Cheryl Ann Barnes Swinney passed away peacefully on the night of December 8th 2018 at a care facility near her home in Northwest Arkansas. She was born in Maryville, Mo. on August 29, 1945 to Freman and Eldola Barnes.

Cheryl was a lovable figure that easily made friends wherever she went. Her commitment to love, peace, and giving herself to others was unparalleled. She was a pinnacle of generosity and kindness. She was a devoted mother, wife, and close friend to many along the way.

Cheryl was the youngest of four siblings and grew up on the farm in Taylor County, Iowa. She attended Bedford Community schools. As a girl, she was a member of the Hopkins Methodist Church and was active in her Sunday School class.

Cheryl’s family was always very important to her. She and her husband, Robert Swinney, enjoyed 24 years of marriage together living in Kansas City, Safety Harbor, FL and Bella Vista, AR. A loving mother, her children, Leigh and Greg, describe her as encouraging and supportive in all of their endeavors, tireless in her love for them as they spent their childhood years in Tulsa, OK. Her activities as a mother included everything from baseball coaching to dressmaking.

After a few years in Kansas City she would meet her husband, Bob. They spent their time together on adventures in Kansas City and eventually Safety Harbor, Florida where they spent 20 years boating and traveling throughout Florida and beyond. Cheryl loved to have fun and be around people she loved. When you went to visit her, you were always greeted with open arms and a loving hug.

She is most well known for her work as an interior designer. Cheryl thrived as a designer and branched out as an event coordinator. She also spent time as a teacher, seamstress, sales person and display designer. She practiced design in Tulsa, Kansas City, Tampa, Washington, DC and many other places across the country as she was so gifted in her profession. Cheryl’s work is featured in a number of local and national publications. Of particular mention is her work featured in the Designer Showcase Houses for several years during her time in Tulsa and Kansas City, and her event coordination of the Southern Governor’s Conference in Jefferson City, MO.

Her illness eventually encouraged the family to be closer together. Cheryl and Bob moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 2016.

Cheryl is survived by her husband Robert Swinney, her children and their families: daughter - Leigh Ann Bunn Goodson with her husband Mark and children Luke and Shea of Tulsa, OK; son - Gregory Eugene Bunn and his wife Nicole Parentice of Grand Junction, CO. She is also survived by her brother, Carl Barnes of Alleman, IA and two sisters, Ina Claire Lister of Bedford, IA and Kay Townsend of Springfield, MO.

Private services pending. Donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or Circle of Life Hospice of Bentonville, AR.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com

Bolinger, Loren Darrell - Loren Darrell Bolinger was born on May 15, 1934, in Ringgold County, Iowa the son of John R. and Susie Hallie (Scott) Bolinger. He was the youngest of ten children, nine boys and one girl. He grew up farming in Ringgold and Taylor Counties where he loved to fish and coon hunt with his brother "Wimp" Weldon.

After three years of courtship, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Holland on June 19, 1955, at the Christian Church in Lenox, Iowa. After a year of marriage, he served his country in the United States Army for two years, being sent overseas to Germany. Loren returned home after being honorably discharged, where he and Dorothy continued to farm and raise their family. They were blessed with four children, Rodney Allan, Christine Sue, Gary Eugene and Virgil Dwayne. Loren farmed until 1985, when he went to work for Joe Beemer and then Ken and Evonne Jenette. He finished his working career out at Iowa Select, working with his son Virgil.

After his retirement, Loren enjoyed working in his garden and sitting on his front porch, enjoying the view of the country landscape. If you were lucky, and the garden year was good, you might get one of his melons. Loren and Dorothy also enjoyed going to Ravenwood to listen to the local music. Rain or shine, now or sleet, you couldn't keep them away! Another hobby Loren enjoyed was playing lottery scratch off tickets. He would say, 'you have to know when to play and when to stop'. He should know, since he won 'BIG' one day.

Loren was a kind hearted, simple country boy who never knew a stranger. He was a very loving, caring and giving father who taught his children the value of hard work.

Left to cherish Loren's memory is his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy Bolinger of Clearfield, Iowa; three sons, Rodney (Carroll Ann) Bolinger of Coin, Iowa; Gary (Lori) Bolinger of Bedford, Iowa; and Virgil (Diana) Bolinger of Clearfield, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Shalen, Christopher, Sarah, Jacob, Kimmie, Brodie and Krista; three great-grandchildren, Emily, Trey and Andrew; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Loren in death are his parents, John R. and Susie Bolinger; a daughter, Christine Sue in November 10, 1980; eight brothers and sisters-in-law, Rex (Austie) Bolinger; Everett (Leona) Bolinger; Virgil Bolinger; Paul (Erma) Bolinger; Clarence (June) Bolinger; Lloyd (Violett) Bolinger; Weldon (Rose) Bolinger; Kenny (Marsha) Bolinger; and one sister and brother-in-law, Opal (Claud) Rhinehart

Davis, Rosemary Lou Ambrose - Rosemary Lucille (Lou Ambrose) Davis was born July 24, 1928, on the family farm in Lenox, Iowa the daughter of William and Lizzie (Froescher) Ambrose. She grew up o n the farm and went to country school through the 8th grade, then attending Corning High School. Later in life, Lou finished her schooling with a GED and while working at a local cafe, she met her future husband Delmer Davis. On June 9, 1947, the couple were married in Corning, Iowa. Three children were born to bless their lives,Linda, Tamara and Dallas. 

