Page County, Iowa obituaries
Pat O'Dell - genpat@netins.net
 

Akes, Emma - Mrs Emma [Bay] Akes, 86, died at 1:30 am Monday, Jan 29 [1962], at the Municipal Hospital, after being bedfast for the past two years.

She is survived by three sons,Warren of Leon; James of Clarinda; and Fred of Conway; three daughters, Lillian Bailey, Clinton; Beulah Hodges, Sun Valley,Calif; and Dale Kelley, Seattle, Wash; 27 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.

Funeral services were Wednesday at Leon, Ia, at the Stewart Funeral Home, the Rev George Lamb officiating.

All the children except the daughters from California and Washington were able to be present for the services.

[Williams-Foster Funeral Home Records: born May 27, 1875 Reno Co, Ks; father James Bay; mother Exie Jane Scott; buried Palestine Cem, Leon, Iowa]

 

Anderson, JW "Jake" - JW "Jake" Anderson, son of Herbert and Nina Nesmith Anderson was born on January 7, 1933 in Clever, Missouri. J.W. passed away on September 27, 2015 at the Josie Harper Residence Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska. He was 82 years old.

He spent the first 15 years of his life in Clever, Missouri. He graduated from Shenandoah Junior High School in 1948. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1952. He worked at Brannen's Super Market in Shenandoah. In March of 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After being honorable discharged from the U.S. Army in March of 1955 he worked at Lakes Nursery for many years. Following Lakes Nursery, he worked at the American Legion Golf Course as a maintenance worker for many years.

JW enjoyed sports, he was so good in selecting football game winners in Evening Sentinel's weekly contest, that he was no longer permitted to participate in the weekly contest. He won the Best Beard Contest in Shenandoah's centennial event.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Nina Anderson, sister Dorothy (Anderson) Regan, brothers-in-law Tom Regan and Woodrow Jones.

JW is survived by his sister Virginia (Anderson) Jones of Springfield, MO, nephews Ed Regan and wife Rosalie of Elkhorn, NE, Dan Regan and wife Donna of Greenville, SC, Charles Regan and wife Kim of Omaha, NE, and Greg Jones and wife Angela of Raleigh, NC, nieces Annette Scheib and husband Bruce of Iowa City, IA, Mary Kay Gee of Albany, NY, Rose Welchans of Imogene, IA, Connie Greenleaf and husband Steve of China, Myra Morgan of Avon, CT and Pam Jones-Camp of Palm Springs, CA, friends Bob Jackson of Shenandoah, Dave Ponton of Shenandoah and Calvin Kenny of Shenandoah, and many grand nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials to the Josie Harper Residence Hospice House in Omaha, NE.

Burial of cremains will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah with military rites provided by Shenandoah American Legion Color Guard Post 88.

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa.

 

Anderson, Margaret Edith Strom - Margaret Edith Anderson, daughter of August and Lena (Peterson) Strom, was born on November 14, 1909 in rural Page County, Iowa. She passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa. She was 105 years old.

She was raised with nine brothers and sisters on a farm near Essex, Iowa. She later moved to Essex until her marriage. On February 14, 1943 she married Delbert Anderson. They were married over fifty years.

Margaret was a life long member of the Fremont Covenant Church until its closing, then she joined Faith Covenant Church in Essex, Iowa.

Margaret loved gardening, her family, music, and the church. She served as church organist at Fremont Covenant Church for several decades.

She was preceded in death by her husband Delbert, sons Barton and Timothy Anderson, and all nine of her brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her one daughter Kathleen Landin and husband Curtis of Arlington Heights, Illinois, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Faith Covenant Church of Essex, Iowa.

Burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Nyman, Iowa.

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa.

 

Bayless, Anna S. - Anna S. Bayless
Aug 28, 1923 – Oct 21, 2015

Preceded in death by husband, Rex L. Bayless. Survived by children: Dave Bayless (Tiffany), Rosanna Bayless, Stephen Bayless, and Joseph Bayless (Jenny Eichler); four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday, October 24th, from 12noon to 1pm at Northboro United Methodist Church in Northboro, IA, followed by SERVICES at 1pm at the church. Interment, Union Grove Cemetery in Northboro.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.


HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER
Mortuaries and Crematories
7805 West Center Road
Omaha, Nebraska 68124
(402) 391-3900

Anna S. Bayless, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the age of 92. She was born Aug. 28, 1923 in Czechoslovakia.
Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Rex L. Bayless. She is survived by children: Dave Bayless (Tiffany), Rosanna Bayless, Stephen Bayless, and Joseph Bayless (Jenny Eichler); also four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family received friends Saturday, Oct. 24, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Northboro United Methodist Church in Northboro. Memorial services followed at 1 p..m. At the church. Interment was held in Union Grove Cemetery in Northboro. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Arrangements provided by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler, 7805 W. Center Road I n Omaha, Nebraska. Www.heafeyheafey.com.

 

Bower, Charles Francis - Shambaugh (Special) C. Francis Bower, 72, died Thursday at the home of his daughter, Mrs Alberta Bach, in Council Bluffs of an acute heart attack.
Mr Bower was born in Colorado Springs, Colo. He lived in the Clarinda farming area until 1950 when he retired and moved to Des Moines and later to Council Bluffs.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs Garrett Jackson of Council Bluffs and Mrs Lewis Bach of Council Bluffs; four sons, Clarence Bower with the US navy, Gerald Bower with the US air force, Donald Kackley of Grand Rapids, Mich, and Leonard Kackley of Lakewood,Calif. Brothers are Arthur Bower of Des Moines and Alfred Bower of Omaha, and sisters are Mrs Fay Gutheil of Murray, Nebr, Mrs Iva LeStrange of Omaha, Mrs Josie Whitehead of Sun Valley, Calif, and Mrs Lain Davison of Peoria, Ill. He has 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
The funeral service was held at the Meyer Funeral Home in Council Bluffs Sunday with the committal service held at the Butler Cemetery near Shambaugh, Williams Memorial Chapel was in charge of the local arrangements.
He had served with 42nd Rainbow Division in World War I, American Legion of Clarinda had graveside services, assisted by the national guard. CLARINDA HERALD-JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 26, 1962

 

Brummett, Mary Elizabeth Fewson - Mary Brummett, age 87, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Westridge Care & Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 16, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Reverend Jay Cline officiating. Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 16, 2015 in the Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or to the Clarinda Lied Library Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Mary Elizabeth Brummett was born March 12, 1928 in Clarinda, Iowa to P.A. Fewson and Maude (Calvert) Fewson. She grew up in Clarinda attending Clarinda schools and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1946. She studied voice at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. She also graduated from the Clarinda Community College. Mary was united in marriage June 6, 1948 to John (Pete) Brummett in Clarinda, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Marjorie, John and Beth.

In addition to raising her family, Mary gave piano lessons, taught country school and worked at the Clarinda Public Library. She was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Mary was very active in her church. She was a member of the Choir and often a soloist; a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Women; a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher. The Clarinda Community was also important to Mary and she was a 60 year member of PEO, member of Friends of Library, a founding board member of what is now called Meals on Wheels. Her family was most important to her and she enjoyed supporting all of their activities.

Preceding Mary in death were her parents; husband, John (Pete) Brummett (03/12/1987); siblings, George Fewson, Robert Fewson, Marjorie Prather, Elton Fewson and infant sister Bethel.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Marjorie (Terry) Burns of Clarinda, Iowa, John (Julie) Brummett of Waukee, Iowa, and Beth Rarick (Brian) of Clarinda, Iowa; grandchildren, Matthew (Nicole) Burns of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael Burns of Kansas City, Missouri, BJ (Missy) Windhorst of Clive, Iowa, Temple (Chad) Netten of Waukee, Iowa, John (Terri) Brummett of Grimes, Iowa, Blake Brummett of Waukee, Iowa, Sydney Rarick and Samuel Rarick of Clarinda, Iowa; ten great grandchildren; nieces; nephews and many, many friends.

