Charlene Kay Beckman passed away peacefully on October 1, 2017 with family at her side.  She was born on September 19, 1942 in Bedford, Iowa to Francis and Hazel Brown.  A 1961 graduate of Bedford High School in Bedford, Iowa, she moved to Omaha to begin working at Mutual of Omaha.  Charlene and Al were married on February 28, 1965 at Pella Lutheran Church in Omaha.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred W. Beckman; brother, Gary Brown of Gravity, Iowa; sister, Gayle Houk of Bedford, Iowa; and her children: Marsha Marron (Gary) of Omaha, and Keith Beckman (Kristy) of Dellwood, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Walter Beckman (age 10) and George Beckman (age 8).  She will be deeply missed by all.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Leo and Gordon; and sister, Shirley Cramer.

Charlene worked for 20 years in the accounting department at Millard Lumber before retiring.  She enjoyed camping, crafts, playing cards, and spending time with many friends and family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and caregivers both at SilverRidge Memory Cottage in Gretna and Serene Care Hospice for their special care of Charlene.

SERVICES Saturday, October 7th at 10am at Lutheran Church of the Master, 2617 S. 114 St., Omaha 68144.  Private Interment, Voss Mohr Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lutheran Church of the Master.

Sabrina (Hiatt) Bishop entered into life on July 15, 1968, the beloved first child of parents Vernon and Gladius Hiatt.
As a child growing up in Kentucky, she spent her childhood like any other wild little girl, playing in creeks and constantly finding new ways to get dirty. As a Girl Scout, she had many great adventures and met lifelong friends.  
As a teenager, Sabrina played the clarinet in the school band and she and her friends loved playing pranks despite getting caught more often than not. She graduated from Jenkins High School in 1986 and went on to study at Eastern Kentucky University where she pursued a teaching degree but ended up majoring in partying.
When her studies didn't quite work out as planned, she decided to join the Navy where she worked as an aviation machinist. During her time in the military she was able to travel and see beautiful places that most only get to dream of. As time marched on, Sabrina became the one thing she had always wanted to be, a mother.
Sabrina was granted an honorable discharge in 1994 after an eight-year career. She then relocated to Iowa to be closer to her parents and other family members. She lived in New Market, IA and worked in Clarinda, IA as a CMA/CNA.
In 2006 Sabrina met the true love of her life and future husband, Andrew Bishop. With her family now complete, they settled in Lenox, IA and married in the summer of 2012. Sabrina spent most of her time enjoying family life, working with her close friends and spending summers in New Jersey where she met even more wonderful friends. The one thing Sabrina loved more than anything was her family. Though her life was cut short, she had courage and the love and support of her family every step of the way.
Sabrina gained her wings on June 5, 2017 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Delores Hiatt; grandparents, Hassel and Betty Johnson; mother, Gladius Hiatt and nephew, Ethan O'Connor.
She is survived by her husband, Andrew Bishop of Lenox, IA; children, Kassandra Morvant, Krysta Morvant and Jacob Kingslover of Lenox, IA.; grandchildren, Michael Collins and Brian Comer IV; father, Vernon Hiatt of New Market, LA; siblings, Lizza (James) O'Connor and Emit Hiatt of New Market, IA.
May she fly high and be at peace knowing we will someday see her again.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, with interment at Dallas Center Cemetery, New Market. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society or family choice. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home provided arrangements.

Karla K Brumfield was born in Maryville, Missouri to Elgin and Oney (Hopple) Brumfield on April 5, 1959. She passed away Friday, August 18, 2017, at Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, following numerous illnesses.

    Karla had been unable to work due to illness but when she could work she started caregiving at the Glenwood State Hospital School and later at several nursing homes in Southwest Iowa. Karla’s lifelong loves were her cats and dogs over the years. She also enjoyed embroidery and did very nice work.

    Preceding Karla was her father, Elgin Brumfield in 1975; sister, Sharon Brumfield in 2007; paternal grandparents, Bert Brumfield in 1951 and Anna Black in 1986; maternal grandparents, Charles (1970) and Susie Hopple (2008); and step father Jack Bailey in 2004.

    Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Oney Hopple, Redding Iowa; brother Rick (Deloris) Brumfield, Gravity, Iowa, and their daughter Kim Brumfield, Des Moines, Iowa,  brother Randy (Lydia) Brumfield, Gravity, Iowa, and his children Amber (Jerime) Bix, Sheridan, Missouri, and their children Brittany, Tyler and Darren, daughter Mandy Brumfield, Bedford, Iowa, and her children Morgan and Hayden Beemer, and son Adam Brumfield and his partner Beth Wallace, Bedford, Iowa, and son Elliot Baker; and brother Paul Brumfield and his partner Leisa Rairden, Redding, Iowa, and his daughter Dakota (Uwe) Stegmann, Humeston, Iowa, and their children Riley and Haley Stegmann, and son Dalton Brumfield, many other family and friends

    Services were held 11 a.m., Saturday August 26, 2017 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford, Iowa, with a visitation on Friday, August 25, 2017. Memorial are suggested to the Clarinda Humane Society

Burns, Barbara Joan Bates - Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Barbara Burns, age 88, of Springfield, Missouri, and formerly of Loveland, Colorado and the Gravity/Bedford area, who passed away Sunday, October 1, 2017, will be held Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Interment of ashes will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Barbara Joan (Bates) Burns was born in Gravity, Iowa on April 16, 1929, the daughter of Gladys (Clayton) Bates and Orville Bates. She grew up attending school in Gravity. After graduation, Barbara was united in marriage to Verlin Lloyd Burns in Hiawatha, Kansas on January 19, 1946. After Verlin's discharge from the Air Force during the Korean Conflict he and Barbara made their home in Osceola, Iowa where they began Burns Truck Line and Warehouse, distributing Moorman Feed. Barbara served at the bookkeeper of their businesses. In 1956, Verlin and Barbara adopted their son Craig at the age of six months. Craig is going to miss his mother very much.
After ten years of owning Burns Truck Line, they sold their business at the request of Clarke County and started Burns Ambulance Service and operated it for ten years. In 1978, they sold the ambulance service, and in 1979, the family moved to Loveland, Colorado where they purchased and operated North Lincoln Car Wash until 1988, when they sold the business and moved to Springfield, Missouri to retire. Barbara was a member of the Eastern Star and active with her husband in the Masonic Lodge.
Left to cherish Barbara's memory is her loving son Craig Burns of Springfield, Missouri; a granddaughter, Ashley Ilao; a great-grandson, Jayden Ilao; and great-granddaughter, Aerianna; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to list but who will miss her just the same.
Barbara is preceded in death by her mother, Gladys (Clayton) Bates; her father, Orville Bates and her loving husband, Verlin Burns who passed away in November of 2008.

Calvin, Alberta Maxine Miller - Alberta Maxine Calvin (Miller) was born June 14, 1921 on a farm just north of the east Lenox lake, and passed away October 10, 2017. Her mother (Katherine “Kate”) and father (Frank) preceded her in death, as well as her husband (James) and twelve brothers and sisters (Edna, Margaret “Maggie”, Raymond “Mike”, Clyde, Harry, Frank, Homer, Alfred, Lyle “Pete”, Hazel, Lela, and Wilma).

Alberta graduated from Lenox High School in 1939, and was married to James “Speck” Calvin in 1944. Shortly after they were married, she traveled with Speck during WWII while he served in the Army at various locations across the country. Their son (Doug) was born in 1946. Except for the war years, she lived her entire life of 96 years in Lenox, Iowa.

Always active, Alberta was a member of the Lenox Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. One of her favorite activities was playing cards with her friends. Over the years, she was a member of several card-playing clubs. She also enjoyed her back yard garden and flowers, and visiting with friends over coffee at the Tiger Den.

Alberta was an avid sports fan, rarely missing a Hawkeye or Cubs game on television, plus supporting the local Lenox teams. Together with her sister Lela, they watched many Lenox High School baseball games from Lela’s back porch.

One of Alberta’s many interests was keeping track of people. She maintained a “family record book”, with names, addresses, birthdays for hundreds of family members. She was regularly asked to consult her record book to check on family connections. Having lived in Lenox for her entire life, she had an amazing ability to connect people with where they lived, who they married, and the names of their children.

Following Speck’s retirement as Lenox Postmaster, they spent many years during the winter months in south Texas. Their favorite activities while in Texas were playing golf and cards, traveling to Mexico, attending dances, and just being with their friends. During the summer, they also enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair. They worked at the Fair’s Administration Building where they greeted people and helped the Fair’s board members. Over their many years at the Fair, they created a strong family tradition. Following in the footsteps of Alberta and Speck, the entire family continues to attend the Fair, and use the family campsite.
Alberta is survived by her son (Doug) and his wife (Lynn), three grandchildren (Todd, Kristine and Mitchell), and five great grandchildren (Ryan, Bradley, Ashley, Richard and Deven). All will miss her greatly.

DeHass, Ted - Pastor Ted De Hass, 82, of Slater Iowa, previously of Bedford, IA, passed away on October 26, 2017 peacefully at home.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on November 5th, 2017 at the
Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation will follow at the Faith Baptist Church in Bedford.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cummings Family Funeral Home.

Ted was born to Theodore and Thelma De Hass in Youngstown, Ohio on January 19, 1935. He
moved with his family in 1948 to San Gabriel, California. His neighbor led him to the Lord as
they were raking leaves. While growing up he always knew he wanted to be a minister. He
devoted his life to sharing the gospel. Ted attended California Baptist Theological Seminary and
graduated from Azusa Bible College with a Divinity Degree. He was ordained in the ministry in
1960.