Lou relocated to Gillette, Wyoming in 2007, to live with her son for a number of years, then getting a place of her own in later years. After suffering several heart attacks, she moved into an assisted living facility where she lived the rest of her life.

Left to cherish Lou's memory is her son Dallas Davis and wife Angie of Gillette, Wyoming; a daughter, Tamara Buechter of Augusta, Kansas; a brother, Jasper Ambrose of Lenox, Iowa; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Lou in death are her parents, William and Lizzie Ambrose; her husband Delmer; a daughter Linda; a grandson, Levi; three brothers; both sets of grandparents; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Eighmy, Lorraine - Graveside services for, Lorraine Eighmy, age 94, will be held Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11 A.M. at Memory Cemetery in New Market, Iowa. Cummings Family Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Mrs. Eighmy.  

Clara Lorraine (Wells) Eighmy, the daughter of Carl M. Wells and Grace (Brown) Wells was born April 1, 1924 in the farm home of rural New Market. She joined her ten year old sister who thought it was an "April Fools" joke when told she had a new baby sister. How times have changed!!! As a child she attended the Methodist Church and Sunday School. At about sixteen years of age she accepted Christ as her personal savior. She was baptized and became a member of the Methodist Church. 

She attended the Lindsey School through the eighth grade and graduated from the New Market High School. She took normal training which qualified her to teach in the rural schools upon passing the state exams. She went to Maryville College upon graduation. She taught for thirteen years and loved every minute of it. Her students were very special to her. 

On February 20, 1943 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Larry Eighmy, in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was taking schooling, studying aircraft mechanics in the United States Air Force. Upon the completion of each school year she would go by bus to Fort Myers, Florida where he had been transferred. She would spend the summer and return in August to teach. She was transferring to another bus in Tampa, Florida when she learned Japan had surrendered. 

In 1955 their home was blessed with their first son and was later joined by two brothers. She was so proud of her family. Lorraine was always thankful for the wonderful blessed life she was given. 

Lorraine is preceded in death by her son, David Allan, her husband, Larry, her parents, Carl and Grace Wells, her sister and husband, Hazel and Claire White, her mother-in-law and father-in-law Elmer and Bessie (Hicks) Eighmy, two brothers-in-law, R.L. (Lefty) Eighmy and Wendell Eighmy and wife, Lucille. 

Lorraine is survived by her two sons, Michael and his wife, Jeannie, Ron and his wife Tonya, daughter-in-law, Maggie, seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren along with many other family members and friends

Evans, Mildred Margaret Bailey - Graveside Funeral Services for Mildred Evans, age 102, of Gravity will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 11 AM at Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Cummings Family Funeral Home from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.

Mildred Margaret Evans was born October 14, 1916 in Taylor County, Iowa the daughter of Roy Bailey and Mable (Clary) Bailey. Mildred grew up in Taylor County attending rural schools. On March 11, 1933, she was united in marriage to Cash Edward Evans and to this loving union two daughters were born. Through the years Mildred worked side by side with her husband, Cash, with their auction clerking business. She also enjoyed tending her flower garden and crocheting special items for her family and friends. Mildred was active in the local woman's club for many years and was a member of the Gravity Christian Church.

Left to cherish Mildred's memory are her loving two daughters, Mary Lou Forbis of Riverton, Wyoming; and Gayle Ann Christenson and husband Ron of Steele, North Dakota; five grandchildren, Jim Dickinson; Ed Forbis; Kevin Forbis; Judy Schneider and John Sayler; several great grandchildren; special friends Gary and Nancy Brown along with many other friends and family members.

Preceding Mildred in death are her husband Cash; parents Roy and Mable and two brothers.

Hanson, James Dale - Funeral Celebration of Life services for Jim Hanson, age 65, of New Market, Iowa, who passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 19, 2018, at his home rural New Market, Iowa will be held Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 10:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Inurnment will be held in Guss Cemetery, Guss, Iowa.

James Dale Hanson was born August 8, 1953 in Corning, Iowa, the son of Dale Edward Hanson and Mary Etta (Marshall) Hanson. He grew up on the family farm rural New Market, Iowa and graduated from New Market High School in 1972. Jim furthered his education at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa by receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and later working towards a Masters Degree. He was united in marriage July 11, 1992 to Angela Green in Ames, Iowa.

Farming was a life long occupation and love of Jim’s. He farmed the family farm and following his Dad’s footsteps operated a diversified crop and livestock operation following the latest technology and farming practices. The Hanson family was awarded the Centennial Farm Award in 2017. Jim had many other interests that he enjoyed including hunting, fishing and gun collecting. He also enjoyed cooking with his specialty of making scrumptious cheese cakes from scratch.

Jim was very active in the Republican Party. He was a member of Farm Bureau and was past president. Jim was also a member of the Iowa Pork Producers and Taylor County Cattleman’s Association and the New Market Methodist Church. Other activities included the board of directors of the Armstrong Research Farm, Lewis, Iowa and officer of the Block and Bridle Club of Iowa State University. Jim welcomed into his home Angela’s nieces and enjoyed learning about “girl things”.

Preceding Jim in death were his father, Dale Hanson; grandparents; father-in-law, Dr. Detroy Green.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Etta Hanson of Clarinda, Iowa; brother, Edward Hanson of Clarinda, Iowa; wife, Angela Green of Corning, Iowa; mother-in-law, Marilyn Green of Ames, Iowa; nieces, Melissa Falk and Ashley Green along with other relatives and many friends

Henry, Lois May Acklin - On September 13, 1942 Lois May Acklin was born to Violet (White) Acklin in Athelstan, Iowa. Her father, Clarence W. Acklin had passed away while serving his country during WWII, so he never got to meet his beloved daughter. Lois entered into peace on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at her home in Essex, Iowa.