 

Bryson, Betty Jean Pettengill - Betty Jean Bryson, the daughter of Clifford and Blanche (Rupp) Pettengill was born May 13, 1926 at Villisca, Iowa. She passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 4 months and 14 days.
Betty graduated from Villisca High School in l944. She was united in marriage to Don Bryson on May 10, 1945 at Villisca, Iowa. Betty and Don moved to Grant, Iowa after Don’s military service in World War II, living there for 55 years. They owned and operated the P& B service station and café for 45 years. In December of 1996 they moved to Red Oak. She enjoyed reading, spending time with family and loved baby sitting her great-grandchildren for many years. Betty was a member of the Grant United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don on July 25, 2000 and sister, Dorothy Baker.
Betty is survived by a son, Robert Bryson and his wife Janet of Clarinda, Iowa and a daughter, Jeanne Johnson and her husband Howard of Red Oak, Iowa; 2 granddaughters, Robin Culbertson and her husband Scott and Abbey Heimensen and her husband Collin; 2 great-granddaughter, Olivia and Carlee Culbertson; 3 sisters-in-law: Mrs. Martha Tibken of Cumberland, Iowa, Mrs. Marcella Jarvis of Red Oak, Iowa, Mrs. Mary Weston of Red Oak, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Memorial Service were held Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home
Inurnment were held Friday, October 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Grant Cemetery. Visitation with the family was one hour prior to services from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home. Family request memorial in lieu of flowers to the Carlee Culbertson Medical Fund and sent to Jeanne Johnson 103 E. Linden St. Red Oak, Iowa
Sellergren Lindell DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

 

Casper, John Joseph - John Joseph Casper, 84, of Northboro, passed away on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2 at the Veterans Cemetery close to Van Meter, Iowa.

 

Coodey, Walter Lee - Walter Lee Coodey, II, of Shenandoah, Iowa, formerly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was born September 17, 1941 in Los Angeles, California to Walter Lee and Helen Louise (Gibson) Coodey. He passed away on September 16, 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was 73 years old.

Walter spent his early life in California. He was a truck driver working over the road. He was also a taxi cab driver in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma working at the airport. He then retired to Shenandoah, Iowa.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah. He loved going to the church functions, dinners and sampling everything. He would say "those ladies could sure make desserts." He also enjoyed watching youth baseball on the TV and cheering them on. Walter also loved visiting with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Katherine Coodey, son William Coodey and two grandsons Heath and Jason Coodey.

Walter is survived by his son Walter Coodey, III and wife Connie of Shenandoah, daughter Lavena Bonifield and husband Jeff of Oklahoma City, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and brother William Coodey of Oklahoma City, numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church of Shenandoah or American Cancer Association.

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Drennen, Joyce Merriett - Joyce Drennen, age 84, of Clarinda, Iowa formerly of Yorktown, Iowa, entered into peace Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 20, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Ken Card officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. day, November 20, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Polsley Cemetery, rural Yorktown, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Joyce Drennen, 84, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa.

Joyce Anne Merriett was born April 11, 1931, in rural Burlington Jct, Missouri to Jesse Marcus Merriett and Lela Golda (Dawson) Merriett. Joyce lived in rural Burlington Jct her entire childhood and graduated from Burlington Jct high school in 1948. Joyce was united in marriage June 4, 1948 in Elmo, Missouri to Charles Drennen. They were blessed with three daughters, Patricia, Peggy and Pamela.

Early in her working career she worked as a secretary in Clarinda Iowa and when her mother died in 1951 she and Charles moved back to rural Burlington Jct, Missouri to help her father on the farm. Joyce became a stay at home mom after Patricia was born in 1952. Joyce always had a very large garden and many flowers. Joyce and Charles and family moved to Yorktown, Iowa the summer of 1959 and would raise their family in Yorktown. They lived and became very active in the community until Charles died in 2012. Joyce worked as bookkeeper for Drennen Auto Repair in Yorktown and other places in Clarinda. Joyce moved to Clarinda, Iowa in 2014 first living in Southview and then moving to Goldenrod Manor November 2014.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Drennen; sisters Orba (Oral) Brown and Marjorie (Wayne) Logan and brother Jess Merriett, Jr. and granddaughter Kristin Drennen.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters; Pat (Keith) Huseman of Coin, Iowa, Peg (Tom) Barbee of Lincoln, NE and Pam (Russell) Lindholm of San Antionio,Texas; grandchildren, Jenny Huseman, Brian Huseman, Jill Mitchell, Lauren Barbee, Madison Barbee, Abby Meadows; great grandchildren, Reyna Huseman, Jordan Flores, Sydney Meadows; sister-in-law Mary Jane Merriett; brother-in-law Sam Drennen; nieces; nephews and many friends.

 

Elliott, Mildred Maxine Polk Beam - Mildred Maxine Polk was born September 7, 1919 to Wayne and Merle (Howard) Polk in Sidney, Iowa. Mildred lived most of her life in Fremont County, Iowa/ Education was very important to Mildred. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1936. She graduated from Peru State Teachers’ College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, from Omaha University with a Master’s Degree in Education, and from Omaha University with a Specialist Degree in Education and Administration. Mildred taught school for over 40 years and, also, served as elementary principal. She started her teaching career in a country school teaching grades 1-8. Most of her teaching career was spent at Farragut Community School, Farragut, Iowa.
Mildred was married to Wendell Eugene Beam on June 1, 1941. They resided in Riverton, Iowa. He died on July 27, 1949. Two children were born to this union – Wendelin Maxine and Gregory Eugene, who was born 1 month and 5 days after his father’s death.
On December 20, 1952, Mildred married G. Henry Elliott. Mildred and children moved to the Farragut area. Henry’s five children, Robert, Henry A., Howard, Jane and Harriett were added to Mildred’s family. Henry died on July 24, 1977. Mildred continued to live in Farragut until 2002, when she was unable to stay in her home.
Family was very, very important to Mildred. She was always there for her children and grandchildren – supporting them, loving them, being proud of them. That was evidenced in her being present for most of their many activities – whatever those activities might be. When grandchildren, Mitch and Andrea McVicker were young and involved in competitive activities, Mildred would often ask them, “Did you get a trophy?” Mitch and Andrea remember that question fondly. Many fun family hours were spent playing the game of Kismet. No one enjoyed a good laugh more than Mildred, often resulting in a “snort or two,” often egged on by son, Gregg. Mildred was visited by great grandchildren, Keevan and Malia Lee from Ohio; and Brooklyn and Payson McVicker from Georgia; as recently as last July. She would have enjoyed these children and would have been so proud of them, but the opportunity to get to know them was stolen away by her dementia.
Mildred was very active in her church and her community. For many years, Mildred directed to the choir at Farragut UMC. Mildred was also active United Methodist Women, service as president for several years. Mildred and Henry enjoyed camping and belonged to the Holiday Rambler camping club. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, where she held several offices, including that of Worthy Matron. She was also very active in the Farragut Community Club. One of her activities was that of writing and directing the Farragut Bi-Centennial Pageant in 1976 and other “Farragut Community Day” programs, throughout the years.
Mildred loved teaching and children. She was regarded as a very good and dedicated teacher, who challenged her students to do their best. Mildred was known as a kind, generous, courteous person, who tried to please those around her. When someone new moved to town, she often welcomed them with a plate of cookies. She also often took food to those in need. Mildred was also known to be a bit stubborn. An expression that Mildred often used was, “Whatever anybody wants to do” (and then, “but my choice is….”)
After retiring from teaching, Mildred volunteered at and was later employed by Nishna Productions in Shenandoah. While there, Mildred started music classes for the clients and originated and directed the Nishna Production Singers – a group of men, who performed musical programs through the area. She also worked at Marie’s Clothing Store in Hamburg.
It was necessary for Mildred to leave her home in Farragut in November 2002. She resided at Fair Oaks Residential Care in Shenandoah until July 2010. After a short stay at Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah, Mildred moved to Topeka Adult Care/Oakley Place in Topeka, Kansas in January 2011, where she was closer to her daughter Wendee. Wherever she lived, Mildred was known as being very sweet, appreciative and polite. She was loved by those who cared for her with professionalism, kindness and compassion. We are thankful for those wonderful caregivers.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Wayne Polk; husbands, Wendell Beam and Henry Elliott; son, Robert Elliott; granddaughter, Sheryl Mainquist; sisters, Mary Nenneman and Barbara Shull; a brother, Charles Polk; and a nephew, Scott Brown.
Survivors include her sister, Bonnie (Leland) Brown; children, Wendee (Doug) McVicker, Gregg Beam (Donella Pauli), Henry Elliott, Howard (Pat) Elliott, Jane (Luther) Thompson and Harriette Elliott; daughter-in-law, Mildred Lea Elliott; grandchildren, Mitch (Paula) McVicker, Andrea (David) Lee, Ronda (Curtis) Woods, Steve Elliott, Susan Straight, Ann Elliott, Doug (Jenny) Thompson, Mark (Patty) Thompson, Susan (Bob) Gardner, Michael Elliott, Matthew Elliott, David Elliott, Judy (Jim) Slater, Jane (Martin) McDaugh, Danny (Mitze) Elliott; 24 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mildred passed away on Tuesday morning, October 6, 2015 in Topeka, Kansas at the age of 96 years and one month. Mildred experienced many joys in her life. She also faced many sorrows and challenges, as we all do. However, she pressed on and didn’t dwell on her problems. Mildred was a devout student of the Bible, as evidenced by the many Bible verses she marked as being helpful and meaningful to her. Mildred’s steadfast faith in God helped her persevere, and gave her emotional and physical strength to carry on. We miss her already and we will continue to miss her forever. We are grieving, but knowing that she is in a better place.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Farragut United Methodist Church with Pastor Bruce Hauswirth and Pastor Fred Bryson officiating. Burial will be in the Riverton Cemetery at Riverton, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will take place on Saturday morning, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Memorials are suggested to the Farragut United Methodist Church or the Farragut Alumni Scholarship Fund. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah is in charge of arrangements

