Ballard, William E. - The Rev. William E. Ballard, 77, of Lacona, died November 12, 2015, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2015, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2015, at First United Methodist Church in Chariton, followed by a luncheon. Burial will be at Cochran Cemetery in Lacona.
Bill was born February 24, 1938, in Nevada, Iowa, the son of Claude and Hazel (Holland) Ballard. Bill’s Story County roots run deep. He was a great-great-grandson of Mormon Ballard, who with his brother was dispatched by the Dragoons from Fort Des Moines to settle Story County in 1844. Schools, businesses, a creek, and other natural features in the Huxley area still bear the family name.
Bill graduated from Collins High School in 1956 and enrolled at Simpson College, where he played basketball and baseball and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He met Sue Ellen Goode at Simpson, and they were married in 1960. Bill began serving as a student pastor in the Methodist Church while a student at Simpson. He graduated from Simpson in 1960, then attended Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, where he earned master’s degrees in divinity and religious education in 1964.
Bill was ordained a deacon in the Iowa Methodist Church in 1963 and a full elder in 1965. Over the course of his 49-year career in ministry, Bill served Methodist and United Methodist churches in Armel, Colorado, and many communities in Iowa including Lacona, Liberty Center, New Virginia Larger Parish, Council Bluffs (Broadway), Hamburg, Rock Valley, Doon, Dysart, Centerville and surrounding Appanoose County communities (Cincinnati, Exline, Jerome, Mystic, Numa, and Unionville), Nevada, Oskaloosa, Eagle Grove, and Bedford.
After retiring from ordained ministry in 2006, Bill became a hospice minister with Hospice of Central Iowa (later HCI Care Services), retiring for a second time in 2013. Bill and Sue Ellen retired to Lacona. Bill was elected Mayor of Lacona in 2009 and served in that office through his death.
Bill also served as Chaplain of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for more than 27 years, starting in 1988 and continuing through the date of his death. Bill taught courses in Moral Aspects of Use of Force and Death Notification, and he served as chaplain at every ILEA commencement from the 108th through the 163rd Basic Police Academy Classes.
Bill was active in numerous civic, community, and professional organizations throughout his professional life including Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International, Kiwanis, and LakeView Country Club in Chariton. He was Iowa’s representative to the Town and Country Ministry of the United Methodist Church’s North Central Jurisdiction for many years, and was a Master Mason and member of the Order of Eastern Star for nearly 50 years. In 2010, he served as Honorary Grand Marshal for Simpson College’s commencement.
Bill raised Simmental cattle with Sue Ellen’s family and was a member of the Iowa Cattleman’s Association and the Iowa Simmental Association (Christensen Elite Award recipient, 2015). He served as a judge for many 4-H county fairs over the years. A self-taught auctioneer, Bill helped carry on Goode Auction Service, founded by Sue Ellen’s grandfather in Lacona more than 100 years ago, and called numerous estate, equipment, and charity auctions over the years.
Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, gathering without fail for holidays and reunions, attending activities of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and vacationing at lakes in Minnesota and elsewhere.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sue Ellen of Lacona; three sons, Bill (Kim Walker) of Oskaloosa; Steve (Jennifer) of Iowa City; and John “Eddie” (Jodi) of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Marty and Lindsey of Oskaloosa; Jack, Ellie, and Maggie of Iowa City, and Georgia of Des Moines; and four great-grandchildren, Maggie Hindley of Centerville, and Hunter, Bently, and Easton Holdsworth of Oskaloosa; a sister, Jane Kliebenstein of Shell Rock; sisters-in-law, Kristine Ballard of Mitchellville, Janice Goode of Lacona, and Linda Goode of Des Moines; a brother-in-law, Lisle Goode of Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George Ballard; a sister-in-law, Diane Oak Goode; and brothers-in-law, Glen Kliebenstein and Robert Goode.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Lacona Fire and Rescue, the United Methodist Church of the donor’s choice, or Simpson College.

Bebout, Victor Lee - VICTOR LEE BEBOUT, age 60 of Maryville, MO formerly of Thurman, IA died Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Mosaic Life Care Center in St. Joseph, MO following an extended illness. Vic was born June 29, 1955 in Nebraska City, NE to Stephen Eugene Bebout and Betty Jean (Noland) Bebout. Vic worked for many years as a Professional Rodeo Clown and Bullfighter. He began his career in his early teens with Billy Merritt Rodeo Company, followed by Grand River Rodeo Company and Sears Rodeo Company. He was a member of the Iowa High School Rodeo Association, Iowa Rodeo Cowboys' Association, Iowa Rodeo Association and the United Rodeo Cowboys' Association. Vic was named Bullfighter/Rodeo clown of the year in the IRCA and URA. We build our worlds to please ourselves from our yesterday--You'll find my world gone, when this cowboy rode away. Vic was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Danny Bebout. He is survived by his daughter, Casey Riedel and husband Michael of Bedford, IA; their Children, Riley, Talon, Alexis and Hayden; son, Dusty Bebout and wife Keari of Gravity, IA; their children Aubrie, Callie, Emmie ; 2 brothers and; numerous nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. Disposition of ashes will be at a later time. There will be no viewing or visitations. Memorials will go to the family in care of the funeral home. The Crawford-Marshall Funeral Chapel in Sidney, IA is in charge of arrangements

Bunn, Melva Margaret Davis - Celebration of Life Graveside Funeral Services for Melva (Davis) Bunn, age 98, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Gravity, Iowa who passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 3:00 PM at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Visitation with the family greeting friends will be Saturday afternoon at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM when everyone will proceed to the cemetery together. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Melva Margaret (Davis) Bunn was born July 12, 1917, at the 19th century family farm house in Gravity, Iowa the daughter of Francis Elmer Davis and Edith Etta (Johnson) Davis. She had two sisters, Mildred and Dorothy. She grew up attending school in Gravity, graduating from the Gravity High School. Melva worked in Omaha, eventually moving to Boston, Massachusetts where she worked as a secretary. While in Boston, Melva met Eugene Richard Bunn, a Navy Man, and in early 1945, the couple were united in marriage. This union was blessed with the birth of two boys, Richard and Randolph, who she deeply loved until the day of her death.

While Gene was active in the United States Navy they couple lived in Florida, New Jersey, and Virginia, eventually settling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where Gene worked as an inspector of Naval material. Gene was transferred to a naval ship, so Melva and the boys returned to the Gravity, Iowa area to be near family. Gene retired from active duty and the couple moved to Gravity where they purchased farm land in both Iowa and Missouri. In 1964, the couple moved to Rockport, Missouri where Melva worked as an Administrative Assistant for Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownsville, Nebraska, a position she held until her retirement in 1999, at the age of 82. In 1994, Gene passed away. In 2000, Melva moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be near her sons, Richard and Randolph.

Growing up Melva and her family went through very tough times during the Great Depression. Through their perseverance in rural America she and her mother became very close.

She was a good mother, a good homemaker, and a good employee. She was very close to her mother and she was a fantastic great-grandmother. She died peacefully in her sleep in Tulsa, Oklahoma about 1:00 AM on Thursday April 28, 2016. She had been ill for a few days prior to her death.

Left to cherish Melva's memory are her two sons, Richard Bun and wife Kathryn of Sperry, Oklahoma; and Randy Bunn and wife Christine of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Leigh Bunn Goodson and husband Mark; Greg Bunn and partner Nicole; Ronnie Bunn and Spencer Bunn; two great-grandchildren, Luke and Shea Goodson; along with many other family members and friends.

She will be interred next to her beloved husband Gene at the Washington Cemetery, in Taylor County, Iowa, close to her mother and father; her two sisters, as well as other extended family.

Calvin, Vada Fay Blaine - Graveside Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Vada Calving, age 96, formerly of Lenox, Iowa, who passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson, Minnesota will be held Monday, December 21, 2015 at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Friends are requested to meet at the Ritchie Funeral Home at 10 AM and proceed to the cemetery together. Memorials may be given in Vada's name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Vada Fay Calvin was born February 16, 1919, to George & Ollie Alberta (Aldridge) Blaine in Schuyler County, Missouri. She passed away on December 15, 2015, at the age of 96. When Vada was 3 years old, she moved to Iowa with her family. Vada started school in Sharpsburg, Iowa, and also attended schools in Maloy, Benton, Diagonal , and Clearfield. Vada graduated from Clearfield High School in 1937. After graduation, she worked in Lenox at a restaurant. Later, she was also employed at a grocery store & drug store. Vada married Paul Blair; a son, Roger Dean, was born.

On March 25, 1943, Vada married Paul Calvin. Vada worked at Sheridan Egg Company for 15 years. In 1970 Vada and Paul purchased a business in Lenox and named it Calvin’s Corral. They operated Calvin’s Corral for nine years before retiring. During their retirement, Vada and Paul spent 23 years in San Juan, Texas, escaping the cold of the winter months. Many friends were made over the years.

Vada and Paul were a couple who did almost everything together. They were a real team; as Paul helped inside the home and Vada worked with Paul outdoors; such as shingling their roof. They lived in Lenox at the same residence for 60 years. Vada & Paul celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary before his passing on July 2, 2008.
Vada enjoyed the music of the big band era. Together, she and Roger shared a passion for this music. TV was never on in the day time. It was the sound of this music one always heard. Those who knew Vada, will remember her strong will and determination. She also possessed a caring and kind heart.

