Louise Knapp Addison was born March 30, 1923 in Lowellville, Ohio to Frank and Kathryn (Hogan) Knapp. She was the 10th of 13 children in the family.
Louise was united in marriage to Elmer Addison on April 29, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. Elmer and Louise had two daughters; Lynn was born in 1949 and Debbie was born in 1952.
When Elmer retired in 1992 the couple moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
to enjoy the sun. Elmer and Louise were married for more than 50 years until Elmer passed away on January 23, 2003.
In June of 2010, Louise moved to Bedford, Iowa to live with her daughter, Debbie.
Louise lived a very long and full life. She enjoyed cooking for her family, traveling, playing Yahtzee, solving crossword puzzles, the companionship of her beloved cat, Kitty-Kitty and especially volunteering her time in the ministry as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Louise passed away on January 3, 2012 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda, Iowa. Louise will be missed by many and remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, kind heart and feisty, fun spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Elmer and daughter Lynn.
Louise is survived by daughter Debbie Maddolin, Bedford, IA; grandchildren Matt Helfrich of Seattle, WA, Capt. Jeremy Helfrich and wife Jody of Meridian, MS, Nathan Helfrich of Bozeman, MT, Cori Floyd and husband Isaac of Bedford, IA, Jennifer Adkisson and husband Grant of Bedford, IA; great grandchildren Chloey, Megan and Breeanna Helfrich; and her beloved cat, Kitty-Kitty.
A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Bedford, IA. The family has requested that any donations be made to the Kingdom Hall.

James Robert Beemer, 70, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his family on January 25, 2016. James was born to Horace and Agatha (Farrens) Beemer in Clarinda, Iowa on June 25, 1945. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1964 where he was a three sport letterman. James then attended Northwest Missouri State University, graduating with degrees in business administration and industrial arts education. While attending NWMSU, James was a member and later president of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity and a member of Blue Key, a scholastic fraternity.
Upon graduation, James accepted a teaching position with Lawson (MO) School District. In October of 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam until 1970. During his career in the armed forces, James attained the rank of sergeant and received several medals including the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
After returning from the service he accepted a position teaching industrial arts in Chillicothe. It was during his tenure as an employee of the Chillicothe School District that he met Marcia Fern Mossbarger. The two were married on September 5, 1971. The couple welcomed the arrivals of daughter Shelley Ann in 1974 and son Jeffrey Lloyd in 1977. In 1975, James decided to change careers when he purchased the Brown's Clothing Store and christened his new haberdashery Beemer's. It was through this venture that many people were able to witness and experience his warm and caring nature while preparing for weddings, proms, or through the purchase of a sport coat or letter jacket.
An avid pilot, his love of flying led James to serve on the Chillicothe Airport Board for several terms. James was also an active member of United Methodist Church of Chillicothe for 45 years where he held many committee positions. His roots in education also led him to serve two terms on the Chillicothe School board and he was a beloved coach of many of his children's youth athletic teams. He was a member of Chillicothe Elks #656 as well as many other community activities leading up to his more recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce.
James was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jack, brother-in-law Jim Mathew, mother-in-law Doris Mossbarger, and two nephews, Joseph Adams and Michael Cavanah. He leaves his wife of 44 years, Marcia, two children and spouses Shelley (Bill) Hayen and Jeffrey (Hillary) Beemer of Chillicothe. James was a beloved grandfather of five grandchildren: Ben, Brad, and Abbey Hayen and Hadley and Brynley Beemer of Chillicothe. Other survivors include sister Judy Mathew of Chillicothe; Janet (Lanny) DeMott of Bedford, Iowa; and Jo Ellyn (C.B.) Adams of Lenox, Iowa; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shane and Cheryl Cavanah of Marceline and father-in-law Lloyd Mossbarger of Chillicothe. James was uncle to 19 nieces and nephews.
A few short paragraphs cannot encompass anyone's impact and influence on the lives that he or she has touched and James is no exception. His family and friends will miss his warmth, compassion and humor.
Funeral services were held January 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Chilllicothe, Missouri. Final resting place was the Edgewood Cemetery in Chillicothe. Arrangements were provided by the Heritage Funeral Home also of Chillicothe.

Brezo, Lorene Kay Carr - Lorene Kay Brezo, age 68, formerly of Corning, Bedford and Lenox, passed away Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Village Care Center in Maryville, Missouri. No formal services are scheduled. A memory book and folders will be available at the Village Care Center in Maryville.

Lorene Kay (Carr) Brezo was born October 6, 1948, in Creston, Iowa the daughter of Dale Carr and Erma Blanche (Bayman) Carr. She grew up in the Corning area, graduating from Corning High School with the Class of 1967. As a student, Lorene always maintained good grades. After graduation she attended a one year business course at the CE School of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 1968.

Lorene worked as a medical secretary at Children's Mercy Hospital in Omaha. In 1984, she was united in marriage to Bill Brezo. In 1996, Bill passed away.

Lorene possessed a photographic memory with the ability to remember dates and past events with remarkable ease. She also had a tremendous vocabulary and loved writing and reading books. She was fortunate to have some of her short stories published in magazines while she was in high school.

Left to cherish Lorene’s memory are her four siblings, sister Nadine Bradway and husband Lawrence of Lindale, Texas; brother Jerry Carr of Corning, Iowa; sister Janice Jennings and husband Roy of Bedford, Texas; and sister Avis Curphey and husband Lloyd of Maryville, Missouri; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Lorene in death are her parents, Dale and Erma Carr; and her husband Bill Brezo

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Briggs, Edwin David - Edwin David Briggs was born June 19, 1926 in Taylor County, Iowa near Guss, the son of David Lee and Lucille Marie (Heuer) Briggs. He passed away on Thursday afternoon, October 13, 2016 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center at the age of 90 years, 3 months and 14 days.
Edwin grew up attending the Skinner Country School and later the New Market High School graduating in 1944. Following high school, he was married to Wilma Adams for 12 years. This union was blessed with a daughter, Linda. On January 1, 1959 he was married to Evelyn Murren in Maryville, Missouri.
Following high school, Edwin farmed for 10 years. During this time, he drove a livestock truck to Omaha and St. Joseph. He also hauled coal from Centerville, Iowa, delivering about 1 ton to each customer and he was paid five dollars for each trip. Edwin also worked on the county bridge gang in the winter time, it was hard work but he enjoyed it. He later owned and operated a restaurant in Gravity, Iowa for three years. He then had the opportunity to go to work for the State of Iowa managing State Liquor Stores. He was promoted to Auditor and District Manager. He traveled around the states auditing the state stores. He enjoyed seeing the small towns and meeting the people in them.
Following retirement, Edwin and Evelyn enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada, Minnesota and South Dakota with their friends. They also enjoyed camping at the State Fair for 20 years. He was a St. Louis Cardinal fan his entire life and was fortunate to attend three different World Series Games the Cardinals played in. Edwin’s greatest form of recreation was playing town team baseball for Gravity, New Market, Nodaway, Hopkins and Clarinda for 20 years. One if his greatest thrills was batting against the great Satchel Paige, his batting average went down that day.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn; two nephews, Randy Briggs and Rick Briggs; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Briggs.
Survivors include his daughter, Linda Baedke of Ankeny, Iowa; his grandson, Jeffrey David Baedke of Ankeny, Iowa; his great granddaughter, Olivia Grace Baedke of Ankeny, Iowa; a brother, Virgil Briggs of Clarinda, Iowa; a niece, Kay Smith and her husband Gary of Fairfax, Missouri; along with many others relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2016 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda with Pastor Russ Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will take place on Sunday afternoon, October 16 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, Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss or the Miner Pavilion in New Market. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.swimemorial.com. The Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda is in charge of arrangements.

Bunn, Donald Norris - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Donald Bunn, age 89, of Lenox, who passed away Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Lenox Care Center will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be held Wednesday morning one hour prior to services. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Donald Norris Bunn was born August 29, 1927, in rural Adams County, Iowa the only child of Norris Bunn and Carrie (Trost) Bunn. He grew up in the Adams County / Lenox areas attending school, graduating from Lenox High School with the Class of 1945. In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army and on his 18th birthday, he was called to active duty, reporting to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Don served his basic training at Camp Lee in Virginia. He ended up in Washington, DC working in the Army War College Library as a clerk typist. At that time, the War College was reported to be the largest military library in the world. Don served there until he was discharged at Fort Mead, Maryland on November 7, 1946.

Don attended Cal-Aero Technical Institute in Glendale, California where he obtained his Aeronautical Engineering degree in November of 1947. He then returned to Iowa where he graduated from Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines in 1949 with a degree in Bookkeeping and Accounting. On September 17, 1950, Corporal Donald N. Bunn was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. On election day of November 1950, he was sent to Yokohama, Japan. Don served in various cities in Korea as a Clerk Typist and was lucky to be able to fly with an ordinance officer to Kyongju, Korea where they set up their new headquarters in South Korea. The balance of his crew later came by boat. The Loth Coro consisted of three division s, the 3rd, and 7th Army Divisions and First Marine Division. As the war progressed, air headquarters moved further north, first to Andong then on to Chechon then to Chungju then to Hongchon. We then had to retreat to Saemal and back to Hongchon for the balance of his time in Korea. In August of 1951, we shipped out to San Francisco on the USS General John Pope, arriving at Camp Stoneman, California and put on a late night train to Camp Carson, Colorado where we were eventually released and sent home. During Don's time in the military he was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon; Korean Service Ribbon with Four Battle Starts; United Nations Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Ribbon; and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

Upon his final discharge from the United States Army, Don returned to the Des Moines area where he worked at Greater GMC Truck & Equipment Company in the parts department and as the Bookkeeper until 1969. He then went to work for Iowa Truck Center, Inc., as an Office Manager/Bookkeeper until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the American Legion and the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include cousins, Betty Holben of Lenox, Iowa; Bob Reynolds and wife Dot of Creston, Iowa; Virginia Bennett of Creston, Iowa; Evelyn VerSteeg of Altoona, Iowa; Janet Barker of Apache Junction, Arizona; and a cousin-in-law, Rose Pfander, of Corning, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Don in death are his parents, Norris and Carrie Bunn; and a cousin, Don Pfander.

Cain, Raymond "Curly" Charles - Celebration of Life Services for Raymond "Curly" Charles Cain, age 88, of Lenox, who passed away Monday, November 7, 2016, Greater Regional Hospice House in Creston, will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 1:00 PM at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Private family inurnment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.
Raymond "Curly" Charles Cain was born December 23, 1927 to Joseph and Rose (Krohmer) Cain in Adams County, Iowa. With his siblings Joseph, Mary Agnes and Paul, he grew up on a farm and worked on farms until moving to Lenox in 1943. He went to country schools and Lenox High School. Curly spent 4 years in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and was stationed in Korea for 12 months.