.

Engstrand, Phyllis Mae Eyre -

Phyllis Engstrand, age 84, of Braddyville, Iowa, entered into peace Friday, November 6, 2015 at Eiler Place, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 9, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor James Buckhahn officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Braddyville Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Nodaway Valley Museum or to the Shambaugh United Methodist Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Phyllis Mae Engstrand was born April 26, 1931, in Gravity, Iowa, the daughter of Charley Eyre and Virginia (Jones) Eyre. Following the death of her mother, Phyllis was raised by Tom and Jessie Norris. She grew up in the Braddyville area and graduated from Braddyville High School in 1949. She was a member of the 1946 Girls’ State Basketball team and also participated in track. On May 22, 1949, she was united in marriage at the Braddyville United Methodist Church, to Orland Engstrand. They were blessed with four sons, Eddie, Mark, Eric, and Rex.

Orland and Phyllis farmed in the Braddyville area. Phyllis was very active in her church, community and with her sons’ activities. She was a member of the United Methodist Church originally in Braddyville and most recently in Shambaugh. Phyllis was a member of the South Page School Board, Braddyville election board, and helped as a census taker. She was an EMT for the Braddyville Fire and Rescue, a volunteer at the Nodaway Valley Historical Museum and she wrote a book of Braddyville history. Phyllis enjoyed playing cards, (she belonged to neighborhood card clubs) as well as going to auctions, Bingo and her coffee groups. Her family was very important to her and they will remember her as a “caring mother” and an “amazing cook.”

Preceding Phyllis in death were her parents, Charley and Virginia Eyre and Tom and Jessie Norris; husband, Orland Engstrand (1999); granddaughter, Brooke Engstrand; brothers, Fred Eyre and Ralph Eyre.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Eddie Engstrand and wife Vicki of Stanton, Iowa; Mark Engstrand and wife Sara of Clarinda, Iowa; Eric Engstrand of Braddyville, Iowa; and Rex Engstrand and wife Brenda of Cumming, Iowa; grandchildren, Heather Vencil and husband Evan, Mark Engstrand, Alicia Engstrand, Chelsey Engstrand, Thomas Engstrand, Ben Engstrand; great grandchild, Chace Farar; other relatives and many friends.

 

Gee, Sally West - Sally West Gee was born October 21, 1948 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Robert and Marilyn Jeanne (Anderson) Gee. She passed away November 5, 2015 after a long illness. She was 67 years old.
Sally was born and raised in Shenandoah and graduated from Shenandoah High School. She later graduated from Tarkio College and then received her Masters Degree in Counseling from Arizona State University. She worked in Phoenix and Denver before relocating to her hometown in the mid-1980’s. Sally then worked for Central Surveys as the IT manager until she retired in 2010.
A special thank you goes out to all the people that helped and looked after Sally over the last years. Her family very much appreciates your love and aid.
Sally was preceded in death by her father, Charles Gee. Survivors include her mother, Jeanne Gee of Shenandoah, Iowa; her brother and sister-in-law, Timothy and Carol Gee of San Francisco, California; her aunt, Shari Anderson of New York City, New York; nephews, William of Los Angeles, California and Bradley of Brooklyn , New York; along with all her wonderful cousins, other relatives and many friends.
A memorial service will be planes at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Shenandoah Public Library in Sally’s name

Kirsch Funeral Chapel, Shenandoah, Iowa

 

Goldberg, Phyllis - Phyllis Goldberg, 85, of Shenandoah, Iowa passed away Sunday in Oskaloosa, IA at the Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab Center. Funeral service were held at 2:00 pm, October 25, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Shenandoah. A private burial were held at Brooks Cemetery in Corning, IA. Phyllis was buried with her parents and brother. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Wabash Arts Camp or the First Presbyterian Church

 

Goudie, Joanna Lynne (Garey) - Joanna Goudie of Shambaugh, Iowa, entered into peace Monday, October 5,, 2015 near Shambaugh, Iowa as the result of a traffic accident. Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Scott Denham officiating . Visitation with the family will be held 3:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial of cremains will be at a later date.

Joanna Lynne (Garey) Goudie, daughter of Mary Louise (Hoffman) Garey, was born in Carmichael, California, on August 12th, 1963. She entered into rest on October 5th, 2015, at the age of fifty-two years, one month, and twenty-three days.
Joanna spent her childhood in California and Southwestern Iowa. She attended Villisca High School. Joanna worked as a cosmetologist before attending Southwestern Community College and becoming a Registered Nurse.
Joanna was blessed with three children: Natasha, Jessica, and Dawson. Joanna was united into marriage to Hal Goudie on November 10th, 2007 and became a stepmother to Christy and Matthew.
Joanna enjoyed rock hunting and exploring for artifacts, painting, photography, and most of all, spoiling her grandchildren. She had a true heart and would do anything for those in need.
Joanna was preceded in death by her mother, Mary; her grandfather, Thomas; and stepson, Matthew.
She is survived by: her husband, Hal, of Shambaugh, Iowa. Her children, Natasha Salway (Josh) of Nodaway, Iowa; Jessica Calhoon (Jeff) of Clarinda, Iowa; Dawson Salway of Shambaugh, Iowa; Christy Riley (Brian) of New Market, Iowa. Grandchildren: Adrien, Donavyn, Landen, Treyten, Halle, Austin, Lukas, Cheyenne, Gianna, Chase, and Sylas. Grandmother, Viola (Dutch) Hoffman of Villisca, Iowa; Evelyn Salway (“mom”) of Villisca, Iowa; mother-in-law, Marcelene Goudie, of Clarinda, Iowa; brother, Arvid Garey (Sue) of Clarinda, Iowa; sister, Carol Garey (Julie) of Scottsdale, Arizona; nephew, Dillon Kersey (currently stationed in London, UK); and many other relatives and friends.

 

Grant, Dorothea Louise Lincoln - Dorothea Grant, age 88, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. Andrew Rubenking officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery.

Dorothea Louise Grant entered into peace October 8th, 2015 at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 88 years and 9 months. Dorothea was born on January 9, 1927 to Elmer Sanford Lincoln and Estella Sylvira (Carter) Lincoln of Pacific Junction, Iowa. She was the eldest of two children.

Dorothea lived in Pacific Junction until the age of ten. She attended country schools in Mills and Pottawattamie counties. The family moved to Taylor County in 1938 where she later graduated from Bedford High School in 1944. Dorothea began teaching in a Taylor County rural school and attended NWMSU during the summers. In 1947 she taught one year of kindergarten in Villisca, Iowa. Dorothea graduated from NWMSU in November 1949 with a BS in Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood Development. She was the first kindergarten teacher in Chillicothe, Missouri as well as a 3rd grade teacher.