While serving at his first church in Nevada City, California he met the love of his life for 55 years,
Yvonne Ryason. Together they served the Lord daily in their home and pastored churches in
California, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska for over 40 years. If you met Ted, then he shook your
hand. He believed that shaking hands was extending the love of Christ to everyone, wherever
you were. That was Ted. Gentle, loving and making sure you knew he cared about you.

Ted enjoyed fishing at “Taylor County farm ponds” and on their farm with family and friends. He
shared many special memories of being a newspaper boy with his brothers and winning
contests for trips, including fishing with Roy Rogers. He was the oldest in his family so was the
designated driver. The time he spent driving his sister Polly from day to day activities held a
special place in their hearts. Ted drove trucks and many jobs to put himself through seminary.
He kept his truck driving license current as he loved being on the road. His horses brought him
a great deal of excitement as a child and in Bedford. They gave him peace. After retiring from
preaching he continued sharing his love for Christ by writing for various publications.

Ted loved his family, especially their visits and celebrations. He was so proud of each of them
and they are left to cherish his memory. Wife, Yvonne of Slater, IA; Sister, Polly Nilson and
husband Charles of Lincoln, NE; Children, Christina Ihle and husband Scott of Nevada, IA, Mary
Cabeen and husband John of Ankeny, IA, Ted De Hass of Bedford, IA and David De Hass and
wife Medeia of Slater, IA; his grandchildren Matthew Cabeen, Amy Hagerman and husband
Micah and “the little baby” Kinsley, Colton and Chay Potts, Cassidy, Devan, Liam and Koen De
Hass; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends.

He joyfully reunited with his parents, Ted and Thelma De Hass; brothers, Ron and Bob De
Hass; and grandchildren, Pamela and Suzanne Cabeen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to American Baptist Association Heritage of Sharing
program which provides assistance to clergy, church lay staff, and widows when needed

DeMott, Lanny Albert - Celebration of Life will be held November 15, 2017, 2 PM at United Methodist Church in Bedford. Family will be receiving friends and family before the service from 12 noon to 2 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Taylor County Fair Board for the 4-H Cattle Program at P.O. Box 181, Bedford, Iowa 50833. Private family interment of ashes will occur at a later time on the family farm south of town. Services have been entrusted to the Cummings Family Funeral Home.

Lanny A. DeMott, 79, of Bedford IA passed away November 9, 2017 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

Lanny Albert DeMott was born in rural Hopkins, Missouri, to Albert and Lucille (Lett) DeMott on February 1, 1938. He was welcomed by a sister Suzanne, and later gained a brother Steve. Lanny was raised in the Wray Memorial United Methodist Church in Hopkins and proudly often told that he had perfect attendance in Sunday School. Lanny was passionate about showing cattle in 4-H even if his older sister always won, but he could always trump her in showmanship. This love of cattle showing continued with his children and grandchildren today.

Lanny graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1956, and was a graduate of Iowa State University class of 1960 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Lanny was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, where he made many life long friends. At ISU, Lanny served as a member of the Agricultural Council, and was on the livestock judging and meat teams. He worked hard and was honored to be on the traveling judging team. He continued to do livestock judging even after college. Lanny was also a member of the ROTC during college and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in United States Army stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, following graduation. After earning rank as a First Lieutenant and discharge from the Army, he worked a short stint for a livestock commission company in Omaha, Nebraska. Lanny then took a position for the Aberdeen Angus Journal in Webster City, Iowa, covering eight western states and Canada. Lanny’s next career move was General Manager of the Haystack Angus Ranch in Longmont, Colorado.

On July 16, 1966, Lanny married Janet Beemer at the United Methodist Church in Bedford and to this union six children were born. Lanny and Jan returned to the farm south of Bedford in June of 1968, where he farmed and raised angus cattle. In the early 80’s the family moved east of Bedford and purchased Taylor County Agri Center, selling feed and seed. In 1980, Lanny started selling real estate under Property Exchange, Inc. in 3 states. In 2007, Lanny purchased land in South Dakota and so enjoyed time spent on the farms there. He had a fondness for visiting with people and made lasting friendships wherever he went. Lanny looked forward to family gatherings and was very proud of all his children and grandchildren. When all thirty plus family members and the large array of dogs gathered at home, there was rarely a dull moment! During all this commotion, Lanny could be found in his room where it was a bit quieter, cheering on his ISU Cyclones.

He not only enjoyed his cattle, but also Labrador dogs. In the last several years he purchased eleven new lab pups for himself, kids and the grandkids. Known to be a food critic Lanny offered honest feedback on dishes, especially his family’s cooking. If you wanted to know the best place to eat, ANYWHERE, you could ask Lanny and he would know.

Lanny kept up with technology, and was quite fond of his iPad to be informed of the latest news, research the latest medical treatments, and buy cattle online. You could often find him watching Fox News. He loved to talk politics and respectfully share views with his friends and family, sometimes turning into entertaining debates with his siblings and older grandchildren, usually ending in chuckles from Lanny. All in all, Lanny lived life with optimism, whether in business, politics, ISU Cyclones, his health and children...he could always see a way for things to work.

Proceeding him in death are his parents, Albert and Lucille DeMott, and brother-in-law Robert Webb.

Lanny is survived by his wife of 51 years Janet, his children Tracey (Rob) Olsen of Newell IA; Scott (Jackie) DeMott of Little Rock AR; Juliane (Matt) Daughton of Kellerton IA; John (Angela) DeMott of Bedford IA; Holly DeMott (Scott Flohr) of Scottsdale AZ; Thomas (Jennifer) DeMott of Bedford IA; sister Suzanne Webb of Ashburn VA and brother Steve (Karen) DeMott of Hot Springs AR; fourteen grandchildren: Connor and Jack Ave, Grace and Gage Olsen, Lindsey (John) Griesse and son Bennett, Cameron DeMott, Lannie Paige, Cal, and Marcus Daughton, Ryan DeMott, Carter, Kegan, Colt, and Lucy DeMott, nephew Jeffrey Tunks and nieces Michele King, Jill Wright, Jennifer DeMott, as well as many other family and friends

Dowis, Mary Leaone Hullinger - Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Mary Dowis, age 89, of Bedford, who passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services with the family greeting friends. Interment of ashes will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the UCPC Church or Bedford Public Library.

Mary Leaone (Hullinger) Dowis was born March 30,1928, on a farm south of Gravity, Iowa the daughter of Lloyd Hullinger and Clara (Conner) Hullinger. She grew up in Bedford attending school, graduating from Bedford High School with the Class of 1946. On April 17, 1948, Mary was united in marriage to Don Marshall. To this union two daughters, Linda Sue and Cindy Lou were born.

Mary worked as a secretary at Cudahy's for several years. She became Deputy Auditor in 1959, working at the Taylor County Courthouse until 1973. She was united in marriage to Jim Dowis and moved to Garden Grove, California for several years, returning to Bedford in 1980, after the couple divorced. She then went to work for the Gordon Hill Agency for several years until her retirement.

Mary was an avid golfer and served on the Bedford Country Club board for several years. Her favorite athletic teams were the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved to read and also served on the Bedford Public Library board. She was active in the UCPC Church and was often challenged to research questions regarding bible passages.

Left to cherish Mary’s memory are her two daughters, Linda Roush and husband Jerry of Liberty, Missouri; and Cindy Marshall of Bedford, Iowa; a grandson, Marc Roush of Kearney, Missouri; a great-granddaughter, Allison Kraemer of Independence, Missouri; two brothers, Herbert Glade Hullinger and wife Dorla of Germansville, Pennsylvania; and William (Bill) Hullinger of Bedford, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Mary in death are her parents, Lloyd and Clara Hullinger; a sister-in-law, Nancy Hullinger; and a niece, Lori Hullinger.

Eighmy, Donald Gene "Donnie" - Celebration of Life Memorial Services for Don Eighmy, age 75, will be held Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 1 PM at the Cummings Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until 1 PM. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude's Hospital or The American Heart Association.

Donald Gene Eighmy was born January 28, 1942, in Iowa City, IA. He was the son of Wendall and Lucille (Pace) Eighmy. He grew up in Conway and graduated from Bedford High School in 1960.

On January 14, 1966, Don was united in marriage to Carolyn Belle Norton at the United Methodist Church in Conway. Don and Carolyn lived in the Bedford and then Conway. They later moved to Malvern, IA in 1984. In 1989, they moved to Sidney, IA. Through the years, Don did many things. He worked as a welder for Tote in Lenox, and later as a mechanic for John Deere for many years.

Don had many hobbies through the years, as well. He was an avid NASCAR fan, which was spurred by his own racing in Mt. Ayr with his friends. Don enjoyed watching professional wrestling. It was another interest that carried over from his early years as a wrestler. Don also loved to fish with his children, and spending time in the outdoors. He loved feeding the deer in Waubonsie State Park. Another favorite pastime was playing jokes on his children and grandchildren with the “Big Kitty” and the boat paddle warning.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his children, Wendy (Rod) Loney of Solon, IA; Jeff Eighmy of Iowa Falls, IA; Bev (Dan) Cole of Omaha, NE; Jenni (Miranda) Eighmy of Aberdeen, SD; Merideth (Tyler) Minion of Olathe, KS; a brother John Eighmy of Conway, IA; 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends.

A special thank you from the family to the Taylor County Nurses, Betty Pittelkow, and the Clearview Nursing Home for their part in caring for Don over the last few years.
Preceding Don in death are parents Wendall and Lucille; loving wife Carolyn; a son Dan Moody; a sister-in-law, Donna Eighmy, and a son-in-law Tom Evans.

Kenneth Duane Fidler was born on July 13, 1920, in Taylor County, northwest of Guss. He is the son of Don Julius (D.J.) Fidler and Elizabeth Catherine (Lizzie) Briggs-Fidler. He entered into rest on Wednesday Aug 30 at Bedford Specialty Care, in Bedford, at the age of 97 years, 1 month and 17 days.

Kenneth was born and raised on the family farm, northwest of Guss, and as a young boy he was proud to carry eggs and cream into town to sell for extra money during the Great Depression. He helped his father and brother thresh oats with their 1902 Case steam engine tractor and separator, the first ever steam engine/separator owned in Taylor County. They helped bring in the oat crops for many of the farms in the area, for several years.

He graduated eighth grade from Bedford Elementary School, but due to the depression as with many families in the area, they sold the farm and moved to Villisca where he then helped with the family Saw Mill there in town. He graduated from Villisca High School in 1938 and went on to Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri.

He was inducted into the army in Aug., 1942 and was Honorably Discharged in Oct., 1945. He fought with the 6th Armored Division, known as the “Super Sixth”, under General Patton’s 3rd Army. He fought through all 5 European campaigns from Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe and was awarded the European Theater Ribbon with a Silver Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal and a Bronze Star Medal. His division was well known for the liberation of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

After the war, he then moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa where he graduated in 1950 with a BA degree in Business Commerce. He worked as a Bank Teller in Iowa City to help pay his way thru school and it was there that he met Annabelle Denny, his soon to be wife, who was an RN at the University Hospital as well as a patron of that bank. They were married on Dec. 25, 1950 in Villisca and had two children.

In 1952, they moved back to Villisca to raise their family where Kenneth began working for the Berry Seed Company out of Clarinda. Eventually he became an auditor for their sister company, Standard Seed, which was a subsidiary of the American Mutual Seed Company out of Chicago, Illinois. Pre-Computer era meant moving from town to town across Iowa to get all their satellite company’s accounting books under the same program and system. When the final audit/transition was completed he then moved back to Villisca in 1972 and began his own business as an Income Tax preparer and worked for several years, staying within the Villisca area. For many years he was known for his expertise in tax knowledge which he credited to always attending the annual classes held each year, taking good notes and simply keeping his customers in mind when new changes came up. He would use every deduction he could find, but he was never dishonest. He worked hard to be forthright, conscientious and honorable, and always helped others in his family for whatever they needed, whenever he could.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; DJ and Lizzie Fidler, two brothers; Charley Buford Fidler and George Nelson Fidler, as well as his two sisters; Mary Isabelle (Belle) Weil and Ethel Fariba Belding.

He is survived by; his son, Russell K. Fidler and his daughter, Karen E. (Fidler) Bain; two grandchildren, Ryan L. Bain (Kellie) and Justin J. Bain (Tia); and great granddaughter, Charlee Maureen Bain, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8 at the Wolfe Funeral Chapel in Villisca. Interment will follow with full Military Honors at the Gus Cemetery (Maple Grove) located on N26 (Elk Ave.), just one-half mile south, off County Rd J20 (130th St.) about halfway between Hwy 71 and Hwy 148.

Memorials can be made out and mailed directly to the Villisca VFW Post 8998, 319 E 4th St, Villisca, IA 50864, Phone: (712) 826-8998.

Gardner, George R. -
George R. Gardner, 72 years, of Bedford, Iowa, passed away at the Bedford Specialty Care early Monday morning, May 1, 2017. He was born in Council Bluffs, November 8, 1944 to Raymond and Edna (Points) Gardner. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for Norm's Sewer and retired from the Council Bluffs School System after many years as custodian.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Edna Gardner and his sister, Dorothy.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter Jodie (Tim) King; grandson, Travis Tompkins; granddaughters Taylor and Jenna King; brother, Larry Gardner, nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family was held on Thursday, May 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Hoy Kilnoski Funeral home. At 2 p.m. the cortege left for the Crescent Cemetery for a graveside service.

Glassgow, Ray A. - Ray Glassgow, age 82, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Monday, November 13, 2017 at his residence in Clarinda. Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Russ Clark officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be in Dallas Center Cemetery, rural New Market, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Clarinda Fire & Rescue, Dallas Center Cemetery, New Market Church of Christ, New Market Community Center, American Legion, or Operation Blessing (Clarinda Police Department Christmas gift program).

Ray A. Glassgow passed away November 13, 2017 in Clarinda, Iowa. Ray was born on May 4, 1935 in a farmhouse in Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Lewis R. and Violet Mae (Young) Glassgow. He was one of five children.
Ray grew up in the New Market, Iowa area and attended New Market public school, and he graduated from high school in the New Market Miner Class of 1953. He attended the New Market Church of Christ and was baptized. He also served as a youth leader at the church.
.As a youth, he delivered newspapers in the New Market area, also delivering rabbits that he had hunted to his customers. He also ran the film projector in downtown New Market. (The film was projected on the side of the building.)
Ray worked at farming in Taylor County as a young man and on the survey crew for Taylor County Roads Department. He worked as an auto mechanic for Evan’s Chevrolet in Clarinda, and as an agricultural equipment mechanic at Sondag’s (John Deere dealership) in Clarinda. He worked in the lead ore mines at Metaline Falls, Washington, located eleven miles south of the Canadian border, until he was drafted into the military, serving in the US Army (Battery C 1st Batallion 92nd Artillery). Ray trained at the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and Guided Missle School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was then stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany where he served as an Artillery Track Vehicle Maintenance mechanic. While serving in the US Army, Ray was awarded the Expert (Rifle) Marksmanship award and the Medal of Good Conduct.
Upon returning from the service in the US Army, Ray returned to work at Sondag’s and then worked a delivery route for Tyler Bottling out of Shenandoah, Iowa.
In 1961, Ray began working weekends for Black Plumbing and Heating, Clarinda, mostly cutting out old boilers. He was proficient with a cutting torch and had to use those skills to remove the old boilers back then.
Ray then worked fulltime at Black Plumbing and Heating. He retired in 2002 after 41 years of employment there (full and part-time). He was an excellent plumber who took great pride in his work and served many Clarinda area customers. He continued to work in an advisory capacity for local plumbers, as needed, for several years after retirement. He also worked part-time in the 1980’s at the front door of the Star Dust Lounge, Clarinda.
Ray loved watching NASCAR on television and taped every cup race. His favorite NASCAR driver was Dale Jarrett (#88) until Jarrett retired from the sport and Ray still competed in the NASCAR race pool and watched every race.
Ray enjoyed camping and especially enjoyed time spent with friends and family at the Lake of Three Fires near Bedford. He enjoyed hunting pheasant, quail, rabbits; spending quality hunting times with his friend, JB French of Conway, Iowa and time spent hunting coyotes with his sons, grandsons and friends in Taylor (“Hazard”) County.
Ray was among the first of motorcycle enthusiasts (Harley Davidson and later, Yamaha) to apply for a motorcycle license in Page County, and in later years, enjoyed riding 4-wheelers with family and friends.
Ray always planted a vegetable garden, and his garden always produced fantastic tomatoes, as well as peppers, onions, and radishes which he shared with family, neighbors and friends.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s Ray enjoyed CB radios and his CB handle was “Torch”. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
On May 27, 1956, Ray was united in marriage to Virginia Fry at the First Christian Church, Clarinda. To this union, four children were born: Kendra, Karen, Kelly and Kasey.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis R. and Violet Mae Glassgow; grandparents; brothers, Leo Glassgow and Robert Glassgow; sister, Ruth Black; brother-in-law, Burton Strong.
.Survivors include daughters, Kendra (Dan) Hayes of Clarinda and Karen Reeser of Troy, Virginia; sons, Kelly (Rhonda) Glassgow and Kasey (Jennifer) Glassgow of New Market, Iowa; longtime companion and friend, Dorothy Durfey of Clarinda; sister, Jean Strong of Clarinda; eight grandchildren, Lindsay Hayes-Ortiz, Kara Burson, Jessalyn Glassgow, Kyle (Elise) Glassgow, Kalyn Helms, Darek Muhlbauer, Jayden Glassgow and Delayne Glassgow; two great grandchildren, Olivia Grace Hayes and Ryker Lee Glassgow and Ray was excited to learn that he was to have twin great grandbabies arriving next spring. He is also survived by many nieces; nephews; cousins and friends

Michael A. Gregory passed away March 29, 2017, suddenly, from complications of heart disease. He was 69 years old. 
Michael (Mike) was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Virgil and Doris Gregory. He attended high school in Bedford, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1967. He attended college in Iowa City where he met Margaret Huelsman, also attending University of Iowa. They married in 1969. They made their home in Maryville, Missouri.
Mike graduated from NWMSU with a degree in Mathematics. They moved to the Kansas City, Missouri area in 1977 where Mike found employment with the Zea Chemical Company. He later went to work for Western Missouri Mental Health Center as the Comptroller from 1978 to 1980. He then went to work for United Telecom which became the Sprint Corp. He was a Senior Operator Engineer 5 from 1980 until his retirement in 2005.
He and Margaret have two children, Rebecca and Michael Jr.
Mike had a good sense of humor and was a kind man. As a young man he was a skilled water skier and could throw hay with the best. He was a devoted husband, father, son and brother. His family adored him.
Survivors include Margaret, of the home in Grandview, Missouri; Rebecca and Nathan Babcook, granddaughter Acadia of St. Louis, Missouri and Michael Jr. of Virginia. His mother, Doris Deits of Sun City, Arizona; one sister, Susan Damitz of Lee's Summit, Missouri and one brother, Mark Gregory of Bedford, Iowa who also survive.
Services were held on April 3 in Grandview, Missouri.