Her mother later married Elvin G. Hiatt, and that is who Lois looked to as her father. Her early years were spent in Athelstan where she attended country school through the 8th grade. She later attended Bedford High School. On July 11, 1960 she was united in marriage to Carl Henry Jr. This marriage was blessed with the birth of four daughters, Karen, Sandra, Susan and Amy. The couple later divorced.

Lois was a very hardworking single mother. She worked in the housekeeping department at Hand Hospital and later transferring to Shenandoah Memorial Hospital when it opened. She eventually became the Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisor, working for a total of 30 plus years. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, crocheting, word puzzles, watching NASCAR while cheering for Dale Earnhardt, playing Yahtzee and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Wesley Hall and infant grandson William Alexander. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters; Karen (Curtis) Riley, Sandra (Steven) Jennings, Susan (David) Stevens, and Amy Jones; grandchildren; Angie (Steve) Wilson, Jonathan (Cassandra) Cain, Clarissa Cain, Melanie Miller and fiancé Joseph Moeller, Janelle (Bob) Carlson, Stephanie (Steve) Neve, Jacque (Blair) Dickinson, Ben (Chelsey) Hall, Matthew (Tracy) Stevens, Andrea Scharp and significant other Tyler Lorimor, Colby Erdman, Luke (Jess) Erdman and Morgan Alexander; 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. 

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Essex Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family

Matheny, Eldon Lavern - Eldon Lavern Matheny was born September 3, 1934, on a farm near Plattville, Taylor County, Iowa the son of Claude Lavern Matheny and Crystal Dorothy (Evans) Matheny. The family later moved to Lenox where he attended school. After graduation, Eldon ran the Lenox Pool Hall and later worked for Hills, McCanna in Creston for 35 years. He was united in marriage to Ruth Walford and 3 children were born, Susan, Chester and Charles. In 1996, Ruth passed away. Eldon retired from Hills, McCanna and later worked as a custodian at the Lenox Public School for 10 years.

In high school, Eldon enjoyed sports, playing basketball and running track. He supported Lenox sports and was a regular attendee at sporting activities. He enjoyed going to the casino and purchasing lottery tickets.

Left to cherish Eldon’s memory is a son Charles Matheny and wife Brenda of Des Moines, Iowa; a daughter, Susan Weese and husband Bill of Gulf Breeze, Florida; three brothers, Harry Matheny of Blue Mound, Kansas; Gail Matheny of Lenox, Iowa; and Leonard Matheny and wife Judy, of Lenox, Iowa; a sister, Betty Joan Shimer and husband Dell of Creston, Iowa; four grandchildren, Trudi, Tim, Amber and Jamie; six great-grandchildren, Morgan, Aaron, Gracie, Harrison, Kenadi and Kayli; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Eldon in death are his parents, Claude and Crystal Matheny; his wife Ruth Matheny; a son, Chester Matheny; and a sister, Louise

McMillin, Gary "Duke" Dean - Gary (Duke) Dean McMillin age 62 of Bedford, passed January 16, 2019 at home, Gary was born in Mt Ayr, Iowa to the late Norman Dean and Anna May (Harris) McMillian.

He was a 1974 graduate of Bedford High School and served in the Marine Corps.


He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Garvin.
Gary is survived by his sisters: Glenda Wetzel and husband Dwight, Gayle Smith and husband Phil and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggest to Wounded Warrior Project in his name, in accordance with Gary's wishes he was cremated and there will be no services.

Howard H. Miller, 90, of Bedford, IA, passed away November 27, 2018 at the Bedford Specialty Care Center in Bedford, IA.

Howard was born June 17, 1928 in Taylor County, IA. His parents were Port Isah Miller and Grace (Pfander) Miller.

He was of the Christian faith. He served his country during the Korean in United States Army. Howard Miller was a self- employed carpenter most of his life.

On December 26, 1953 in Bedford, he was married to Darlene Ramsey. They were married for 55 years until her passing November 26, 2008. They were the parents of a son Joe, who preceded him in death in 2012.

Howard and Darlene were active in many clubs and social groups. They enjoyed square dancing, music, and “jam” sessions singing country songs. They were involved in a saddle club, a card club, and “hitch hiker” club, where they would travel to many camp sites around the United States. They spent the winter months in Alamo, Texas for many years.

His survivors include two granddaughters; Erin (Mark) Stover of Gladstone, MO, and Angela (Nicholas) Watson of Kansas City, MO, two great granddaughters: Loren and Olivia Watson.

Howard Miller’s body has been cremated under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt funeral home of Maryville, MO.

There are no services planned at this time. A celebration of Howard's life will be held this coming spring.

Pfander, Betty Ann Strong - Betty Ann (Strong) Pfander, was born October 6, 1933, in Montgomery County, Iowa, to Earl Strong and Della (West) Strong. Betty grew to maturity in Montgomery County and graduated from Bedford High School in 1952. 

Betty was united in marriage to Horace Duane Pfander on July 06, 1952 at the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church. To this loving union three children, Nancy, Larry and Steven, were born. The couple lived and raised their family in the Sharpsburg area until 1965 when they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. 

Once in Colorado, Betty attended beauty school and with the help of Horace, built a salon in their home where Betty opened and ran "Betty's Chat N' Curl." Betty always enjoyed visiting with her clients and friends. Through the years Betty also enjoyed quilting, embroidering, tole painting and other crafts. She made at least one quilt for every one of her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. Betty was also a wonderful cook, frequently without using a recipe. 