In 1946, while in a Social Dancing class at NWMSU, Dorothea met William (Bill) Woodyard Grant. They were joined in marriage on August 8th, 1948 at her family home in Bedford, Iowa. Dorothea and Bill settled in Clarinda, Iowa in 1953 where they raised their four children.

They enjoyed many family vacations traveling across the country-from Expo ’67 in Canada to Yellowstone National Park and places in between. As a young mother, she taught Sunday School classes. Dorothea was a 4-H leader of the Clarinda Clovers for 15 years. She spent many hours teaching her daughters the art of sewing, baking, and refinishing projects. Dorothea was a gifted seamstress, making her children’s clothing and mending anything. In the early years, the Grant’s backyard provided outdoor fun for all the neighborhood kids. She treated them to Kool-aide and cookies.

From 1975-1991, Dorothea worked at IWCC in Clarinda as a secretary/receptionist, retiring in 1991. Dorothea was active in the Clarinda Methodist Church, UMC Circle, Sew and Share, a charter member of the Clarinda Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women), Semper Fidelis, and Searchers.

Dorothea and Bill celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998. She loved taking care of her grandchildren, family gatherings, sewing, gardening-especially tomatoes, and her flowers. Dorothea was a great cook. Her family loved her breakfasts, mashed potatoes, desserts and was famous for her angel food cake. She was enthusiastic about recycling/repurposing various items. In her later years, she enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows: Antique Roadshow, Let’s Make A Deal, Ellen, Lawrence Welk, and sewing/cooking shows. Dorothea had a very strong faith and enjoyed attending her adult Sunday School class with her dear friends.

Dorothea was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill in 2004; an infant sister, Mary Irene Lincoln; brother in law Ralph Grant; sister in law Mary Grant; and baby grandson Mark Nikseresht.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Martha (Masoode- Grant-Nikseresht of Glenwood, Iowa; Nancy Grant of Clarinda, Iowa; William (Maruca) Grant of Jefferson City, Missouri; and Elaine (Randy) Farwell of Coin, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Grant Nikseresht, Mariya Nikseresht, Monica Nikseresht, Stephanie Grant, Michelle Grant, Ross Farwell, Kayla Farwell; a brother, Donald (Nell) Lincoln of Birmingham, Alabama; sister in law Marilyn Grant Reno of Clarinda, Iowa; nieces; nephews and friends.

 

Griggs, Eldon Elwyn - Eldon Elwyn Griggs, went to Heaven on October 16, 2015 at the age of 80 years young.
Eldon was born and raised in Shenandoah, IA October 5, 1935.
Loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Survived by wife, Mary of 50 years; 5 children; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.
Celebration of Life were held at Christ Community Church in Beatrice, 2727 Lincoln Street, Beatrice NE. at 1:00pm, October 25, 2015. There was a luncheon to follow.
Memorials to Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 s. 14th st, Lincoln, NE. 68512, in care of Mary Griggs.

 

Hafelfinger, James "Bob" - Bob passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife Sherry Hafelfinger of Clarinda, Iowa, son Jimmy Dean Hafelfinger of Loveland, Colorado, and two sisters Judith Hann Crabb and Janet Marie Stephens.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Eva (Lesser) Hafelfinger, Sr. and brother Ricky Dean Hafelfinger.

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa

 

Harberts, Stewart Lee - Stewart Lee Harberts, son of Dick and Enola (Jacobs) Harberts, was born on October 29, 1946 in Waterloo, Iowa. Stew passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Madonna Rehab Center in Bellevue, Nebraska at the age of 69.

His early life was spent growing up in the community of Steamboat Rock, Iowa. Then his family moved to Jefferson, Iowa where he attended grade school from 4th grade and graduated from Jefferson High School with the Class of 1964. After High School Stew attended Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri from 1964 to 1971. He took a break from college to honorably serve 2 years, 9 months, 29 days, 7 hours and 40 minutes in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. During Stew's college years he spent time as a catcher for a semi-pro baseball team in Fort Dodge, Iowa and also worked as a iron worker on high rise buildings in New York City.

While attending Tarkio College Stew met the love of his life Renae Walstrom. On July 8, 1972, Stew was united in marriage to Renae, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manson, Iowa. Following their marriage they resided in the Imogene, Iowa area before settling in Essex. To this union three children were born, Tamara, Jonathan and Brent.

Stew began working for the Iowa State Department of Revenue in 1972. A year later in 1973, he went to work at the Essex Elevator, eventually becoming a part owner/operator. The people Stew worked with and the customers he served allowed him to thoroughly enjoy his 35 years at Essex Elevator. Stew was an active member in his community. He gave his time and resources to organizations including Commercial Club and Essex Community Schools. He was an involved member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex, the Essex American Legion Post #333 and the Shenandoah Elks Club. He enjoyed sports, fishing, golf, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Preceding Stew in death were his parents. Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Renae Harberts of Essex; three children, Tamara Fuelling and husband David Michael of Newport, MN, Jonathan Harberts and wife Kirsten of Columbus, OH, and Brent Harberts and wife Callie of Helena, MT; five grandchildren, Tyler Lee Fuelling, Danica Renae Fuelling, Benjamin Noah Harberts, Elliott Ludwig Harberts and Charlie Stewart Harberts; five brothers, twin brother, Steven Harberts and wife Denise of Jefferson, IA, Sidney Harberts and wife Maxine of Grundy Center, IA, Paul Harberts and wife Lynette of Rochester, MN, Craig Harberts and wife Dorothy of San Clemente, CA,and Clark Harberts and wife Julie of Cedar Rapids, IA; other relatives and many friends.

Stew lived for the happiness his wife, family, and good friends. Through his love for God, he touched the lives of many.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Food Pantry or St. John's Lutheran Church of Essex.

A private family inurnment will be held at the Essex Cemetery in Essex, Iowa.

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa

 

Hopkins,Wilma Jean Noble - Wilma Jean Hopkins was born June 10, 1926 in Tarkio, Missouri, the daughter of Paul Thomas Franklin and Edna Florence (Trayer) Noble. She passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 3 months and 3 days.
Jean grew up in the Tarkio, Missouri area and graduated from Tarkio High School. Following high school she received her CNA training and worked as a CNA for 35 years at the Hand Hospital, Shenandoah Memorial Hospital and Elm Heights Care Center until her retirement. She was united in marriage to Charles MacDonald Hopkins and this union was blessed with five children, Ralph, Lois, Linda, Rose and Zelda.
Jean and Charlie owned and operated Hopkins Upholstery since 1952. They opened their Shenandoah shop in February of 1965 and operated it until 1978 when the business was transferred to his son and daughter-in-law, Ralph and Linda Hopkins. Jean was a proud member of D.A.R. She was an avid needle worker and made quilts for her family and friends. She loved to cook, talk in the phone with her many friends and most of all spend time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; and two sisters, Margaret Crafton and Helen Smedjir.
Survivors include her children, Ralph Hopkins of Shenandoah, Iowa, Lois Girouex and her husband Robert of Shenandoah, Iowa, Linda Austin and her husband Don of Maryville, Missouri, Rose Johnson and her husband Rick of Farragut, Iowa, Zelda Terry and her husband Jim of Shenandoah, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; a brother, Bill Noble and his wife Donna of Kansas City, Missouri; along with many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah, Iowa with Pastor Marcia Barnett officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Shenandoah, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will take place on Wednesday evening, September 16, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. A memorial fund is being established in her name. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah is in charge of arrangements.

 

Houston, Rhonda Jean - Rhonda Jean Houston, the daughter of Raymond Eugene and Rozella Darlene (Hall) Houston, was born February 15, 1963 in Shenandoah, Iowa. She passed away on September 16, 2015 at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa. She was 52 years old.

Rhonda early life was spent in Shenandoah, Iowa, then moved to Bingham, Iowa, then to Farragut, Iowa where she graduated from Farragut High School with the class of 1981.

