there. Her health began to fail and she had more trouble walking. After falling a couple of times, it became necessary for her to move to the Lenox Care Center in May of 2011.

Letha was a long-time member of the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Women's group until age and health issues limited her involvement. She was known to be a willing pie baker for any of their functions.

Left to cherish Letha's memory are her children, Walter G. (Gerry) Wurster and wife Joan of Lake Havasu, Arizona; James M. (Jim) Wurster and wife Judy; and Gloria J. (Jean) Lindell and husband Keith, all of Lenox, Iowa; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren, Donna (Wurster) Young, Michelle (Wurster) Sobotka, Nicole Wurster, Kimberle (Wurster) Jones, Kristi (Wurster) Smith, Julie (Wurster) Wheeler, Gregory Wurster, Jason Wurster, Troy Lindell and Brent Lindell; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Robert (Bob) Basler and wife Dorothy of Lenox.

Preceding Letha in death are her parents, Fred and Amelia Basler; her husband Walter Wurster in 1970; a brother, Paul Basler; a sister, Freda Davis; and an infant great-grandson, Maxim Wurster

Mable Lenore King, daughter of Frank & Mable (Severens) Zollman, was born May 7, 1919 at New Virginia, Iowa. Lenore's family lived in Blockton, Iowa during her early childhood and after spending a few years in Henry, Nebraska the family returned to Blockton where she graduated from Blockton High School in 1937.

Lenore was united in marriage to Everett D. King on August 25, 1938 in Maryville, Missouri and remained a devoted wife for nearly 75 years. They made their home in Blockton where they lovingly raised three daughters. Lenore worked in the lunchroom at the Blockton Elementary School and will be remembered as a wonderful cook both in the lunchroom and at home. Lenore was a member of the Blockton Christian Church.

Lenore was raised a farm girl and a love for the outdoors was consistent throughout her life. She was an accomplished gardener whose yard in Blockton was filled with flowers, trees and vegetables of all varieties. Vacations were routinely planned to enjoy the outdoors and centered around lakes, mountains, or oceans. Lenore & Everett loved to go on fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota. Lenore learned to water ski when she was in her 50s. The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri became a place of fun and family reunions for them where waterskiing was a regular activity. Over the years she and Everett enjoyed winter trips to Arizona, Texas, Florida and California that included hikes in the mountains or ample time for walks on the beach.

Lenore was an accomplished artist. Landscapes of Iowa and places visited on her travels were a favorite subject. Many of her paintings, some in the form of murals and signs, are still visible in the Blockton community.
Lenore & Everett moved to Dallas Center, Iowa to be near family in 2008 but remained devoted to the Blockton community. Lenore passed away peacefully at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center on January 5, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings; Mildred Howell, Clifford Zollman, Bert Zollman, Ora Bell, and Bill Zollman.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband Everett of Dallas Center, Iowa; daughters Linda (Harry) Heiden of Punta Gorda, Florida, Lynette (Stan) Amrine of Dallas Center, Iowa, and LaVonne Nelson of West Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren Sherry (John) Jacobs of Earlham, Iowa, Sandy (Mark) Perez of Ft. Meyers, Florida, Rachel Amrine of Des Moines, Iowa, Robin (Jake) Ludington of Santa Cruz, California, and Jennifer (Patrick Luber) Nelson of Grand Forks, North Dakota; great grandchildren Cody Hills, Dalton Hills, Wyatt Hawbaker, and Geneva Ludington; sister-in-law Mary Lou Zollman of Perry, Iowa; other relatives and friends.

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Mount Ayr, Iowa, 50854