Upon retirement, Betty and Horace moved back to Bedford in 1993, where they would spend the summer months. There they enjoyed their Saturday breakfast group at the Junction Cafe. Betty and Horace loved to spend the winter months in Alamo, Texas. There they enjoyed their "Texas friends," country-western music jams, many card games and Bingo.

Left to cherish Betty's memory is her loving husband of 66 years, Horace Pfander of Bedford, IA; daughter Nancy Pfander of Colorado Springs, CO; son Larry Pfander of Palm Desert, CA; daughter-in-law Donna (Pfander) Bane; grandchildren, Bryan Pfander, Kerri Jo Sargent, and Megan Gulley; great-grandchildren Camryn Pfander, Stevie Pfander, Lane Pfander, Brynlee Sargent and Susie Gulley; brothers, Wayne (Katherine) Strong, Dale Strong and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. 


Preceding Betty in death are her parents; son Steve Pfander; grandson Kyle Powell; sisters Leila Hawhee, Iola Thomas, Hazel Brown and brother Lester Strong

Reed, Bill B. - Bill B. Reed, son of William O. and Irma (Belding) Reed, was born on November 28, 1934. He was the youngest of nine children, attended country school, and graduated in 1954 from Lenox High School. Skating with his friends at Hale’s Villa Rio in Lenox was one of the fondest memories of his younger days.

After dating all through High School, Bill was united in marriage to Janet Trost on June 6th, 1954. In March of 1955, they moved to the Charlie Belding farm south of Lenox where their four children grew up: Jerry Michael, Mark Randal, Douglas Todd, and Gina Kay. The first few years of farming were tough, but with the help of Janet’s dad and his machinery, they survived by raising hogs, feeding cattle, and milking 30 cows. Farming was the love of Bill’s life. He was always the happiest when driving a tractor over his fields or feeding the cattle which he had just purchased. Bill was a great believer in conservation and always had his farms well terraced and tiled. The Reed’s survived two tornados which hit their farm in 1957 and again in 1962. As the boys grew older, Bill expanded his farming operation. He was a hard worker and had acquired 800 acres of land before Reed Farms was established. Two of those farms were Century Farms: the George Trost Farm in 2001 and the Charlie Belding Farm in 2002. Bill was honored to receive the 1989 Rural Good Citizen Award presented by the Lenox Rotary Club. 

As Bill’s children were growing up, he enjoyed going to their many sport activities. He never missed a football game, a baseball game, a basketball game, or a track meet if one of the kids was on the team. He and the boys attended and competed in many garden tractor pulls. Gina, of course, had her dad wrapped around her little finger from Day One, and could talk him into doing things with her no matter how busy he was on the farm. The family owned a small camper and spent many weekends camping, boating, and swimming. They even went to California one summer in this small camper and picked up a cousin to enjoy Disney Land and the sights in San Diego. As a 53 year member of the Clearfield Lions, Bill enjoyed taking his family camping at the State Fair where the Lions run the shuttle. He also enjoyed watching Gina and Mark dance in the Bill Riley Talent competition.

Bill was a member of the Lenox Methodist Church. He and Janet enjoyed playing golf at the Lenox Country Club, square-dancing with friends, and belonging to several card clubs. After Janet retired from teaching, they spent eight winters in the Alamo Rec Park in Texas where they made many great lifelong friends. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a dinner and dance hosted by their children. They spent their 60th Wedding Anniversary at the Lake of the Ozarks hosted again by all of their family. Bill and Janet spent the latest years enjoying their home in Lenox, their eleven grandchildren, and their ten great-grandchildren. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janet; four children: Jerry (Julie) Reed of Lenox, Mark (Lori) Reed of West Palm Beach, FL, Doug Reed of Eldon, MO, and friend Kim Stiens of Maryville, MO; and Gina (Monte) Broeckelman of Harlan, IA; eleven grandchildren: Jason (Alicia) Reed , Jennifer (Seth) Evans , Josh (Jessi) Reed , Jordan Reed all of Lenox, Brandi (Josh) Groce of Nixa, MO, Logan Reed of Eldon, MO, Spencer (Kimber) Barry of Dodge City, KS, Jaci and Abby Broeckelman both of Harlan, IA, Derrick Broeckelman of Lawrence, KS, and Tyler Broeckelman of Hays, KS; ten great-grandchildren: Parker, Zoey, Jackson, Reese, Dawson, Danica, Tenley, Marshall, Briar, and Luna; brother-in-law, Jack (Gill) Trost of Apple Valley, CA, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Preceding Bill in death are: his parents, his four sisters: Nina Baker, Lomeda Brammer, Lola Dillon, Eva Jones, and his four brothers: Orville Reed, Charley Reed, Lewis Reed, and Donald Reed

Reid, Paisley Dawn - Paisley Dawn Reid was born at Saint Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri, on September 24, 2018, to her loving mother Destiny Reid and big brother, Liam. 

Left to cherish Paisley’s memory are her mother Destiny Reid and her big brother Liam of Bedford; grandparents are Jeremy and Kathy Reid of Bedford; maternal great-grandparents are Dean and Debbie Reid of Conway; and Margaret Smith of Bedford; maternal great-great-grandparent Evelyn Gray of Hopkins, Missouri; Paisley is also survived by her uncle Hunter Reid and great-aunts and great-uncles, Charlene Smith and significant other (Sean Collins), Evelyn (Brad) Vest, Dale (Kirby) Smith, April Reid along with many other cousins, relatives and friends. 