After high school joined the U.S. Marine Corp in September of 1981 and served as a field radio operator stationed at 29 Palms California. Later in 1991 she joined the U. S. Army and served as a helicopter electronics technician spending time in Germany, then was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm.

After being honorary discharged as a Sargent E5 from the U.S Marine Corp and U.S. Army she had various manufacturing jobs in the Southwest Iowa. She loved taking care of her two cats Tweety and Sylvester.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her grandparents Alvin and Maxine Hall and Raymond and Berniece Houston.

Rhonda is survived by her parents Raymond and Rozella Houston of Shenandoah, Iowa, brother Marrell Houston and wife Karen of Ozark, Missouri, sister Teena Houston of Knoxville, Iowa, niece Christie Cash and family of Denton, Nebraska, and nephews Michael Houston and family of Ozark, Missouri and Kyle Porter of Prattville, Alabama, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

 

Hull, Bettie Smith - Bettie Hull, age 82, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Friday, September 25, 2015 at Westridge Care & Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor John Heth officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery, College Springs, Iowa.

Bettie Hull was born Doris Bettie Smith in a small farm house East of Tarkio, Missouri January 11, 1933. The youngest of 10 children born to Ira and Anna Smith; Bettie, as she preferred to be called, was raised in a home that wasn’t just Christian. She was raised in a home that believed in every one of God’s words and she called herself a child of the living God. She always spoke about listening to her Father read from the Bible daily and learned nearly from birth to trust in Jesus and also told the many stories of miracles that God performed for her, her family and those around her all of her life.
Saved at the age of 5, Bettie found her place and she never left again. Her love for Jesus was unlike anything most people had seen and it showed in every detail of her life. She received the Holy Spirit at age nine and was water baptized at the age of 10, she was very active in her Church and spent her younger years singing and talking about Jesus at every chance. In her 20’s she travelled as an evangelist for a year and also attended CBC Bible College for a time, before marrying Dean Hull on July 17th, 1955, after he returned from his Army tour in Korea.
April 1956, they had their first son, Calvin Dean Hull followed by Curtis Dale Hull in 1959 and Craig Duane Hull in 1963. She was more than busy raising boys, keeping a wonderful house and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ whenever and wherever possible. She also pastored numerous Churches during those years or was an active supporting part of Churches including the Assembly of God Church in Tarkio, Missouri, Blanchard Iowa, Clarinda Iowa, Maryville, Missouri and Braddyville Iowa.
Bettie was extremely active all of her life. She was an exceptional singer and a self-taught musician, playing the piano, organ, guitar, accordion, a little violin and many other instruments and recording many songs, being a guest singer at numerous weddings, funerals, events and even appeared on radio and television shows over many years. She also learned to become an accomplished lapidary, making jewelry out of stones that she would find on her own on the local river. Bettie also not only learned to fly, but she became an instrument rated pilot. Her ability to tackle, learn and master nearly anything she put her mind to was truly astonishing, but she would be the first to say that without the favor of God, it would never have happened.
Another example of her abilities were her skills in knitting, which she even taught to other women in her early years, her mastery of the art of quilting, which won her awards and ribbons whenever she chose to display them, her talents as a cook and baker and many other accomplishments that could fill books. She once took on the task of building an entire scale model of her home in Braddyville, which still astonishes anyone who has seen the real house and then the model. She once again won awards for this as well.
Bettie also was a champion checker player, competing in many competitions through the years and winning most of them. Her ability to do puzzles, word finds and nearly any other type of brain teaser was amazing. In the 1970’s, she took on the task of figuring out the Rubik’s Cube and mastered it right along with just about anything else she put her mind too. She loved going to auctions and picked up a menagerie of interesting items over her lifetime, including a truly stunning collection of blue glass and what many consider to be an impressive collection of glass marbles. She was also a talented painter, on both canvass as well as china. Her collection of hand painted plates was a constant part of the décor at her home.
Another amazing talent of hers was that she usually never bought clothing. Instead, she had learned the skills to such a level that nearly everything Bettie wore, she made. Many people who just knew her casually probably never knew that, but if you were a close friend or family, you knew that Bettie most likely made what she was wearing on any given day.
Feeling the call in the early 70’s, Bettie resigned her commission as an Assembly of God minister and chose to preach interdenominational. Many couples had their weddings done by Bettie and many funerals as well. She also hosted numerous private bible studies at her home and others for decades. The number of people who are now saved and filled with the holy spirit that owe it to Bettie are more than one could count, most likely.
Bettie also loved to travel. She visited the Holy Land, England, South America, Australia, Canada, Alaska and most of Europe at one time or another. Her stories of how God would send someone to help her find her way in strange lands was just another testament to how she knew to rely on Jesus daily and many her know the stories of the man, who she believed to be an Angel, who took her all around England and watched over her at every turn.
If you asked Bettie what her favorite accomplishment was, it would most likely be the book Master Keys to Open Scripture. A collection of writings given to her by God that she collected and published as both a hard copy and paperback book starting in 2001 with the help of her husband Dean and her two friends Beverly Daugherty and Gayla Williams. She followed that up with the publishing of Miracles, Visions and His Word Enlightened, a collection of the miracles she witnessed in her life and the life of her family along with visions and words to her from God, published in 2012.
Most who knew Bettie would agree that she belonged to Jesus all her life, but Jesus lent her back to Dean for 50 years. After 48 years of Marriage, Dean passed away in 2003 and Bettie missed him ever since.
Bettie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean Hull; grandson, Bryan Hull; great grandson, Myles Hull; siblings, Opal Campbell, Philip Smith, Melvin Smith, Reverend Fred Smith, Reverend John Smith, Ira Paul Smith, Blanche Hull.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Calvin Hull and wife Joanie of Braddyville, Iowa, Curtis Hull and wife Lisa of Clarinda, Iowa and Craig Hull and wife Melissa of Clarinda, Iowa; grandchildren, Christian Hull, Jenifer Hull, Joseph Hull, Samantha Hull, Jacob Dean Hull, Anna Hull and Thomas Hull; great grandchildren, Keegan Hull, Kennedy Hull, Lilly Hull, Mason Hull, Jillian Hull and Cloe Hull; sisters, Lillian Dugger and husband Phil of Sikeston, Missouri and Mary Hamby and husband Buddy of Springfield, Missouri; sister-in-law, Velda Mae Anderson of West Des Moines, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

 

Johnson, Donna Jean Coston - Donna Jean Johnson, daughter of Charles Lloyd and Sara Etta (Johnson) Coston, was born August 2, 1930 in Yorktown, Iowa. She passed away on October 10, 2015 at Oakland Manor in Oakland, Iowa. She was 85 years old.

Donna spent her early years living and receiving her education in Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa. On August 5, 1950 she married William Herschel Johnson in Quitman, Missouri. They resided in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Donna had numerous jobs during her lifetime. She worked as a nurse's aide at the old Shenandoah Hand Hospital; bookkeeper for various local businesses; as a dental assistant/secretary; was a consultant/sales representative for companies such as Avon, Minnesota Woolens and Tri-Chem Fabric Paints; was a cashier for the Shenandoah Hy-Vee Supermarket; and as a cook/bookkeeper for three local restaurant (the Shamrock Café, the Heritage House and lastly for the Depot Deli) before she retired in her mid-70's. For short periods of time she also operated at least three arts and crafts shops in Shenandoah.

Donna was a member of Skidmore Missouri Christian Church. Club memberships included a year in Shenandoah's VFW Auxiliary. At one time, she was also a member of the OK Kegler Bowling League in Shenandoah. Donna enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading (she never read the same book twice, being able to recall story line and plot even ten years later), movies, and watching TV. When she was younger she enjoyed bowling and roller skating.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband William H. Johnson, granddaughter Aurora D. Miller, parents Charles L. and Sara E. Coston, sisters Anita Charlene Brunk and Lois Yvonne Bowenkamp.

Donna is survived by her children Janice D. Johnson, Kristin A. Bennett, Bill Johnson, and Dean Johnson and wife Barbara (Snow) all of Shenandoah, Iowa, uncle Melburn "Mick" Johnson of Shenandoah, Iowa, seven grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, a great-great granddaughter, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.