Hayes, Clive James - Clive James Hayes was born at Lenox (Stringtown) Iowa on September 29, 1926 and passed away at Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday, September 6, 2017 at the age of 90.

Clive was raised in Lenox and Atlantic, Iowa graduating from Atlantic High School in 1944. After graduation in 1944 he entered the United States Navy. During his basic training he was mustered out because of a TB scaring on his lung. He moved to Shenandoah where he met Eleanor N. Croft, they were married on May 15, 1947 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. After their marriage they lived for one year with her parents in Shenandoah. Through his lifetime Clive worked in many professions, for United States Postal Service, owner and operator of a shoe shine stand, a ice cream shop, C&G Lunch and The Spot Café, later working for Eaton Manufacturing retiring from Eaton's in 1990.

Clive was a member of American Legion Post 88, Knights of Columbus Council 1479, St. Mary's Catholic Church, and Pair and Squares Dance Club. He enjoyed woodworking, DIY Home Projects, camping, golfing, bowling and fishing.

Preceding Clive in death was his beloved wife Eleanor in 2009, his parents, a daughter Kathy in 1976, son-in-law Ron Kaiser in 2002, three brothers; Gene, Tom and Lyle and a grand-son-in-law Jason Weyerman.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Diane L. Kaiser of Omaha, Nebraska, Dan Hayes and wife Diana of Omaha, Nebraska, Greg Hayes and wife Kristi of Moravia, Iowa and Joe Hayes and wife Paula of Clarinda, Iowa, Deb Hayes of Shenandoah, Iowa; also his bird Sassy II; a sister Donna Copice in Texas and a brother, Carroll Hayes and wife Joyce in Atlantic, Iowa. Grandchildren, Lisa Hyland (Jamie), Fremont, NE., Laura Weyerman of Omaha, NE., Philip Hayes , Ottumwa, IA., Colby Hayes (Michelle), Ottumwa, IA., Trevor Hayes (Leah), Keota, IA., Douglas Hayes (Mara), Omaha, NE., Dana Mathiasen (Chris), Omaha, NE., Deanna Palmer (Drew) Tekama, NE, Kyle Hayes (Rheanna), Tekama, NE., Denise Hayes and fiancee Mason Kyle , Omaha, NE. Great Grandchildren, Ian and Roxy Hyland, Jett, Ace and Blaise Weyerman, Kathryn, Henry and Ellyn Mathiasen, Raelle Hayes, Ben and Sophie Hayes, Tessah and Abel Hayes, Eli and Eleise Hayes; other family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah.

Prayer service will be held 6:30 pm, Friday, September 8, 2017, followed by visitation until 8:00 pm, at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.

Burial will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.

Hernandez-Camacho, Maricela - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Maricela Hernandez, age 58, of Lenox, who passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston will be held Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held Friday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Maricela Hernandez-Camacho was born January 15, 1959, the daughter of Pedro Camacho and Elvira Rodriguez in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. She was one of eleven siblings. Maricela grew up and attended school in Reynosa, Mexico. She spent her time taking care of her younger siblings. In adulthood Maricela worked many jobs. She worked in Edinburg, Texas as a caregiver. In the 90s she moved to Lenox, Iowa, where she met her husband Adrian Hernandez and worked at Michael’s Foods. They got married in April 1998. Maricela and Adrian settled in Lenox and were blessed with their only son Peter Hernandez.

Maricela loved her family and always tried to visit Mexico when she could. She loved to grow vegetables in her garden. She loved going to church and reading and studying the Bible. She would call her brothers and sisters every weekend.

Maricela is survived by her husband Adrian Hernandez of Lenox, Iowa; her son Peter Hernandez of Lenox, Iowa; her sister Teresa Espinoza-Camacho and her brother Jesus Camacho both of Laredo, Texas; her brother Manuel Camacho of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; her sisters Antonia and Amelia Camacho of Saltillo, Mexico; her brother Vicente Camacho of McAllen, Texas; her brothers Armando and Raul Camacho and sister Sonia Camacho of Reynosa, Mexico and many more relatives.

Preceding Maricela in death are her parents, Pedro Camacho and Elvira Rodriguez, her brother Tomas Camacho and her grandparents and her mother and father-in-law

Houchin, Norman Cleo - Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Norman Houchin, age 64, of Gravity, who passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017 in Corning will be held Friday, November 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Lenox Community Center. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Norman Cleo Houchin, 64, of Gravity, Iowa, passed away suddenly November 17, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa.

Norman was born in Corning, Iowa, to Cleo Ott and Betty Muriel (Balch) Houchin on October 9, 1953. Norm grew up in rural Gravity helping on the family farm. He attended Gravity Elementary and graduated from Bedford High School in 1972. He enjoyed athletics and was a 3- sport letter-winner in football, basketball, and track. He also played drums in a band and was proud of his metallic blue ’70 Mustang Mach 1.

Norman attended one year at Northwest Missouri State University then returned to the farm and began farming in 1973 with his dad and brother Eugene. On June 2, 1974, Norman married his high school sweetheart Deborah Jane (Mattes) at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. His love of farming kept him close to the home farm north of Gravity where he continued raising cattle, soybeans, corn, hay, and his family. Jamie Dawn was born in 1978, Jodie Danae born in 1980, and Franklin Cole in 1983. Norman’s favorite season was the fall because he loved to run the combine and was often found giving rides to family and friends.

In his free-time, he greatly enjoyed hunting: deer, pheasants and even elk (once) and fishing trips to Canada with his dad, son and many good friends (some of which have been coming around for over 40 years.) Norm also coached and watched his children’s many sporting events. As the farming operation grew his nephew Shane Bennett began farming and trucking with him. In 2004 Norman’s son Frank joined the operation.

Norman had many blessings in his life with six grandchildren. He had a fondness for visiting with people and made lasting friendships wherever he went. He was known for his huge smile and his knack for giving people a hard time. Norm looked forward to family gatherings and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was never happier than when he had the kids and grandkids home (even though it was a rambunctious group.) He will be greatly missed; his absence will leave a gaping hole in our hearts.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Cleo and Betty Houchin; brothers, Duane and Eugene Houchin; parents-in-law, Adolph and Mary Mattes.

Norman is survived by his wife of 43 years Deb, his children Jamie (Willie) McGowan of Knoxville, IA; Jodie Houchin of Gravity, IA; Frank (Alisha) Houchin of Gravity, IA; six grandchildren: Lukas and Lexi McGowan, Brecken Houchin, and Elizabeth, Quentin, and Keira Houchin; his sisters Carol (Bill) Goodlett, Pat (Pete) Hass, Susie (Ron) Fitzgerald; in-laws Beverly Houchin, Karen Mattes, and Stan (Joan) Mattes; nieces, nephews, many other family members, and friends

Larison, James A. - James A. Larison, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion.

A funeral service celebrating James’ life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with Cedar Memorial Celebrant Jim Parton officiating. Burial with military rites will be held in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Friday, June 16, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories Stateroom where a Masonic service will begin at 7:00 pm.

Survivors include his children, Dennis (Julie) Larison of Elizabethtown, PA, John (Shawnna) Larison of Marion, Karen Larison of West Branch, Douglas (Laura) Larison of Cedar Rapids, Kimberly Larison (Ryan Bettcher) of Des Moines; eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty in 2015, sisters Marjorie Larison and Dorothy Perry and a brother, Duane (Tommy) Larison.

James was born June 6, 1925 in rural Taylor County, Iowa the son of Elmer & Thena (Prather) Larison. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radioman at Admiral Nimitz’s Pacific Fleet Headquarters in Hawaii. On August 14, 1946, he was married to Betty Lois Davidson in Maryville, MO. Together, Betty and James farmed for thirteen years in southwest Iowa before moving to Cedar Rapids. James worked at Collins Radio from 1960-1971 and then General Mills from 1971-1990. James was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge, also enjoyed bowling, golfing, woodworking, crossword puzzles, playing pool with his grandchildren and friend Dwayne, and card playing (pinochle and bridge). He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be given in his name to the Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids

Lemke, Ellen Graham - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Ellen Lemke, age 102, of Bedford, Iowa who passed away Monday, September 11, 2017, will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 1:00 PM at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held Friday, at the Ritchie Funeral Home, from 3 to 7 PM with family greeting friends from 5-7 PM. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Ellen Lemke never met a stranger, was always willing to help a friend in need, and knew how to love people well. She was the very definition of industrious, but she finished all her earthly work on Monday, September 11, 2017, and went home to be with Jesus.

Kathryn Ellen (Graham) Lemke was born May 18, 1915, in rural Jasper County, Iowa, to Thomas Graham and Margaret (Crawford) Graham. She grew up with her four siblings near Montezuma, Iowa, and graduated from Montezuma High School in 1933. One evening a dashing, tall young man named L.E. “Dutch” Lemke rode into town on the running boards of a friend’s car. What started as a blind date led to a lifetime of love. On May 19, 1934, they were united in marriage and began an adventure together that would span more than a half century.