Preceding Paisley in death is her great-grandfather Don Smith, great-great-grandparents Lawrence and Marie Jackson and great-great-grandfather Charles Gray

Rogers, Mary Beatrice Schieber - Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Bea Rogers will be held Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 10 AM at The New Life Missionary Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held Monday, November 12, 2018 at the Cummings Family Funeral Home from 3-7 PM, with family greeting friends from 4-7 PM and a Rosary service to follow at 7 PM. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery. Cummings Family Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Mrs. Rogers. 

Mary Beatrice (Schieber) Rogers, age 88, of Bedford, Iowa, departed peacefully from this earth on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, surrounded by her family’s love at the Bedford Specialty Care facility.

Mary was born on the family farm near Clyde, Missouri on December 6, 1929, the daughter of Lawrence and Eleanor Schieber. She was united in marriage to Robert Leroy Rogers on January 10, 1951 in the Basilica at Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri. To this union, nine children were born.

Mary graduated from Conception Junction High School, and worked at Saint Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri before getting married. After marriage, the couple farmed south of Hopkins for two years before moving to rural Maryville, Missouri in 1952. They then purchased their farm southeast of Bedford, Iowa, in March of 1959. There they raised their children and farmed until retirement, when they moved to the city of Bedford in 1995. She was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bedford until the day she departed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, sisters-in-law Mary Lou Schieber, JoAnn Schieber, Betty Schieber, and brothers-in-law Tom Welliver and Bob Stermitz. She is survived by her children - Donnis (Becky) Rogers, Sioux City, IA; Anita (Roger) Farmer, Huxley, IA; Donald (Wanda) Rogers, Creston, IA; Marcia (Tom) Schieber, Guilford, MO; Lois (Wally) Arp, Winter Springs, FL; Edna (Don) Settles, Council Bluffs, IA; James (Rene’) Rogers, Bedford, IA; Rita (Mark) Riemann, Sunrise Beach, MO; Sharon (Don) Hart, Sheridan, MO; three sisters, Agnes Welliver, Kansas City, MO; Martha (Doug) Copely, Sacramento, CA; Sr. Monica Schieber, Wayne, WV; 5 brothers, Fred (Doris) Schieber, Ravenwood, MO; Lawrence (Butch) Schieber, Maryville, MO; Martin Schieber, Cameron, MO; Ed Schieber, Blue Springs, MO; and Andy (Rita) Schieber, Leawood, KS; 26 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews

Ross, Lanny Gene - Lanny Ross, age 67, of New Market, Iowa entered into peace Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the Clarinda Regional Hospital. Funeral Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Ritchie Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa. Interment will be held at the Memory Cemetery in New Market, Iowa.

Lanny Gene Ross was born May 20, 1951, in Clarinda, Iowa the son of William Oppie Ross and Florence Edith (Reynolds) Ross. He grew up attending school in New Market, graduating with the Class of 1970. After graduation he started working for the Lisle Corporation in Clarinda in June of 1971, retiring in June of 2016, after 45 years of service as a Hydraulic Press Operator in the Assembly Department. Two children, Brad and Michelle, were born to bless his life. Both remember learning how to drive, at an early age, on the gravel roads.

Lanny farmed with his father and brother, along with working at Lisle Corporation until 1989 when they sold the family farm. He also enjoyed fishing when time allowed and pop bottle collecting. He enjoyed his ‘back roading’ trips with his brother, where they enjoyed taking pictures of old barns, houses and windmills. However, some how they always ended their trip at a casino! Lanny was a faithful fireman for the New Market Fire & Rescue for over 41 years, having certifications for Fire Fighter 1 and EMS training. Later in life he was blessed with four grandsons, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter that became the joy of his life. Lanny always put other peoples needs before his own.

Left to cherish Lanny’s memory are his two children, Brad Ross and wife Jelisa of Clarinda, Iowa; and Michelle Hobbick and husband Charles (Eric) of New Market, Iowa; a brother, Gary Ross of Maitland, Missouri; four grandchildren, Shawn, Alex and Jacob Ross and Dannielle Hobbick: one great-granddaughter, Alaina Marie Ross; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Lanny in death are his parents, William and Florence Ross; his maternal and paternal grandparents; a sister-in-law, Myra Ross; and a grandson, Scotty Eugene Ross

Rusco, Jack Lee - Jack passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Jack was a resident of Iowa at the time of passing. Interment, Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to The American Heart Association or St. Jude Cancer Research

Jack Lee Rusco, 88, of Lenox, formerly of Glenwood, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in Council Bluffs.

Jack was born July 26, 1930, near Blockton. Jack graduated from Conway High School. Following his education, he served his country in the Navy from 1949 to 1953.

On Dec. 31, 1952, he married Nancy Lee Bartrem in Bedford. After his honorable discharge, they moved to Kansas City, Kansas. In 1960, he moved to a farm in Lenox. In 1985, the couple moved to Glenwood. Jack returned to Lenox in 2017. Jack was employed as a parts manager for heavy highway construction materials.

Jack was a member of American Legion and Lenox United Presbyterian Church.

Jack is survived by his children, Stephen Rusco of Gravity, Michael (Roxanne) Rusco of Omaha, Nebraska, Robert Rusco of Glenwood and Susan Rusco of Malvern; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters, Beverly Gould and Peggy Jincks; special friend Gert Trost; extended relatives and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Nancy; parents, Turner Rusco and Bessie Rusco Stitt; stepfather Leland Stitt; siblings, Mildred (Robert) Norton, Royal (Bea) Rusco and Marjorie (Tom) Christensen; daughter-in-law Lorelei Rusco; and brothers-in-law, Eldon Gould and James Jincks.