Burial will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa

 

Kenagy, Stacey - Stacey Kenagy, age 47, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Thursday, November 12,, 2015 at his residence in Clarinda. Memorial graveside services will be held 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Braddyville Cemetry with Gordon Green officiating. Visitation with the family will be held following the graveside at Braddy Hall. Burial will be in the Braddyville Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

 

Long, Ira George - Ira George Long, son of Rayfield William and Alice Charlotte (Gray) Long, was born November 13, 1943 in Northboro, Iowa. Ira moved to Sharpsburg as a young child, attended school there, and continued to live there his entire life. Ira entered into rest on September 24, 2015, at the age of 71, after a 15 year fight of cancer.

On November 1, 1963, he was united in marriage to Pearl Irene Wray in Hopkins, Missouri. They had two children- Michael Eugene and Amanda Kay. Ira was a member of the Sharpsburg Fire Department for years. He retired from Michaels Foods in Lenox, Iowa. Ira enjoyed watching his grandkids play high school sports, fishing, and riding his ranger.

Left to cherish Ira’s memory are his wife of 52 years, Irene Long of Sharpsburg; one son, Michael Long and wife Michelle of Sharpsburg; one daughter, Mandy Marshall and husband Bob of Sharpsburg; four grandchildren, Jessi Reed and husband Josh of Lenox; Ryan Marshall of Lenox; Patrick Long and wife Kirra of San Diego, CA; Kaeleigh Long of Sharpsburg; two great-grandchildren, Tenley and Marshall Reed; one sister, Zelma Cochran of Loveland, CO.

Preceding in death were his parents Rayfield and Alice Long; three brothers, Leonard, Raymond, and Richard; and one sister, Shirley.

 

Lovig, Lisa Marie Dobbs - Lisa Marie Lovig, age 60, of Red Oak, IA, passed away, Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
Lisa was born September 11, 1955 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of James Dobbs and Phyllis (Thompson) Dobbs. She was raised in the Coburg and Essex area graduating from Essex High School in 1973. She attended and graduated from Tarkio College in 1976. Lisa was united in marriage to Barry Lovig on May 12, 1979 in St. Joseph, MO.
They made Red Oak their home where Lisa pursued her career with Oakview Construction, ultimately becoming Executive Vice President. She later became an independent consultant for Timberline Construction Accounting Software Company until three years ago, when she then dedicated her time to her family whom she loved dearly. She was very meticulous and passionate with everything she undertook. She taught herself how to crochet so she could give her family members gifts, whether it was a pillow, scarf, or afghan. Lisa’s sense of civic duty was demonstrated through her support of current healthcare initiatives and her pride in making a difference through the Democratic Party.
Lisa was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband: Barry Lovig of Red Oak; sons: Zachary Lovig and wife Grace Buckner of Saginaw, MI and Caleb Lovig and wife Sarah Wick of Omaha, NE; sisters: Jennifer Whitley and husband Tim Whitley of Wesley Chapel, FL and April Scott and husband Greg Scott of Essex, IA; sisters-in-law: Kay Howard and husband Nick Howard of St. Joseph, MO and Jan Lovig of Shenandoah, IA; brother-in-law: David Dimmitt and wife Helen Dimmitt; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends.
A celebration of life service were held at 11 AM Friday, October 30, 2015 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Visitation with the family were held one hour prior to the service.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

 

Mattox, Michael Anthony - Michael Anthony Mattox was born July 3, 1963 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Kenneth Edward and Marjoried June (Stogdill) Mattox, Sr. He passed away early Monday morning, October 12, 2015 at the Bellevue Medical Center in Bellevue, Nebraska at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 9 days.
Michael grew up and attended school in Shenandoah. He worked in various manufacturing and meat packing plants and was a cook until his health forced him to quit. He loved fishing, watching football and playing cards with his family and friends. He was known for hosting cookouts whenever he could. He was an all-around compassionate family man.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; a brother, Kenneth Mattox, Jr.; and a sister, Teresa McCollum.

Survivors include his brother, Bruce Mattox of Shenandoah, Iowa; his sister, Tammy Mutchler and her husband Alfred of Shenandoah, Iowa; his daughter, Regina; along with numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16 at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. Burial will be in the Thurman Cemetery at Thurman, Iowa at a later date. There will be a visitation and cookout held on Friday, October 16 following the service at Waubonsie Park in Shenandoah. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.kirschfuneral.com

 

Miller, Tommy Eugene - Tommy Eugene Miller was born March 25, 1943 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Harry Eugene and Mollie Mae (Criswell) Miller. He passed away on Tuesday morning, November 3, 2015 at his home in Farragut, Iowa at the age of 72 years, 7 months and 9 days.
Tom grew up in the Fremont County area and graduated from Riverton High School. Following high school he was united in marriage to Deloris Miller and this union was blessed with two children, Doug and Tammy. He was later married to Debra Speicher and this union was blessed with two daughters, Angela and Mary. On January 8, 2000, Tom was united in marriage to Barbara Livingston, who preceded him in death in September of 2015.
Tom worked many jobs over the years. He worked as a carpenter, specializing in finish work. He also worked for the Gate Factory in Shenandoah and later for Sidney Foods where he was store manager. Tom was an active member of the Farragut Congregational Church where he served on the board. He was an avid collector of coins, beer steins and antiques. He was a bit of a perfectionist which showed in his woodworking and other activities. He was known for his sense of humor and was one of the most caring people around. His true love was his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mollie Miller; his wife, Barbara; and a sister, Teresa Miller.
Survivors include his children, Doug Sexton and his wife Sandy of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tammy Wingad and her husband Jes of Red Oak, Iowa, Angela Williams and her husband Casey of Kansas City, Missouri, Mary Pelster and her husband Steven of Shenandoah, Iowa; grandchildren, Megan Binns, Cody Miller, Tyler Miller, Douglas Sexton, Jr., Jonathan Sexton, Miranda Meier, Alexandria McFarland, Morgan McFarland, Gage Wingad, Jackie Wingad, Aidan Williams, Brodie Williams, Ricky Bisbee, Hanah Pelster, Grace Pelster; a brother, Mike Miller and his wife Debera of Nebraska City, Nebraska; a sister, Cindy Council and her husband Cal of Farragut, Iowa; along with many other relatives and many, many friends.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Farragut Congregational Church with Pastor Heidi Volt and Staci Scroggie officiating. Burial will be in the Farragut Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will take place on Friday evening, November 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah is in charge of arrangements.

 

Mullison, Richard "Dick" Orval - Richard “Dick” Orval Mullison died October 23 at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming afte a short illness. He was 85 years old.
Dick was born in Shenandoah, Iowa on September 25, 1930 to Daisy Bernice (Adams) and Orval Harold Mullison. Dick’s father died in 1933. While, his mother returned to teaching to support her family, Dick and his sister Shirley lived with extended family until Bernice married Elbert Lynn in 1937. They moved to Elbert’s farm in Fremont County, Iowa where they joined Elbert’s children from his first marriage, Betty, Chuck, and Jerry.
Dick enrolled in kindergarten at Central School in Shenandoah. After Bernice and Elbert’s marriage he attended Alma Mater south of the farm where he graduated eighth grade in 1944. Dick graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1948.
After graduation, Dick farmed with Elbert. He was introduced to Lois Ardene Armstrong (o! n a blind date) by her sister Darlene and her husband Frank Manes.
Dick and Ardene married on August 14, 1949.Their children are Jodie (Ray) Genovese, Westfield, MA; Amy (Dan, deceased), Shenandoah, Iowa; Don (Anne), Lincoln, NE; Bob (Lucia), Greenwood, SC; Jane (Tom) Orth, Billings, MT; Peter (Felicia), Denver, CO; and Emily (Andy) Martinez.Casper, WY.
Dick is survived by his wife of 66 years, his children; thirteen grandchilden, Nicole (Sampson) and Marc Genovese; Phoebe (Pittman) and Sam Zollars; Cleo and Oliver Mullison; Sarah (McNeill) Mullison; Zach, Philip, and Joanna Orth; Emilie Mullison; Simon and Ava Rose Martinez; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
After retiring from Wyoming Family Practice, Dick volunteered at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Dick enjoyed camping in the mountains of Wyoming, Coors light, reading, and pie (hot and cold).
In lieu of flowers or a donation, share a piece of pie (hot or cold) with your loved one.