Vada is survived by her daughter, Sheila (David) Bovee of Canon City, Colorado. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shannon McCall, (Keeley, Kylie, & Ted) of Florence, Colorado; Sean McCall of Fort Collins, Colorado; Lisa (Doug) Allison of Corning, Iowa, and their son Ryan; Ray Blair (Alexis & Ian) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Anne (Bill) Dimmler of Corning, Iowa, and their children Billy and Sydney.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Paul; son, Roger; great granddaughter Lauren; two sisters, Allie Allen, and Alma Mae; and one brother, Ova

Campbell, Paul Vere - Paul Vere Campbell was born January 11, 1919. He was the ninth of ten children born to Frank Campbell and Mary Elizabeth (Kauble) Campbell of Athelston, Iowa. He had fond memories of his father who died when Paul was only eight. His mother moved to Blockton with her three youngest children and Paul left school in his early teens to help support his mother and family. He remained very close with his mother until her death in 1961.
Paul enjoyed the farming and small town lifestyle of the southwest Iowa area and as a young man worked as a hired hand for farmers and as a mechanic at the Blockton blacksmith shop. 1942 was a very busy year for Paul; he married Mildred Marie Weaver in early January and went into the Army mid year. When he returned home from military service, he and Marie established their home in Blockton which would include their two children Paulette Kay and Stephen Ray.
Paul developed his means to support the family through stock truck driving. At one time he owned two trucks; he drove one of them and hired a driver for the other. He later began a 35 year career driving a gasoline transport for the Blockton Oil Company until he retired.
Paul was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, sibling, neighbor, and friend to many. He approached life with a sense of humor that earned him the respect of many. Old country music was a favorite listening treat and he could play "tunes" on the banjo, accordion, organ, harmonica and piano. He had so much fun with many recreational interests - Horseshoes, Pitch (card game), community Bingo, and swimming. He could do multiple tricks with a yo-yo and could easily ride a bicycle backwards.
He also enjoyed the activities of local and national travel, fishing, gardening and general lawn care, especially riding his lawn mower. He particularly loved to exchange stories with friends and family and recall all the past good times, present experiences ("fish stories" included) and speculations for the political future, although he said they were all careful when "talking politics" so that they could all remain good friends when they disagreed. He was a member of the American Legion and was proud to have visited the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. with his grandson-in-law, Tony.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie. Eight siblings are deceased; Zola Freemyer, Lela Streebin, Chloe Stroburg, Nina Poore, Warren, Elvin, Noble, and Ward.
Surviving family is a brother, Ola (Grace) of Colorado; sisters-in-law, Fern Leight, Mary Hildreth, and Mary Weaver.
Other surviving family includes 2 children, Paulette Clem and Stephen Campbell; 4 grandchildren, Ann (Tony) Vodacek, Christopher (Jennifer) Campbell, Jeanette (Jay) Brandner and Douglas (Jenni) Campbell . There are nine great grandchildren, Kayla, Mason, Gemma, Cordelia, Samson, Canaan, Trent, Dylan and Keatyn; plus many nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial fund has been established in his name to support the Blockton community.
Casual attire is encouraged for all attending Paul's services.

Culp, Shaylla Dallene - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Shaylla Culp, age 24, of Bedford, who passed away Friday, November 20, 2015 in Clarinda, Iowa will be held Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held Tuesday at the UCPC Church in Bedford from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 PM. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Shaylla Dallene Culp was born February 5, 1991 in Fairfax, Missouri the daughter of Shawn Marston Culp and Shellia Lorene (Mick) Culp. She grew up in the Skidmore, Missouri area attending Kindergarten until November of 1996, when the family moved to Bedford, Iowa. She graduated from Bedford High School with the Class of 2009. While in high school Shaylla worked for Hy-Vee. After graduation she attended AIB in Des Moines taking business classes and also working at the Bedford Hy-Vee during school breaks and the summer months. After college, Shaylla returned to Bedford where she continued working at Hy-Vee. She enjoyed her employment, interacting with the community and had plans to advance through Hy-Vee's employment opportunities.

While in high school, Shaylla loved being a Bedford Bulldog Cheerleader! She was also active in high school plays, musicals, choir, and volleyball. Shaylla was a 'true people person' from the day she was born she enjoyed interacting with everyone. Friends, family, movie nights and music were all very important to her. Shaylla also shared a special bond with Madison, Lane and Paisley, whom she considered as family.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful daughter, sister and friend are her parents, Shawn and Shellia Culp of Bedford, Iowa; her sister, and partner in crime, Chelsea Culp also of Bedford, Iowa; her half-sister, Courtney Hanway and husband Nathaniel of Pleasant Valley, Missouri; maternal grandmother, Marian Mick of Skidmore, Missouri; paternal grandmother, Judith Culp, also of Skidmore, Missouri; maternal great-grandmother, Doris Parrott of Clarinda, Iowa; paternal great-grandmother, Dorothy Culp of Skidmore, Missouri; God parents, Kymbra & David Ecker of Elmo, Missouri; along with many cousins, aunts, uncles, relatives and a whole community of friends.

Preceding Shaylla in death is her maternal grandfather, Raymond Mick; paternal grandfather, Brad Culp; and two cousins, Sydnie Messner and Dara Dallene Mick.

Dukes, [Mary] Louise Wintermute - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Louise Dukes, age 86, of Bedford, who enterd into the Lord's Kingdom on Monday, February 22, 2016, in Tuscon, Arizona will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be Saturday morning from 9:00 until 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with the family greeting friends. Interment will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Mary Louise Wintermute Dukes was born to Charles and Ruby (Jones) Wintermute, at the Jones family farm south of Bedford on January 11, 1930. She attended Gay Center Country School and graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1948. Immediately following graduation, she taught country school for two years where she met Charles.

In the summer of 1952, Louise had the opportunity to go to Holland as an IFYE exchange student. She enjoyed this time very much and has always kept in contact with the families with which she stayed. When she returned from Holland in November of 1952, Charles met her in New York City at the boat dock. They were married on January 18, 1953. They spent a short time living in Maryville while she completed her last semester of teaching college then moved to the Wintermute family farm east of Bedford in March of 1952, where they lived for the next 42 years in a house that Charles built.

Charles and Louise were blessed with three children David, Mary Jane, and Martha. In 1970, Frank Meysman, a foreign exchange student from Belgium, joined the family as the fourth child.

In 1968, Louise returned to teaching in Blockton, then Bedford, teaching Kindergarten, Title I, Art, Publications (Yearbook), Talented and Gifted. She retired in 1992.

Louise enjoyed using her talents to serve others and did so by being involved in Taylor County Historical Museum, PEO, Delta Kappa Gamma, Main Street Bedford, Bedford Chamber, Lioness, China Painters, Quilting Group, Neighborhood Club, sponsor for Young Mothers, 4-H leader, teaching Sunday School and Bible school and UMW. She was a life long member of the Bedford United Methodist Church where she faithfully attended and served in many capacities. After Charles’s death, she attended a grief support group. This meant so much to her that she began leading a group in Bedford.

Louise had many hobbies and was a firm believer in being a life-long learner. Some of those hobbies included sewing, cooking, decorating, and writing. She began oil painting lessons in 1976, which expanded to watercolor, Toll, and china painting. Not being intimidated by new technology, she bought her first computer in the 1980’s and continued to expand her knowledge, keeping in touch with friends and family through emails and facebook. She mastered her iphone at the age of 85.

Louise fought many battles including colon cancer in 1980 and breast cancer this past year. Her very deep faith in God saw her through each challenge with a smile on her face.

When the grandchildren began to go to college, Louise began a weekly Sunday evening email to the family so everyone would stay close. The recipient list quickly grew to well over 100 people. Soon her friends that she had made around the world wanted to be included as well. People were what gave Louise joy. She and Charles loved to travel and she treasured her international relationships with people from Holland, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Argentina, and Korea.

After Louise’s bout with colon cancer she wrote “My appreciation for life, family, friends, good health and daily blessings has been compounded”. She lived this every day until she went to meet Jesus on February 22, 2016.

Survivors include their children and spouses: David (Pat) Dukes, Bedford, IA; Mary Jane (Dr. Terry) Sprague, Guthrie Center, IA; Martha (Doug) Standerwick, Mountain Lake, MN; Frank (Leen) Meysman, Merchtem, Belgium; grandchildren: Elaina (James) Johnson, Gravity, IA; Troy (Erin) Dukes, Sycamore, IL; Katy (MAJ Dustin) Longfellow, Camp Humphreys, South Korea; LilIana Dominguez, Urbandale, IA; Kristen (Jon) Lucas, Rock Port, MO; Steven (Michelle) Sprague, Audubon, IA; Justin (Heather) Sprague, Spirit Lake, IA; Nathan Dukes and Rachel Dukes, Mountain Lake, MN; Tom (Elke) Meysman, Merchtem, Belgium; Ann (Berry) VanLeeuwen, The Hague, Netherlands. Great-grandchildren: Zachary, Alex, Bradley, and Eliza Johnson; Mason, Quinton, and Hannah Louise Dukes; Ruthie, Annabelle, and Winston Longfellow; Ethan, Caleb, Ryan, and Levi Lucas; Jackson and Elijah Sprague, Dries, Jasper and Nora Meysman, Lisa and Amy VanLeeuwen. Siblings who survive are Dr. Dean Wintermute, TX; Don (Mary) Wintermute, MO; Bertha Knotts, AZ; and Jesse (JoAnn) Wintermute, TX; brothers-in-law Glenn (Donna) Dukes, AZ; Harold (Gerry) Dukes, OR; and sister-in-law Ardys Dukes, OR. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 53 years Charles, her parents, and one sister, Helen Moon.

Freeman, Herbert - Herbert Freeman, age 91, of Villisca, Iowa, entered into peace Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Good Samaritan Care Center, Villisca, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 29, 2016 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa with Russ Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa with military rites by Gravity American Legion Post 578. Memorials may be directed to Villisca Ambulance/Fire Department or Villisca Good Samaritan Society.