Ellen and Dutch lived in Grinnell for several years and rode out the Great Depression with him working whatever jobs were available and her making ten pies a day for The Checker Inn Café, which she and her brother Robert operated together. When World War 2 started, Ellen’s brother joined the service and Dutch became a Game Warden with the Iowa State Conservation Commission. The restaurant was closed and Ellen started a new phase of her life. She volunteered in the nursery of the Grinnell hospital and in 1945 their daughter Rita was born in that very hospital. Over the next decade, Dutch’s assigned areas for work changed several times, and the Lemkes moved to Corydon, Shenandoah, and then Thurman, Iowa. In 1955, son Henry was born, and the family moved to Bedford. A few years later, Dutch said, “No more moving!” and they settled down permanently on a farm just south of Bedford, Iowa. The work was often hard, especially in raising and selling over 100 bucket calves per year to pay the mortgage, but there was always plenty of food, fun, and love to go around as the years went by. Eventually, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren became the lasting legacy of that fateful blind date so long before.

Even after being widowed in 1987, Ellen was never one to stay at home and twiddle her thumbs. She even drove her own car until she was 100, and filled her hours and years with activities that blessed her family, friends, and community. Ellen was an active member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church, helping with the Women's Association, teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school, singing with the choir, and being a blessing wherever else she could be there. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 80 years, and was also involved in just about every club in the community at one point or another. Dutch used to tease her and ask if she was going to the “every-other Tuesday club that meets on Thursday.” Besides the clubs that she herself belonged to, she also traveled throughout the area putting on original skits and entertaining at other clubs, organizations and groups. Anyone who ever saw her perform remembers “Panty Hose” and “The Fan Dancer.” She will be remembered by many youngsters as the washer woman at the Taylor County Historical Society Museum. She volunteered at the school, participated in the yearly singing of The Messiah, and even acted in community plays. She volunteered at the local nursing home for decades, passing out lots of hugs and reading to and reminiscing with residents. Many times she talked about going to “read to the old folks” long after she was older than the majority of them. She never saw herself as elderly. Ellen shared community happenings on two different radio shows, and wrote the society column for The Bedford Times Press for many years. Over the last decade she joined the Community Singers and discovered a whole new passion. Traveling the area and singing with this group was the highlight of the last several years.

In her spare time, she composed songs and published seven volumes of original poetry and a children's book! Ellen was busy planning her next creative endeavors when she passed away at her own home at the age of 102.

Left to cherish Ellen’s memory are her two children, Rita Pyle of Eufaula, Oklahoma, and Henry (Janie) Lemke of Bedford, Iowa; four grandchildren, Becky (Randy) Nixon of Eufaula, Oklahoma; Holly (Scott) Siers of Eufaula, Oklahoma; Leslie (Bill) White of Pleasantville, Iowa; and Andrea (Mark) Farrier of Xela, Guatemala; eight great-grandchildren, Tyson Nixon, Taylor Nixon, Nathan Siers, Devon Siers, Rachel Farrier, Rebecca Farrier, Sarah Farrier, and Hank White; four great-great grandchildren, A’nyah, Ayana, Sunny Ray, and Lakeland; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Preceding Ellen in death were her parents, Thomas and Margaret Graham; her loving husband Dutch Lemke; and her four siblings, Margaret Figland, Bob Graham, Bill Graham, and Betty Light.

Lewis, Irene Geer - Irene Lewis, age 88, of New Market, Iowa, entered into peace Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 2, 2017 at Maple Grove Cemetery, Gus, Iowa with Rev. Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Lunch and fellowship with the family will be held at the New Market Methodist Church following the graveside service. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Guss, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Carrie Irene Lewis was born November 26, 1928 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Edward Geer and Alma Marie (Dow) Geer. She grew up on a farm east of New Market, Iowa and attended Frog Valley Country School. Irene graduated from New Market High School in 1947. She was united in marriage November 26, 1947 to Earl Lewis at the Methodist Church, New Market, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Randy, Dwila and Duane. They resided in New Market for most of their life.

Irene was blessed to be called Grandma by many, many children through her thirty plus years as their babysitter in her home and they kept in touch with her through the years. She was also their teacher during this time; having craft time, picnics, teaching good manners helping with 4-H projects, making bird houses and was a great story teller, her special “Master Jim” stories were a favorite. She was a great cook and always had a dessert and they especially enjoyed her cookies and chocolate sheet cake. Irene was gracious host and enjoyed being with her friends and extended family and especially liked celebrating the 4th of July in her yard and watching the parade. She enjoyed playing 13 point pitch and dominoes. She was a long time member of the New Market Methodist Church.

Preceding Irene in death were her parents; husband, Earl Lewis; sisters, Louise Lawger and Evelyn Hixson.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Randy Lewis and wife Jane of Libertyville, Iowa; daughter, Dwila Sloan and husband Vic of Creston, Iowa; son, Duane Lewis of Corvallis, Oregon; grandchildren, Teri Burkett and husband Allan of Newton, Iowa, Scott Lewis of Carlisle, Iowa, Nicole Johnson and husband Scott of Olds, Iowa; great grandchildren, Zach and Mackenzie Malloy, Alex Burkett, Mallary, Alec and Lucy Johnson and Greyson Lewis; nieces; nephews; many, many friends and extended family

John Richard Livingston, 89, from St. Charles, MO, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. He was born at the family home east of Bedford, Iowa, on July 29, 1928, to Wayland and Addie (Stoops) Livingston. He attended Bedford Community School and graduated in 1948.

John aspired to become a doctor, however, an accident that injured his father during John"s senior year resulted in him shifting gears and taking over the family farm. He loved farming and later bought a farm of his own near Bedford. With his wife by his side, John farmed until he retired.

He then moved to Florissant, MO. In 2010, he moved to St. Charles where he currently resided with his wife. John was awarded "Outstanding Young Farmer", and in 1972 he was also named "Iowa Master Farmer".

He served on many boards in his community and church. John and his wife attended First Baptist Church of St. Charles. Through the years, he enjoyed many activities which included being a pilot, playing golf, traveling the world, collecting John Deere memorabilia and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was also a loving brother, uncle, cousin, brother in-law and friend to many and will be missed by all who knew him. John is the loving husband of Pauline Livingston NEE: Shearer; beloved father of Diana (Steve) Fichter of St. Charles, MO, Marilyn (Jay) Thornton of Co. Bluffs, IA and Rena (John) Ready of Caney, KS; dear grandfather of Krisha (Michael) Klug of Liberty, MO, Kari Fichter of St. Charles, MO, Amy (Shane) Hightower of Caney, KS, Leeann (Jordan) Klepfer of Co.

Bluffs, IA, Adam (Danielle) Ready of Amman, Jordan, Sara Thornton of Co. Bluffs, IA, Kim (Brian) Smith of Omaha, NE; great-grandfather of Zachary, Jaden and Alyson Klug, Jordyn, Taylor and Marissa Inman, Jace Scott, Rya and Colt Hightower, Kaiyah and Trek Ready and Dakota and Madeline Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents Wayland and Addie Livingston, infant daughter Wanda, infant twin sons Richard and Roger, granddaughter Elizabeth Thornton and his sister Betty Livingston-Fitch

Lucas, Selma Lorraine Huntington - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Selma Lucas, age 97, of Lenox, who passed away Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Visitation will be held Thursday morning from 9:00 AM until service time with the family greeting friends. Memorials be directed to the Jeff Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Lenox United Presbyterian Church.. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we 'Celebrate Life'.

Selma Lorraine Huntington Lucas was one of identical twin girls born on October 24, 1920, to Ada (LaPorte) Huntington and Franklin Huntington. The twins were born on a farm near Brooks, Iowa. Selma attended a country school, Jasper No. 2, in Adams County. She often told the story that when the twins were in the 8th grade their teacher had to convince their parents to let them enter the county spelling contest, which they won: Velma first place, and Selma second. Selma attended high school in Corning, graduating in 1938 with a class of 88 students. After high school, Selma obtained her teaching certificate and while waiting on a teaching position to become available, she learned from her dad how to cultivate corn with a team of horses, which she enjoyed very much. Soon she was asked to finish the term of a young teacher who resigned mid-semester.

On June 14, 1941, she married Ivan Lucas of Bedford, Iowa. To this union five children were born: four daughters and one son. They were married 54 years before Ivan passed away in 1995.

Early in their marriage, they lived in Cedar Rapids, IA, but after Ivan’s discharge from the U.S. Army, they returned to Corning to farm Selma’s parents’ farm until buying one of their own near Lenox in 1950. In 1965 they sold the farm and built a car wash and a new home in Lenox.
In addition to all the hard work involved in raising a family, Selma enjoyed gardening, working in her flower beds, golfing, playing bridge, working crossword puzzles (and she was a whiz at it), attending Mayflower Study Club, serving her church, bible studies, traveling, cooking, needle work and dancing with Ivan, the love of her life. But, most of all she loved her family and spending time with them. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker and often made food to take to friends and neighbors who were ill or had lost loved ones. Selma also enjoyed crocheting and lovingly made afghans for each of her children and grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Dena Lucas of Albuquerque, NM; Dr. Tim (wife Joan) Lucas of Pella, IA; Vicki (husband Phil) Maltzahn of Grand Island, NE; Mitzi (husbamd Ron) Woosley of Lincoln, NE; and Ada (husband Craig) Calendine of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren: Shannon (Daniel) Ratcliff, Ted (Jennifer) Lucas, Scott (Angelen) Maltzahn, Todd (Veronica) Maltzahn, Lynde (Nathan) Conroy, Kelly (Jared) Rathe, Christopher Calendine, an Cari (Brian) Ness and thirteen great grandchildren; two sisters: Velma Levi and Mary Frances Livingston; one sister-in-law, Margaret Lucas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Selma was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ada Huntington; her husband, Ivan Lucas; her beloved grandson, Jeff Lucas; and four sisters: Lois Valentine, Jean McAlpin, Louise Mitchell and Emily Mitchell, two nephews Frank Levi and Clifford Valentine and a niece Renee Valentine Owens.