Curly married Thelma Wagner from Winterset in 1950 and to this blessed union two daughters; Candy (Steve) Hamilton of Creston and Carla Cain of Des Moines. After his discharge, he and wife Thelma moved to Omaha, Nebraska to work for Union Pacific Railroad. The desire to be in the great outdoors called him back to Lenox where he purchased what would become Cain Oil Company in 1958 and which he owned until he retired in 1988.

Curly was an active and loving father and community minded man. Curly accomplished many things through the years including starting a youth softball program in Lenox for girls. Also, being a United Methodist Church member including an elder and usher in Yuma, Arizona, where he and Thelma wintered 15 years, as well as in Lenox. Curly was also active in the Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, past master of the Masonic Lodge and Rainbow Dad for the Order of Rainbow for Girls. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of Color from the order. Curly was also the executive secretary and treasurer for Sunrise Apartments. Curly also felt blessed to take part in The Korean Honor Flight in 2014.

Curly loved spending time with young people and was very active in supporting all high school sporting events and weekends water skiing with family and friends.

Left to cherish Curly's memory are his daughters; Candy and Carla; five grandchildren, Erica (Jason) Wolfe, Kyle Kolthoff, Alex Kolthoff, Dustin (Amanda) Hamiltonand Kassondra Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Quinton Kolthoff and Ayva Kolthoff, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Curly is preceded in death by his loving wife Thelma; his parents and siblings

Catuska, Robert C. - Robert C. Catuska, 81 went to be with the Lord on January 24, 2015.

Robert, aka “Cat” was a loving husband to Clarissa Catuska for over 59 years. Cat was a Vietnam Veteran serving with the Navy four years and Air Force 16 years. Cat loved his country and his family. Cat is survived by his wife Clarissa; their three sons, James, Robert (Scott), and Randy; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; family friend Dianne Catuska; her two daughters; and his faithful dog, Bear.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 6:00-7:00 pm in the funeral home. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday at noon in Loving Funeral Home, 3225 Academy Ave., Portsmouth Va 23703. Churchland Chapel. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends please consider donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarrierproject.org.

Clark, Mildred Juanita Calvin "Nete" House - Mass of Christian Burial Services for Mildred Juanita (Nete) House-Clark, age 89 of Urbandale, Iowa, formerly of Lenox, Iowa, who passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016, at the Urbandale Health Care Center will be held Saturday, October 15, 2016, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lenox. Visitation will be held Friday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials may be directed to the Lenox Public Library. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we 'Celebrate Life'.

Mildred Juanita (Nete) Clark, the daughter of Arthur and Laura (Lowe) Calvin, was born north of Lenox in Taylor County on February 11, 1927 and peacefully passed away on October 8, 2016 at the age of 89 residing at Urbandale Health Care Center. Juanita lived in Lenox, Ia 85 years and moved to Johnston in September, 2012 and Urbandale in May, 2013. She is survived by her children Deborah Deacon of Richmond, TX and Stephen House (Laura) of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren Jae Hernandez of Houston, TX; Kelli (Chris) Ewert of Spearfish, SD; Amie (Phil) Bairrington of Ft. Worth, TX; Josh (Kylie) House of Grimes, IA; and Heather (Keegan) Armstrong of Grimes, IA. Great grandchildren Ian and Gavin Hernandez; Holden, Hudson, and Hattie Ewert; Addisen, Kyle, and Kori Bairrington; Quentin and Avery House; Emmett and Henry Armstrong, one sister-in-law Alberta (Miller) Calvin, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; siblings: Helen Case, Opal Heikkinen, Hudson Calvin, Willard (Gabby) Calvin, Paul Calvin, James (Speck) Calvin, Jack Calvin; husbands Francis E. House, and Richard V. Clark; granddaughter Kori Ann Deacon.

Juanita attended country schools and Lenox High School graduating in 1944. In high school, she met her soul mate, and love of her life, Francis E. House and married in August,1948. Juanita and Francis were married 25 years when Francis passed away suddenly in December, 1973. In January 1981, Juanita married Richard (Dick) Clark of Creston, IA. Dick died, 1989 of cancer.

Juanita worked a variety of positions in and around the Lenox area including Tyler Pharmacy, Lenox Cafe, Sawyer’s Super Value, Dick’s Grill, the Lenox Light and Power Plant, Farm and Home in Creston, and retired as bookkeeper at Greater Community Hospital in Creston.

Nete was a 60+ year member of the American Legion Auxiliary Parkinson Post 250 and served in many post positions including President along with her husband Francis as Commander in Lenox’s Centennial Year 1972. She was active as a member of St.Patrick’s Catholic Parish in Lenox teaching Sunday School, a member of St. Patrick’s Altar Society serving in a number of positions throughout the years, and volunteered for church dinners and helped organize numerous church functions.

Nete joined a bowling league at McFee Bros. Bowl and became an avid bowler in team, singles, and double tournaments locally and around the country. She enjoyed golf, playing for fun and in golf tournaments at Lenox Golf and Country Club. She enjoyed quilting and made many quilts for her family.

Juanita was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and cherished her time with all family as she watched them grow. She spent many winters for 4-6 weeks out of the year with her daughter Debbie and the girls in Ft. Worth, TX. Family was very important and the Calvin Family Reunions were one of the highlights of her year

Bill (Joseph William) Cruth was born in Maryville, Mo. to Joseph William Cruth Sr. and Vivian Ingram Cruth, Oct. 10th, 1941. He was their first child.
At age 2 1/2 months the family moved to a ranch near Lyons, Kansas. Bill was 10 when the family moved back to Missouri on a farm near Maryville. He attended country school at Jones Branch. At age 14 the family moved to a farm south of Arkoe, to what became the "Home Place." Bill graduated from Maryville High School in 1959.
He married Patricia Carmichael in May of 1959. To this union Debbie Kay was born.
He married Maureen Greeley of Gravity, Iowa in December of 1964. To this union was born, Donald Allen in 1966 and Billie Joe (Jody) in 1968. He and Maureen lived on a ranch near Pratt, Kansas and returned to the Greeley family farm in 1969.
As for occupations, Bill had many. He was a ranch hand, farmer, fence builder, fish farmer, bartender, construction worker and garden produce grower. His last occupation was an outfitter for deer hunters and his favorite. He went to great lengths to see that his "boys" were well taken care of. His clients became his friends. Bill was excellent at public relations.
His passion in life was hunting and fishing. He simply loved hunting wild life or pursuing that elusive fish. (It didn't matter what species.)
Two of the people with whom he had great hunting and fishing adventures were Dave and Lee Little. The tales they told of their adventures (good and bad) were almost as good as being there.
Bill had a wry sense of humor and did love getting a "good one" on some unsuspecting person. He also told a great tale of hunting and fishing episodes. He was fun to be around.
He indeed lived a full life.
He and his daughter Debbie enjoyed camping with Lonnie and Tammy Vanzant.
As Bill's health failed, Tammy Vanzant came up and they undertook many projects such as gardening, canning, painting or simply going for a drive. They also involved Tammy's husband Lonnie in their projects.
Bill was preceded in death by his father Joe (Joseph William Sr.) Cruth.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Maureen; children, Debbie Sturgis of Hopkins, Mo.; Donald of Gravity, la.; Jody (Matt) Hess of New Market, la.; his mother, Vivian Cruth of Arkoe, Mo.; sister, Sharon Nelson of Concordia, Mo.; sister Shirley Cruth of Maryville, Mo. also four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his dog Jake, who was a very faithful and well-loved companion.
In his last days he was cared for by hospice and his family Debbie, Donald and Maureen with the invaluable help from Tammy Vanzant.
Bill's last wishes were carried out and he was cremated and his ashes were scattered on the family farm.

Richard LaVern Curry died Oct 6, 1986 at the Veterans Hospital in Omaha, Nebr. He was born May 7, 1926 to John N. and Iva F. Curry at the family home west of Fairfax.
He was retired from the United States Air Force having served 21 years. At the time of his death he was a farmer in the Bedford, la. area. He is suvived by his wife, Helen of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Debbie Curry of Kansas City; two sisters, Mrs. Elva Harmes, Mober-ly; Mrs. Elza (Lucille) West, Bedford, la.; and two broth­ers, Wayne, Arizona; and Willis of Bedford, la. • Mr. Curry was buried in the Clarinda, la. Cemetery with military honors by the New Market, la. American Legion Post of which he was a member.
Those from this area attending the funeral in Clarinda, la. on Oct. 8 at the Walker - Merrick Funeral Home were his aunt, Mrs. Jessie Meyer, Mound City; Mr. and Mrs. Gene Brad-field, Mrs. Margaret Os-burn, Mrs. Vernon Trau-ernicht; Mr. and Mrs. Rus­sell Curry of Rock Port.

THE FAIRFAX FORUM, Fairfax, Missouri, Oct 16, 1986

Downing, Blanche Fletchall - Blanche Downing, age 86, died at 10:50 P.M. on November 3, 2016. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. A private memorial and graveside service will be held at a future date to be determined. A Celebration of Life Gathering was held November 5, 2016 at the Bedford Senior Center. Ritchie Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Blanche (Fletchall) Downing was born November 5, 1929 near Parnell Missouri, the daughter of Sexton Andrew Fletchall and Della Ethel (Ackley) Fletchall. Her parents later moved to Grant City, Missouri where Blanche attended and graduated with the class of 1947.

On August 4, 1947 she was united in marriage to Paul E. Downing. To this blessed union were three children, Paula Ferne, Lyle Bruce, and Jeffrey Lynn Downing.

Blanche worked for over 31 years as a nurse at the Bedford Nursing Home. Many of those years as the Director of Nursing, where she met and worked with many families within the community.