Herbert Gay Freeman Obituary – 2/24/16
Herbert Gay Freeman was born in Worth County near Sheridan, Missouri, to Lucy (Downing) Freeman and Howard Freeman on December 29, 1924. Herb had been a resident for one week at Villisca Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home where he passed away on Wednesday, February, 24, 2016.
Herb attended country school in Mills County, Iowa, and graduated from Henderson High School in 1942. Herb helped his father farm until joining the Navy in 1944. The “Gilbert Island” aircraft carrier was the ship Herb served on until the end of World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.
Herb met Martha on the “New Era” dance floor in 1947 and they were married on December 24, 1948. To this union one son, Michael Howard, was born.
Herb was employed by the Gravity Implement Company until it closed and then worked for Taylor County Secondary Roads Department as a shop mechanic for 30 years before retiring in 1986. He knew every road in Taylor County.
Herb and Martha lived in Gravity, Iowa, from 1947 through 1995 until moving to Villisca, Iowa. Herb was a life time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #8998 of Villisca, Iowa. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post #0578.
One of Herb’s hobbies was building bird houses from lumber retrieved from his parents’ farm buildings and giving them to family members. He also, enjoyed helping son, Mike and others, around the farm. Herb was a great family man and loved to visit with everyone. He enjoyed picking on nephews and nieces through the years. He dearly loved his grand kids and always asked about them between visits. Getting to see his great-granddaughters always brought a smile to his face and special attention was paid to them.
Herb enjoyed Lee coming to do some carpentry work for him and was proud of his job as a full-time Creston fireman. He knew Lee liked that job!
Herb enjoyed the visits with Angela and family. He was glad to see where Angie worked and learned of all her responsibilities at Honey Creek Resort. It is a good place to work. Angie brought a lot of good laughs growing up. Herb loved her humor and knows it will be passed on to her girls.
Preceding Herb in death were his parents, Howard and Lucy Freeman; brothers, Wade, Don and Richard; sister, Vera Harper. Surviving Herb are his wife, Martha of 67 years; son, Mike and wife Kathy of Villisca, Iowa; granddaughter, Angela (Shaun) Wubben of Moravia, Iowa; grandson, Lee (Shawna) Freeman of Creston, Iowa; two great-granddaughters, Ivy and Eva Wubben; sister, Vivian (Howard) Bailey of St. Joe, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Shirley Freeman of Clarinda, Marty Freeman of Council Bluffs and Barb Freeman of Clarinda. Herb will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Gibson, Ramona Yearous - Ramona Elizabeth Gibson was born January 28, 1933 in Fort Morgan, Colorado, the daughter of Lynn and Hazel (Miller) Yearous. She passed away on Wednesday evening, January 6, 2016 at her home in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 9 days.
Ramona grew up in the New Market area and graduated from New Market High School in 1951. Following high school she attended Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda graduating in 1953. On September 26, 1953 she was united in marriage to Harold Gibson at the New Market Church of Christ. This union was blessed with six children, Mike, Cheryl, Dennis, Douglas, Jim and Joy.
Ramona raised her children and in the early 1970’s Ramona returned to Iowa Western and obtained her LPN degree. She later worked at the State Hospital in Clarinda for 28 years. After retiring from there she worked part time at Westridge Quality Care in Clarinda. Ramona and Harold were both Boy Scout leaders in New Market. She was also active in various church groups including the Loyal Sisters. She also enjoyed knitting, gardening and most of all any kind of sports, especially youth sports. Ramona’s true love was her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; two sisters, Mary Ann and infant Jill; two grandchildren, Michael Gibson, Jr and Katie Gibson; and a niece, Julie Ann.
Survivors include her children, Mike Gibson and his wife Evelyn of Clarinda, Iowa, Cheryl Gibson of Clarinda, Iowa, Dennis Gibson and his wife Jamie of Villisca, Iowa, Douglas Gibson and his wife Kris of West Des Moines, Iowa, Jim Gibson and his wife Luana of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Joy Hawkins and her husband Dan of Clarinda, Iowa; nine grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; a brother, Jack Yearous and his wife Jean of Flower Mound, Texas; along with many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. Russ Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Dallas Center Cemetery near New Market at a later date. Visitation with the family present will take place on Sunday afternoon, January 10, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda. Memorials are suggested to the New Market Church of Christ or Ascera Care Hospice of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Online remembrances of condolences can be shared at www.memoriesonline.com. The Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda is in charge of arrangements

Godden, Phillip Glen - Celebration of Life Graveside Services for Phil Godden, age 72, of Bedford, who entered into peace on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Monday, April 11, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Bedford City Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Phillip Glen Godden was born July 11, 1943, in Kellerton, Iowa the oldest son of Glen Godden and Viola (Laird) Godden. He grew up in the Kellerton area while attending school. He began farming with his father and greatly enjoyed the years of tending the land and caring for the livestock. He was united in marriage to Vernadean Hacker and two daughters were born, Phillina and Justina. The couple later divorced. Phil moved to Mount Ayr where he worked for the Ringgold County Sheriff's Office as Dispatcher and took care of his aging father. While living in Mount Ayr, he also served on the Sheriff's Posse. In 1987, Phil moved to Bedford where he and Bonnie Shields leased The Frosty. Together they enjoyed serving the community for over five years! On October 1, 1989, Phil and Bonnie were united in marriage at the Lake of Three Fires.

In 1993, Phil began working for the City of Bedford as the Gas Superintendent, a position he held for eighteen years, retiring just a few years ago. Whether it was day or night, if you suspected a gas leak, you gave Phil a call and he was there within minutes to check it out, never complaining about being called out of bed or away from a family function. He enjoyed coming out of “retirement” to work at the Lake of Three Fires the past three summers. Phil faithfully served the Bedford community 24/7! Phil was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Mount Ayr and a past member of the Bedford Lion's Club, the Bedford Fire Department and served on the Bedford Water Board.

Phil was an avid gardener, tending not only his own garden but the UCPC community garden. He enjoyed preparing the produce for the parish members each Sunday morning. Phil was a tremendous family man who enjoyed attending his grandchildren's ballgames, no matter where they were! He was always experimenting in the kitchen to get just the right ingredients in his amazing sugar cookies and cherry mash. Always making enough to share with everyone. Phil was a 'giver of his time' whether it was helping a neighbor, mowing their yard, scooping snow or running an errand to help someone out, Phil could always be counted upon to step up to the plate and do more than his share!

Left to cherish Phil's memory is his loving wife of 26 years, Bonnie Godden of Bedford; his two daughters, Phillina Godden of Kellerton; and Justina Thompson of Fort Worth, Texas; his three other children, Don Shields and wife Steph of Maryville, Missouri; Mike Shields and wife Shelly of Mount Ayr, Iowa; and Chris England of Bedford; six grandchildren, Celine, Dakota, Jakob, Tessa, Derrick and John; a brother, Raymond Godden and wife Donna of Tarkio, Missouri; along with many other family relatives and a community of friends.

Preceding Phil in death are his parents and his maternal and paternal grandparents

Hakes, Marvin "Bud" - Marvin “Bud” Hakes, age 82, of rural Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Friday, March 25, 2016 at Westridge Care & Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Hawleyville Cemetery.

Marvin Harold Hakes was born April 13, 1933 at the family home near Hawleyville, Iowa to Harold Hakes and Margaret (Green) Hakes. He attended Hawleyville Schools and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1951. During High School he participated in Track and was a State Qualifier. Bud met Austa Martin at a dance in Clarinda and the couple were united in marriage December 5, 1954 at the United Methodist Church, Bedford, Iowa. They shared 53 wonderful years together. Bud and Austa lived north of Hawleyville where their daughter Kathy was born in 1957. The family then moved to Gravity and a son, Ed was born in 1965. They returned to Hawleyville and the Hakes family farm.

The love of farming was instilled in Bud at young age and he continued to farm his entire life. He was especially fond of the spring time during the calving season. Bud was notoriously late after admiring the new baby calves and would compliment the new “mom” by saying “you sure have a fine new calf”. Bud was especially proud of his son Ed becoming the 5th generation farmer on land that had been in the family since 1856 and his grandson Hadley whom Bud was grooming to be the 6th generation farmer. Bud would say about Hadley “he’s quite the boy”!

Working on the farm was very enjoyable to Bud and was his “hobby”. After retirement Bud and Austa enjoyed going to the casino, eating catfish and smoke their cigarettes. They enjoyed card parties and mountain oyster fries with the Maher, Dugger and Churchill families and prank phone calls were sometimes involved. Bud also enjoyed metal detecting, hunting mushrooms and telling the history of Hawleyville. He loved his cup of coffee and always had the coffee pot on and welcomed anyone to come in and have a cup of coffee.

Preceding Bud in death were his parents; wife, Austa Hakes (3/1/2008); sister, Virginia (2008).

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Kathy Hakes of New Market, Iowa and Ed Hakes and wife Angie of Hawleyville, Iowa; grandson, Hadley; step grandchildren, Derek Bergeson of Red Oak, Iowa, Alec Bergeson of Kansas City, Missouri and Emily Bergeson of Des Moines, Iowa; his faithful German Short Hair dog, Sadie; other relatives and many friends