Selma was a wonderful woman who knew and loved the Lord Jesus and she will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her

Sharon Malcom, 74, of Jane, Mo departed this life on Friday October 13, 2017, at the McDonald County Living Center in Anderson, Missouri. Sharon entered this life on October 17, 1942 in Washington, DC to Joseph and Anne Cavanaugh.

Sharon shared a home with Ed Malcom, husband of 56 years.

She was an active member of the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Noel, Missouri.

She enjoyed devoting her time to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, genealogy, and volunteered with White Rock Fire Department.

She is survived by Ed Malcom Sr.; children, Ed Malcom Jr. and wife, Karyn, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Bob Malcom and wife, Julie, of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, Steve Malcom and wife, Carol, of Frankfort, Illinois, Danny Malcom and wife, Michelle, of Jane, Missouri, Beth Slack and husband, Sean, of Bentonville, Arkansas, Megan Hicks and husband, Scott, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Erin Malcom and Fiancé, Steve Chrisman, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; seventeen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; siblings, Joseph Cavanaugh and wife, Stephanie, of Fredericksburg, Texas, Betty Simpson and husband, Stan, of Oakland, California, Danny Cavanaugh and wife, Micki, of West Fork, Arkansas, Patty Hendrix and husband, Ray, of Goshen, Arkansas; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Sharon was laid to rest at the Jane Cemetery on October 16, 2017 in a private ceremony.

A celebration of life will be held at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson Mo on November 4, 2017 from 2 to 4 PM with Jamie Cope officiating. All friends and family are welcome. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. 

Marshall, Clintin David - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Clintin Marshall, age 23, of Corning, who passed away Sunday, November 19, 2017, will be held Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the American Legion Hall in Lenox, Iowa. Interment will be held at the Grove Cemetery in rural Taylor County, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we 'Celebrate Life'.

Clintin David Marshall was born on August 19th, 1994 in Creston, Iowa the son of David and Sandy Key Marshall, brother of Nick, Tyson and Brittany.

Clint attended school with his Tigers during elementary and joined his Bulldogs in 8th grade where he graduated in 2012 from Bedford. Clint went on to study Light Duty Diesel and automotive at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming. He followed a job to Pampa, Texas, before he moved back to Lenox in 2014.

As a child you could find Clint playing with Woody and Buzz Lightyear along side his sidekick, Spanky. Clint’s curly hair and contagious smile could be found causing as much mischief as possible. He enjoyed fishing, playing tackle football and burying his dad’s tools in the yard.
During High School, Clint was just as theatrical on stage as off stage. He was known for his infectious laughter as well as his silent listening ear. He spent most of his time playing sports and being with his friends. Clint never tapped out in wrestling, nor in life.

Clint and his “Pa” planned lots of shenanigans. If you found yourself in the presence of their banter, you were bound to be laughing.

Clint was known by many names, Tiny, Lunchbox and Badger. In 2008, he earned the name Tin Tin when he became an Uncle. You could always count on Clint to wind up his 8 nieces and nephews, Lexi, Emma, Laine, Nikenna, Lilli, Alana, Avery and Annalee.

In 2014 Clyde met his Bonnie, Jody Reed. They brought out the best of each other. They were soul mates and best friends, together they worked on making a better life for each other. With the kids, Brock, Addison and fur baby, Oakley, they shared a home outside of Corning.

Left to cherish Clintin’s memory are: his mother and father, David and Sandy Marshall of Lenox; two Brothers: Nick and wife Jenna Brown, of Lenox; and Tyson and husband Steven Brown, of Ankeny; a sister Brittany Marshall of Des Moines; maternal Grandparents Reldon and Doris Key, of Lenox; Fiance: Jody Reed and her children Brock and Addison Key; Future Mother and Father-in-laws: Jeff and Carla Reed; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and loved ones near and far.

Preceding Clint in death are his paternal grandparents Gene and Patty Marshall; an uncle, Gary Duncan; and his four legged best friend: Diesel

Miller, Mary Helen Kammeyer - Mary Helen Kammeyer Miller, (87) of Bedford, Iowa passed away on September 11, 2017. Visitation will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford on Sunday, September 17 at 1:30 PM, with Funeral Services to follow at 3:00 PM. Funeral arrangements will be handled by the Ritchie Funeral Home with Jeff Cummings officiating. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery.

Mary was born in Slater, Missouri to Dovey and Fred Kammeyer on July 15,1930, being the 7th daughter born to this family. Mary attended high school in Slater and graduated in 1948. Mary loved music and leading the band as the head baton twirler. She held the title of Missouri State Champion Baton Twirler during 3 of her high school years. In 1948 Mary was married to Frank Miller (also of Slater). Frank was in the Navy, so he and Mary traveled for several years and lived in many exciting locations that Mary loved. Frank and Mary divorced later, so Mary took her three young children and moved to Bedford to be close to her two sisters that lived here with their families. Mary’s plan was to be here for a short time, but ended up living here for the rest of her life.

Mary worked faithfully at the Taylor County Court House in the Treasurer’s Office for twenty-seven years. After retiring from the courthouse she enjoyed working at Godfather’s for seven more years and then retired for good. Mary always enjoyed dancing, golfing, playing cards, bowling, swimming, water skiing and especially going to coffee with her friends every day after work and on Saturdays. Mary loved attending all the sporting events her kids and grandkids were in, rarely missing any of them. She was a wonderful grandma and mom. Mary always made life fun and worthwhile.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Dovey and Fred Kammeyer, her six sisters: Maxine Peters; Bedford, Della Forster; Bedford, May Pearl Sinnet; Slater, Mo., Margret Morgan; Slater, Mo. and two sisters who passed away in their early childhood. Mary’s biggest heartache came when she lost her son Gary Miller, who died in 1977 at the age of 16 as a result of a car accident.

Mary is survived by her children Mike and Diane Miller of Phoenix, Arizona, Vicky and Randy Beemer of Bedford, Iowa, Grandchildren: Kolby Beemer and his wife Rhonda (Bedford), Korey Beemer and his wife Keenan (Granger,IA) , Kandy Thomas and her husband Ryan Thomas (Indianola, IA) , Michael and Lauri Miller (Phoenix, AZ), and Michelle Miller (HI). Great Grandchildren: Hudson, Kinley, Leighton, Chase, Chance, Beau, Kassidy, Klaire, Korbin (all Beemers), Collins Thomas, and Andrew Miller. Mary leaves behind one surviving brother-in-law, LaVerne Peters of Bedford, many nieces and nephews and dear friends that she has loved through the years.

Mary had a wonderful, fulfilling life and demonstrated such love towards all of her family and friends. Although the last few years of her life were spent battling Alzheimer’s, she remained very happy and loving towards all she knew.

Dorothy Aline Matheny, the oldest child of James Harrison Matheny and Mattie Ethel (Newby) Matheny was born November 21, 1921, at home near Blockton, Iowa. She attended country school at Platteville, Iowa for eight years and graduated from Blockton High School in 1940, with a Normal Training Certificate. She taught country school for four years in Gay Township.

In 1941, while going up a stairway to attend a dance, a young man, named Cecil Newkirk, caught up to her and started a conversation. She started dating that young man on Columbus Day of that year and they became engaged a year later. Cecil was called into the service on October 15, 1942 and was discharged from the Army on December 15, 1944. Dorothy and Cecil were married on February 15, 1945, at the Methodist parsonage in Bedford. Dorothy’s school term ended in May and they moved to Colorado where their three daughters, Cheryl, Marilyn and Janis were born. They lived in various places in Colorado - Rifle, Carbondale and Basalt. In 1954, the family moved to Cove, Arkansas, and spent two years there. While in Arkansas, they attended the Southern Baptist Church in Vandervoort, Arkansas, and it is there that Dorothy accepted Christ as her savior. Dorothy always said that Arkansas was a growing time for the family, not only attending church together but spending most Sunday afternoons walking through the woods to old family “home places” as they were called, picking blackberries, and walking logging trails. In 1956, Dorothy and Cecil sold their livestock and small farm, packed up their pickup with as many belongings as they could, including a dog and a cat, and moved their family back to Iowa. Cecil farmed for awhile and eventually became a rural mail carrier.

Dorothy spent many years as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and various other duties in the churches in Vandervoort, Bedford and Blockton, and was a member of the Bedford Baptist Church. She was an active member in the American Legion Auxiliary in Colorado and Blockton.

Dorothy loved crossword puzzles, always doing them with a pen, never a pencil, was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. One of her favorite hobbies was her counted cross stitch and she made numerous pictures for her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

Dorothy devoted her life to raising her children, always raised a garden and canned fruits and vegetables for the winter. She enjoyed being a farm wife. She worked for seven years at Shehan’s in Bedford and retired in 1974 to spend more time at home. She took care of both her mother and Cecil in their later years.

Dorothy was very proud of her family. If you wanted to see a big smile come across her face, just ask her about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! She always had a story to tell about them and truly enjoyed hearing from them and having them come to visit.

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her husband, Cecil, her parents, Jim and Mattie, and all of her siblings and their spouses: Ethel and Lem Dant, John and Phyllis Matheny, Beulah Mae and Dale Kernen and Marion and Ellen Matheny, as well as many cousins.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters and their husbands: Cheryl and Steve Mick, Bedford, Marilyn and Bob Timberlake, Auburn, Kansas, and Janis and Steve Melvin, Rochester, Minnesota. Dorothy’s grandchildren, their spouses and Dorothy’s great-grandchildren include: Matt and Dawn Mick, Maggie and Rory, Boone, Iowa; Josh and Angel Melvin, Mackenzie, Prole, Iowa, Tucker and Annaliesa Melvin, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Alicia (Melvin) and Bryan Navarette, Romey Riley and Peter, Mason City, Iowa; Rob Timberlake, Lawrence, Kansas; Nicole (Timberlake) and Andy Burghart and Ryland, Topeka, Kansas; Stephanie (Melvin) and Brian Fisk, Natalie, Meredith and Liesel, Rochester, Minnesota; and Rebekah (Melvin) and Brandon Rohrig and Freya, Okoboji, Iowa.

Dorothy is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Jean Vance and Anne Meek, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Odle, Altha Pearl Webb - There will be a ‘Celebration of Life’ visitation for Altha Odle, age 92, of Bedford, who passed away 17th day, September, 2017 at 8:04 P.M. Visitation will be held at Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Family will be there from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Interment will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas.

Altha Pearl (Webb) Odle was born April 4, 1925, in Harrisburg, Missouri the daughter of Joseph Webb and Viola (Beachboard) Webb. She grew up in the Kansas City, Kansas area graduating from Argentine High School with the Class of 1943. After graduation she was a secretary for TWA and then worked for Kuluvas Department Store as a cashier. During a sophomore English class, Ollie Sr., first laid eyes on Altha, and for him it was 'love at first sight'. She was not allowed to date until her senior year, so Ollie waited and they went on their first date, actually a double date, with her cousin Fay! Ollie was in the United States Navy right out of High School and after boot camp they were engaged on August 10, 1943. They wrote to each other faithfully while he served overseas in WWII. After 28 months the couple were united in marriage on November 24, 1945, in Kansas City, Kansas. To this loving union three children were born Terry Lee, Ollie Jr., and Kathie Lynn.

The couple made their home in Kansas City, Kansas and Altha became a stay-at-home mother after the birth of their first child. Ollie worked for the Gas Service company prior to going into the ministry. The first church they served was in Barnard, Kansas, where they served six years. Then they went to El Dorado, Kansas, and in 1966, they were called to serve the First Baptist Church in Bedford, Iowa. They faithfully served this church for over ten years. They moved to Junction City, Kansas to serve a church there, retiring in 1987. The couple moved to Grove, Oklahoma and made their home for over nineteen years, returning to Bedford in 2006. During this time, Altha served as the 'perfect pastor's wife', according to Ollie! He always felt the churches called him to serve because of his beautiful wife. Altha faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher and led many women’s Bible studies within the various churches, along with all of the women's circles and activities.

During their retirement, Ollie and Altha enjoyed traveling as tour directors for Nawas International Travels. They were able to visit four times to the Holy Land and Egypt; Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, all the Scandinavian countries, Russia, Ukraine, China, Japan, all of South America, throughout all of the United States and even four Alaskan Cruises! All this time, Altha was willing to go and continue their ministry together. Altha loved visiting people, and cherished the time with her family and grandchildren.

Left to cherish Altha's memory is her loving husband of 71 years, Ollie Odle, Sr., of Bedford, Iowa; children, Terry Lee Odle and wife Trudy of Overland Park, Kansas; Ollie Odle, Jr., of Port Isabel, Texas; and Kathie Anderson and husband Mike of Blockton, Iowa; six granddaughters, Brandi and Kevin Chambers; Tera and Matt Schlotfelt; Amber and Bill Ruttenberg; Jessi and George Nixon; Carmalene Odle and Cherokee Odle; eleven great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Taylor, Sarah, Alexis, Banner, Lenni, Riggs, Crimson, Cadibelle, and twin boys nicknamed Pancho & Lefty; a sister, Rosalee Zarvos of Katy, Texas; along with many relatives and friends.

Preceding Altha in death are her parents, Joseph and Viola Webb; three brothers, Marshall, Jack and Bobby Jo Webb; two sisters, Ruth Hignight and Avis Blackwell.

Parsons, Della Moore - Funeral services for Mrs Della Parsons, 90, will be at 10:30 am Saturday at Walker Funeral Home with Loren Daly officiating. Mrs Parsons died Wednesday afternoon at the Lenox Care where she had been a patient for three years.

The family will meet friends at 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.

She was born Nov 30, 1882 near Colchester, Ill., the daughter of Robert and Christina Bodenhammer Moore. Her husband, William John Parsons, died in 1951. Mrs Parsons' home had been in Villisca before going to the rest home, and in Taylor county prior to that.

Her son, Merle Parsons, is at New Market. Her brother is Roy D. Moore of New Market and sister Mrs Myrtle Hipsley of Clarinda. She has five grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. A daughter, Viola May Shrimpton, died in 1940.

Soloist at the service will be Mrs Rosevelyn Bashor and organist, Mrs Zella Ridenour. Casket bearers will be Raymond Moore, Dean Moore, Gary Hutcheson, Darrell Moore, Glenn Mick and Jack Wyckoff.

Burial will be in Memory Cemetery at New Market. CLARINDA HERALD-JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Sep 1973

Once upon a time, on a spring day (May 7th to be exact) in 1940, Harvey Arlington French, and Annetta Louise (Shafer) French welcomed Joanne to their growing family on their farm in Taylor County, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm with her siblings; Lavonne "Sis," JB, Edward, Billy, Roy and Paul. Her father could be heard saying "growing up, these children remember that they didn't have much, but
they weren't lacking anything." They were a close family, and life was full of hard work.                  
In 1955, she married Robert Eugene Perdew in Bedford after a year courtship, and together they raised four children, Charles Dean, Michael Robert, Randy Allen, and Teresa Louise. They lived in Essex until 1972 when the beautiful rocky mountains became the backdrop of their new home in Boulder, Colorado. While raising the children she worked as head of housekeeping before owning her own, very successful, residential/commercial cleaning company, Magic Maids, for 15 years. Although hardworking, there was always time for family, and camping became a pastime favorite while the children were young.
As years went on, the family grew, and she became the beaming grandmother to six grandchildren, Daven, Angela, Michael, Paige, Bailey, and Emery and five great-grandchildren, Autumn, Emril, Paris, Mahren, and Cree. Her family was the most important thing to her.. .hosting the most magical Christmases and Easter Egg Hunts, and cooking the most delicious meals.
In 1993 she returned Taylor County to pursue a dream of antiques, restoring two buildings on Main Street in Bedford and opening Spinning Wheel Treasures. She proudly ran her business and greatly enjoyed the customers that came in. .especially those who stayed for a cup of coffee and a chat. During this time, she was also able to do other things she loved, like crocheting, canning, and simply living a simple life.
In 2015 she moved to Washington state which would become the final chapter of her life. She made many new friends at "the Palace" where she lived, and loved to spend time at the beach.. .watching the waves crash for hours. It was here that life slowed down, and she was able to enjoy the little things in life, like watching the birds, listening to music, and rejoicing in life.
On Tuesday, November 15, 2016, Dorothy Joanne | (French) Perdew began the next phase of her journey. Surrounded by those she loved (and in precise order) and was able to say goodbye before drifting away. Although saddened to leave this world, she was eager for the grand reunion that would soon take place.. .as she was greeted by those she had once mourned.
Her last wishes were to not have a funeral in which everyone is sad. Instead, her family invites you to a party where there will be music, jokes, dessert and reminiscing! If you knew her, and would like to attend, please come to the Bedford American Legion on Sunday, May 28 at 7 p.m. to celebrate her life.
She loved flowers...especially ones that she could tend to. Although not necessary, if you wish to send a token of love or friendship, trees or flowering shrubs are suggested. The family will then plant them in her memory, and will be able to enjoy them for years to come.

Peters, LaVern Leroy - Memorial Celebration of Life Services for LaVern Peters, age 93, of Bedford, who passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017 at his home in Bedford will be held Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:30 until service time with the family greeting friends. Interment with military rites will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed to Hospice.

LaVern Leroy Peters was born on a farm north of Red Oak, Iowa, on February 21, 1924, son of Fred J. Peters and Lenora (Altaffer) Peters. The family moved to Bedford in 1934 where LaVern started the 4th grade and graduated from Bedford High School in 1941.

Following graduation LaVern took a job at the Gasoline Alley service station in Bedford and worked there until taking a job at Cobb’s Ice Cream Company in 1942 where he worked his way up to head ice cream and sweet cream maker.

LaVern enlisted in the Army Air Corps and began serving his country on August 13, 1943. LaVern trained as a gunner on the B-24 bomber and served in the 8th Air Force in Europe. LaVern flew his first combat mission January 14, 1945 and flew 24 of the assigned 35 combat missions prior to the victory in Europe. Among LaVern’s awards for his service were 4 air medals, 4 battle stars, Presidential unit citation and France’s highest award, The French Legion of Merit.

After his discharge from the service, LaVern was united in marriage to Maxine Kammeyer on September 28, 1945. LaVern attended and graduated from Iowa State with a two-year degree in Dairy Plant Management. In 1947, they moved to Bedford and were blessed with the birth of two children, Randy and Ron. LaVern worked many jobs, including being the Manager of Cobb's Ice Cream and as a night policeman. In 1959, LaVern began his career with the United States Postal Service as a part-time clerk and carrier. Then in 1970, LaVern was appointed Post Master of the Bedford Post Office. LaVern held this position for the next 28 years, retiring on January 1, 1998.

Through the years LaVern was very active in the Bedford community. He was a Cubmaster for 2 years, a Scoutmaster for 3 years, I.O.O. F. Noble Grand for 3 terms, Night policeman for 2 years, Taylor County Reserve Officer for over 20 years, Taylor County Wildlife secretary for 2 years, A life-time member of the I.O.O. F., Legion and V.F.W., City Council member for 2 years and served as a Chairman of Trustees for the Baptist Church for 9 years.

LaVern also enjoyed his flower garden, the outdoors, listening and singing at country music jams and visiting with many people including Colonel Tibbhus, Jimmy Stewart, Kurt Warner and LeRoy Van Dyke. LaVern loved to tell jokes and stories to everyone he met and he never told the same one twice.

LaVern is survived by sons; Randy Peters and wife Fran, Ron and wife Cheryl, grandchildren; Matthew, Caroline and Julie, great-grandson Hunter Allen; and very caring present life partner Norma Cox; and a sister, Mary Case; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

LaVern is preceded in death by his wife Maxine Kammeyer Peters, parents Fred and Lanora Peters, brothers Harry Johnson and Garvin Peters, a sister Loretta Cross; a beloved grandson, Todd Peters.

Pfander, Melvin Lee - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Melvin Pfander, age 82, of Lenox, Iowa who passed away Monday, October 16, 2017, at the Creston Hospital will be held Monday, October 23, 2017, at the Lenox United Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family greeting friends will be from 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity at 1:00 PM. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox, Iowa where we 'Celebrate Life'.

Melvin Lee Pfander was born April 12, 1935, in Taylor County, Iowa the son of Cloyd William Pfander and Neva Olive (Whipple) Pfander. Melvin was the fourth child of seven, who grew up attending school in Sharpsburg, graduating with the Class of 1953. After graduation, he attended the Clarinda Junior College for one year learning the skill of drafting. He then entered the United States Army, serving boot camp at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, eventually ending up in Kaiserslautern, Germany working in the motor pool. He was honorably discharged and returned to the Sharpsburg area. Melvin was a man of many talents, if he couldn't make it . . . it couldn't be made! He owned his own business, welding and building, eventually doing carpentry work in the Sharpsburg / Lenox area.

Although Melvin never married, he enjoyed his extended family and their children. He eventually moved to Lenox where he built his own home to retire in. He wasn't much for traveling, however, one time he flew to California to visit his sister, only to return home the same day! He was a faithful member of both the Lenox and Sharpsburg Presbyterian Churches.

Left to cherish Melvin’s memory is his brother Horace Pfander and wife Betty of Bedford, Iowa; four sisters, Maxine Bates of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; Betty Robertson and husband Joe of Belton, Missouri; Berneice Allen and husband Gerald of Oregon, Missouri; and Eloise Cunningham and husband Gary of Arizona; seventeen nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Richard Hall of California; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceeding Melvin in death are his parents, Cloyd and Neva Pfander; a sister, Lorna Hall; a brother-in-law, Richard Bates; a nephew, Steve Pfander; great-nephews, David Jordan, Kyle Powell and Tony Bates.

Reed, Stephen Lee - Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Stephen Reed, age 61, of Lenox, who passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston, Iowa will be held Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Lenox Community Center. Visitation will be held at the Lenox Community Center Monday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at West Cemetery in Lenox. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we 'Celebrate Life'.

On October 21, 2017 at the Hospice House in Creston, IA surrounded by his loving family, Stephen Lee Reed lost his battle with complications from cancer treatments but won the war against pain and suffering as he passed through heaven’s gate into God’s hands.

Stephen Lee Reed was born on August 17, 1956 in Corning, IA to proud parents, Marvin Lee and Norma Jean (Williams) Reed. Steve grew up in Lenox, IA where during his childhood he participated in 4-H, had a paper route, and played Little League baseball. During high school, Steve played basketball, baseball, football, and ran in track. He was a member of the Christian Church in Lenox. He graduated from Lenox High School in 1974.

It was also in March of 1974 that Steve met the love of his life, Jacqi Lynn (Freshour), while roller skating at Hale’s Skating Rink. They began dating at that time and have been inseparable since. They married on September 27, 1975 at the Christian Church in Prescott, IA.
Steve and Jacqi were blessed with two children: Troy Stephen and Crystal Lynnette. Steve loved his kids unconditionally and loved to talk of their accomplishments in life and to spend time with them when able.

Steve’s pride and joy came in 2007 and 2009, grandsons, Trenton Dean and Blayne Michael Shawler. Steve’s love for his grandsons knew no boundaries. He enjoyed taking them hunting, fishing, on vacations, watching them grow and participate in sports and other activities or just sitting and rocking with them while watching a movie or reading a book. He always had a story to tell or brag about when it came to these boys. If they wanted or needed something, all the boys had to do was ask Poppa.

Steve worked at various places during his life: Cain Oil, Howard Stoak’s farm, Prescott Feed and Grain, Uarco/Standard Register, and Michael Foods where he had been employed since 2000.

Steve was on the Prescott Fire Department from 1975-1991 and also was a First Responder.
During his life Steve enjoyed hunting pheasant and coyote, golfing, fishing, and his favorite – bowling. Steve played on basketball, baseball, and volleyball leagues in early adulthood, the past 15 plus years, Steve bowled on a mixed league and a travel league with his wife and his “bowling kids”. The teams traveled to Springfield, MO, Tulsa, OK, and all over the State of Iowa with Steve the anchorman no matter which team he bowled with. Steve also enjoyed his Friday night gang, spending many years of Friday night’s getting together with friends for drinks, supper, and fun.

Left to cherish the wonderful memories of Stephen Lee Reed are: his wife of 42 years, Jacqi Lynn (Freshour) Reed; son Troy Stephen and wife Christine (Roan) Reed; daughter Crystal Lynnette (Reed) Shawler and grandsons Trenton Dean and Blayne Michael Shawler; step grandson Patrick and wife Amanda Harden with their children Ella and Eli; parents Marvin Lee and Norma Jean (Williams) Reed; mother-in-law Nancy Jane (Bissell) Freshour; brother Jeffrey and wife Carla (Miller) Reed; sister Susan (Reed) and husband Daniel Miller; brother-in-law Kyle and wife Kelly (Camden) Freshour; brother-in-law Kevin and wife Beverly (Rice) Freshour; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, adopted bowling kids Bud & Becky Haidsaik, Sam & Luke Ramsey, and BJ Brokaw, the Friday night gang, his bowling family, and many other relatives, friends, and co-workers.

Stephen was proceeded in death by his grandparents Melvin and Bertha (Milliken) Williams, John and Irene (Lane) Reed, aunt Dorothy Stoaks, cousin Kevin Williams, and father-in-law Clifford Freshour

Snyder, Michael -
Michael Snyder, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, met the Lord face to face on August 17, 2017.
Michael was born August 6, 1958 in Maryville Missouri to Raymond Snyder and Patricia (Anderson) Snyder. He married Judy French on September 16, 1977.
He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Snyder. He is survived by his mother Patricia Snyder, and his wife Judy Snyder, their son James and his wife Charity and their two children Will and Jace, their daughter Candace and her husband Richard Williams and their four children Trey, Kindrick, Aubrianna and Haleigh, his sisters, Michelle and her husband Mark Iglehart of Kansas City Missouri, Susan and her husband Dean Rowe of Bedford Iowa, Rene' and her husband Roger O'Riley of Hopkins Missouri, his uncles Roger Anderson of Maryville Missouri and Ron Anderson of Kansas City Missouri. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
Visitation was held at Beck Funeral Home, 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 on Monday, August 21, 2017 from 6-8pm. Celebration of life was held at Grace Covenant Church, 9431 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759 on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 10am.

Villines, Evelyne Jobe - Evelyne Jobe Villines of Des Moines, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017, at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver Ave, Des Moines. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church, private burial will be at Siam Cemetery at a later date.

She was born in Siam, IA on February 11, 1930, daughter of the late Conlin and Blanche (Fine) Jobe.

Evelyne was a trailblazer for disability rights and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to advocating for opportunities for people with disabilities. She developed polio at the age three when she was living in southwest Iowa. As a teenager she encountered her first job discrimination. Soon after, she began her life and career of empowering people who are disabled.

Evelyne served as Executive Secretary of the Iowa Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped from 1965 to 1975; Director of Development at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines from 1975 to 1979; and Director of the Client Assistance Program for the Easter Seal Society of Iowa, Inc. from 1979 to 1991. Since 1980, she has been a freelance motivational speaker, giving her speech “In the Name of Love” to hundreds of organizations worldwide. In 1986, she was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities.

In May of 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed her as a member of the Committee for Purchase for People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled. She was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1999, she was reappointed by President Clinton for another five years. She was honored in 2000 as Woman of the Year by the Metro Women's Network of Greater Des Moines. Evelyne was active with Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa and Goodwill International.

Evelyne joined the board of a nonprofit agency, SourceAmerica, in the organizations infancy, leading it to become one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country during her 20 year tenure.

Evelyne truly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed vacationing with them and attending as many sporting events as possible. She loved to play cards and was an aggressive Pitch player.

Evelyne was preceded in death by a son Wesley Ferguson and a brother Floyd Jobe and sister-in-law Cleva Jobe.

Survivors include two daughters; Chris (Ray) Burkhart of West Des Moines and Julia (Mark) Tiedeman of Des Moines, a brother Ronald (Mary) Jobe of Albuquerque, NM, four grandchildren; Bryan Tiedeman, Amy Geng, John Burkhart and Jason Burkhart and eight great grandchildren.

Iles Funeral Home, Johnston, Iowa