Blanche is survived by here children, Paula F. Glass and Jeffrey L. Downing, along with her seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Blanche in death were her husband Paul, parents Sexton and Della, infant son Lyle, seven brothers Luther, Guy, Elbert, Alfred, Don, Owen and Neil Fletchall, three sisters Daisy Myers, Ferne Jeter and Faye Pierce, one great-granddaughter, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews

Funeral services for Lela lone Pershin Dukes were held on Saturday, December 31, 2011 in Ellston, Iowa. A private burial will be held at a later date in the Ellston Cemetery.
Lela lone Pershin Dukes, daughter of Forest Pershin and Audrey Raynor Pershin, was born March 26, 1913 near New Market, Iowa and departed this life at her home at Ellston, Iowa on December 29, 2011 at the age of 98.
Lela graduated from Gravity High School and then attended teachers college in Red Oak. She taught school north of Ellston at the Dickson Country School.
Lela married Vincent Dukes on February 27,1932. At that time, she decided to stay home and work on the farm and raise a family.
Family and friends meant everything to Lela. She was the neighborhood grandma to many. She enjoyed dancing, gardening and playing cards. Lela was a member of the Ellston United Methodist Church.
Lela is survived by five children; oldest daughter Jane Lee Feeback (Jim) of Mount Ayr, IA; daughter Dorothy Burgher (Gary) of Kellerton, IA; daughter Doris Jean Redman of Mount Ayr, IA; son Joe Dean Dukes (Jan) of Ellston, IA; and daughter Donna Rae Greenland (Kevin) of Ellston, IA. Lela is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren; sister-in-law Phyllis Dukes and nieces and nephews.
Lela was preceded in death by husband Vincent in 1987, son Jimmy Dukes in 1972 and brothers Dale, Lee, Elbert and Mack Pershin.
A memorial fund has been established to HCI Care Services in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Arrangements by Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa. BEDFORD TIMES-PRESS, Bedford, Iowa, Jan 3, 2012

Farrens, Geraldyne Freda Shafar - Celebration of Life Funeral Services for Geraldyne Farrens, age 90, of Bedford, who passed away Sunday, December 18, 2016 at the Corning Hospital will be held Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the UCPC Church in Bedford, with lunch to follow. Visitation will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford Wednesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7PM. Interment will be held at 1:30 PM at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Geraldyne Freda (Shafar) Farrens, daughter of Fred L. Shafar and Mabel Alice (Price) Shafar, was born September 6, 1926, on the home farm NW of Gravity, Iowa. Gerry went to heaven on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at the Corning Hospital at the age of 90.

Gerry graduated from Technical High School in Omaha, Nebraska in 1943. On March 20, 1943, she secretly eloped with Keith G. Farrens in Papillion, Nebraska. After their marriage, Keith enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was stationed near St. Louis, Missouri. After World War II, they started farming NE of Gravity, Iowa. Two years later they moved to Audubon, Iowa and operated a big cattle farm. In 1952, they purchased a farm near Sharpsburg, Iowa and at that time joined the Sharpsburg United Presbyterian Church. In 1957, they moved to Webster City, Iowa for two years, and in 1959, they purchased the current farm SW of Conway, Iowa. They built their present home in 1976, on the north edge of Bedford.

Gerry enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening, fishing, golfing and camping. She was very active in card clubs, Red Hatters, neighborhood clubs and church activities. Together Keith and Gerry enjoyed traveling to all 50 states, going to Arizona and Texas each winter. They especially enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair for 50+ consecutive years. They were also able to travel to Europe, Canada and Mexico. They did everything together and felt it was a gift to be married 73 years. Their 70th Anniversary Party was something they truly cherished.

Her joy was being a mother and grandmother, who loved planning family get-togethers. She spent hours making Christmas special, making craft gifts for everyone and cooking the dinner. She was an excellent seamstress and made several quilts. Gerry loved being a farm wife and helped Keith in just about everything. She even did all of the bookwork!

Preceding Gerry in death are her parents, Fred and Mabel (Price) Shafar; and a sister, Meralyne Heacock and husband Jack.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend is her loving husband, Keith Farrens of Bedford, Iowa; four children, son Jim Farrens and wife Ellen of Branson, Missouri; daughter Rosie Rucker and husband Mike of Shenandoah, Iowa; son Ron Farrens and significant other Brenda Sills of Bedford, Iowa; and son Roger Farrens of Snohomish, Washington; ten grandchildren, Lisa Bond and husband Mitch of Sharpsburg, Iowa; Charla Farrens and significant other Jeff Blythe of Mustang, Oklahoma; Scott Rucker and wife Temple of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Rochelle Goff and husband Greg of Ankeny, Iowa; Kyle Rucker and wife Christina of Spring Hill, Tennessee; Shannon Farrens and husband Kyle Richardson of Bartlett, Illinois; Wendy Remes and husband Joe of South Elgin, Illinois; Bobbie Schellerer and husband Mark of St. Charles, Illinois; Evan Farrens of Lenox, Iowa; and Ryan Farrens of Snohomish, Washington; Twenty-two great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Elvin Shafar and wife Patty of Bedford, Iowa; and a sister, Elverta Beemer of Bedford, Iowa; along with many other family members and friends

Robert Dean Forster, formerly of Bedford, passed away March 8, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Red Oak, Iowa following a long illness. Bob was born April 11, 1945 and was raised in Bedford by the late Jim and Dell Forster.
Bob attended the Bedford Schools, and lived most of his life in Bedford before moving to Clarinda, where he resided for the past several years.                  
Bob worked at several jobs, including being a welder, working road construction, dynamiter at several rock quarries and a millwright. Bob was a free spirit and enjoyed being around people and riding motorcycles in his spare time. Bob will be missed by the many people he had met throughout his life.
There were no public services for Bob and his ashes were placed by his parents in the cemetery in Lineville, Iowa.

Memorial Services for Dorothy Evelyn McCoy Greenway, 89, Ada, formerly of Bedford, Iowa are 10:00 a.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel in Ada [Okla]. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Bedford, Iowa. Mrs. Greenway died Monday, February 14, 2011 at her home in Ada. She was born March 30,1921 at Corning, Iowa to Earl and Ada Richards Palmer. She graduated from Nodaway High School in Nodaway, Iowa.
She married Joe McCoy on October 8, 1939. He preceded her in death in March, 1976. She later married W. E. "Chub" Greenway in March, 1978. He preceded her in death in June, 1998. Mrs. Greenway was a U. S. Postmaster, retiring after 20 years of service. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Nodaway, Iowa and had attended the First United Methodist Church in Ada, Oklahoma. Mrs. Greenway was an avid sports fan and played golf until she was in her 80's.
Survivors include a daughter, Kay Keyser and her husband, Marv of Kerens, Texas; a son, Denny McCoy and his wife Janet, Tupelo, OK; seven grandchildren, Casey Keyser Ashley, Stillwater, OK, Jodi Keyser Smith, Omaha, NE, Justen McCoy, Ada, OK, Nikki McCoy Callison, Ada, OK, JoRay McCoy, Guthrie, OK, Jet McCoy, Ada, OK, and Cord McCoy, Tupelo, OK; 17 great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, two sisters, Doris Palmer Berkey and Rowena Palmer Rhamy, and a brother, Clifford Palmer. BEDFORD TIMES-PRESS, Bedford, Iowa, Feb 23, 2011

Richard "Rick" K. Haynie, age 79, died peacefully on Oct. 31st, 2016, in Cape Coral, FL.

He was born Dec 31st, 1936 in Bedford Iowa. He was raised on a family farm in Bedford, IA and graduated from Bedford High School. He joined the United States Army in 1955 and served in Korea from 1955-1957. He served in the Army reserves 1958-1961. In 1963 he began his pipefitting career in Kansas City, Mo. He was a member of the PipeFitters Local #533 and a member of the United Assoc. of Journeymen & Apprentices of Plumbing & Pipefitting for 53 years. He retired early in 1993 and moved to Florida in 2000, living out his last 16 years.

Rick is survived by his wife, Janet (Adams) Haynie; daughter, Tammie (Jeff) McGill; son, Edward Mertz; grandchildren, Chris McGill, Kaitlyn McGill, Clayton (Heather) Mertz; and great grandson, Damon Mertz. Sister-in-law, Shirley Haynie; niece, Sondra(Michael) Rogers; nephew, Steven Haynie; cousins, Virginia (Corwin) Akers; and Rosemary Davidson.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Violet Haynie; brother, Russell Haynie; and cousin, Verne Davidson.

Services will be on Dec. 10th, 2016, at 11:00am at The First Baptist Church of Lockport, 800 Thornton St., Lockport, IL 60441. Interment will follow at Lockport Cemetery Assn. 528 Madison St. Lockport, IL.

Funeral services were conducted on Friday, April 9, 1999, at the Breit & Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Savannah, Missouri, for Mary Ora Howard of Savannah. Reverend Dick Lionberger officiated. Interment was made in the Whitesville, Missouri, First Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Mary Ora Howard, age 94, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 1999, at a health care center in Savannah. She was born October 27, 1904, near Blockton, Iowa, to Effie (Wineinger) and Samuel Lough. She resided most of her life in Union Star, Missouri, Oregon, Missouri, and Whitesville, prior to moving to Savannah in 1972.
Mary married George Ryborn Howard on October 11, 1928, in Troy, Kansas. Mary was a homemaker, care giver, and interior decorator.
Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church and Utopia Club, both of Whitesville. She was also a member of the Shady Lawn Nursing Home Auxiliary in Savannah. She was named Missouri Health Care District II Queen in 1995, representing LaVerna Village Nursing Home and competing in the state contest.
Survivors include: one daughter, Bette Kent, Tarkio; one son, Bobby D. Howard, Savannah; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
as preceded in death her parents; her husband, George Howard, on October 1, 1972 an infant son in 1931; two brothers, Floyd and Lloyd Lough; and four sisters, Mabel Campbell, Mildred VanFossan, Muriell Brandow and Madeline Nordstrom. Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church at 17651 Hwy. 48 in Rea. MO 64480.

THE FAIRFAX FORUM, Fairfax, Missouri, Apr 15, 1999

Huber, Duane Ernest - Graveside Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Duane Huber, age 96, of Lenox, Iowa who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Corning, will be held Friday, October 21, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox; military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on Friday morning from 10 AM until 10:45 AM, at which time friends and family will proceed to the cemetery together.

Duane Ernest Huber was born February 14, 1920 in Sharpsburg, Iowa, one of seven siblings born to Earnest Huber and Nellie (Kerns) Huber. He attended school in Sharpsburg, graduating from high school in 1938. Duane was united in marriage to Thelma Day, of Clearfield, Iowa on November 9, 1942, shortly before shipping out to serve in World War II. His tour was completed primarily in the South Pacific, where he served as an Army Radio Specialist, utilizing Morse code to provide reconnaissance directives that were used to help keep his unit safe. Like many other soldiers of his day, he did not get to see his oldest son, Lewis, until the child was two years old. During his service, Duane received a number of medals of accomplishment, including the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars.

A total of five sons, Lewis, Robert, Harold, David and Kenneth, were born to the marriage. While raising their family, Duane worked as a brick mason, representing half of the family business Huber Brothers Masonry, which he started with his brother Darrell upon returning from the war. The business was successful, and the brothers worked on many prominent projects throughout the local region. Duane loved working with his hands, going so far as to build the family home himself.

After welcoming their five sons, Duane and Thelma went on to welcome 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He and Thelma celebrated more than 50 years of marriage before her passing in 1993.

Those who loved Duane will remember him most for his quick wit, warm chuckle and devotion to his grandchildren. His patience was something to be marveled at, as very little seemed to rattle him - he even taught several of his grandchildren how to drive. Duane was an avid gardener, enthusiastic fisherman, and accomplished mechanic. He loved to work on cars and motorcycles, most notably, building a motorcycle completely from scratch, using spare parts. For many years, the unique bike was a common sight around Lenox.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, son Robert, wife, Thelma, son, Lewis and his siblings. He is survived by sons Harold (Joan), David (Karlene), Kenneth (Monica), daughter-in-law, Kris Huber, and all 40 of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

On a special note, an additional dear family member, Norma (Kerns) Black, also passed away on Sunday, just a few hours after Duane. She and Duane were cousins and lifelong friends, and it provides us with great comfort to know that they were there for each other on that day

Hufnagel, Vera Louise King - Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Vera Hufnagel, age 93, of Lenox, who died peacefully on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at The Lenox Care Center will be held Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Lenox Christian Church. Visitation will be held Friday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 5 to 7 PM with the family greeting friends. Private interment of ashes will be held at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Vera Louise (King) Hufnagel was born July 10, 1923, in Oskaloosa, Kansas the first-born daughter of Floyd King and Kate (Hoskinson) King. She attended and graduated from Oskaloosa, Kansas schools and was united in marriage to Ernest Lee Hufnagel on July 20, 1942 in Reno, Nevada. While Ernie served overseas during World War II, she gave birth to their first-born son Duane. After the war, they were blessed with their second son Mike. Their third son Mark, proved to be the light of their lives. Mark was born with Downs Syndrome and eventually moved to Taylor Ridge Estates in Lenox. There wasn't a night that went by that Ernie and Vera didn't make the trip up to see their beloved son.

As a couple, Ernie and Vera were both hard and diligent workers, who enjoyed traveling and camping for several winter months in the south. Vera was a 'can do' gal and held many different jobs in her lifetime. She was the last surviving telephone switchboard operator in Lenox before the arrival of dial telephones. Her love of clothing led her to work in various dress shops in Lenox, and while her son Mark was in school, she drove a bus of special needs children to Creston during the school year. Ernie purchased the Allis Chalmers dealership in the early 1960's and even though she knew little of the farm implement business, she eventually became an expert parts saleswoman! In addition to raising three boys, working fulltime and keeping an immaculate home, she was also active in the Lenox Christian Church. Vera's family was her life and she took great pride in the achievements of her brothers, sisters, and sons, as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Left to cherish Vera’s memory are sons, Duane Hufnagel and fiancé Jan Dowman of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Mike Hufnagel and wife Lana of Manhattan, Kansas. Other family survivors include four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; also numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Vera in death are her parents, Floyd and Kate King; two brothers and their wives, Duane and Dorothy King and Bud and Gerri King, a sister and her husband, Elizabeth and John Williams; her beloved husband, Ernie in January of 2010; and her beloved son, Mark in February of 2003

Dolores Maxine Johnson, age, 88, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, August 1, 2002.
She was born on February 12, 1914, in Siam, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Ollie Clayton Johnson.
Dolores loved gardening and the outdoors.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Mullen of Chillocothe, Missouri, and Kathleen and son-in-law, Don Carroll, Mt. Clare, California; four grandchildren, Randy Mullen, Chillicothe, Missouri, Teri Mullen, Bethany, Missouri, John Swigart, Pasadena, California, Robert Schmeling, Lucabach, Texas; five great grandchildren, Jeremy Mullen, U.S. Air Force, Danielle and Chelsea Mullen, both of Chillicothe, Missouri, Amanda Mullen, Bethany, Missouri  and Erica Schmeling, Georgia.
Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, Robert Anderson; and a sister, Glola Ingles,
There was a direct cremation.
Arrangements were under the.direction of the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillocothe, Missouri.

Lola Louise "Lu" (Wright) Johnston passed away May 22, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. A memorial graveside service will be held at Rosehill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa at a later date.                                              
Lu was born January 22,1919 in Caledonia, Iowa to Elba Clyde and Lola Opdyke Wright. She was the last surviving member of the family.
She graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1936 and later married Richard Young Johnston in 1938. They resided in Bedford, Iowa from 1947 until 1962. Lu was Taylor County Deputy Clerk of Court during that time. The couple moved to Colorado Springs and after Dick's passing in 1989, Lu moved to Denver to be with their daughter.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Lu Johnston, one granddaughter, Tammie Savicki, great grandchildren Tanya Strucker and Shanell Costa, great great grandchildren, Christian, Elyah, Jasmine, Athena and Glade.

lone Opal Runyan was born Apr 5, 1942 at her parent's farm near College Springs, Page Co., IA. From her parent's farm near Conway, IA, she attended grade school at the Conway Consolidated School, and graduated from the Bedford High School in 1960. She then attended business school and worked in Omaha, NE for a time. She continued her education, earning an Associate's of Art Degree in Women's Studies, and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Health Education in 1991. She joined the Peace Corp in 1994 and served as an instructor of Health in the South America country of Honduras for two years. She later was diagnosed with lung cancer and settled in Kansas City, KS.
She enjoyed hobbies of sewing, gardening, traveling, and especially playing the piano and organ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin L. and Rosa A. Runyan, and her husbands, Charles Huettel and Richard Kaminski. She died Dec 24, 2014.
She leaves behind four children, Michael Huettel (Erica), Steven Huettel, Deborah Luxem (Dave), and Denise Metzger (Michael); 10 grandchildren, Krystal Ash Rice, Michael Ryan Metzger, Michael Huettel II, Brandi Metzger, Anna Rey, Abbie Metzger, Cecilia Huettel, Autumn Metzger, Sabina Edwards, and Roman Metzger; four siblings, Rosa Lee Pollock, David Runyan (Eileen), Inez Mathews (Robert), and Ada K. Cavin.
A memorial service was held on January 10, 2015 at Maywood Community Church, Kansas City, KS.

Dale Kettle, 86, of Altoona, formerly of Creston, died Friday August 26, 2011 at Altoona Nursing and Rehab Center in Altoona. Masonic services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday August 30, 2011 at the Powers Funeral Home in Creston near the junction of highway 25 and 34. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mt. Ayr. Family will receive friends from the Powers Funeral Home in Creston. Memorials are to be established. Online condolences may be left under the obituary category of www.powersfh.com.
Dale Henry Kettle, son of Myrtle Mae (Bean) Kettle and Henry Allen Kettle was born July 25, 1925 in Ringgold County near Delphos, Iowa. He graduated from Blockton High School. After graduation Dale served his country in the United States Army. Dale was united in marriage to Margaret Rose (Shay) on September 19, 1952 in St. Joseph, Mo. They settled in the Blockton area where he farmed raising cattle and hogs. In 1968 they moved to Maryville, Mo. where he worked as a meat cutter for Northwest Missouri State University until returning to Blockton in 1971. At that time he returned to farming. In 1973 they moved to Mt Ayr and he worked for a co-op until moving to Knoxville where he began working as an insurance agent. Dale moved to Phoenix and Sedona Ariz, where he worked as a park manager for a mobile home park. Dale returned to Iowa and worked as a condominium manager in Des Moines, la., until 1999 when he retired and moved back to Creston. Dale was a 3rd degree Mason for over 50 years at the Bethany Masonic Lodge #320 and was a district Lecturer.
Dale is survived by a daughter: Lu Ann Kettle of Des Moines, la.; two sisters: Mable Smith of Springfield, Mo. and Jean Haidsiak of Clearfield, la. He was preceded by; his parents; his wife: Margaret in 2009; brother: Byron; sisters: Mildred and Marjorie. BEDFORD TIMES-PRESS, Bedford, Iowa, Aug 31, 2011

Graveside services for Warren Kirby, Sr., age 82, formerly of the Blockton, Tarkio and St. Joseph, Missouri areas, were held Monday, April 26, 2004, at 1:30 p.m. at the Memory Cemetery in New Market with Pastor William Ballard officiating. Warren passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at the Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Warren Gerald Kirby, Sr., was born January 25, 1922, in Greeley, Colorado, the son of Earl Kirby and Millie Reynolds Kirby. Warren grew up in Taylor County living on farms in the Gravity-Blockton areas. He graduated from Blockton High School in 1942. After graduation, Warren entered the United States Army serving in the India, Burma, China Theater on railroad construction during World War II. He worked for the CB & Q Railroad after his discharge from the armed forces, working in Burlington, Iowa, as a project engineer building railroad bridges.
On June 14,1948, Warren was united in marriage to Doris Lee Daily in Fairfax, Missouri. The couple farmed in the Fairfax and Tarkio areas and in 1977, Warren and Doris divorced. Warren then moved to the St. Joseph area where he resided until his health required him to move to Columbia to be near his daughter.
Warren was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion and the American Hackney Pony Association. He enjoyed raising horses and spending time in his fruit orchard and tending his garden where he specialized in raising strawberries and tomatoes.
Left to cherish Warren's memory are his son, Warren G.Kirby, Jr., of Tarkio, Missouri; three daughters, Roberta Lee Parrish of Columbia, Missouri, Shirley Espy and husband, Billy, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Margaret Taylor and husband, David, of Liberty, Texas; a brother, Ivan Kirby of Roswell, New Mexico; and four grandchildren.
Preceding Warren in death are his parents, Earl and Millie; a son, Bruce Kirby, in 1994; a brother, Dale Kirby; and three sisters, Erma Leighton, Alta Moser and Thelma Boltinghouse. Memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