Severns, Bessie - Blockton, our sister city on the east, has surely had its quota of sad deaths within the past four months, but none more sad than that of Bessie, daughter of Mrs Amanda Severns.

Bessie was taken sick on Tuesday of last week of peritonitis. She suffered a great deal, and a surgical operation was finally agreed upon, which took place on Thursday morning. The operation did not save her life, as she passed away on Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The funeral services were conducted at the Baptist church by Revs. Maine and Racliffe on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, after which the body was laid to rest in the Platteville cemetery.

The Daughters of Rebekah contributed a lovely floral offering in the shape of a sickle, while the high school presented a beautiful heart of flowers. Her place in the school and Sunday school was draped in white and black. It was indeed a great shock to the community, and especially so to the grief stricken mother, who feels that sheis now left without a child, as Bess was the only one at home. She has a comforter in the person of her blessed Savior.

BEDFORD FREE PRESS, Bedford, Iowa, Feb 10, 1898

Sweet, smart, spiritual, silly and clever, stubborn and unwavering in her commitments to her faith, to her Paul, and to all her family and to her friends…that was Frances Smith.

Frances Lynette (Smith) Smith, daughter of Nellie Edna (Smith) Smith and Ezra William Smith, was born June 18, 1921 on the family farm in Holt County, Missouri. Frances’ father, Ezra Smith, passed away as the result of an accident with a team of horses when Frances was six.  The early loss of her father did a lot to shape Frances into a kind, quietly determined woman who was driven to be able to support herself and to have a loving family.  Frances’ mother, Nellie, remarried in 1936 to George Allabac who was a good provider, but having a quietly, determined daughter was not always easy for George or for Nellie.

In 4-H Frances did well and earned enough money through awards to pay for her first year of college.  With Nellie’s support and George’s loud objections, Frances packed her suitcase and went to Northwest Missouri State Teachers’ College in Maryville, MO.  During that first year, Frances attended a church youth group picnic and met a young man from Iowa, Paul Jennings Smith.  George and Nellie both liked Paul because they believed he was kind and motivated to succeed. George adjusted to changing times and the idea of having a daughter in college.  The friendship between Paul and Frances deepened into love that was sustained through letters when World War II interrupted their college years.  Paul served in the United States Navy, and Frances began teaching in Rock Port, Mo after having graduated from college with a double major in English and business.  Frances saved the special letters she received from Paul. Her daughter Marcia recalls reading them.

Frances and Paul Smith were married on December 20, 1944 when Paul was home on leave.  They packed their lives in one suitcase and Paul’s seabag.  While Paul served in the Navy, Frances was able to follow from port city to port city and worked in offices in Seattle, San Diego, and San Francisco.  In Chicago where Paul worked at the Naval Recruiting Station, Frances was employed at the Bell Telephone Company as a member of the general secretarial pool.  Her excellent understanding of English grammar and word usage, writing, typing and shorthand were noticed by the President of the Bell Telephone Company.  Subsequently, Frances was promoted to the position of chief executive secretary to the president of the company.  Her work was so valued by her employer, he offered Paul an executive position with the company to begin at the conclusion of the war.  However, neither Frances nor Paul wanted to permanently live in Chicago and raise children there so they moved to Lafayette, LA to allow Paul to complete an agriculture degree which was funded by the GI Bill.  Soon after graduation, they returned to Blockton and purchased a farm with the savings from Paul’s naval salary and Frances’ savings from her office positions.  The 40 acres were near Paul’s parents. Every window in the house on the property was broken and there was no running water.  With the help of neighbors, Uncle Frank Fink and Louis Clayton, a water line was dug to the house, and Frances began growing a large garden, raising chickens in a brooder house, caring for a milk cow, and turning the house into their home.

Actively involved in her community, Frances was a member of the Blockton Christian Church, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Friends of Family who provide funeral meals, and the Good Neighbor Club.  Frances was also charter member of The Pinochle Club whose members still play cards on a regular basis.  A member of Eastern Star, PEO, serving on the Township Election Board, and substitute teaching, rounded out Frances’ life.

Frances and Paul were blessed with 70 years of marriage in 2014.  Their deep love and respect for each other serves as an example. 

Frances was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 2015, their daughter Paula Lynette, her parents Ezra and Nellie Smith (Allabac) and stepfather George Allabac.  Also preceding Frances in death were sister-in-law Gayle Hilt and her husband Edward, sister-in-law Maxine Kean and her husband Daniel J. Kean. Frances passed away at age 97 at Mount Ayr Health Care in Mount Ayr, Iowa.

Surviving this quietly, determined woman are her children Marcia Lynette (Smith) Allen and husband Gary of Corning, IA; Kenneth and his wife Linda of Maryville, Mo; six grandchildren and their spouses and special friends, and seven great-grandchildren.

Frances is in heaven, listening to the angels sing, hugging Paul and Paula, and enjoying the company of beloved family and friends.  Frances is greatly loved, and she will be greatly missed

Curtiss Lee Stamps, one of eight children, was born February 13, 1934 to Ray and Reva (McCoy) Stamps. The family moved to a farm near Gus, IA where Curtiss grew to adulthood and graduated from Gravity High School in 1952. He worked a variety of jobs as a young man including helping on the family farm, checking sealed bins for his granddad Jim, and driving truck for a short time.

Curt was united in marriage to Darlene Hancock on December 24, 1953. Their loving union was blessed with four children. He farmed and raised cattle while they raised their children. He also worked as a welder for Bunnomatic. Curt and Darlene were happy to celebrate their 25th anniversary with the marriage of their son, Steven, to Becky Austin. On their 50th anniversary, they again celebrated along with the marriage of their granddaughter, Kylene Stamps, to Isaac Lumbard. They enjoyed celebrating their anniversaries together through the years.

Curtiss was was a man who enjoyed farming, metalworking, woodworking, baseball, and fishing. He also enjoyed caring for his horses and restoring old machinery, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. His faith was always a strength to him, but even more in the last 6 months of his life.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Darlene, of 65 years; his children, Doug, Steven (Becky), Jan (Mike) Bredesky, and Shari; grandchildren, Jason (Shauna) Stamps, Kylene (Isaac) Lumbard, Kyle and Logan Bredesky; great-grandchildren, Skyler Stamps, Taylor and Carter Lumbard; brothers, Larry (Vicki Brown), Garry (Judy), and Carroll (Jan); sister, Ruth Thompson; brother-in-law, Harold (Connie Benedict) Hancock; sisters-in-law, Rita Stamps, Georgia Hays, and Joyce Weeda; several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Robert; brother, Dean; sister, Helen; brothers-in-law, Dean Thompson, Ivan Eitzen, and Delbert Weeda; and sister-in-law, Donna Hancock.

Although we will miss him, his love and gentle and humble spirit will continue to encourage and inspire us.

Memorials can be sent to Every Step Hospice in Mt Ayr and Diagonal School Dollars for Scholars

Armstrong Funeral Home, Diagonal, Iowa. Burial Union Cemetery, north of Diagonal.

Travis, Michael Fairbanks - Funeral services for Michael Travis, age 80, who passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2018 will be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, December 27, 2018 at the Cummings Family Funeral Home.

Michael Fairbanks Travis was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, on December 14, 1938. He was a graduate of Bedford High School and Northwest Missouri State University and held a Juris Doctorate Degree from Creighton University. He had a private law practice and abstract business in partnership with Ronald Bonnett in Bedford. Mike was a veteran, serving six years as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Prior to his law practice, he was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C. He also served as Taylor County Attorney. Mike was a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, Nebraska Bar Association, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Phi Alpha Delta. He was also a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine and Merle Travis, and brother, James Travis. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Sarah, his children, Dr. Mitchell Travis, Fort Wayne, IN, Dr. Mark Travis (Brenda), Columbia, MO, Dr. Jacqueline Dessibourg (Jules), Chicago, IL, stepsons, John Byrd, Kansas City, MO, Benjamin Byrd (Alison), St. Joseph, MO, and grandchildren, Warren Travis, Clayton Travis, Eli Travis, Emma Travis, William Travis, Meredith Travis, Ryan Dessibourg, Travis Dessibourg, Matthew Byrd, and Andrew Byrd

Wymore, Kathleen Marie Gibson - Kathleen Wymore, age 58, of Villisca, Iowa, entered into peace Monday, December 24, 2018, at her residence in Villisca. Celebration of Life services will be held 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at her home 117 West 4th Street, Villisca, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa, where we 'Celebrate Life'.

Kathleen Wymore, age 58, of Villisca, Iowa, entered into peace Monday, December 24, 2018, at her residence in Villisca. Celebration of Life services will be held 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at her home 117 West 4th Street, Villisca, Iowa. Memorials may be given to Kathy Wymore Memorial. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa, where we 'Celebrate Life'. 

Kathleen Marie Wymore, 58, returned to her heavenly home on December 24, 2018 after a valiant battle with her health. Her devotion to family and firm belief in God supported her in the struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Kathy was born to Richard and Mary Lou Gibson, she was raised in western Michigan and later moved to southwest Iowa to raise her own family. 

Kathy was blessed with a large and loving family. She married Jim Wymore May 26th, 2007. Jim and Kathy traveled southern Iowa playing country music. In the 11 years they were married they played over 400 shows. Kathy loved riding horses on trails throughout Iowa. She was the happiest with a full house of family and friends while preparing meals for them. 

After a multiple decade break from schooling she returned to obtain her nursing degree. She received her LPN from IWCC in Clarinda, IA. She continued on to receive her RN from SWCC in Creston, IA, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2015. After becoming a nurse, she enjoyed caring for the residents at the Villisca Good Samaritan Society. 

Kathy is survived by her husband Jim; her mother Mary Lou; her sisters Sherry, Diane, Kim, Candy, and Cindy; her children Niko, Robert, Audra, Cole, and Desirae; Her grandchildren Bailey, Sawyer, Zachary, Sheyanne, Shae, Kutter, Tony, and Emmy. She is preceded in death by her father Richard and her brother Charles

Young, Marvin - Marvin Lee Young was born June 2, 1950, in Athelstan, Iowa to Burtle Lee Young and Irma Pauline (Cordell) Young.

Marvin grew up in the Athelstan area and always enjoyed hunting a fishing throughout his lifetime. Marvin worked many different jobs throughout his life including, tiling and dozer work, farming, pouring concrete and laying block foundations.