Nelson, Nora Juanita Starnes - Nora Juanita (Starnes) Nelson, age 92 of Farragut, IA passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Shenandoah Medical Center in Shenandoah, IA.
Nora was born on January 27, 1923 in Watson, MO; the daughter of John S. and Jennie J. (Jones) Starnes, Sr. She grew up in the Coin and College Springs, IA area. Her family moved to Farragut in January of 1942 and she later graduated from Farragut High School with the class of 1942. She then entered nurses training at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital and worked as a nurse until 1979.
On February 24, 1946, Nora was united in marriage to Stanley N. Nelson in Farragut, IA. To this union three children were born: Gayle, James and David. Nora and Stanley lived on the farm until 1950 when they moved into Farragut.
She was a member of the Congregational Church where she served as the Women’s Fellowship President for 22 years and taught Sunday School. She was also a member of the Southwestern Iowa Women’s Association and Coordinator of ABC Quilts for a number of years. She made quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Another pastime she loved was cooking for her family and friends.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Gayle Day and husband Gary of Hildreth, NE; James Nelson and Barb of Farragut, IA; David Nelson and significant other Patti Haberer of Farragut, IA; seven grandchildren: Duane Day and wife Suzanne of Kearney, NE; Dennis Day of Westminster, CO; Keith Nelson and significant other Lindsay of Riverton, IA; Christian Nelson of Gravity, IA; Jennifer Nokes and husband Steve; Cathy Brooks and husband Joe and Laurie West; twelve great-grandchildren: Christopher, Emily and Gabriel Day; Owen and Wyatt Nelson; Owen and Dacoda Nokes; Bryson, Clayton and Cody West; Ashley and Alexis Brooks; one great-great granddaughter to be born, Aria Nichole; one sister, Sylvia McAllister and husband Merlin of Shenandoah, IA; sisters-in-law: Shirley Hall of Sidney, IA and Betty Van Ness and husband Lyle of Shenandoah, IA; other family and friends.
Nora was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jennie Starnes; her husband Stanley Nelson on Nov. 5, 2005 and a brother John Starnes, Jr.
Services to be held and announced at a later date.
A Nursing Scholarship is being established in Nora’s name.

 

Peterman, Dale Dean - Memorial services for Dale Dean Peterman, 53 year resident of Cortez, will be held on Wednesday, October 14 at 10 a.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12 from 5 pm until 7 pm at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Marvin Graves will officiate. Dale was born June 10, 1934 in Clarinda, Iowa the son of Ora Dale and Wilma J. (Noble) Peterman. He passed away on October 8, 2015 at his residence in Cortez. Dale married Maria Luisa Herrera on February 28, 2001 in Cortez. Through the years, Dale was the Holsom Bread Man, worked for Tex Ward Roofing, White & Sons Construction and Kirtland Contruction. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Iowa, and a 48 year member of the Elks Lodge. Dale progressed through all of the Chairs, but never reached Exalted Ruler. Having served as Trustee for five years, Dale was named Officer of the Year in 2004-2005. Dale is survived by his wife, Luisa Peterman; his children, Greg Peterman (Melody) of Tyler, Tex., Denette Peterman (Charley) of Venus, Tex., Jerri Frizzell (Bruce) of Cortez and Lori Smith of San Diego, Cali.; his step-son, Brian Stiegelmeyer of Cortez and step-daughter, Michelle McGruder of Mancos; his in-laws, Luis and Donelia Herrera; his ten granchildren, six great grandchildren, three step-granchildren and one step-great grandson. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Norma Jeanne (Wilcox) Peterman (1997), two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made in Dale Peterman's name to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740, Cortez, CO 81321.

 

Rector, Beatrice Rosena Sophia Sidenburg - Beatrice Rector, age 92, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2015 at St. John Lutheran Church, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Daryl Tompkins officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery.

Beatrice Rosena Sophia Siedenburg was born June 25, 1923 in Clarinda, Iowa to Charles and Laura (Mascher) Siedenburg. She grew up north of Clarinda on a farm and graduated from Clarinda High School. On November 15, 1940, she was married to Kenneth Rector. To this union five children were born; Lola, Shirley, Edward and Sandra, and Allen.

Bea worked at Green Bay Lumber Company later United Building Center as bookkeeper for twenty five years and retired in 1989. She resided at Clarehaven for twenty four years before moving to Atlantic, Iowa to live with her daughter in 2012. Her favorite things to do were playing cards, doing word search games, playing marbles and watching baseball games, with her favorite team being the Atlanta Braves, with family and her best friend, Lena Eilers. Bea enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandchildren.

Preceding Bea in death were her husband, Kenneth Rector; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Lowell Wagoner; brother, Harold Siedenburg; sister-in law, Evelyn; brother-in-law, Lowell Pullen; parents, Charles and Laura Siedenburg and parents-in-law, Floyd and Chloe Rector.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Lola Ehen and husband Charlie of Atlantic, Iowa, Edward Rector and wife Dee of Devil’s Lake, North Dakota; Sandra Graham and special friend Jimmy Rusco of Bedford, Iowa, Allen Rector and wife Karen of New Market, Iowa; one hundred twenty four grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Grace Siedenburg of Clarinda, Iowa and Gloria Pullen of Clarinda; brother-in-law, Gene Rector and wife Norma of North Glen, Colorado; nephews; nieces; and friends.

 

Runyan, Karen Ruth Gray - Karen Ruth Gray Runyan was born on September 24, 1942, to Ernest Emmett and Ethel Blanche Gant Gray at their rural home in Page County, Iowa. She attended Hardee Rural School through the 8th grade, walking 1 ½ miles to and from school every day. She especially enjoyed playing in all the snow banks on the way home. She graduated from New Market High School in 1961.
Karen was nicknamed “Pud” by her father and Frank Shields. The Shields family has always been part of the family being like grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins and they have also called Karen “Pud.” Karen was a good student, active in school events and enjoyed sports—especially basketball. She really enjoyed her friendships in high school, many which lasted her whole life.
After high school Karen worked at the telephone office in Clarinda, Iowa. She was married to Robert Steele Runyan on February 2, 1962. They had three children: Troy Steele Runyan, Todd Stuart Runyan and Tiffany Shannon Runyan.
Karen worked at the Mental Health Institute in Clarinda from 1965 to 1967. She worked at the Emerson State Bank from 1975 until 2003 when health reasons encouraged retirement. She enjoyed her apartment in Clarinda, enduring eleven years of dialysis and other health concerns. She loved watching TV and always had a smile for everyone. She never had a bad word about anyone and her laugh was infectious. Karen enjoyed reminiscing about the “old Times.” In recent years she enjoyed the annual Gray reunion in Clarinda, which was held just two weeks ago.
She joined the Order of Eastern Star in 1961 at Siam, Iowa, and later transferred to the Emerson, Iowa chapter. She was Worthy Matron twice and was appointed as Representative from the State of Iowa to the State of Wyoming.
Karen passed away Monday evening, November 2, 2015 at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda at age 73. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, nephew Andrew Settles, nephew Logan Gray and great niece Andrea Standlee.
She is survived by sons Troy (Bridget) of Kansas City and Todd of Atlantic; daughter Tiffany and their father, Bob, both of Clarinda; grandchildren Angela, Brandon, Rachel, Jessica, Hilary, Tanner, Brady, Jacob and Levi; great grandchildren Quintin, Abriella, Owen and Alegra; sister Janice (J.D.) Settles of Blue Eye, MO; brother Steven (Lisa) Gray of Indianola, IA; nephews David (Donna) Settles, Mark (Alma) Settles, Tyler (Alicia) Gray, Spencer Gray; nieces Jennifer (Todd) Round, Amy (Greg) Standlee, Jenna Gray; many cousins, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Funeral services are being held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2015 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, with Rev. Russ Clark officiating. Interment will be at Siam Cemetery, Siam, IA. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Walker-Merrick with Order of Eastern Star service at 7. Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is providing arrangements.