THE FAIRFAX FORUM, Fairfax, Missouri, May 6, 2004

Leighton, Donavon David -   Donavon D. Leighton, 78, of Winside, died Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 at a Grand Island Hospital.
Services were held Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Winside High School Gymnasium in Winside. The Rev. Dale Topp officiated.
Burial was in Pleasant  View  Cemetery in Winside.
Memorials may be directed to Winside American Legion Post #252 and Winside United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Arrangements were with Hasemann Funeral Home in Wayne.
Donavon David Leighton was born April 12, 1938 in Bedford, Iowa to Glenn and Floris (Campbell) Leighton. He graduated from Bedford High School, received his B.A. at Tarkio, Mo. and Masters Degree at UN-L. Donavon married Marilyn Ross on Aug. 13, 1960 at Chartiers United Presbyterian Church in Canonsburg, Penn.  Donavon taught at Eagle and Guide Rock before becoming the Superintendent at Ruskin. He served as the High School Principal in Emerson for four years and then as Superintendent at Winside Public School for 34 years before retiring.
He coached numerous sports teams over the years. He held many leadership positions for Nebraska and Wayne Rural Community Association, Nebraska and Wayne Area Retired School Personnel Association, Lewis and Clark Conference,  District #3 of the Nebraska School Activity Association,  Northeast Nebraska Phi Delta Kappa, and the Winside Community Club, among others. He was currently a member of the United Methodist Church in Winside and formerly of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served as Trustee and Chairman of the Congregation.
Don is best known as being the biggest fan of his children, grandchildren, their significant others and friends, and his newest joy, great-granddaughter, Alexis. He rarely missed a sporting event,  dance  recital,  award presentation,  music concert, or social event. Regardless of outcome, he always had a supportive, kind word for the winners and those less successful. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards with his friends, watching Husker games, and counting his chips at the casino. As a role model, he has inspired and provided kind words, encouragement, and mentorship to many people over the years.
Survivors include his daughters, Kimberly Leighton of Bradenton, Fla., Kelly (Mark) Harris of Norfolk, Kerri (Jeff) Jones of Columbus and Kathy (Larry) Meyer of Winside; grandchildren, Erin (Landonn) Mackey, Taylor Wozny, Shelby (Colin) Brokaw, Blaine (Krista Hermsmeyer) Meyer, Regan (A.J.) Gordon, Rylee Jones, and Kennedy Jones; great-granddaughter, Alexis; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn in 2012; siblings, Harry, Robert, Richard, and Kathryn.
Honorary pallbearers were Donavon and Marilyn’s grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Active pallbearers were Richard Leighton, Don Ross, Al Schlueter, Paul Roberts, Ron Ross, Steve Jorgensen, Dan Jaeger, Joe Mundil and Bill Reeg.

Gary Edward Lesher, Sr. was born December 4, 1936 in Bentonville, Arkansas. He is the son of Clyde Almond Lesher and Bernice Emogene Graves Lesher of Gravity, Iowa. Gary grew up in southern Iowa attending elementary schools in Riverton, Sidney, Minden and Gravity. As a freshman he attended Gravity High School.
March 12,1960, Gary married Colleen Rae Cartee of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Their son, Gary Edward Lesher, Jr. was born December 11, 1960. Gary, Colleen and Gary Jr. then moved to Covina, California, November 1961, where Gary went into partnership with J.C. Roofing Company of Baldwin Park, California. On March 12, 1963, their daughter, Colleen Rae Lesher, was born,
From 1961 to 2000, for nearly 40 years, Gary helped many families with their roofing needs. In 2000, leg surgery forced him to retire. In 2004, Gary lost his wife Colleen. Then Gary moved to Bedford, Iowa to spend some time with his aging mother, Bernice Lesher, before she passed, May 2005, at nearly
93 years old.                                
Gary loved to watch TV and play cards. He especially enjoyed playing Crazy 8 with his grandchildren and with his in-home health care providers and playing Black Jack poker with his friends. Everyone enjoyed his joking nature and the fact that he always buttoned his shirt crooked, giving them the opportunity to jokingly poke fun and straighten him out.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Gary Edward Lesher, Jr. and wife Kimberly, of Clarinda, Iowa; daughter, Col­leen Rae and husband, Dennis Gearhart, of Bedford, Iowa; as well as grandchildren he adored, grandson Joshua Cody Lesher of La Puente, California and granddaughter Jamie Miranda of Pomona, California; also his great grandchildren, Jamie's children, Daniel, Jacob and Paige. His sister, Ruth Lesher Taylor (Austin, Texas), Naomi Lesher Brumfield (Waukee, Iowa), and Myra Lesher Lock (Bedford, Iowa), his half-sister, Margarite Lesher Glassman of Kansas; and his youngest brother, John Earl Lesher (Maryville, Missouri); and his many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends will cherish memories of Gary.
Preceding Gary in death were his wife, Colleen Rae Cartee Lesher, his parents, Clyde and Bernice Lesher; four sisters, Melba Ruth, Delores, Pauline and Dellamae 'Dee'; four brothers Lyle, Lonnie Harold, Paul 'Bud' and Ross; sister-in-laws, Delores and Doris; and brother-in-laws, Ronnie Brumfield and Tom Mernin.

Lewis, Stephanie Pershing - Stephanie Pershing Lewis was born June 21, 1941 in Clarinda, Iowa the daughter of Alvin B. and Portia (Wilson) Pershing. She passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at her home in Denver, Colorado at the age of 75.
Following college, Stephanie eventually made Denver, Colorado her home. She worked numerous jobs including being a teacher, speech therapist, audiologist, several commercial trucking and packing companies and a travel agent. She helped develop a dinner theater, two medical billing companies and three spas. Stephanie’s life was very fulfilling. She loved people; and the love was returned in full. Although there were bumps and bruises sustained along the way, Stephanie considered every adventure a grand journey with wonderful people and appreciated everyone without a single regret.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Survivors include her son, Jonathan P. Lewis, his life partner, Danielle Russell of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren, Bryce, Miya and Brody Lewis; as well as other relatives and many friends.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Memory Cemetery near New Markets, Iowa with Kris Davies officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.swimemorial.com. The Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda is in charge of arrangements

Memorial Services for Robert "Bob" Long, 85, of Davenport, Iowa were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday,
December 27 at Newcomb Presbyterian Church, Davenport. Family received friends on Saturday from
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Home Cemetery, Tarkio, Mo.   
Robert Long was born on January 13, 1929 in Lenox, Iowa, the son of Hugh Roy and Lela (Tully) Long. He married Barbara Hills on October 25, 1951 in Tarkio, Mo. He had served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict. He also was able to take part in the Honor Flight.
Robert attended the Tarkio College where he received a bachelor's degree in Music Education, a Master's degree in Music Education at George Peabody College and a Doctorate Studies in Media at the University of Iowa. Robert taught music, worked as a media consultant for the Mississippi Education Agency. He also worked at the University Of Wisconsin College Of Nursing.  
He was a member of Newcomb Presbyterian Church, Davenport, where he served as Deacon, Elder and Music Director, he also was a member of the Lion's Club, C.A.S.I, Davenport Area Unit Retiree! School Personal Association (DARSPA), and Phi Delta Kappa.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Davenport; son, John (Becky) Long of Davenport; daughter, Andrea Cartwright of Rock Island; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and sister, Mary Lou Sunderwith-Connor of Old Greenwich, CT.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials   may   be   made   to   Tarkio College. Remembrances and condolences may be made to the family at www.cunnick-collins.com

Margaret Corinne Gray Lucas passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday morning, February 22, 2011 at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. Her Graveside services were held on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.at Chandler Memorial Cemetery in Chandler, Tx with Rev. Valerie Hudson of Lake Palestine UMC leading the service. Visitation was on Friday night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Home in Tyler, Tx.
Margaret Gray was born on February 19, 1922 in Gravity, Iowa to Claude Crawford Gray and Grace Hall Gray. She grew up on a farm in the Gravity community and upon graduation from high school in 1939, she went to Muscatine, Iowa for a year to attend college and then returned closer to home to get her teaching certificate at what is now Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri where she also pledged Sigma Sigma Sorority. Upon getting this certificate, Margaret taught school in Grant City, Missouri and then later at the Rose Hill School in Gravity. This latter school was an old fashioned one room country school where Margaret's duties included not just teaching students from every grade
level but also making a pot of stew for their lunch, and getting the fire in the stove going in the winter for warmth and of course, heating the lunch. She had many fond memories of that time such as how when there was a heavy snowfall her father would have to hitch the horses up to a sleigh just to get
her to her job.                                   
One night, after going with friends to a dance in a neighboring town of Hawleyville, Margaret met a young serviceman on leave named Ralph F. Lucas who was from New Market. The two dated and then later wrote letters to each other during the time Ralph was stationed overseas in World War II. After Ralph came home, at the end of the war, the two were married in Omaha, Nebraska on February 15, 1945.
Margaret and Ralph decided to stay in Omaha. They joined First Christian Church there, and Ralph got a job at the Omaha Brokerage Company and later Kinney Brokerage while Margaret stayed home to raise the couple's two children, Barbara Ann and Judy Grace. It was in raising her children and taking care of her family that Margaret excelled. She loved every aspect of home life.
In 1981, upon Ralph's retirement, Margaret and Ralph decided to move to Tyler, close to where their oldest daughter was living. They also looked at it as a chance to get away from the cold and snow. Margaret enjoyed meeting new friends in Tyler, she joined University Christian Church and she attended some of the early meetings of the Tyler Christian Women's Club.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph in 2006, her parents, Claude and Grace Gray, and a younger brother, William Edward. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Kenneth and Barbara Ann Lucas Cade of Chandler and Lt. Col. Randy and Judy Grace Lucas Garvin, also of Chandler and their children, Kelly Kathleen Garvin of Pflugerville, Capt. Thomas Ashley Garvin of Bossier City, LA and Capt. John Patrick Garvin of Seattle, WA.
Honorary pallbearers for the service were her grandchildren and Harry Lucas, brother-in-law from Moberly, Missouri and friend Helen Ingram.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret's name to Lake Palestine United Methodist Church Angelus Ringers or the Texas College Faculty Senate scholarship fond.           

Maharry, Hazel Lucille Wall - Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Hazel Maharry, age 95, of Lenox, Iowa will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Lenox United Methodist Church. There is no visitation prior to services. Interment of ashes will be held at 12:15 PM at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we 'Celebrate Life'.

Hazel Lucille (Wall) Maharry, the eldest daughter of Orville and Sadie (Shafer) Wall, was born on July 8, 1921. She attended rural school and graduated with the 1938 class of Clearfield, Iowa. On July 14, 1939, she was united in marriage with Gerald (Jerry) Maharry at the Wall farm. They were privileged to share 77 years together. Their marriage was blessed with three sons: Randall, Roger and Kirk.

Jerry and Hazel raised their family on a farm north of Clearfield. They loved to follow the boys in sporting events with Hazel meticulously keeping score books for their sons’ baseball teams. As fans of both adventure and the Iowa Hawkeyes, they rode the California Zephyr with the boys to two Rose Bowl games. Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado was a beloved annual family vacation which continues to be a favorite destination for the whole family to this day.

In 1963, the Clearfield Lions started the Shuttle Bus Service at the Iowa State Fair. Jerry and Hazel worked and camped at the fair with the Lions for over 40 years.
In 1975, they started traveling all over the United States in their RV. They discovered Yuma, Arizona and spent winters there for 35 years.

Hazel was a member of Lenox United Methodist Church and a past Matron of Eastern Star. She loved to play bridge and other card games.

Left to cherish Hazel’s memory are her husband Gerald; three sons: Randall and wife Janet of Estes Park, Roger and wife Jeanne of Ames, Kirk and wife Diana of Lenox; 11 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; a sister Luella Wilson of Mt. Ayr; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Hazel in death were her parents Orville and Sadie Wall, brother Richard, and grandson Jeremy

Elaine L. McEntaffer, 65, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Friday, January 23, 2015 at the Cass Country Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.
Elaine McEntaffer was born in Conway, Iowa, January 26, 1949, to Glenn and Rita (Nichols) Hartman. She grew up in Bedford, Iowa, and graduated from Bedford High School in 1967. The family moved to Atlantic, Iowa where Elaine worked at Robinson Hardware for over 25 years. Elaine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and playing with her two boxer dogs.
Those cherishing her memory are her husband of 22 years, Jim McEntaffer of Atlantic, IA; her children, Glenna Luin of Atlantic, IA, Charles (Alison) Luin of Olathe, KS, Mitchel Strong of Mission, KS, Ann (Scott) Brownsberger of North Liberty, IA, and Jon McEntaffer of Atlantic, IA; grandchildren, Breanna and Elijah Von Weyhe of Atlantic, IA, Zoey and Ethan Luin of Olathe, KS, Alison, Leah and Ian Brownsberger of North Liberty, IA, and James, Jocelyn, Jayna and Jaxon McEntaffer of Atlantic, IA; brother Don Hartman of Alleman, IA; sisters Sue Betts of Raymore, MO, Connie Thompkins of Kansas City, MO and Jeannie Snow of Malmo, NE.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Preston H. Luin; and a brother, Richard Hartman.
Visitation with the family was from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Atlantic.
Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday February 7, 2015 at the Massena Cemetery, Massena, Iowa, with Pastor Leon Hodges officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Unity Point Hospice of Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.
Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www. hockenberry family care .com.

Kenneth Clarence McKay was born September 18, 1922 in New Market, Iowa, the son of Crumley C. and Clarice M. (Peterman) McKay. He passed away on Sunday morning, October 9, 2016 at Westridge Quality Care & Rehab in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 94 years and 21 days.
Kenny grew up in New Market and graduated from New Market High School in 1939. He farmed for several years and then went to work driving a truck for various moving companies. On November 23, 1964 he was united in marriage to Lula Mae Rhodes McClelland in Hernando, Mississippi. Kenny was a 68-year member of the Masonic Lodge and was an avid collector of antique tractors. He loved going to sales and taking tractor rides with the Tarkio Valley Antique Tractor Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mae in 2007; a step-daugher, Phyllis Geddie; and a step grandson, Andrew Powles.
Survivors include his two sons, Rodney McKay and his wife Ashley of Denver, Colorado, Rex McKay and his wife Marcia of Clarinda, Iowa; step children, Steve McClelland and his wife Shirley of Longview, Mississippi, Buddy McClelland and his wife Alice of Starkville, Mississippi, Kathy Guerra and her husband Bob of San Jose, California; step son-in-law, Harold Geddie of Ellisville, Mississippi; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a brother, Carroll McKay of New Market, Iowa; along with other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Russ Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Memory Cemetery near New Market. Visitation with the family present will take place on Tuesday evening, October 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Masonic Services at 6:00 p.m. at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda. A memorial fund is being established in his name. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.swimemorial.com. The Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda is in charge of arrangements.

Martin Laverne (Marty) Moore was born July 27, 1937 in Villisca, IA; the son of Harold "Pepper" Laverne and Frances Loretta (Long) Moore. Marty grew up on a farm near Bushville, going to Frog Pond School and Corning High School. He was a member of Fairview Church south of Corning.
Marty married Delores Jean Sanburn on September 28, 1957 in Maryville, Mo. and to this union were born two children: Marilyn and Jeff.
Marty farmed near Bushville and Villisca, la. and later had a stock truck in the Guss area. Marty and Jean moved to Villisca in 1966. He worked at Wilson Foods in Clarinda for 17 years, raising livestock on his acreage in Nodaway. In 1989, due to health issues, he established a residence in Arizona and was near Jeff's family. He enjoyed traveling around Arizona. In 1995, Jean retired to Arizona with him. In 2004, they moved back to Clarinda to be near Marilyn and her family. Marty enjoyed his grandchildren, great grandchildren and also his cats.
Marty entered into rest July 3,2011 at Clarinda Regional Health Center. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Marty is survived by his wife Jean of 54 years; daughter Marilyn and Kim Shore of Clarinda; son Jeff and Lisa Moore of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren Josh and Rachel Kuipers of Red Oak, Seth Kuipers of Clarinda, Shay Kuipers of Kansas City, Mo., Lance and Casey Moore of San Diego, Calif., Lindsey and Matt Eulate of Alamogordo, NM and Estee Moore of San Diego, Calif.: great grandchildren Taylor Owens and Trey Kuipers of Clarinda, Ethan, Elaina and Derek Kuipers of Red Oak, Jordan, Jesse and Jackson Eulate of Alamogordo, NM and Cadence Moore of San Diego; sisters Carol and Bill Shuler of Corning, Judy and Bob Brown of Goodyear, Arizona and Fern and Dave Francis of Highland Village, TX; nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services for Marty were held Thursday, July 7, 2011 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda. Burial was held at the Guss Cemetery in Guss, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to the Clarinda Ambulance or the Clarinda Free Clinic.
Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement.

Services for Garvin A. Peters, 89, were held at Evans Brown Sun City Chapel, Sun City, Calif., April 30, 2011 with full Military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Calif.
Garvin passed away at his home in Temecula, Calif., after a lengthy battle with cancer. His constant companion, Peatie (his dog), his son, Greg and compassionate care giver, Shay Crist were at his side.
He is survived by his son, Greg Peters, daughter-in-laws Debbie Fae Stewart and husband, also Deb Peters of San Diego, sister-in-law Barbara Blane Tadlock and husband Max of Carmel, Calif., brother LaVerne Peters of Bedford, la., sister Mary McAllister of McKinney, Tx., cousins Robert Peters and
Dr. Eugene Lloyd and wife Linda of Shenandoah, la., four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, nine nieces and six nephews.                       
His parents, Lenora and Fred Peters preceded him in death along with his wife Elnora Blane Peters, brother Harry Johnson and wife Maxine, sister Loretta Peters Cross and husband Dean Cross, sister-in-laws Maxine Peters and Yavonne Blane Poore Robinson.
Garvin graduated from Bedford High School in Bedford, la. in 1939. He had an early interest in flying, as did his brother Harry Johnson. After learning of his closest friend's death, Bill Tucker at Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps; graduating from flight school in March 1943. Chuck Yeagers was one of his classmates.
Garvin was immediately assigned to combat in North Africa piloting a P-38 fighter plane. His plane was shot down August 12, 1943 and he was a German P.O.W until freed by Americans in 1945.
He decided to make a career of the Air Force and was stationed in Japan at the beginning of the Korean Conflict. Garvin's wife, Elnora and son accompanied him there.
Garvin was the first Air Force airman injured in the Korean Conflict while strafing enemy ground forces his plane, an F-82, was hit by anti aircraft fire. He was severely injured breaking both wrists and shrapnel in his hands and throat. Despite this he was able to fly his aircraft back to the base in Japan for over an hour of flying time.
He was awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. Following this he was assigned to counter intelligence for three years and continued flying Air Force jets until his retirement after 20 years as a Major.
Many Bedford residents may remember his flying a jet over Bedford en route to Selfridge Field, Mich., rattling several windows.
Memorials can be made to Hospice, a very care giving organization. BEDFORD TIMES-PRESS, Bedford, Iowa, Jun 8, 2011

Joyce Ann Rasmussen, daughter of Eldoris and Mary (Greathouse) Cremeens, was born May 30, 1952 in Illinois. Joyce grew up in Illinois and she graduated from high school in 1970. Joyce was a stay at home mom and she raised her children until 1986 when she furthered her education as a Certified Nursing Aide and she worked as an aide. In 1987, she met Chris Rasmussen and they married in June of 1991. They lived in Minier, Illinois; moving on occasion; until moving to Blockton, Iowa 20 years ago. She enjoyed life in Blockton watching grandchildren, enjoying life, family and friends.

Joyce liked going to the casino now and then, and taking a drive around town. She enjoyed cooking and reading recipe books. Her love of family included sharing Halloween with them; watching Christmas movies; and Facebook communicating with everyone. Joyce enjoyed taking her dog for walks with her scooter; tending to her flower gardens, and working with older people. Joyce loved family get-togethers and visiting with friends and family.

After battling cancer for 6 months, Joyce went to be with her babies and family in heaven on October 5, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dory and Mary Cremeens; two children Angela & Jason Howe; sister Marilyn Morgan and her husband Donald; brother-in-law Leslie Coggins;

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Chris Rasmussen of Blockton, IA; two daughters Susan Howe (Jason) of Blockton, IA and Amy Howe of Atlanta, IL; Jessica Rasmussen, Kristina Rasmussen (Charlie), and Katie Rasmussen (Stephen); grandchildren Kayla Howe, Miranda (Charles) Maxson, Libby Rasmussen, Gerad Naill, and Genna Naill; great grandchildren Emmett and Ezra; one brother Dennis (Judy) Cremeens of Deer Creek, IL; two sisters Eldora Coggins of Fairbury, IL and Sandra (Wally) Shawgo of Mackinaw, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, Iowa

Sobotka, Carla Marie Snyder - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Carla Sobotka, age 54, of Lenox, formerly of Corning who passed away Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services with the family greeting friends. Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Carla Marie (Snyder) Sobotka was born December 12, 1961, in Corning, Iowa the daughter of Carl Snyder and Ida Marie (Dueling) Snyder. She grew up in Corning where she attended school, graduating with the Corning High School Class of 1980. After graduation, Carla attended Iowa Western College, graduating in 1982 with her RN Degree. She worked at various nursing homes and hospitals, finishing her career in Corning. On January 26, 1984, she welcomed her daughter, Nicole into the world. On October 16, 1989, she was united in marriage to Roger Sobotka. To the family of three a son, Casey Ryan was born. The couple lived in Osceola for a short time, returning to Corning where they lived for a number of years. In 2002, they moved to Lenox.

Carla enjoyed working in her flower garden, spending time with her family and taking family trips. She was a member of the Area Bible Fellowship in Clearfield where she enjoyed her church family. Being an RN, Carla was always used to caring for others, and she enjoyed working and nurturing their health, however, in 1994, Carla's health started to decline and she eventually suffered a stroke. She resided at the Lenox Care Center where she was lovingly cared for until her death.

Left to cherish Carla’s memory is her loving husband of 27 years, Roger Sobotka of Lenox, Iowa; a daughter, Nicole Snyder and Mike Schehl of Lenox, Iowa; two step-daughters, Aimy Corey and David Twig of Des Moines, Iowa; and Leslie Cobb and husband Jason of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a brother, Martin Snyder and wife Terry of Van Buren, Arkansas; six grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Welcoming Carla to her heavenly home are her parents, Carl and Ida Marie Snyder; her son, Casey Ryan who passed away February 25, 1994; and four half-brothers, Carl Snyder, Jr., Ronald Snyder, Melvin Snyder and Darwin Snyder

Santee, John Lavern - On October 9, 2016 "Johnny Starr" left to play his last dance job. John was born on March 8, 1924 in Hawarden, IA to James and Nina (Wolfe) Santee. On March 12, 1945, John married Ruby "Connie" Cross and lived in Shenandoah, IA where they owned and operated "Mom and Pops Café."

In the early 50's John and Connie moved to Fort Dodge, IA where they formed together "Johnny Starr and the All Stars," entertaining at various venues throughout Iowa and many other states. They also had their own local country music radio and television show.

In the mid 60's they opened their own restaurant and lounge in Fort Dodge. In 1969 they moved to Bedford where they operated and managed the Taylor House Country Club. In 1973 they renovated a vintage building in downtown Bedford "Starlite Restaurant and lounge" where they entertained and played with many Nashville recording artists.

In 1980 they moved to Loveland CO where they operated a local motel until his wife passed away. John then worked with his son Jim as a carpenter until he retired.

John is survived by his daughter Judy Caulkins of Loveland, CO; son Jerry Santee (Debbie) of Sutherland, NE; daughter-in-law Vicky Santee of Denver, CO; one Grandson; five granddaughters; and 12 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Connie and son Jimmy John.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM First Christian Church, Hopkins, Saturday October 15, 2016. Interment will be held in Hopkins Cemetery. A visitation will occur one hour 9:00 am-10:00am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to your local ALS Foundation. Go to www.price funeral home for on-line condolences.

Sefrit, George Edwin - George Sefrit, age 87, of New Market, Iowa, entered into peace Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 5, 2016 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Russ Clark officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 2-4 Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa.

George Edwin Sefrit was born on September 28th, 1929 in Delphos Iowa to Frank Sefrit and Gladys E (Elmore) Sefrit. He passed away December 1st, 2016 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda, Iowa. George attended grade school in Delphos and moved to New Market his freshman year. He graduated high school from New Market in 1946 at the age of 16. After graduation he worked for his father on the farm east of town. Then one year on his own. On September 30th 1949 he was united in marriage to Daisy Irene Pace. He was a member of the New Market Church of Christ, where he and Daisy were the first ones to get married in the upstairs. He was also a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge. They were blessed with 4 children, Randy, Vickie, Carroll, and Frank.
George had several occupations through the years. After marriage he worked in a sugar beets factory in Colorado then drove a semi truck for 17 years. He drove for multiple companies including Bill Orr Trucking, Watson Brothers, as well as owned his own truck. In 1968 he found his career calling as a bartender and restaurant manager. He operated “The Coachman Lounge” in the Coachman Hotel in Clarinda. From there he managed the “American Legion” in Clarinda. He then moved to the “Taylor House” at the Bedford Country Club in Bedford Iowa. He once again returned to the “American Legion” in Clarinda until he purchased the bar in New Market in 1980 where he ran it until retirement. After retirement he worked for Keane Thummel Trucking answering the phone where he enjoyed talking to all the drivers and clients.
George was a people person. He never knew a stranger, and his personality was infectious. He was quick with whit and long with a story. He was never without a joke or song to make you laugh. He was amazingly light on his feet dancing, and never shy of attention. He loved to be around his friends. He also loved his community serving as mayor of the city of New Market for multiple terms.
After George and Daisy retired, they spent many years traveling and wintering in Texas until his health prevented them from traveling. There were very few states they didn’t get to see. One being Hawaii, which George told Daisy he would take her there when they built the bridge. In his later years, he enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s ballgames and activities.
Preceding George in death were his parents: Frank and Gladys Sefrit, infant brother Ronnie Sefrit, brother Robert and wife Kathleen Sefrit, Sister Phyllis and husband Robert Pratt, son Randy Sefrit, daughter Vickie Sefrit, and son Carroll Sefrit.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Daisy (Pace) Sefrit of New Market, son Frank and Diane (Stamps) Sefrit, of New Market, Iowa. Denise and Nicole Moore of Omaha, Nebraska. Grandchildren: Jarek Sefrit of Newton, Iowa. Kolten Sefrit of New Market, Iowa. Quentin, Brennan, and Macie Sefrit of New Market, Iowa. Nicole (Sefrit) McDermott of Johnston, Iowa. Wesley and Courtney Sefrit of Granger, Iowa. Great-grandchildren: Jack and Eli McDermott of Johnston, Iowa. Sawyer and Brooks Sefrit of Granger, Iowa. Several nieces, nephews, and many friends

Sherman, Kathryn Elaine Mohler - Kathryn Elaine Mohler was born on her grandparents' farm in Hopkins, Missouri on December 18, 1933. She was the firstborn child of Guy and Mildred Thompson Mohler. Two years later, her brother Gary was born, with her brother Alan following two years after that. The family lived in Bedford, Iowa, just north of Hopkins until Kathy's early teen years when they moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Kathy loved living in Bedford, surrounded by a large extended family of Mohler's and Thompson's and was sad when they had to move to the big city.
Kathy grew to love Des Moines where she attended and graduated from East High. The family became involved in their local church and in 1952, 18 year old Kathy met Dick Sherman. Dick and Kathy dated over the next year and a half and were married in 1954. They remained very happily married for the next 61 years.
In 1957, Dick and Kathy, with their two young daughters, Patty and Melodee, and hound dog, Shoesy, moved west to San Jose, California where Dick took a position with Youth for Christ. Dick and Kathy had five children; Patty (Pete) Havens, Melodee (Mike) Scofield, Tim (Melinda) Sherman, Becky (Joel) Geier and Ted (Karen) Sherman; 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with two more due in 2016. Kathy loved being surrounded by her family, her many pets overs the years and innumerable friends and loved ones. The Sherman family lived in the same home in San Jose for 40 years, moving in 1999, when Dick retired, to Scio, Oregon to be closer to Kathy's mother and brothers.
Proverbs 31, verses 28 and 29 describe Kathy perfectly: "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all" Dick and Kathy opened their home to their friends and their children's friends. It was a noisy, happy, welcoming home. There was never a lot money, but there was plenty of love.
Kathy's husband and Dear Heart of 61 years, 6 months and 15 days said it best, "Kathryn (Kathy) Elaine Mohler Sherman, my wife of 61 years, peacefully fell asleep in the Lord at 5:17 p.m., January 2, 2016, with all her children and some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren surrounding her-peacefully and quietly. Fr. Stephen Soot, our Orthodox priest, heard both of our confessions and administered communion to both Kathy and I and Kathy consciously kissed the Cross at the end of this service on Wednesday of this past week. We rejoice that she is with the Lord now. Thank you for your prayers during this process. We have heard from many, many old friends and extended family remembering Kathy-thank you for that. We are at peace with Kathy's home-going and look forward to the resurrection of the dead when, if Jesus taries, we will meet her again. Lord have mercy on us all."

Simmons, Robi Dale - Robi Simmons, 52, of Creston died, Friday January 27, 2012 at the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday January 31, 2012 at Powers Funeral Home in Creston, near the junction of highway 25 and 34. Pastor Scott Marcum will officiate. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery. Visitation with family receiving friends will be from 9- 11:00 a.m. Tuesday January 31, 2012 at the Powers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the C.A.R.E. Creston Animal Rescue Effort. Online condolences may be left under the obituary category of www.powersfh.com.
Robi Dale Simmons, son of Dola Marie (Lasley) and Burl Dale Simmons was born July 3, 1959 in Mt Ayr, Iowa. He attended Bedford Community Schools. Robi began working construction and later for the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Robi was united in marriage to Shelli Tschacher on November 27, 1976, they settled in the Blockton area before moving to Red Oak in 1979. Shelli later passed away.
Robi returned to Blockton in 1983, working in bridge building, cross country trucking and he later worked for a time at John's machine and welding. On March 12, 1987 Robi was united in marriage to TyAnn Key in Corning, Iowa. They settled in Creston in 1988 he began working Longfellow Drilling as their head mechanic and he continued to work for Longfellow Drilling as a foreman. Robi is a member of the F.O.E. Eagles Lodge #1398 in Creston, Abate of Iowa and Iowa Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union.
Robi is survived by his wife TyAnn Simmons of Creston; three daughters: Rhonda (husband Jeff) Russell of Bedford, Crystal (husband Ronnie) Ray of Creston and Tiffany (husband Ryan) Larson of Creston; two sons: Rod (wife Stacey) Deal of Creston and Larry (wife Emmy) Key of Creston; two brothers Robert "Bob" (Carol) Simmons of Kansas City, Mo. and Roger "Rog" (wife Carol) Simmons of Des Moines, Ia.; four sisters: Regina "Sis" Schuster of Red Oak, Ia., Jacquline "Jackie" Laire (significant other Howard Clark) of Hastings, Ia., Rhonda "Kate" (husband Rundle) Taylor of Clive, Ia. and Rebecca "Beck" Harkleroad of Winterset, Ia. and 13 grandchildren. Robi was preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Dola Simmons, wife, Shelli (Tschacher) Simmons, son, Jason Dale Simmons, brother, Richard Simmons, granddaughter, Arika McKenzie Russell, father-in-law, Elvin Brumfield, mother-in law Nadean (Wallace) Barnes, grandparents, Dale and Velma Lasley and William and Viola Downey. Robi will be greatly missed by all family and friends.

Services for Paul E. Snyder, 92, of Pierce [Ne] were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 3 at Stonacek Memorial Chapel with visitation from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday. Burial was in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Plainview, Ne with the Rev. Norman Nelson officiating.                 
He died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at Pierce Manor.
He was born Oct. 20, 1918, at Bedford, Iowa to Glenn and Cassie (Miller) Snyder. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1937.                            
After high school, Paul moved to Omaha and married Mary Lou Pendergast on Nov. 26, 1939 at Plainview.
Paul entered the Army during World War II and served in the Philippines from 1943 to 1945.
Later he would move to the Washington, D.C. area to work for the federal government in the ASA and NSA. Paul retired to Louisa, Va., in 1972. He returned to Pierce in 1993, where he enjoyed various hobbies. Paul and Mary Lou attended motor coach rallies and traveled in their motor coach to Florida
and Texas.
Survivors include wife Mary Lou of Pierce; two sons, Jim and Becky Snyder of Las Vegas, Nev., and Eugene and wife Diane Snyder of Camden, S.C.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Connie Irene Standard of Fort Lupton, CO, formerly of Bedford, passed on October 6, 2014 at her home.
She is survived by her husband, Roger, formerly of Conway, IA, her two children and their spouses, Kathleen (Rick) and Roger (Allison), her grandson, Nolan and her sister Joyce Cox as well as many other relatives and friends.
Connie was born on October 21,1944 to Ober and Rachel Cox of Bedford, IA and graduated with the Bedford High School Class of 1963.
Preceding Connie in death were her parents and her sister, Norma Cox Rankin.
As a Rebekah in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Connie dedicated much of her life to helping others and was a true blessing to her community.
A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the American Legion Hall in Bedford, IA from 2pm to 4pm.
Any donations can be made to the Connie Standard Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Evelyn, daughter of Elvin and Myra (Griffith) McMath, was born near Drakesville, Iowa on March 30, 1910 and later moved with her family to Clearfield, Iowa. After graduating from Clearfield High School, she taught in the rural schools for several years. On December 21, 1934 she was united in marriage to Dwight Morey. Four children, Jim, Ed, John and Myrabel were born to this union. They farmed north of Clearfield before moving to town and operating Morey’s Variety Store. After Dwight passed away in 1953, Evelyn continued operating the store for some time before it closed. She then became employed with the Clearfield Community School as secretary to the superintendent and board secretary, positions she held for seventeen years.

On September 17, 1978 she married Joe Stevenson. She and Joe spent many of their retirement years traveling, visiting children and grandchildren, attending school activities in Lenox and enjoying their many friends in Clearfield. In 2004 they moved to Clearview Nursing Home. Joe passed away in 2006. Evelyn passed away October 14, 2016 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Ed (Georgia) Morey, of Bentonville, Arkansas, John (Donna) Morey of Shenandoah; daughter Myrabel (Allen) Lillie of Mesa, Arizona; daughters-in-law Joye Morey of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Shirley Morey of Fort Collins, Colorado; stepdaughters Donna (Marion) Keenan of Bolivar, Missouri, Jeannine (Guy) Hampton of Leon and Judy (Bill) Mozingo of Grant City, Missouri. She is also survived by ten loving grandchildren Jill, Lisa, Jana, Holly, Sarah, Jeff, John M., David, Mike and John L.; eight great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. In addition she survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and especially her adopted family at the Clearview Nursing Home, who she loved dearly.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two husbands; son James Morey; sisters Myrtha Nelson, Margaret Colton and Wilma McMath (in infancy); brothers-in-law Harley Nelson and Merle Colton.

Memorials may be made to the Clearfield Library or a memorial gift at Clearview Home.

Armstrong Funeral Homes, Clearfiled

Graveside Services for Lucile E. Veatch will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox, Iowa with Reverend Tim Maxa of the Lenox United Presbyterian Church officiating. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery for services.
Lucile was born on June 24, 1923 at Cromwell, Iowa to Frank and Estella (Sink) Purviance and passed away at Juniper Village at Lamar on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at the age of 87.                                    
She is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene B. Veatch on November 28, 2004, her parents, siblings; Fred Purviance, Thelma Miller, Glenn Purviance, Dale Purviance and Mary McFee.
Lucile is survived by her daughter; Sandra (Doug) Nevius of Lamar, grandchildren; Scott (Tami) Nevius of La­mar, Jeff (Deanna) Nevius of Sun City, California and Rob Nevius of Lamar, great-grandchildren; Tanner, Travis, Kaci, Brandi, Ryan and Mandy. She is also survived by her great-great-grandchildren; Kaylee and Jarrett, sister; Ruby Flohra of Iowa, brother-in-law; Walter (Leona) Veatch and sisters-in-law; Arda Brown of Tempe, Arizona and lone Veatch of Kent, Iowa, as well as other family and a host of friends.
Local arrangements are under the direction of the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox, Iowa. Colorado arrangements are under the direction of the Peacock Family Funeral Home in Lamar, Colorado.
For current information and online condolences please visit our website at www.peacockfuneralhome.com or www. ritchiefuneralhome.com

Walters, Connie Joyce Wilhelm - Connie Walters, age 75, of Villisca, Iowa, entered into peace Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospice Center, Villisca, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, IA with Pastor Marcia Cline officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m., Friday December 9, 2016 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be at the Guss Cemetery, Guss, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Maple Grove United Methodist Church or the Guss Cemetery.

Connie Joyce (Wilhelm) Walters was born March 21, 1941 in Clarinda, Iowa. She was raised the majority of her life on a farm southeast of Villisca. She graduated from Villisca High School. On October 11, 1959 she was united in marriage to Ronald Wesley Walters. They were blessed with four children, Shari, Lana, David, and Rodney.
While raising their family and being a farm wife in Guss, Iowa, she was an active member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church. She was a member of the United Methodist Women’s, a Sunday School Teacher, Board Member and a MYF Leader. The Church Suppers were important to Connie and she’d be seen in the kitchen preparing the food behind the scenes. She was also a 4-H Leader of the Gay Guss Club for many years. She was also part of a women’s club called Calico Maids. Ronnie and Connie were also active members of the Guss Saddle Club. They hosted and went to many card parties with friends in the Guss Community. There are many fond memories from these events as well!
Connie was a true farmer’s wife. It was not unusual to see her in the tractor working the fields alongside Ronnie, or working cattle or putting up hay. She was also the record keeper. Connie worked 10 years at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Villisca as a cook, then at the State Prison, in Clarinda for 9 years as a cook/storage clerk. The stories she would tell from some of her experiences were entertaining. She met some dear friends through her employment at both places.
Family was a priority to Connie and after watching their four children grow up she continued to follow her nine Grandchildren in all of their activities. The next passion in her life was her gardens. Connie is well known for her large, well maintained garden. After family needs were met she opened up her garden produce to neighbors and friends so that nothing would go to waste. Connie canned fruits and vegetables every year. Even this past year Connie continued to can while taking chemo treatments. She also kept a yard neatly trimmed and weed free of course. She had several flower gardens, fruit trees, and a large Iris bed that she cherished. Another hobby of Connie’s was sewing. She sewed clothing, crafts, and yes lots of blue jean patches. Connie’s baking and cooking skills were also very top notch. Her specialties included pies and Christmas candy. A tradition Connie created was the Fellowship Event after the annual Maple Grove Christmas Eve Program in their home. Everyone was invited to come to their home to enjoy Christmas candies, appetizers and punch.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents Mabel and Wilson Wilhelm, Mother and Father-in-law Violet and Wesley Walters; Grandson Jeramie Mitchell, Sister-in-law Maxine (Walters) Schrader, Brother-in-law Kendall Schrader, Brother-in-law John Nasi, and Niece Michelle (Nasi) Scott.
Left to Cherish her memory are her husband, Ronnie Walters; Children, Shari (Galyn) Mitchell, Lana (Dean) McMann, David (Julie) Walters, Rodney Walters; Grandchildren Ashley Mitchell, Heath (Dawna) Mitchell, Meghan Walters, Bailie Walters, Cody McMann, Makayla McMann, CharLiegh Herbert, and Rhyn Walters. Great Granddaughter Hallea Mitchell. Siblings Heather Nasi of Gallup, NM, Rex (Hope) Wilhelm of Stuart, IA; Tom (Barb) Wilhelm of Dallas, PA, and Judy Wilhelm Havick of Lincoln, NE; nieces; nephew; cousins and friends

Wheeler, Devon James - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Devon Wheeler, age 19, of Gravity who passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016 will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.
Devon James Wheeler was born April 2, 1997, in Maryville, Missouri the son of Jeremy Craig Wheeler and Linda Sue (Beck) Wheeler. He grew up in the Bedford area attending school, graduating from Bedford High School with the Class of 2015. During his school years Devon was active in 4-H (Washington Winners), football, track, baseball, wrestling, FFA, choir and the high school plays and musicals. After high school graduation, he started working at PPI in Lenox, in the paint department. The friends he made at PPI became an extension of his family.

At an early age, Devon and Jeremy put trail cams out to scout for the upcoming season. Devon was an 'outdoor man' who enjoyed hunting at every opportunity. He liked both shotgun and bow hunting. He preferred deer and turkey hunting, but had a particular passion for shed hunting. Between he and his father, they have many, many shed antlers. Devon possessed the ability to remember several details of the shed antlers they had found. Devon also possessed the uncanny ability to be a good marksman at a very early age, dropping his very first buck, a 10-pointer no less, at the age of 12!

Devon purchased a home, at 19 years of age, in Gravity where he enjoyed entertaining his many friends. Many a night Devon and his friends could be found driving their 4-wheelers around town, often to the dismay of his neighbors. He also had a boxer dog named Brantley, who seemed to enjoy roaming the community of Gravity. Also, to the dismay of his neighbors and friends in town!

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful son, brother and friend are his parents, Linda Wheeler of Lenox, Iowa; Jeremy Wheeler and wife Kristi of Blockton, Iowa; three sisters, Tiana McKee and husband Kyle of Gravity, Iowa and their two daughters, Kenady and Rylee; Kelsey Wheeler and fiancé Taylor Schrader of Lenox, Iowa; and Audrey Farwell and husband Ross of Northboro, Iowa and their expected February baby; a step-brother, Dustyn Rauch; two step-sisters, Skylar Rauch and Kaylee Detrick, all of Blockton, Iowa; his maternal grandmother, Marilyn Beck, of Lenox, Iowa; his paternal grandparents, Stephen and Lorelei Rusco of Gravity, Iowa; along with many cousins, relatives and friends.

Preceding Devon in death are his maternal grandfather, Jim Beck; maternal step-grandfather, Joe Matheny; and a paternal grandfather, Eldon Wheeler