Marvin was a caring man that was willing to help anyone in need. He had a strong work ethic and was always dependable. Marvin enjoyed spending time with family and his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory include his significant other, Margaret Stevens of Bedford; daughter, Martha Whipple and husband Jon of Bedford; son Marvin Young and wife Crystal of Des Moines; step-son David Lang of Florida; four grandchildren, Ethan Young, Caleb Young, Makayla Young and Erica Young; five brothers, John Young and wife Linda of Villisca, Forest Young of Athelstan, Denzel Young and wife Vicki of Mount Ayr, David Young and wife Shelly of Athelstan, and Frank Young of Maryville, Missouri; two sisters Janice Maxwell of Iowa; and Shirley Young of Athelstan along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. 


Preceding Marvin in death were his parents, Burt and Irma Young; brother Rick Young; sister Irene Harrison; and a niece, Belinda Spencer

Published in Tulare Advance-Register & Visalia Times-Delta from May 18 to May 20, 2019

Harry Robert Combs, son of Neil and Gladys (Dalrymple) Combs, was born September 10, 1942 in Siam, Iowa. He died June 10. 2019 at Brookdale Kearney Northridge in Kearney. NE. where he had made his home the last 16 months.

When Harry was four years old, his parents bought "the home place" southeast of Gravity. IA. and moved their young family - Harry and his sister, Patricia, to their new home. Younger sister Lorelei would come along some years later. He had a wonderful childhood growing up a farm kid - many memories of building treehouses. riding bikes, playing in the orchard and swimming in the pond. He was baptized into the Baptist faith when he was of age and grew up attending church and campouts with his youth group.

Harry and Pat walked up the gravel road from their home to attend Lee No.7 country school. Harry loved that school and had only fond memories of school days and his teacher. Mrs. Bertha Stafford. After Lee No. 7, he attended Gravity Public School through the 8th grade.

Harry attended Bedford High School, graduating in 1961. While he participated in various high school activities and especially enjoyed baseball, he was a gear head through and through. He was a member of the Fender Benders car club and had endless stories of drag racing and other lead footed activities.

After high school, Harry attended NWMSC, where he was affiliated with Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. It was during this time that he met Judy Osburn of Skidmore. Missouri. They were married on January 20, 1963 at the Methodist Church in Skidmore. As newlyweds, they lived in Granby, Colorado where they worked at various jobs for the beloved Edwards family. After a year, they returned to Missouri and lived in St. Joseph. Missouri where Harry was an engineer for Wire Rope Corp. Their daughter. Holly, was born in 1964 and in 1965 they entered into a farming partnership with Harry's father-in-law. James Osburn. They moved to his farm southeast of Fairfax that year. Their son. Jason, was born in 1970.

Harry completed his college degree while farming full-time and graduated from NWMSC in 1971 with a degree in Industrial Arts. Following graduation, he taught school for one year at Nishna Valley High School in Emerson, Iowa, while continuing to farm in Fairfax. After a year, the family returned to the farm at Fairfax.

Harry and Judy loved to travel and returned to Colorado every summer besides taking family vacations to see the rest of the country. Harry was truly a human GPS - once he had traveled a road, he remembered the number or name of the road and landmarks -truly decades later - he would recite where one needed to turn, what roads you would be intersecting with and what sites you would be seeing. Always spot on.

Family life was cut short for Harry and Judy, when in their thirties they both battled cancer with each taking a turn being devoted caregiver to the other while they were sick. After a long fight Judy died July 23, 1981.

In May of 1982, Harry married Mary B. Lewis of Rock Port, Missouri. They were married thirty-three years before Mary's death on May 22, 2015. They enjoyed volunteering for various community efforts, taking care of grandkids. antiquing, and woodworking, among many other interests. Harry especially loved old iron and was always on the hunt for a new piece to restore during his retirement. He loved old tractors and was instrumental in starting the Old Time Tractor Reunion at the Fairfax Fair. He was a lifelong learner - interested in what Jason was researching but sometimes researching topics on his own. He created scrapbooks of his family genealogy for his grandkids, making sure family history was passed down. He loved to read and after Mary died, he disconnected the cable and read an entire set of Encyclopedia Britannica.

In February of 2018, his health declined and after a hospitalization, he moved to Brookdale Kearney Northridge in Kearney, Nebraska to be closer to his son, Jason. He made a whole new host of friends there - who had never heard his life "stories" - and he enjoyed having a new audience to swap said stories with. Harry passed away at Northridge on Monday. June 10. 2019.

Besides his parents; his wife, Judy; and wife, Mary; Harry was preceded in death by his sister, Lorelei Rusco: brother-in-law Keith O'Dell; and two nephews: Brad O'Dell and Benjamin Beemer.

He is survived by his sister, Pat O'Dell, New Market, Iowa: his aunt, Jean Hartman, Clarinda, Iowa; daughter, Holly Barnes (Tracy) of Fairfax; son. Jason Combs (Gayle) of Kearney, Nebraska: stepson, Mike Lewis (Robin) and stepdaughter, Beth Graves (Jon) all of Fairfax. Grandchildren are Spencer and Lindsey Barnes: Jase Barnes; Goldie Barnes: Tate Combs: Oliver Combs: Dustin and Erica Barnes; Kelly Pruitt; Amber and James Zumbrunnen; Baylee and Tristan Ray; Grant Hopkins: Ryan Hopkins: Max
Hopkins; Jaycee Graves, Jesse Graves; Braden Graves. Great-Grandchildren are Aislyn and Kolcyn Barnes. Jackson Zumbrunnen. He is also survived by nephews, a niece, and a host of extended family and friends.

Family visitation will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Fairfax Methodist Church. Private inurnment will be at a later date.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home. Fairfax/Craig.
The family suggests memorials to the Fairfax Kiwanis/Optimist Summer Baseball Program in care of Jay Smith, Fairfax, Missouri