Hempel, Gail Louis - Gail Louis Hampel was born January 8, 1932 in Guss Iowa and passed in the family home Saturday, December 26, 2015 after some medical complications. His 84th birthday was right around the corner. Gail was the only son of Edgar William Jacob Hampel and Blanche Elizabeth Rudig Hampel.
Gail spent his youth in Guss and was a graduate of Villisca High in 1950. Knowing his draft number was going to be called, he decided to sign up in his branch of choice … the US Air Force. Serving his country from 1951 – 1954 while stationed in England as a mechanic.
When he returned home he headed to California to marry the love of his life, Karen Ann Anderson. Wed on July 1 1955 they spent 60 years as man and wife. They made their home in Nodaway, building their new home on the hill in 1970.
He along with father Edgar ran the Guss store and at age 15 Gail became a licensed truck driver, driving the family straight truck delivering cream, eggs and other supplies. On June 17, 1957 he and Mom took over the Nodaway Elevator. On December 2, 2015 he hauled his last load for the elevator. His goal was to make 70 years as a truck driver. He fell short by 13 months.
Always the race fan he saw potential in the Adams County Speedway. Once he was the promoter things started changing at the small ½ mile dirt track. From 1983 to 2008 Gail and Karen ran the track and made it what it is today.
If there was a vacation to be, it had to involve a race of some type. They made trips to Indianapolis Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Michigan International, Daytona, Poconos, and Vegas.
Left to carry on the Hampel name are his children, Jeanna Kay Hampel and husband Trent Heard of Des Moines, John Gail Hampel (and special friend Jenn Schramm) of Omaha, and Greg Edward and wife Dori Hampel of Stanton. Grandchildren, Alex (Madi) Ogle and Amber Racine all of Ankeny. Ryan (Kara) Wernli, Tyson (girlfriend Tonya Weber) Wernli, and Kyla Wernli all of Des Moines. James and Julianna Hampel of Omaha and Drei Hampel of Stanton. Along with his faithful companion Rocky.
There to greet Gail in his heavenly home was wife Karen, Daughter Cheryl, his parents, and In-laws, Irma and Carmen Anderson.
Funeral services for Gail Hampel, 83 of Nodaway, Iowa will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Villisca United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will take place on Sunday afternoon, January 3, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Villisca Methodist Church. Memorials are suggested to the Gail Hampel Memorial Fund. The Wolfe Funeral Home of Villisca, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Husband, Mervin - Nov 19, 1922 - Dec 15, 2015 Mervin Husband, age 88, of Bedford, Iowa, entered into peace Tuesday December 15, 2015 at Greenfield Nursing and Rehab, Greenfield, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Jeff Cummings officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Saturday December 26, 2015 at the funeral home.

John, Dorothy Kathleen Robinson - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Dorothy John, age 96, of Lenox, who passed away Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Lenox Christian Church. Visitation will be held Friday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Dorothy Kathleen (Robinson) John, the oldest daughter of Mark Leo Robinson and Lulu (Smith) Robinson, was born on November 9, 1919, at a farm home near Conway, Taylor County, Iowa. She grew up attending rural school in Marshall Township, and graduated from Conway High School with the Class of 1937. On May 4, 1938, she was united in marriage to Kenneth John at the Christian Church Parsonage in Maryville, Missouri. They were privileged to share 58 years together. This marriage was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Dianne and Jeanne.

Dorothy and Kenneth lived on a farm near Sharpsburg for six years. In 1946, they moved to a farm south of Lenox. Together they worked as a team, Dorothy helping with the planting and harvesting of the crops. In 1981, they built a new home and retired in Lenox.

Dorothy was a member of the Lenox Christian Church since 1944. She served as a Deaconess and took an active part in the responsibilities of the Christian Women's Fellowship. She was a PEO member, avid reader, loved to play bridge and being involved in her children's and grandchildren's activities. Dorothy and Kenneth enjoyed traveling and visited all fifty states, Canada, Mexico and eight European countries. She had a close relationship with her sisters, and in their later years, they enjoyed card games, shopping or just sharing time together.

Left to cherish Dorothy’s memory is her daughter, Jeanne Maharry and husband Roger of Ames, Iowa; six grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Arlene Grimm of Winterset, Iowa; Norma Cobb of St. Joseph, Missouri; Marjorie Sanders and husband Bill of Norwalk, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Ivan John and wife Marilyn of Punta Gorda, Florida; and a sister-in-law, Donna John of Des Moines, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Dorothy in death are her parents, Mark and Lulu Robinson; her husband Kenneth John; a daughter, Dianne Heaberlin; a sister, Helen Jean Morris; and an infant grandson.

Lucas, Larry Tipton - Larry Tipton Lucas, 79 of Kansas City, MO and formerly of Taylor County, Iowa, died early Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at the Kansas City Hospice House from pneumonia and related complications. He had also been declining with Alzheimer’s disease since 2013.

Larry was born July 4, 1936, in Taylor County, the eldest son of Tipton Issac Lucas and Loleta Irene Johnson Lucas, long-term residents and farmers in the Lenox and Taylor County area. He graduated in 1954 from Lenox High School and was an avid and successful 4-H participant and competitor throughout his youth. He was twice married, first to Loretta Mae Branson, of Maryville, MO, in 1957, they had two children, then to Deborah Ann Sanders, of Kansas City, MO, in 1982. Both ended in divorce.

Larry lived and worked in Maryville MO for a few years before moving to the Kansas City area permanently, where he had a long career as a heating and cooling technician, electrician, and electrical contractor until 1991. In 1992, he became the co-founder and operator of a grooming industry service, supply and event marketing business with his son until 2012.

Larry was a kind and loving person with a vibrant personality, a keen sense of humor, a hard work ethic, and uncanny ingenuity and creative talents. He will be missed by many and remembered by all for his self-less compassion and generosity.

Survivors include his daughter Lorena Renee Collins and husband Cecil of Drexel, MO; son Lane Tee Lucas and wife Melinda of Raymore, MO; sister Judith Jane Gibson of Branson, MO; brother Roderick Allen Lucas and wife Bonnie of Fort Wayne, IN; his second wife; and grandchildren Jesse Lucas Howell, Brenden Tee Lucas and Hailey Elizabeth Lucas. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Roy G. Howell and his first wife.

Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, January 18, 2016, at the Lenox Christian Church in Lenox, IA. Burial will be in the East Fairview Cemetery at Lenox. Visitation with the family present will take place from 11:00 am until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.memoriesonline.com.

McKnight, Mira Beth - Mira Beth McKnight, the daughter of Mitch and Michelle McKnight flew away on angel’s wings the morning of Thursday, December 24, 2015. She was born on July 9, 2009 in Newton, Iowa. Mira was a brave 6 year old girl who had fought a courageous battle against cancer. She touched many lives and everyone who met her soon grew to love her. We will always remember her infectious smile, her crazy blonde hair and big blue eyes, and most of all her loving and caring personality. Mira was a shy girl, yet so full of sass!

In addition to her mommy and daddy, she is survived by her big sister, Mikayla, her loving grandparents and extended family and friends.

Family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., December 30th at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Newton with burial to follow at Restland Cemetery in Baxter.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Children’s Cancer Connection or Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa in Mira’s name.

Online condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Mitchell, Gary Alvin - Gary Alvin Mitchell, the son of Alvin Lawrence and Lois Darlene (Ridnour) Mitchell, was born March 30, 1942, in Creston, Iowa. Gary entered eternal rest on January 25, 2016, at his home, at the age of seventy-three years, nine months, and twenty-six days.

Gary graduated from Corning High School with the class of 1960. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Maxine Carson on January 29, 1961, at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Guss, Iowa. They would enjoy nearly fifty-five years together. Their union was blessed with four children: Galyn, Gidget, Matt, and Mindy.

Gary worked with a carpenter and as a blacksmith in his father’s shop. He eventually moved to Corning and worked as a mechanic in both Corning and Creston. He worked as a mechanic for UPS a couple of years before starting work on a farm. He soon started his own farming operation, while continuing his blacksmith work. Gary continued his farm work until the farm crisis in the 1980’s. At that time he began working for Marlin Brown Truck and Auto Sales. Gary then worked for Van Mark in Creston where he traveled to install and repair equipment.

The family relocated to Georgia in 1986, returning to Corning in 1988. He began working for Lisle MFG. in Clarinda, IA until retiring. In retirement, he operated a dozer and loved to coyote hunt. Gary served his community for several years as an Adams County Deputy Reserve Officer. Gary was always available to help his family and friends. A favorite past-time was camping with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish Gary’s memory is his loving wife Marilyn of Corning, Iowa; son: Galyn (Shari) Mitchell, Nodaway, IA; daughter: Gidget (Frank) Dennis, Corning, IA; son: Matt (Lori) Mitchell, Nodaway, IA; daughter: Mindy Mitchell, Nodaway, IA, and significant other Derrick Sonnenfeld of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren: Ashley Mitchell; Heath (Dawna) Mitchell; Maisy (Justin) Chew; Jesse (Megan) Dennis; Kayla Mitchell; Ryan Mitchell; Madison Mains; Devyn Mitchell; six great-grandchildren: Guy Berryhill; Brody Chew; Jayden Dennis; Brystol Dennis; Norah Dennis; Hallea Mitchell; brothers: Lloyd (Karen) Mitchell, Stuart, IA; Darol (Pam) Mitchell, Lenox, IA; Joseph (Sandy) Mitchell, Ottumwa, IA; sisters: Ronda (Terry) Plowman, Creston, IA; Monica (Gary) Briley, Creston, IA; brother-in-law: Roger (Barb) Carson, Savannah, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding Gary in death was his grandson Jeramie Mitchell in 1994; his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law; one brother-in-law. Guss Cemetery.

Pearson Funeral Home, Corning, Iowa

Moses, Theresa Ann Bell - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Theresa Moses, age 47, of Lenox, who passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa will be held Monday, March 28, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Visitation with the family greeting friends will be held Monday morning from 9:00 AM until service time. Private family interment will be held at the East Fairview Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Theresa's name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Theresa Ann Moses was born August 5, 1968 in Corning, Iowa to David Allen Bell and Patricia Arlene Brammer. She passed away March 22, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended school in Lenox, Iowa graduating with the Class of 1986. Following graduation she attended college in St Joseph for a year before returning to Lenox to work at Sheridan Egg. Theresa continued working there through Pappetti's and Michaels Foods for 28 years. On June 23, 1991, Theresa was united in marriage to Joey Moses and to this union a daughter, Cassidi was born.

When Theresa was in grade school she began mowing yards in Lenox for many years. Throughout Theresa's life, she enjoyed camping, fishing, and mushroom hunting. She was also very creative and loved her crafts . . . and was always 'looking for a bargain', often attending auctions in the area where she loved purchasing the $1.00 boxes! Always looking for a "deal." Theresa had a quick wit and was enjoyable to be around, always wanting to have a good time. She enjoyed being around and helping people whatever their need. Theresa also had a soft spot for Gracie, her beloved dog.

Theresa was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Perez in January 2016; and her paternal grandparents, William and Ora (Zollman) Bell.

Left to cherish Theresa's memory is her father, David Bell of Lenox; her favorite daughter, Cassidi Moses and boyfriend Aaron Turlock of Lenox; maternal grandparents, Dick and Evelyn Brammer of Lenox, Iowa; special friend, Ron Kitzman of Lenox, Iowa; special girlfriends, Toni Will of Clearfield, Iowa; and Lisa Ensign from Creston, Iowa; favorite cousin, Dixie Dukes of Fontanelle, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends; and her faithful companion, Gracie the dog

Murphy, Linda Dianne Sleep Whitten - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Linda Murphy (Whitten), age 67, of Altoona, Iowa, formerly of Bedford, who entered into peace on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at her home in Altoona will be held Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 3 to 8 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 8 PM. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Linda Dianne Sleep (Whitten/Murphy) was born November 23, 1948, in Clarinda, Iowa the only child born to Floyd Sleep and Dorothy (John) Sleep. When Linda was only six months old, her father Floyd was killed in an automobile accident. Linda and her mother continued to live in the Bedford area until her mother married Slim McLeod. Four brothers were born to join Linda and the family, Richard, Randy, Russell and Terry. She grew up attending school in Bedford. She was united in marriage to Jack Whitten on July 10, 1966, at the Bedford United Methodist Church. Jack and Linda lived at Fort Benning, Georgia, and then Jack left for Vietnam, while Linda returned to Bedford to live with his parents until his discharge. To this loving union four children were born, Jeannie, James, and twins, Jason and Johanna. The family moved to a farm southeast of Bedford. Jack passed away in April of 1983. Linda and the kids continued to live on the farm. On June 15, 1985, she was united in marriage to Don Murphy at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Bedford. To this loving union, a son, Matthew was born. Linda and Don eventually divorced.

Linda worked various positions in Bedford in the banking industry, while living in Des Moines she worked in the insurance industry. She eventually moved to Altoona where she retired. In her younger years, Linda was a great seamstress, making her own clothing and even her wedding dress! The kids remember her sewing their clothing over the years and helping on the farm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights involved getting together with their friends and other family members going out dancing. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She made the best chocolate chip cookies and pies ever!

Left to cherish Linda's memory are her children, Jeannie Murphy-Bird and husband Pete of Bedford, Iowa; James Whitten and wife Cinda of Winterset, Iowa; Jason Whitten and wife Erin of Runnells, Iowa; Johanna Hayes and husband Shannon of Altoona, Iowa; and Matt Murphy and wife Janet of Des Moines, Iowa; fifteen grandchildren, Missy, Ben, April, Kayla, Michael, Evan, Jaci, John, Bryce, Brandon, Brenna, Amistad, Darian, Trinity and Maggie; four great-grandchildren, Jillian, Justice, Hudson, Briggs and a little girl on the way! Three brothers, Randy McLeod and wife Jan; Russell McLeod and wife Cathy; and Terry McLeod and wife MaLinda; along with her loving dog, Bella and many other family members and friends.

Preceding Linda in death are her parents, Floyd and Dorothy Sleep; a brother, Richard McLeod; her first husband, Jack Whitten; a son-in-law, Jay Murphy; and her dog Dakota

Nelson, Dean Earl - Celebration of Life Services for Dean Nelson, age 89, of Lenox, who passed away Friday, April 22, 2016, at the Greater Regional Hospice Home will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2016, at 10:30 AM at the Lenox Christian Church. Visitation will be held Monday, at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 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 Lenox Christian Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Dean Earl Nelson was born July 20, 1926, in Clearfield, Iowa the son of Lyle E. Nelson and Bessie (House) Nelson. He grew up in the Clearfield area where he graduated from Clearfield High School with the Class of 1944. In January of 1945, he entered the United States Navy during World War II, serving until his honorable discharge in June of 1946. On November 30, 1947, he was united in marriage to Mildred May Wright at the Bedford Christian Church Parsonage. To this loving union, two children were born, Harold and Harriet.

Dean and Mildred made their home farming south of Clearfield, and in 1957, they purchased the family farm and moved northwest of Clearfield where they raised row crop, cattle and pigs. In April of 1981, they moved into Lenox because of health reasons. When they first moved to Lenox Dean sold real estate for Bob Reynolds for a few years. They enjoyed traveling when time allowed, having been to both coasts. He enjoyed fishing, attending his grandchildren's school events (one year he was voted 'Tiger Booster of the Year' and also attending the Taylor County Fair. Dean was a life-time member of the Parkinson American Legion in Lenox and the Creston VFW; the Lenox Christian Church; he served as a 4-H Leader for many years having been awarded 'Honorary 4-H Member'; and served on the Creston Dairy Board.

Left to cherish Dean's memory is his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Mildred Nelson of Lenox, Iowa; his two children, Harold Nelson and wife Rebecca of Clearfield, Iowa; and Harriet Bergantzel and husband Roger of Henderson, Iowa; a brother, Paul Nelson and wife JoAnn of Clearfield, Iowa; and a brother-in-law, Cecil Wright and wife Verla of Des Moines, Iowa; five grandchildren, Brian Nelson and wife Susie; Allison Angle and husband Aaron; Clayton Nelson; Jess Bergantzel and wife Heather; and Jill Matter and husband Jason; ten great-grandchildren Cameron, Courtney, Austin, Alan, Cedric, Cassidy, Colby, Brenna, Kayla and Macklin; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Dean in death are his parents, Lyle and Bessie Nelson; two sisters and their spouses, Darlene and Raymond Taylor and Thelma and Dale Brown; and eight brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their spouses, Alice and Ralph Murphy; Mabel and Merril Vawter; Walter and Ruby Wright; Hazel and Kenneth Moore; Wayne and Beverly Wright; Lee and Alvina Wright; Helen Schoenbauer and Lyle Wright.

Norton, Mildred Ann Rusco - Funeral Services for Mildred Norton, age 81, of Bedford who passed away December 30, 2015 will be held Monday, January 4, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the New Life Missionary Church in Bedford. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at the Conway Cemetery. Memorials may be directed toward American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or The National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Mildred Ann (Rusco) Norton was born December 20, 1934, to Turner Rusco and Bessie (Brown) Rusco in Athelstan, Iowa. She passed away on December 30, 2015, at the age of 81. Mildred was raised in Taylor County, Iowa and spent most of her life here. Mildred graduated from Conway High School in 1953 and married Robert Norton June 3, 1953. To this blessed union two children were born, Jackie and Paul. During high school Mildred worked at the Taylor County Home. When Jackie and Paul were in grade school she worked as an LPN at Clarinda Mental Health Institute. Mildred later worked at O’Bryan Brothers Sewing Factory. Mildred had the opportunity to go back to Taylor County Home, then known as Taylor County Care Facility as a nurse and then as the administrator. After Robert and Mildred moved to Missouri she worked at Wal-Mart. In each job Mildred enjoyed those she worked alongside.

Mildred’s favorite pastimes were playing cards, reading, word search puzzles and putting puzzles together. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends too. Mildred was always putting others before herself. She had a kind heart and loved giving in any way she could to help others. Mildred loved her family dearly and especially held dear her grandkids and great-grandkids. They were the “light of her life.”

Left to cherish Mildred’s memory are: daughter Jackie McMillen and husband Dennis of Conway; son Paul Norton and wife Karen of Bedford; granddaughter Ann Brandhorst, husband Mikel and great-grandkids Katelyn, Hannah, Jacob and Levi of Madrid, IA; granddaughter Laicey Norton and boyfriend Mike Sneed and his son Anthony Sneed of Kansas City, MO; sister-in-law Lou Barker and husband Alvin of Bedford; siblings Jack Rusco of Lenox, Peg Jincks of Gallatin, MO, Bev Gould of Carlisle, IA; step-grandchildren Joe McMillen and spouse Terri of Bolivar, MO, Jeff McMillen and spouse Jane of Independence, MO, Jerry McMillen and spouse Nancy of South Riding, VA, John McMillen and spouse Rebecca of Clovis, CA; step-great-grandchildren Myles, Elisha, Nicolas, Alexander, Allie, Milana, Spencer, and Stephanie along with many other relatives far and wide.

Preceding Mildred in death were her parents; husband Robert; step-dad Leland Stitt; in-laws Arval “Bud” and Belle Norton; half-sister Marjorie; half-brother Royal Rusco; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

O'Dell, Billy Dean - Celebration of Life Memorial Services for Bill O'Dell, age 85, of Bedford, Iowa who went to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 7 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 PM. Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Billy Dean O'Dell was born 31 March 1930 east of Bedford, Iowa, to Albert B. and Doris Hughes O'Dell. With the exception of short periods spent in Utah and Nebraska while his father was with defense work during World War II, his entire life and education were in the Bedford area.

He graduated from Bedford High School in 1948 and commenced farming with his father. He married Lorraine Round on 25 September 1949. He answered his country's call and was enlisted in the United States Army in January 1952 during the Korean War. He and Lorraine lived at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky during his basic training and leadership school after which he was sent to Gelnhausen, Germany where he remained until December 1953. His one regret was that they did not feel it possible for Lorraine to join him, but promised to take her one day. He fulfilled his promise eight times along with many other travel miles. He felt truly blessed to be "home for Christmas" and landed in Des Moines, Iowa the morning of December 25th.

The couple moved south of Bedford for six years and it was there they welcomed their son, Robert in April 1959. In December, they came back to the home farm when his parents retired in December 1960. July 1961, their family was complete when they had a baby girl, Martha, placed in their arms and hearts.

They moved into Bedford, in September 1989, when the next generation moved to the home farm. By this time they had been blessed with a daughter-in-law, Laura, and a son-in-law, Jeffrey Jones. Bill and Lorraine, these two "only child" people, felt such joy when they received eight grandchildren who survive them, namely Michael Jones, Bryan Jones, Scott Jones, Allison Jones, Sarah O'Dell Herring, Joseph (Abbie) O'Dell, Elissa O'Dell, and Hannah O'Dell. They also were thrilled to be blessed with a great-grandson, Noah Andrew O'Dell.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, Albert and Doris O'Dell, and one great-grandson, Austin Noah O'Dell.

Osburn, Robert Irvin - Bob passed away Friday morning at Bedford Nursing and Rehab center. Per his wishes no services are planned at this time. 04 Sep 1924 - 15 Jan 2016

Oxley, Jenola Lewis - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Jenola Oxley, age 94, of Sharpsburg, who died Friday, January 1, 2016 at the Clearview Homes in Clearfield will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:30 AM until service time. Interment will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials may be directed to the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church or the Lenox Stock & Saddle Club for bleachers.

Jenola Fern (Lewis) Oxley was born at the family home in Nodaway Township, Taylor County Iowa on November 2, 1921 to Floyd Earl Lewis and Bessie Dee (Else) Lewis. Jenola and her younger brother Earl were raised in the Page and Taylor County areas where they attended country school near Guss. Jenola graduated from Clarinda High School in 1940 and Earl in 1941. The Else cousins stayed close over the years through the annual family reunion held each June.

On March 14, 1943, Jenola married Paul Oxley and friends Dean Johnson married Donnis Walton in a double ceremony at the United Methodist Church in Maryville, MO. The two couples were lifelong friends.

While Paul served in the United States Army, Jenola attended the Hagee Beauty School in Maryville, MO graduating in 1945. After Paul’s discharge, he and Jenola returned to Sharpsburg to farm. In 1956, the couple moved to Waukee for six years where they raised and milked Brown Swiss Cattle. Jenola worked at the bank while in Waukee and attended the Iowa Beauty School in Des Moines graduating in August 1962. Later that year they returned to Sharpsburg to farm and Jenola operated the Farmette Beauty Shop in their home until 1990.
Jenola joined the Bedford Presbyterian Church in 1939 then transferred her membership to the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church. She was an active member and became an elder in the church on February 3, 1985. Jenola quietly did the work of the church, including continuing to decorate the church for the seasons as her mother-in-law Mabel Oxley did.

Paul and Jenola were involved in the lives of several young men. Paul always instilled good work ethics in everyone who were with them. From the age of ten, Terry Booth began farming with Paul, he started by pulling weeds in the soybeans and haying. Together they farmed several acres, including cattle and lambing up to 300 head of sheep. Even though Jenola had allergies to the lanolin, she helped cared for the newborn lambs wearing her rubber gloves. Jenola’s support of Paul and the farm was endless, including preparing meals, taxiing Paul and Terry from field to field and cutting thistles.

Jenola’s greatest joy was being grandma to Kindra and Kasey. In her years, she loved to look at the countryside and seeing how the crops were doing. The scenery she liked to watch best was seeing Terry plant or harvest crops.

Left to cherish Jenola's memory is her son Terry Booth and wife Holly of Sharpsburg, and their children Kindra Booth (friend Kile Coleman and his son Kase) of Gravity, and Kasey Booth of St. Joseph, MO; sister-in-law Irene Lewis of New Market, niece Dwila Sloan (Vic) of Creston; nephews Randy Lewis (Jane) of Libertyville, and Duane Lewis of Corvallis, OR; Paul’s nephew Howard Bailey (Vivian) of St. Joseph, MO, Paul’s niece Linda Dittemore (Tom) of Littleton, CO; and with their families; and the families of the late Dean and Donnis Johnson; Richard(Caroloyn) Gold and family of Council Bluffs and John (Charlene) Brand and family of Texas; and many cousins and friends.

Preceding Jenola in death was her husband Paul in 2004; her brother Earl Lewis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Freda Bailey; and Paul’s nephew Kenneth Bailey and niece Dianna Baak.

Family and friends will remember Jenola as a joyful and
gracious wife, mother and grandmother.

Perez, Patricia Arlene Brammer Bell - Mass of Christian Burial for Pat Perez, age 67, of Lenox who passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Creston at the Hospice Home will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lenox. Visitation will be held Tuesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 and a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Interment will be held at the East Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Patricia Arlene (Brammer) Perez was born July 27, 1948, in Creston, Iowa the oldest of six children born to Richard Eugene Brammer and Evelyn Cecilia (Wurster) Brammer. She grew up south of Lenox on the family farm, where the Round Barn was located. She attended school, graduating with the Class of 1966 from Lenox High School. Pat moved to Des Moines after graduation where she worked for Life Magazine. She returned to Lenox where she was the Lenox School Secretary. In 1973, Pat began working at the Sheridan Egg Company. She became Director of National Accounts, a position she held until her death. Throughout all of changes in the company, to present day of Michael Foods, Pat thoroughly loved her job.

Pat was united in marriage to David Bell in 1968, and to this union a daughter, Theresa was born. In 1980, she met the 'love of her life', Juan Perez Trujillo, while working. The couple were united in marriage on December 7, 1991, at the Catholic Church in Creston. Together they made their home in Lenox. Pat was a wonderful cook, and she enjoyed making special dishes to share with her family. Pat and Juan purchased several homes in Lenox, fixing them up and selling them. They enjoyed taking rides around the country, always stopping for an ice cream cone along the way. In 1995, her granddaughter, Cassidi was born, bringing so much love and joy to her life. In fact, every Thursday and Sunday became known as "Grandma Days." Around the community, wherever Pat was . . .Cassidi was sure to be with her! She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox and the Lenox American Legion. Pat was an avid blood donor to the American Red Cross, having given over 15 gallons!

Left to cherish the memory of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend is her loving husband, Juan Perez of Lenox; a daughter, Theresa Moses of Lenox; a granddaughter, Cassidi Moses and boyfriend Aaron Turlock of Lenox; a step-daughter, Angie Hartman and husband Jamie, and their children, JJ and Iziah of Creston; two brothers, Wayne Brammer and wife Betty of Clearfield; Allen Brammer and wife Linda of Clearfield; two sisters, Vickie Dukes and husband Dennis of Greenfield; and Lexie Starlin and husband Don of Creston; her parents, Richard and Evelyn Brammer of Lenox; along with all of Juan's family in Mexico; and many other family members and friends.

Preceding Pat in death are her maternal grandparents, Sam and Mae Wurster; paternal grandparents, Rolla and Ethel Brammer; a step-son, Jade Perez; a brother, Larry Brammer; along with many brothers and sisters-in-law from Juan's family.

Randolph, Terry Wilbur - Terry Wilbur Randolph was born April 30, 1952 in Maryville, Missouri, the son of Raymond Aubrey and Marjorie Mae (Ellison) Randolph. He passed away on Thursday morning, December 24, 2015 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 63 years, 7 months and 24 days.
Terry grew up in the Siam area and graduated from New Market High School in 1970. Following high school he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He later worked 38 years for the Page County Secondary Roads Department before he retired. Terry served on the Yorktown city council for several years and was a proud member of the Yorktown Fire Dept. He loved to fish and to help anyone in need. He was known for his landscaping and mechanic skills. His true love was his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Marjorie Randolph and his father-in-law, Vic Bloomfield.
Survivors include his children, Jasmine Prestwood-Bishop and her husband Piers of London, England, Ben Randolph and his wife Annie of Sheldahl, Iowa, Cooper Randolph of Clarinda, Iowa; two grandsons, Oscar Bishop of London, England and Clayton Randolph of Sheldahl, Iowa; his spouse, Gina Randolph of Clarinda, Iowa; four brothers, Gary Randolph and Deb McWilliams of Trenton, Missouri, Jim “Curly” Randolph and Ruth Hoyt of Clarinda, Iowa, Ron Randolph and his wife Vicky of Ogden, Iowa, Denny Randolph of Yorktown, Iowa; mother-in-law, Nola Bloomfied of Yorktown, Iowa, sisters-in-law, Gail Conte and her husband Michael of Yorktown, Iowa, Kim Subbert and her daughters Kristen Subbert and Britnye Wheeler all of Omaha, Nebraska; along with many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda with Rev. Richard Iske officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Washington Cemetery at Gravity, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will take place on Tuesday evening, December 29, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda. A memorial fund is being established in Terry’s name. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.memoriesonline.com. The Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda is in charge of arrangements.

Reed, Naomi Ilene Hardee - Naomi Reed, 76, of Waukee, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. She fought a year long battle with the return of ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband, Paul Reed, of the home; daughters, Ilene (Ron) Goddard of Branson West, MO; Christine (Pete) Lynch of West Des Moines, IA; and four grandchildren.

Naomi Ilene Hardee Reed was born in Siam, Iowa on July 27th, 1939 to Emory Hardee and MaryBelle Smith Hardee. She grew up in Southwest Iowa and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1957. About a year or so later, she moved to Kansas City, Mo where she got a job at Skelly Oil on the Plaza. It was there that she met C.W. Hey and they were later married. They had two children, Ilene Elizabeth Hey (Goddard) and Christine Anne Hey (Lynch). While her kids were in school, Naomi worked for Raymore-Peculiar Schools in the lunchroom and later as a secretary in the Superintendent's Ofice.

In September of 1985, Naomi married Paul Reed. During their 30 years of marriage, they enjoyed travling and working together in the construction business. They loved having Grandma MaryBelle live with them for a period of time. Later, after Paul "retired" they enjoyed delivering papers and taking her sister Jennie on trips around Iowa.

Naomi enjoyed spending time with her immediate and extended families. She also enjoyed decorating, flower arranging, playing the piano, planting flowers, embroidery, and doing crossword puzzles.

Naomi was preceded in death by parents; brothers Bob and Junior; sisters Jennie, Iris and Inez.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, brothers Ron and Smith; and children Ilene and husband Ron, Christine and husband Pete; as well as four grandhildren, Kylee, Kelsey, Emily and Luke.

Naomi entered into peace on March 29, 2016 in Johnson, Iowa. Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale, Iowa with Brian Hardee officiating.

Sanders, Dale Burdett - Graveside Celebration of Life Memorial Services for Dale Sanders, age 93, of Bedford, who died Monday, November 23, 2015 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab will be held Friday, November 27, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford with military rites accorded by John F. Hardin American Legion. INSTEAD OF FLOWERS memorials may be directed to the Avenue of Flags at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Dale Burdett Sanders was born March 3, 1922 in Gay Township, Rural Taylor County, Iowa to Guy and Winifred Hannon Sanders. He passed away November 23, 2015 in Bedford, Iowa. He attended school in Blockton, Iowa graduating with the Class of 1939. Following graduation he worked at the Ford Garage in Bedford until he went to Des Moines where he worked in the ordinance plant in Ankeny until he joined the Navy in November of 1942. He was in the Navy Air Corps where he served in the Pacific Theater until June, being discharged in November of 1945. July 10, 1945, he married Iva Ruth Smith in Troy, Kansas. They lived in Norman. Oklahoma until October of 1945, when they moved back to Taylor County, Iowa. He operated gas stations in Bedford until 1978, including Sander's Conoco for 33 years. He also worked for the U.S. Post Office from 1950 until 1987.

Over the years he was active in the John F. Hardin American Legion Post in Bedford, having just received a 70 year membership certificate. He also served on the Taylor County Sheriff's Posse.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mack Sanders, and an infant sister, along with a number of in-laws.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Iva Smith Sanders; a daughter, Vickey Sanders Baumli of Maryville, Missouri; three grandsons, Steve Judd of Gladstone, Missouri; Rusty Judd of Parkville, Missouri; and JJ Baumli of Lathrop, Missouri; three granddaughters, Jenna and Hailee Baumli and Morgan Judd; a brother, Billy (Marge) Sanders of Norwalk, Iowa; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and a number of in-laws.

Sayler, Ernie Issac - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Ernie Sayler, age 69, of Bedford who passed away at his home on Saturday, December 12, 2015 will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Ernie requested casual dress for his service! Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment with military rites will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be given in Ernie's name.

Ernest Issac Sayler, Jr., (also known as ‘Uncle Ern’ ‘Big Otis’ ‘Cub’ ‘The Jersey Bull’)
was born August 25, 1946, in rural Taylor County, Iowa the son of Ernest Walter Sayler and Carolyn Edith (Souder) Sayler. He grew up attending rural country schools, then attending through 8th grade in Conway, and graduating with the Class of 1964 from Bedford High School. After graduation, Ernie worked for the Plymouth Chrysler Dealership in Bedford. Ernie was active in the Army and Air Force National Guard from November of 1967 until his honorable discharge 6 years later as a Sergeant in November of 1971. During this time, he was united in marriage to Gayle Evans. In 1971, they were blessed with the birth of John E. Sayler. Ernie started working for Hensley Trucking and found this was his passion, driving the roads behind the wheel of a semi. If there was ever a call for a semi driver, Ernie was determined to be the first to offer his services. While driving for the Kernen Elevator, he met his 'one true love', Paula A. Volner, the couple were united in marriage and three children were born to bless their lives, Ernest Kyle, Kylee Ann and Jaylyn Louisa. He later went to work for Dalton Cattle, where he enjoyed taking his children with him while working in the tractor. In 1994, he began working for the City of Bedford, a position he held for over 20 years. After his retirement in 2014, he continued to enjoy farming, driving semi's and mowing yards for all of his customers.

Ernie was an honest, hardworking man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He was a big hearted man who would go to the ends of the earth to help friends or family. He often reached out to those around him, letting them know he could be there in a minute, to help solve any problem. As friends would say and know, "Ernie worked hard and played hard." He was a good friend to many, thoughtful, trustworthy and loyal. He looked forward to his trips to Claycenter, Nebraska every September with all of his buddies. Ernie always told his kids they had a few beers and visited, but his kids knew when the gang was together 'a few beers' wasn't such a thing, and they knew how much Ernie looked forward to that time away. However, he was always happy to return to Bedford so he could make his rounds. Ernie was a 'straight talker' and always had a good story to tell. When his kids were younger, they recall many country drives listening to those good stories and getting 'life lessons', that they will cherish always. If there was ever a question about history or what ever was going on in this great community, Ernie was the man to call! He was a devoted father, but nothing made him happier than when he became a grandfather. His face lit up every time the grand kids walked through the door. He would spend hours at the park with them or watching cartoons with at least 2 or 3 of them on his lap in "Grandpa's Big Chair", as the grandkids would say. And they knew Grandpa Ernie always had the best snacks waiting for them, ice cream and cookies, and according to Grandpa . . . 2 or 3 cookies were never enough! Ernie was a 'family man' who took pride in what he had accomplished and is a true example of a 'life well lived'. He never wanted much, but always made sure friends and family had the world.


Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend are his children, John E. Sayler and wife Shirley of Lawrence, Kansas; Kyle Sayler of Bedford, Iowa; Kylee A. Peterman and husband Matt of Bedford, Iowa; and Jaylyn L. Sayler and fiancée Josh Morgan of Clarinda, Iowa; two sisters, Joann Pierce and husband John of Clarinda, Iowa; and Mary Lou Weaver and husband Gary of Apache Junction, Arizona; a brother, Hal Dean Sayler and wife Carol of Bedford, Iowa; five beloved grandchildren, Kloey Peterman, Janessa Woolsey, Josie Morgan, Aubrie Sayler and Jarrett Morgan; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Ernie in death are his parents, Ernest and Carolyn Sayler and a granddaughter, Addison Peterman.

Shepherd, JD - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for JD Shepherd, age 75, of Lenox, who passed away late Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at his home in Lenox will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be held Friday at the funeral home from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials may be given in JD’s name.

JD Shepherd was the third of five sons born to Otho Harold Shepherd and Lena (Stogdill) Shepherd in New Market, Iowa. He grew up attending North Star Country School near Siam, Iowa until January of 1951, when the family moved to Madison, Missouri. After his father's death, while JD was in 10th grade, he left school to help support the family. He became a member of the Nazarene Church in Missouri. On June 5, 1960, he was united in marriage to Rita Pullen at the United Methodist Church in Lenox, Iowa. To this loving union, two daughters were born, Sherri and Connie.

JD began working at McGraw Edison in Moberly, Missouri at the age of 15 to support his family after his father's death. The family moved to Iowa in early 1957, when his mother was married to Bill Shepherd of Lenox. He worked for George Barrens and then went to Colorado to work until May of 1958. He returned to Lenox, Iowa and worked for Harold Maynes of Lenox. He also worked for Bob Blank of Coin, Iowa and in the fall of 1959, he went to work for Kearney in Clarinda, Iowa. In 1961, he moved to Council Bluffs and worked for Vickers until he was laid off in the spring of 1963. He then returned to Lenox and went to work for Barker Implement from May of 1963, until June of 1981, as a mechanic and shop foreman. In 1981, JD opened his own farm repair shop in Conway, Iowa. Due to the farm economy, he closed his business in January of 1985. He then returned to Colorado where he was a John Deere mechanic for Strasberg Equipment until September of 1986, they then moved to Sidney, Iowa and he worked for the John Deere at Athen Implement in Hamburg, Iowa as a mechanic until his health forced him to retire in 1998. In 2004, they moved back to Lenox.

JD enjoyed woodworking and creating many projects for the family throughout the years. He enjoyed being outdoors and especially loved taking walks in the timber, especially at Waubonsie State Park, where he enjoyed taking his grandchildren on many walks through the trails. He enjoyed listening to music, dubbing his voice with other singers to make duets on new CD's. He always treasured his trips out west to his beloved Rocky Mountains. This was something he never tired of!

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend are his loving wife Rita Shepherd; two daughters, Sherri (Pat) Bolinger; Connie (Dan) Hancock; seven grandchildren Melissa Crosman (Paul); Brandi Hancock (Cory); Ryan Bolinger; Nathan Hancock (Philicia); Adam Bolinger (Amber); Kari Hancock; Jennifer Behlers (Lucas); nine great-grandchildren, Emilie, Jordyn, Kolben, Zachary, Isaac, Landry, Nash, Colton and Denvir; three brothers, Wilber Shepherd (Marjorie); Gary Shepherd (Lou); and Danny Shepherd (Kathy); along with many other family relatives and friends.

Preceding JD in death is his father, Otho Shepherd; his mother, Lena Shepherd Nook; step-fathers, Bill Shepherd and Ernest Nook; a brother, Ronnie Shepherd; step-brother and sister, Donald and Joyce; and three sisters-in-law, Joan Shepherd, Ruth Shepherd and Twila Shepherd.

Snodgrass, Jean Ellen Stephens Fine - Jean Ellen Snodgrass, the daughter of Carl O. and Esther (Houck) Stephens was born July 14, 1936 on a farm, 7 miles southwest of Bedford, Iowa. She passed away suddenly on June 19, 2015 at her home in Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 78 years, 11 months and 5 days.

Jean attended country school through 8th grade and graduated in 1954 from Bedford High School. While in school, she was active in 4-H, Rainbow Girls and participated in musical activities. Jean was united in marriage to Kenneth Fine. In 1964, the family moved to Red Oak, and on August 9, 1968, Jean married Russell M. Snodgrass at Omaha, Nebraska. Jean was an executive secretary at Wilson Concrete Company for 27 years, before retiring in 1992. She was a member of Altrusa International of Red Oak, having served as president; Order of Eastern Star; and past Worthy Advisor of the Order of Rainbow for Girls, where she received the Grand Cross of Color. She was also a member of the Red Oak First Christian Church, Montgomery County Historical Society, and a lifetime member of the Taylor County History Center. Jean's hobbies included sewing, gardening and reading. She loved her family and friends dearly.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell Snodgrass on October 7, 1986; daughter, Christy Fine on November 3, 2014; and sister-in-law, Sharon Stephens.

Jean is survived by her two children: Michael Fine and wife Monica of Red Oak, IA; and Kathryn Sattro and husband Mike of Red Oak, IA; granddaughter, Sumer Sandholm and husband Brett of Red Oak, IA; great grandchildren: Chase & Kyler Sandholm of Red Oak, IA; and brother, David Stephens of Omaha, NE; other relatives and many friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held
Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak

Visitation with the family present on Tuesday evening at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial to the Red Oak Fire & Rescue Association

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Stewart, Andrew - Andrew Stewart, an old resident of Taylor county, died at the home of his son in Jackson township on last Tuesday at 2:40 am, after a three days' illness, age 75. The funeral was held Wednesday at Maple Grove, conducted by Rev Jones. Interment was made at Good Hope cemetery. BEDFORD TIMES-REPUBLICAN, Bedford, Iowa, Dec 8, 1904

Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock Andy Stewart died quite suddenly at his home in Jefferson township at the ripe old age of 76 years leaving a wife and 8 children. Funeral services will be conducted this afternoon by Rev Jones. Interment in New Hope cemetery, Nodaway county, Missouri. BEDFORD TIMES-REPUBLICAN, Bedford, Iowa, Dec 8, 1904

Thompson, Linda Colleen - Celebration of Life Graveside Services for Linda Thompson, age 58, of Anchorage, Alaska, formerly of Gravity, who entered into the arms of Jesus on Monday, January 25, 2016, will be held Friday, January 29, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Memorials can be given in Linda’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Linda Colleen Thompson, of Anchorage, Alaska entered into the arms of Jesus on January 25, 2016. Linda was born in Clarinda, Iowa on August 5, 1957, the youngest child of seven, born to Darrell E. Thompson and Virginia (Lovitt) Thompson.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Darrell and Virginia Thompson, a brother Dean Thompson and her grandparents.

Those left to cherish Linda's memory are a sister-in-law, Ruth Thompson of Anchorage, Alaska; siblings, Larry Thompson and wife Dee of Camp Verde, Arizona; Connie Selders and husband Daryl of Gravity, Iowa; Jeannine Dougherty and husband Tom of Acampa, California; Charles Thompson of Palm Bay, Florida; and Bob Thompson and wife Dawn of Shambaugh, Iowa; along with many other family members and friends.

Linda can run, play, laugh and enjoy life
as she never knew it here on earth!

Tuttle, June - died Feb 3, 2016 Services are pending for June Tuttle, 80 of Cheyenne, Wy and formerly of Blockton, IA at Walker-Merrick in Clarinda.

Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda in charge of arrangements. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.memoriesonline.com.

Millicent June Tuttle was born June 19, 1935 in Etchingswell, England. She passed away on Thursday morning, February 4, 2016 at the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the age of 80 years, 7 months and 16 days.
June grew up and attended school in England. She met LeRoy Reginald Tuttle and came to the United States with him. On August 22, 1958, June and LeRoy were united in marriage in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This union was blessed with 3 daughters, Sherraline, Karen and Diana.
June and LeRoy lived all over the United States while he was in the United States Air Force. Once he retired, the couple made their home in Iowa. June was a traditional homemaker raising her three daughters. She loved music, especially Elvis Presley. She enjoyed playing bingo and attending the community dinners on Wednesday in Blockton.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband LeRoy.
Survivors include her children, Sherraline Hahn and her husband Steven of Westminster, Maryland, Karen Burnside and her husband Burt of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Diana Cleveland and her husband Howard of Cheyenne, Wyoming; four grandchildren, Gregory Hahn, Cheryl Hahn, Burt Burnside III, Jerrod Cleveland; five great grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the Christian Church in Blockton with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Burial will be in the Platteville Cemetery near Athelstan, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will take place on Thursday morning, February 11 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Blockton Christian Church. A memorial fund is being established in her name. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.memoriesonline.com. The Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda is in charge of arrangements

Weller, Betty Joan Black - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Betty Weller, age 91, of Bedford, who passed away Monday, February 1, 2016, at the Clearview Home in Clearfield will be held Friday, February 5, 2016, at 10:00 AM at the Area Bible Fellowship Church in Clearfield. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on Thursday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Betty Joan Black Weller was born February 21, 1924 on the Black family farm just south of Lenox Iowa. She was the first child and only daughter of Etta Lillian Recknor Black and Edgar Ross Black. Betty attended Grove country school just south of her home through the 8th grade. She graduated from Lenox High school with the class of 1941. After high school she attended AIB in Des Moines Iowa and worked in a munitions factory in Ankeny after completing her studies at AIB. Even though she was the only girl, with 3 younger brothers, Betty enjoyed working outside with her father and doing farm work more than housework as a child. She continued to love to work on the farm and enjoyed being a farm wife. She saw many changes over 91 years of living on a farm. When Dean and she started farming 72 years ago they farmed with horses and picked corn by hand. She was proud that they not only were able to pick their own corn but also the neighbors, Clyde Stephen’s corn, for hire, which gave them some much needed income to survive on during their first year of marriage.

Betty and Dean met during her senior year of high school. She was working as a waitress at the Main Street Café in Lenox. Dean was smitten with her at first sight and thus history began.
Betty was united in marriage to William Dean Weller April 18 1943. They were the first couple to be married in the present Lenox Methodist church. After their marriage she moved to the Weller farm, where she and Dean resided for 72 years. Dean lost his father at age 16, due to circumstances was forced to take over the responsibilities of the farm. The newlywed couple moved in with Dean’s mother and siblings. Later they purchased the farm which is now a century farm and has been home to 5 generations of Wellers. Betty was always active in the family farm both physically and as the bookkeeper. Even as her health failed and it became more and more difficult, she prided herself in her bookkeeping. She was always good with numbers, spelling, and educational pursuits having to do with learning. Due to failing health Betty lived the last 5 months of her life in the Clearview Nursing Home at Clearfield, but the family farm was never far from her mind or heart.

Betty always had a large productive garden in which she took great pride. She was generous in sharing the fruits of her labors with family, friends and neighbors, especially the tomatoes. She had a green thumb when it came to growing tomatoes, there was always an abundance to be canned and shared with friends. Along with her gardening ability, Betty was a wonderful cook. At straight up 12:00 everyday she would serve a wonderful meal and Dean better be there at 12:00 sharp, to eat. Few times in the last 72 years would you not find a delicious well thought out feast on the table at noon with home grown and preserved foods. She cooked from scratch – meat raised on the farm, home grown vegetables, and delicious desserts such as cherry pie.

Being a farm wife and mother was Betty’s full time occupation. She did work as a hospice volunteer during the early years of hospice.

Betty was an active member of the Methodist church at Lenox as a youth, the Methodist church at Sharpsburg for many years, and in later years, until unable to attend due to failing health, The Area Bible Fellowship Church in Clearfield.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Etta Lillian Reckor Black and Edgar Ross Black, by three brothers, Kenneth Black, Donald Black, and Raymond Black, two sister in laws and two brother in laws; Howard and Lavone Weller and Bill and Mary Ellen Lewellen.

She is survived by her husband William Dean Weller of rural Bedford, two sister in laws Clytha Black of Lenox, and Norma Black of Iowa city, a son Ronald Dean Weller and wife Lori, a daughter Karen Price and husband Stanley all of rural Bedford. Seven grandchildren; Chase Weller and wife Jessica of Bedford, Derek Weller of Sharpsburg, Tabitha Wilson and husband Brooks of Omaha, Scott Price of Bedford, Tracy Price of Bedford, Crystal Leininger and husband Daniel of Red Lodge England, Dustin Price and wife Kiana of Lehi, Utah. Seven great grandchildren Realee Weller, Jemma Weller, Bo Weller, Callen Leininger, Jordan Leininger, Brynlee Leininger, Daxton Price. Also an 8th grandchild to be born in June. She is also survived by a many nieces and nephews and a host of friends, family and neighbors.

Wilcoxson, Richard "Dick" - Richard “Dick” Wilcoxson was born June 13, 1954 in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of Paul Calvin and Eleanor Bernice (Conaway) Wilcoxson. He passed away early Wednesday morning, February 24, 2016 in Bellevue, Nebraska at the age of 61 years, 8 months and 11 days.
Dick was born in Red Oak, Iowa, spent a few short years in New Jersey and then returned to Clarinda where he grew up and attended school graduating in 1972. Following high school, he served his country in the United States Army. He attended boot camp at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and was later stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea where his daughter Nikki was born. Following his service in the Army he attended Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda for a short time. He enjoyed Philosophy and Ethics and Clancy Mandeville was his favorite instructor. For several years he worked in a mission in Columbus, Nebraska. Dick was proud and honored to help those in need. On October 5, 2013, Dick was united in marriage to Betty Louise Pittelkow in Bedford, Iowa.
Dick attended the Faith Baptist Church in Bedford. He loved the Lord and was always ready and willing to help someone in need. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers. His true love was his family, especially spending time with his loving wife, daughter and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Eleanor Richards, George and Pauline Wilcoxson; and his parents, Paul and Bernice Wilcoxson.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Wilcoxson of Bedford, Iowa; his daughter, Nikki Wilcoxson of Jacksonville, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Alexander, Renee and Nicholas; his brothers, Bill Wilcoxson of Omaha, Nebraska, Dan Wilcoxson and his wife Sheila of Clarinda, Iowa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Hannelore Pittelkow of Sioux City, Iowa, Ingrid Pittelkow of Bedford, Iowa, Joachim Pittelkow of San Diego, California, Heidi Poppa and her husband Larry of Bedford, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the Faith Baptist Church in Bedford, Iowa with Pastor Andrew McDonald officiating. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery with military honors accorded by the American Legion Sergy Post #98 of Clarinda. Visitation with the family present will take place on Wednesday morning, March 2, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Bedford.

Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.memoriesonline.com. The Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda in charge of arrangements.