 

Snively, Howard Max - Pastor Howard Max Snively of Pierceton, Indiana went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 12:03 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home of Fort Wayne, Indiana at the age of 88.
He was a resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana for the past 26 years where he was a member of Dutchtown Brethren Church of Warsaw.
Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 4, 1944 and served as a Seaman First Class until his honorable discharge on July 13, 1946. He graduated from Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana in 1960. He was a pastor for several Grace Brethren Churches in Ohio, Washington State, Alaska, and here in Warsaw retiring in 1988. Howard was also a Warsaw Community Schools Bus driver from 1989-1999.
He was born on Oct. 28, 1926 in Braddyville to Lorenzo "Ren" Gilbert Snively and Florence Ethel (Maxwell) Snively. On Oct. 31, 1947 he married Evelyn Marie Snively, who passed away on Jan. 28, 2014. They were married for 66 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his two sons: Dan (wife Joan) Snively (Indianapolis, Indiana); Michael "Mike" (wife Beth) Snively (Warsaw, Indiana); two daughters: Dianne (husband Joseph "Joe") Lund (Warsaw, Indiana); Janice "Jani" (husband Ed) Strang (Pierceton, Indiana); twelve grandchildren; and thirty great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his twin brother: Harold Max (wife Peggy McBride) Snively (Sun Lakes, Arizona).
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers: Eldon, Oral and Earl Snively, and three sisters: Mae Anderson, Marjorie Bangs, and Esther Hamilton.
There was visitation on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. prior to the 1 p.m. service at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana. Pastor Jack Worth will officiate.
Burial will follow with a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, Indiana with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. #1126 and active members of the Navy Honor Guard.
Memorial donations in Howard’s name may be directed to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814; or to Dutchtown Brethren Church, 4057 E. County Road 300 N., Warsaw, Indiana 46582 and would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s web site www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com

 

Swanson, Paul Amos - Paul Amos Weldon Swanson, Jr. was born June 27, 1940 in Clarinda, Iowa the son of Paul Amos Weldon Swanson, Sr. and Blanche Rose (Miller) Swanson. He passed away after a short battle with cancer late Monday evening, October 5, 2015 at his home near Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 75 years, 3 months and 8 days.
Paul grew up in Clarinda and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1958. On April 23, 1960 he was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Hamm in Audubon, Iowa and this union was blessed with four children; Ed, Janene, Donald and Cindy.
Paul worked in the car business for over 40 years, starting with Carriage Motors and later opening Cardinal Auto in Clarinda in 1981. Paul was a member of the Jay-Cee’s where he served as President. Paul loved all sports, especially golf, football, stock car racing, fishing and farming. He was also a little league baseball coach. He also loved helping people in any way that he could. His true love was his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Blanche Swanson and two children, Donald Paul Swanson and Cindy Renee Swanson.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Swanson of Clarinda, Iowa; his children, Edward Paul Swanson (friend Brandee) of Clarinda, Iowa, Janene Jolene Willcoxon (Jade) of Harlan, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Jeremy Paul Swanson (friend Andrea), Phillip Paul Swanson (Kinsey), Jaime Lea Swanson, Jerad Wayne Willcoxon, Nicole Jolene Willcoxon, Brenden Paul Willcoxon, Rosemary Renee McCown (Don), Cody Robert Cordell, Samantha Joanne Marie Swanson and Andrew Paul Leilich (Katie); five great grandchildren, Abby, Bristol, Roslyn, Rogon and Corbyn; three sisters, Midge McComb of Clarinda, Iowa, Carol Ritchie (Scott) of Wichita, Kansas, Angela Graves (Sam) of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Connie Clark (Gary) of Des Moines, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015 at the Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery. There is no scheduled visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Clarinda Community Center or Sew and Share Food Pantry of Clarinda. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah, Iowa.

 

Vincent, James Cleo - James Cleo Vincent was born February 8, 1924 in Sharpsburg, Iowa, the son of Emery Otho and Eva (Brown) Vincent. He passed away on Thursday morning, September 17, 2015 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 15 days.
James grew up in the Page County area and graduated from high school. Following high school he served his country in the United States Army. Following his service he attended trade school for a short time before he started a 19 ½ year career as a Merchant Marine. This allowed James to travel all over the world. On a stop in the Philippine’s he met Elsa and the couple was united in marriage on July 18, 1987. This union was blessed with two children, Paige & Derek.
From the time James was 3 years old he was raised by his Uncle Fred and Aunt Blanche Coder. He had a huge passion for music studying violin and piano for many years. He also took voice lessons and enjoyed singing and playing the harmonica. James was always inviting people to church, he had a passion for everyone to know Jesus. His true love was family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Blythe Brady and Marie Georgeff; a brother, Gerald Vincent; an infant sister, Marjorie and an infant brother, Otho.
Survivors include his wife, Elsa Vincent of Shambaugh, Iowa; his children, Paige Stewart and her husband Chris of New Market, Iowa, Derek Vincent of Shambaugh, Iowa; two grandchildren, Ava and Cole Stewart of New Market, Iowa; a sister, Doris Nowles of St. Joseph, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Gary Ludington and his wife Jane of Illinois, Verna Mickelson and her husband Mike of Hawkinsville, Georgia, Janice Duerksen and her husband Jerry of Corydon, Iowa, Pamela Nold and her husband Mike of Easton, Missouri, Larissa Heinrich and her husband Doug of Overland Park, Kansas, Janelle Anderson of St. Joseph, Missouri; along with nieces, nephews and in-laws in the Philippine’s; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2015 at Harvest Fellowship Church in Shambaugh with Pastor Scott Denham officiating. Burial with military honors will be held in the Butler Cemetery at Shambaugh. Visitation with the family present will take place on Sunday afternoon, September 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Harvest Fellowship Church at Shambaugh. A memorial fund is being established in James’s name. Online remembrances or condolences can be shared at www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah is in charge of arrangements.

 

Whitehill, Gwendolin Pearl Bayless - Gwendolin Pearl Bayless was born on November 17, 1928 to Emma Grace (Eby) and Olin Russell Bayless. Gwen passed away on the morning of Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Elm Heights Care Center, she was 86 years old.

Gwen was born in Northboro, Iowa, where she joined siblings Merrill "Bud", Bill, Kenneth "Ace" and Mildred (Finlay). Later she was joined by Frank and Mary Lou (Chambers). Gwen attended country school and later Coin High school, where she graduated in 1946. She excelled in Basketball and Track & Field.

Gwen met Boyd Richard Whitehill in high school and they were married in December 1946 in Topeka, Kansas.

Boyd and Gwen welcomed two children to their union, Judy Kay (Ditmars) born February 8, 1948 and Duane Richard born December 4, 1952.

Gwen and Boyd farmed south of Shenandoah for the first few years of their marriage. A few years later they moved to Shenandoah, where both of their children attended school and they lived there for the remainder of their lives. Gwen worked in a bank after high school and then stayed home with children. Later, she worked with Boyd, keeping books for Whitehill Gas & Oil.

Gwen's hobbies included playing golf, watching golf, and then playing some more golf. She excelled at the game. She began playing it in her late twenties and played her last game at 72 years old. Her other hobby was her grandchildren. Gwen and Boyd had three grandchildren and were very involved in all of their lives. Duane had one daughter, Amber, and Judy had two children, Andrew and Natalie. Later, Gwen welcomed 3 great grandchildren. Boyd and Gwen also enjoyed traveling. They loved Arizona and Colorado.

Gwen is survived by her son, Duane Whitehill of Shenandoah; her granddaughter Amber (Whitehill) Wiens and husband David of Hastings, NE and their three children Kohl, Augusta and Cale; grandson Drew Ditmars of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter Natalie Ditmars of Cedar Rapids, IA; brother Frank Bayless of Shenandoah; sister-in-law Wilma Bayless of Elmo, MO; brother-in-law Jim Chambers of Council Bluffs, IA and many other friends and relatives.

Preceded in death by her husband, Boyd; her daughter, Judy; her parents; and siblings: Merrill "Bud", Bill, Kenneth "Ace", Millie (Finlay), Mary Lou (Chambers).

Memorials in Gwen's name are being directed to the American Cancer Society.

Burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa