Anderson, Gary - Gary L. Anderson, 79, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Friday, December 20, 2019, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

He was born on January 4, 1940, in Exira, Iowa, the son of Ivro E. and Elsie Mae (Saltmarsh) Anderson. Gary attended school in Elk Horn and Walnut, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Judy Christensen, December 18, 1957, and they had four sons.

Gary was a hunter and trapper from an early age. He raised every animal there was including Buffalo and Elk, and for many years went Elk hunting in Colorado with family and friends. His greatest adventure was Caribou hunting at Yellow Knife, Alaska. He was known as The Cat Man to his good friends as they enjoyed their snowmobiling treks; and him on his Arctic cat. He worked for Harvestore Silos most of his working years and also built steel buildings and laid concrete.

The last year and a half he resided at the Atlantic Specialty Care. He never ever complained about having to leave his home to live there, just dealt with what life had given him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Rick (Sharon) of Brayton, Iowa, Jeff (Carol) of Atlantic, Iowa, Mike (Kim) of Atlantic, Iowa, and Todd (Kim) of Mint Hill, North Carolina; ten grandchildren, Shelly, Amber, Brooke, Shannon, Whitney, Rachel, Ally, Ashley, Andrew and Alexandra; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Denney (Janiece) of Visalia, California; sisters, Kathy (Chuck) Ardnt of Des Moines and Cynthia Zinke of Waukee, Iowa, brother-in-law, Darwin (Sarah) of Poway, California; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivro and Elsie Anderson; parents-in-law, Ed and Ethel Christensen; an infant brother, Eldon Ray; and uncle, Mort Saltmarsh.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2020, at The Venue in Atlantic, with a meal to follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, also at The Venue.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Gary’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

Bain, Max K., Jul 28, 1936 - Nov 14, 2019 - Max passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at his daughters home in Omaha.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services. Burial with complete military honors will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the family.

Balding, Catherine Blanche Wilson - Mrs Catherine Balding, 64, who died Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs Ruth Lentz of Omaha, was buried beside her husband in the North Page cemetery Sunday. The Rev E.M. Buchler conducted funeral services in the Wolfe funeral home.

Mrs Balding was formerly a resident of the Morton Mills vicinity. She was found dead by her granddaughter, her death having resulted from a heart attack.

The deceased, Catherine Blanche Wilson, daughter of Stephen and Mary Ann Wilson, was born at Stockport, O., March 28, 1877. She married Mell V. Balding in Malta, O., on September 5, 1895. Five children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy and one son, Thomas, who preceded his mother in death April 29, 1941.

Mrs Balding's husband died Aug 7, 1921.

Surviving Mrs Balding are two sisters and a brother in Ohio and two daughters, Mrs Chris Penschler, Glenwood, Ia., and Mrs Leo Lentz, Omaha. Two granddaughters and five grandsons also are living.

Mrs Balding was a member of the Christian church at Malta, O.

Pallbearers at the funeral were Harry Strickland, Tom Day, Ollie Murren, Dick Kelley, Collis Moore and C.W. Van Valkenburg, and music was furnished by Mr and Mrs Albert F. Davie, with Mrs Davie at the piano. The floral committee was Mrs Ed Wagaman and Mrs Albert Patterson. THE VILLISCA REVIEW, Villisca, Iowa, Jul 31, 1941

Beery, Allen Roy, Sr - Allen “Texas Al” “Senior” Roy Beery, Sr., age 69, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019 at his home in Des Moines.

Allen was born September 16, 1950 in Clarinda, Iowa to Charles and Rosealtha (Cavner) Beery. He graduated with an associate’s degree and worked as an architectural drafter. Allen proudly served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed playing in a pool league, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, the New England Patriots, and his family.

Allen is survived by his sons, Allen (Sheryl) Beery, Jr., Jason (Katrina) Beery, and Dave (Amanda) Beery, grandchildren Raechel, Maritza, Alyson, Morgan, Quintin, Dalton, Isabelle, Brayden, and Dylan, and great-granddaughter Emma.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles “Chuck” Beery.

According to Allen’s wishes, there will be no formal services held. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 2nd at Misfits on SE 30th in Des Moines from 3-7pm.

Contributions may be directed to the family in his loving memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Behrends, Kathryn "Kathy" Marie Whipp - Kathy Behrends, 63, of College Springs, Iowa entered into peace Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Jennie Edmondson Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa, where we ‘Celebrate Life’.

Kathryn Marie Whipp Behrends was born August 26, 1956 in Clarinda, Iowa to Charles Whipp and Patricia (Davison) Whipp. Kathy grew up in the College Springs area and attended South Page High School. She was united in marriage to Don Smiley and they were blessed with two children, Scott and Mandi. They were later divorced and Kathy and Dave Behrends were united in marriage. They lived in Euless, Texas for several years.

Kathy worked for many years in Iowa and in Texas in customer service for several food service establishments. Kathy loved to visit with her family and friends. Family time was very important to her.

Preceding Kathy in death were her parents, Charles and Pat Whipp; brother, Dan Whipp; husband, Dave Behrends; nephew, Luke Morrison; grandparents, Charles and Myrene Whipp and Lain and Pearl Davison.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Scott Smiley and wife Melanie of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Mandi Smiley-Cruz and husband Leyvi of College Springs, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Baylee, Sydney, Dylan, Samantha, Chase, Julie, Konner and Gavin; brother, Mike Whipp and wife Betsy of Lyons, Colorado; sister, Becky Morrison and husband Mike of College Springs, Iowa; nieces; nephews and many friends

Elroy Bernard Blomberg, 80, of Essex, Iowa entered into rest on Tuesday morning, August 13, 2019 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  Memorial services following cremation for Elroy will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Fremont Lutheran Church at Nyman with Pastor Ann Albert officiating.  Inurnment will take place in the Mount Hope Cemetery at Nyman.  A memorial is being established in Elroy's name.  Professional arrangements are under the direction of Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah.

OBITUARY

Elroy Bernard Blomberg, the only son of Elmer Bernard and Dorothy Louise Eleanor (Nelson) Blomberg was born on June 28, 1939 at the Hand Hospital in Shenandoah, Iowa.  He entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Jenny Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 80 years, 1 month, 16 days following a brief illness.

His early life was spent growing up on the family farm located northeast of Essex at 2069 140th St.  Elroy attended Maple Hill country school, and later the Essex Community Schools, graduating from Essex High School with the Class of 1957.  During his school years he participated in sports, was active in the Glee Club, and 4-H for several years

Following graduation, Elroy attended Luther College in Wahoo, Nebraska.  He worked for a couple of years in Omaha, Nebraska before deciding to attend the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.  He also attended Blackhawk College in Moline, Illinois. 

Elroy worked in the Davenport area until moving back to Essex, following the untimely death of his mother in 1982.  He felt it was his duty to return home and became a caretaker for his elderly father who was blind.

In his spare time, Elroy enjoyed following the stock market and keeping up on current politics.  He was passionate about conserving the land and preserving resources for future generations.  In his younger years he enjoyed golfing and fishing when possible.  A music aficionado, he loved to attend concerts, music festivals and listen to music whenever possible.  He was an avid reader also and was knowledgeable in many subjects. 

Most of all, Elroy loved his boyhood church, the Fremont Lutheran Church at Nyman.  He was confirmed there and active in Luther League as a youngster.  Upon returning home, he took active roles in the church choir and maintaining the church building and becoming a caretaker for the Mount Hope cemetery grounds adjacent to the church.  He had recently served as the maintenance man and custodian as well as sexton of the cemetery until his health recently failed.

Preceding Elroy in death was his mother in 1982 and father in 1993.  Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Sandra Louise Roman of Gilroy, CA; nephew, Austin David Roman and his wife Kayori of Santa Monica, CA; niece, Sommer Lynn Sheffield and her husband Ben, and their children, Vienna and Solomon, of San Luis Obispo, CA; other relatives and many friends

Bloomfield, Nola Colleen Williams - Nola Bloomfield, 85, of Clarinda, Iowa entered into peace Monday, November 11, 2019 at Eiler Place, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Marcia Cline officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church from 9 to 11 AM with the family greeting friends. Interment will be held at the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Nola Colleen (Williams) Bloomfield was born February 14, 1934 in Page County, Iowa the seventh child of Ed Williams and Edna (Winter) Williams. She began her education in a country school near Hepburn, Iowa. When her family purchased a farm three miles north of Clarinda, she rode with her brother, Dewey on horse back to a pasture on the edge of Clarinda where she left the horse and walked the rest of the way to school, returning after school to ride back home.

Nola was a proud member of the Clarinda High School class of 1952. Half way through her senior year, she was wrongfully diagnosed with TB and sent to a hospital in Ottumwa, Iowa. She remained there for one year and then sent to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota where it was determined she never had TB or an illness of any kind.

Returning to Clarinda, she met her future husband, Victor Bloomfield. Vic joined the Army; she followed him to Fort Benning, Georgia where they were united in marriage May 28, 1954. Together they had three daughters, Gail, Kim and Gina. For the next twenty two years, Nola was an Army wife living three years in Germany, two and half years at the military academy at West Point, New York, keeping the home fires burning while he serviced one tour in Korea and two tours in Viet Nam.

Upon retirement from the Army they moved to Omaha, Nebraska for a couple of years and then to their present home on an acreage in Yorktown, Iowa. Nola went to work for NSK Corporation running lines in assembly and then moving to Quality Control. Twenty three years later she retired at the age of 68. Nola’s retirement years were spent volunteering at the Head Start program, helping serve food at the Southwest Iowa Humane Society fund raisers and serving her Trinity Presbyterian Church wherever she was needed.

Preceding Nola in death were her parents; husband, Vic Bloomfield; daughter, Gina (Terry) Randolph; siblings, Marian Kriesler, Dorothy (Clinton) Runyan, Lois Boardman, Wendell Williams, Calvin (Frances) Williams and Dewey Williams.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Gail (Michael) Conte or Yorktown, Iowa and Kim (Tim) Subbert of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jasmine, Ben, Britnye, Kristen, Cooper, Sean; great grandchildren, McKenna, Taylor, Clayton, Baylee, Melanie, Macy, Aidan and Madison; nieces; nephews and many friends

Boylan, Margie L. Keller- Margie passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Shenandoah Medical Center. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Shenandoah Public Library Foundation at 201 S Elm Street, Shenandoah, IA 51601 in honor of Margie Boylan.

A Celebration of Life Service Open House will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Community Room in the Shenandoah Public Library. Everyone is invited to come and share uplifting memories of Margie.

On September 6, 1950 a daughter was born to Dorman "Don" and Ruth Keller in Des Moines, Iowa, they named her Margie Lu. Margie attended school in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School with the Class of 1968. She then went on to attend college at Iowa State University where she received her Bachelors Degree.

Following graduation Margie moved to San Francisco where she worked as a bank manger for several years before being a manager of a local food coop. She returned to school obtaining her BSN in Nursing from the University of San Francisco. She then went to work for Potrero Hill Hospital until 1982 when she moved to Shenandoah. Margie began a career at Shenandoah Medical Center that would span 32 years. She worked as a registered nurse, as an Emergency Room Manager, in the oncology department, in outpatient care, and lastly as Chief Operating Officer. She was also active on the family farm, by driving a truck and running the farm operations.

On September 1, 1984 Margie was united in marriage to Carl Boylan. The couple made their home on the family farm outside of Shenandoah. Margie loved working in the garden, tending to her flowers, traveling and spending time with family. She was on the Shenandoah Public Library Board where she served as President. The work she did was instrumental in securing the funding to build the new library addition.

Margie is survived by her husband Carl, brother Jed Keller (Patti), sister-in-law, Betty Miller, brother-in-law, Ron Stewart, aunts Shirley Fouche and Donabelle (Kenneth) Graham, nephews Chris Miller (Angie Schmidt), Scott Steward (Jennifer), Phil Wright (Suzy), Brian Graham (Sandy), Allan Graham (Gina) and Thad Graham (Kris), nieces Anne Hartley (Matt), Jennie Stillwell (Kevin), Alice Bryan and Janice Munneke (Alan), other relatives and a host of good friends

Brownlee, Lenora J. Graham - Mrs L.J. Brownlee, who died Thursday morning of last week at the home of her daughter, Mrs Geo. Winter, had been a resident of this vicinity for nearly forty years, having moved with her family to a farm seven miles south of Villisca in 1882.

Lenora J. Graham was born Dec 1, 1838, in Pennsylvania, and was 83 years old at the time of her death. She was the eldest daughter of James and Mary Graham, and when four years old came with her parents to Mercer county, Ill.

She was united in marriage with A.L. Brownlee on Feb 11, 1864, and the following year they moved to Clinton, Iowa, where they established their home on the prairie. There they lived for eighteen years, coming then to the farm south of Villisca.

The husband died on Feb 17, 1893, and Mrs Brownlee continued to reside on the farm until March, 1906, when she and two daughters moved to Loveland, Colo. After a little more than a year they returned to Villisca where Mrs Brownlee remained until her death.

Mrs Brownlee was a life-long member of the United Presbyterian church. She was the mother of ten children, six of whom are deceased. Those living are Mrs Geo Winter and Mrs Edith C. Wood of Villisca, J.W. Brownlee of Denver, Colo., and J.F. Brownlee of Yuma, Colo. She leaves Brownlee sister, Mrs T.S. Wright of Villisca and one brother, R.M. Graham of Hepburn.

The funeral was held at the Geo Winter home Saturday afternoon, Dr A.P. Walton delivering the funeral sermon. He was assisted in the service by Rev J.L. Boyd of Villisca and by Rev Gordon, pastor of the United Presbyterian church of Hepburn. Burial was in the North Page cemetery. Those here from a distance to attend the funeral were the two sons from Colorado, also Elmer Brownlee of Monmouth, Ill., Al Brownlee of Shannan City, Iowa, and Miss Lulu Black of Vermilion, S. Dak. THE VILLISCA REVIEW, Villisca, Iowa, Oct 27, 1922

Diane Dee Carlson, daughter of Carroll Gene and Delores Jean (Scharp) Carlson, entered into eternal peace on July 21, 2019 at the Denver Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.

A memorial celebration of life gathering of Diane's relatives and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Christian Fellowship Church, 906 Day St, Shenandoah.  Everyone is welcome to come remember Diane.

Diane was born on April 13, 1959 in Shenandoah, Iowa. She attended the Shenandoah Community Schools, graduating from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1977.  Following graduation and after working for a time in Shenandoah at the Evening Sentinel she moved to Loveland, Colorado, where she lived the remainder of her life.  

During her time in Shenandoah, she was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed making jewelry and sewing in her spare time. A single parent, Diane devoted her life to raising her children and granddaughter.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Scott Bopp of Loveland , CO; daughter, Nicole Bopp and granddaughter, Kahlesee Holcom, both of Loveland, CO; parents, Carroll and Delores Carlson of Shenandoah, IA; two brothers, Michael Carlson and Shelly Leftkowitz of Dallas, TX and Mark Carlson and wife Jennifer of San Diego, CA; niece, Alexia Romosod and nephews, Ivan Carlson and Samuel Carlson, all of San Diego and niece, Michelle Mahoney of Cabot, AR.  She will be missed by many other relatives and friends

Creswell, James - Hepburn Items - Again death has visited our community and claimed for his victim James Creswell, a young man well known to all of us and will be missed by his associates. The deceased was a soldier of the 51st Iowa, Co B, and contracted his disease in the Philippine war. He was 24 years of age. He was buried with military honors, Rev Perkins conducting the services, after which the remains were laid to rest in the North Page cemetery. The deceased leaves his father, mother, two sisters and one brother who have the sympathy of all in the loss of a son and brother. THE CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jan 25, 1901

Hepburn, Jan 21--Editors JOURNAL -- It was a large funeral which occurred at the North Page United Presbyterian church last Sabbath morning, over the remains of James Christie Creswell, late a member of Co B Fifty-first Iowa Volunteer infantry, whose death took place at the home of Mr and Mrs David Creswell, in Valley township, Jan 18, 1901, the age of 24 years 11 months and 1 day, death caused by cranial abscess. Rev Mr Perkins, pastor of the Christian church at Villisca preached the funeral sermon, taking for his text a part of James, ii, 4, which reads as follows: "What is your life?" The sermon, rich in thought and figure of speech, was both eloquent and practical. Co B of the Iowa National Guard was present in a body and buried their former comrade with military honors, laying his remains to rest in the North Page cemetery.

Charles [sic, James] C. Creswell was a native of Valley township, this county, having been born on the home farm, Feb 16, 1876. He was the second child and elder son in a family of four children born to David and Mary J. Creswell. His was, also, the first death to occur in the family. As a youth he was always obedient and industrious, and when matured was considered the mainstay of the family. At the time of the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he was a member of Co B, Third regiment, Iowa National Guards, and when Governor Shaw called for volunteers, James, with his comrades of Co B, were mustered into the Fifty-first regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. At first a private, James soon became a sergeant, and with his regiment took part in the memorable Philippine campaign. It is a matter of record that that famous regiment had with its ranks no more proficient, patriotic soldier than James C. Creswell. Prior to his service in Luzon he had always enjoyed robust health, and even when mustered out at the expiration of his term of service, his chances for a long and useful life seemed good. Upon the reorganization of the Iowa National Guards he again enlisted in Co B, but it soon became apparent that the hardships incident of the campaign in the rice swamps and jungles of Luzon had levied too heavy a tax upon his vitality--had sowed the seeds of disease in his system, and that only a change of climate was necessary to the development of the disease. He was never after to perform a hard day's work, from the date of his discharge 'til that of his death. His ambition never failed him, but his strength did.

It is sad to lose a friend under any circumstances, but to have one cut down before he has reached the prime of life increases our sadness, though, in this instance we derive some consolation from the fact that James was a patriot who sacrificed his life for "Old Glory" just as truly as if he had died instantly upon the field of battle, and that he has now entered upon the enjoyment of a patriot's reward. THE CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Jan 25, 1901

Cunningham, Tyrel Daniel - Tyrel Daniel Cunningham, age 37, of Clarinda, Iowa, formerly of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Friday, October 25, 2019 at his home. Tyrel was born January 2, 1982 in Portland, Oregon, the son of Daniel and Jennifer (Altona) Cunningham. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in 2000 and worked construction and drove a truck over the years.

He was preceded in death by his sister: Shawna Cunningham. Survivors include his fiancé: Risa Lutton of Clarinda, IA; children: Madilyn and Molly Cunningham of St. Joseph, MO and Remington Amburn of Clarinda, IA; mother: Jennifer Cunningham of Red Oak, IA; father: Daniel Cunningham of Clarinda, IA; sister: Kursty Carson of Fairfield, IA; grandmother: Jean Altona of Red Oak, IA; aunts: Vickie Ware of Shenandoah, IA; Heidi Hertensen of Shenandoah, IA; and Colleen Sides of Ferndale, WA; uncle: Les Altona of Ferndale, WA; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial celebration of life will be held 1 PM Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Red Oak, Iowa.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with cremation services

Deardorff, Harriet E. Kendrick, Jan 28, 1935 - Nov 9, 2019 Harriet El Landor Deardorff, daughter of Harry and Mildred (Holland) Kendrick, was born on January 28, 1935 in Fayetteville, Tennessee. She passed away on November 9, 2019 at the Accura Healthcare of Stanton in Stanton, Iowa at the age of 84.

Harriet worked for DX Station in Sidney in the 1970's and early 1980's, Mondo's in the early 1990's and retiring in the late 1990's. She was a member of the Eagles Club and enjoyed sewing, ceramics, fishing, card games, crossword puzzles and word searches.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Deardorff (2004), daughter Lynda Kay, parents Harry and Mildred Kendrick and sister Barbara Kendrick. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Debra (Tim) Main of Wabash, IN, Russell (Anna) Lane of Maryville, MO, Rhonda (Wanda) Lane of Shenandoah, IA and Jeff (Christine) Lane of Henderson, NV; grandchildren; Misty Shipley, Keith (MacKenzie) Swinford, Kristina Swinford, Brett (Christie) Swinford, Kassandra (Eain) Salyer, 13 great-grandchildren and her dog Fur Baby Napa.

A very special thank you to Leon, Charlie, Preston and Tiffany Edwards and Rick and Deb Rivers, Jennifer Dean for always being there for Mom through the years. She loved and appreciated everything you had done for her. You were a big part of her life and considered as her children and grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Memorial Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association

Delaney, Newton - Died:--At his home south of Villisca, May 16, 1890, Newton Delaney, aged 81 years, of paralysis. Deceased was one of the band of early pioneers, now rapidly diminishing who broke the way for later civilization in this region. He held the kindest regards of his old neighbors, many of whom followed his remains, Saturday, to their last resting place in the old cemetery in the south part of town. Peace to his ashes. THE VILLISCA REVIEW, Villisca, Iowa, May 22, 1890

Dirrim, Mabel Blanche Gasson - Mabel Blanche Gasson Dirrim, a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Iowa, was born December 16, 1881, she passed away October 19, 1974. She was the seventh of eight children born to Thomas Edmond Gasson and Sarah Frances Langford Gasson. Her pioneer parents settled on a farm in 1869. Their original house still stands and the farm is still owned by members of the Gasson family.
Mrs Dirrim was one of the first eighth grade students to be in the Montgomery County's graduating class. After attending Red Oak High School, she was a music student at the Normal College in Shenandoah, Iowa. She gave piano lessons and served as an organist and later as a pianist for the Cramer Chapel Methodist Church where she had been a member since early childhood.
On June 11, 1913, she was married to Guy DeLoss Dirrim. They began housekeeping on a farm in the Cramer Chapel neighborhood. Upon retiring from the farm in 1921, they moved to Villisca.
She was an active member of the Villisca Methodist Church when her health permitted; a member of the Progress Club and of the Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, and five sisters. She is survived by fifteen nephews and nieces, many grand nephews and grand nieces, and other relatives.
A memorial service was held in the United Methodist Church at 2 o'clock pm Wednesday, October 23, with Rev Eldon Haworth officiating. Music was furnished by Mr Martin Hentsch, organist and Mr Jim Dunbar, soloist.
Flowerbearers were Mr and Mrs Cameron Lane, Mrs Ola Franks was in charge of the register. Pallbearers were: L.J. Cronwall, Kent Willenhaupt, Stephen Lewis, Ron Gasson, James Sorenson and Floyd Neal.
Interment was in the North Page Cemetery.
The nieces and nephews attending the service were: Mrs John Smith, Pittsburg, California; Mrs Glenola Stanton, Des Moines; L.J. Cronwall and Mr and Mrs K.K. Kennedy, Nodaway; Miss May Winter, Amarillo, Texas; Ned Osborn, Stuart, Iowa; Mr and Mrs Jess Hamersley, Perry, Iowa; Mrs Robert Betts, and Mr and Mrs Ron Gasson, Red Oak; Mr and Mrs Jim Sorenson, Yankton, SD; Mr and Mrs Garland Lewis, Stanton; Mr and Mrs Stephen Lewis, Council Bluffs; Mrs Sharon Welsch, Anita, Iowa; Mrs Richard Taylor and Kent Wollenhaupt, Wapello, Iowa

Graham, Stacy Diane - 02 Mar 1976 - 27 Nov 2019 Stacy passed away early Wednesday morning, November 27, 2019 at Bryan LGH West Hospital in Lincoln.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 2, 2019 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow Essex Cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services. Memorials may be directed to the family. The family asks that you wear green, Stacy's favorite color in her honor.

On March 2, 1976 in Cherokee, Iowa a beautiful baby girl was born to Roger and Charlene (Bolte) Looker, they named her Stacy Diane. Stacy departed this earthly world on November 27, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Although Stacy entered into eternal peace at the young age of 43, she packed a lot of life into her given years.

Stacy's early years were spent in Cherokee and Council Bluffs before the family settled in Essex. She graduated from Essex High School with the Class of 1994. She later went on to attend Southwestern Community College where she received her LPN and Iowa Western Community College where she received her RN degree. In April of 1995 she was united in marriage to Michael Graham. This union was blessed with the birth of four children; Lexi, Abby, Lindsay and Riley. The couple later divorced.

During her high school career Stacy worked at Hy-Vee, she later worked at the Stanton Nursing Home as a CNA, was an OB Nurse at the Shenandoah Medical Center and later was an RN at the Ambassador in Sidney. She also worked as a RN for Good Samaritan Care Center in Red Oak, Welcov Home Health and AseraCare Hospice. Some of Stacy's passions included being a mom, reading, watching movies and doing a daily coloring picture on an App on her phone.

Stacy was preceded in death by her beloved mother Charlene; special aunt Verlene Looker and her grandparents. Fay and Neva Looker and Glen and Genevieve Bolte. Those left to cherish her memory include her children Lexi, Abby, Lindsay and Riley; her father Roger; sisters Michelle Collins (Erin) and Kim (Kirt Manion); many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Rhonda Michele (Allumbaugh) Gray, 60, of Shenandoah, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019 at her home.   

A memorial celebration of life for Rhonda will be held on Monday, October 28, 2109 at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah with Pastor Don Buttry officiating.  Memorials are being directed to the family.

Rhonda Michele (Allumbaugh) Gray, daughter of Jack Victor and Lee Ellen (Fike) Alllumbaugh. was born in Long Beach, California on October 12, 1959.  She unexpectedly left this world on Monday, October 21, 2019 at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 60 years, 9 days.

Her early life began in Long Beach until the family moved to Port Huron, Michigan in 1964 as her father served in the Navy.  The family would later make several moves, in 1966 to Presidio Army Base in San Francisco, California and in 1969 to Oakland (Alameda), California and in 1971 to Waukegan, Illinois.  In 1972, her father retired from the Navy and the family moved back home to Essex, Iowa.  Rhonda attended the Essex Community Schools, graduating from Essex High School with the Class of 1978.

On April 26, 1980, Rhonda was united in marriage to Joseph Gray of Imogene, Iowa at Essex.   To this union two children, Lucas and Jeanna, were born.

Although most of her years were spent being a stay-at-home mother to her two children she did manage to find a few occupations throughout her life.  Rhonda worked as housekeeper for many years at the Tall Corn Hotel when her children were young.  She also helped her sisters-in-law when they had their restaurant (her favorite job!).   She also worked overnight at the Earl May Distribution Center for a few years.   There were also a few seasonal jobs throughout her life she worked. 

If you knew Rhonda, you knew she was very intrigued by the paranormal.  Most nights were spent watching shows of the paranormal, with her favorite being Ghost Adventures.  She often talked about going to stay in a haunted building to see if she could catch sight of a ghost.

Preceding Rhonda in death were her parents; mother-in-law, Frances Jean Gray; two aunts, Pranda Hale and Pat Carlson;  two sisters-in-law, Gloria Jean Kirk and Judy Hummel;  and sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Billy Linfor. 

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Joseph Gray of Shenandoah;  her two children, Lucas Gray and  Jeanna Crabs, both of Shenandoah; six grandchildren, Zander, Bryce, Frances, Thomas, Hunter and Clover; two brothers, Jack Allumbaugh and wife Pam of Essex, IA and Greg Allumbaugh and wife Jody of Atlantic, IA; three sisters-in-law, Erin Keesis and husband Larry of Red Oak, IA, Virginia Wolkensdorfer, and Rachel Perkins  both of Shenandoah; three brothers-in-law, Bobby Gray and wife Toni of Shenandoah, Paul Gray and wife Linda of Imogene, IA and David Gray and wife Barb of Ozark, MO; many nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives and many friends

Haughland, Rhonda MarLynne Jorgensen - Rhonda Haugland, 68, of Clarinda, Iowa entered into peace Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, October 21, 2019 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Jay Cline officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Rhonda MarLynne Haugland was born April 8, 1951 in Clarinda, Iowa to Marcus Jorgenson and Vivian (Miller) Jorgensen. When Rhonda was five, her mother passed away after giving birth to twin girls. Rhonda and her sisters were cared for and raised by their grandparents, Fiddle and Clara Miller. Rhonda was also a mother to Viv and Vi and they affectionately called her Nonie which became her name also with her grandchildren. She grew up in Clarinda and graduated from Clarinda High School with the class of 1969. Rhonda furthered her education at Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda. She was united in marriage November 28, 1970 to Ed Dahlgran and they were blessed with two daughters, Michelle and Karie. They were later divorced. June 11, 1983, she married Kenneth Haugland and gained two step children, Kirk and Konni.

Rhonda had a variety of jobs through the years including being an Avon representative, working at Caseys, Walmart and Noah’s Ark Daycare which she truly enjoyed. In 1986, Ken and Rhonda moved to Clarinda and they operated the family business of Miller Taxi Service.

Rhonda enjoyed life, she loved being a mother and grandmother and her family was her top priority. She was a huge Hawkeye fan and enjoyed the Hallmark Christmas movies, games, crocheting and all crafts. She loved being involved with the youth groups and also taught Sunday School. And dancing… she loved to dance and enjoyed loud music and driving fast!

Preceding Rhonda in death were her parents, Vivian and Marcus Jorgensen; grandparents, Clara and Fiddle Miller, and Andrew and Frances Jorgenson; husband, Kenneth Haugland; grandson, TjayVanLangen; uncle, Joedd Miller.

Left to cherish Rhonda’s memory are her daughters, Michelle Simpson (Gary Hansen) and Karie Martin (Travis) of Clarinda, Iowa; step children, Kirk Haugland (Rachel) of Story City, Iowa and Konni VanLangen (Doug) of Ellsworth, Iowa; grandchildren, Dani Mertes (Trevor) of Coin, Iowa, Haley Simpson (David Warkentien) of Clarinda, Sydney Martin and Sadie Martin of Clarinda; step grandchildren, Andrew Haugland, Kristina Scott (Michael), Jacob Haugland, Ceara McFarland (Cory), Shea VanLangen; great grandchildren, Charlie Mertes, Jonathan Mertes, Avery Mertes, Jesse Warkentien; step great grandchildren, Brantley and Clayton; sisters, Violet Cimock (Larry) of Creston, Iowa and Vivian Gibson of Clarinda; niece, Calle Mace (Jerome (Bobby) McCallum) of Emerson, Iowa; nephew, Ernie Gibson of Red Oak, Iowa; nieces, Sandra Miller of Phoenix, Arizona and Jennifer Miller of Santa Rosa, California; nephews; class mates of 1969 and many friends.

Betty Henderson McKim Henneman age 94 of Clarinda passed away November 20, 2019 at Goldenrod Manor.

Betty Jean was born April 7, 1925 in Fisher Township Fremont County Iowa.   The daughter of Russell and Verna (Emery) Henderson.  She was partly raised in Northboro Iowa by her grandparents. She later moved with her parents to the Bedford area, where she grew to maturity and graduated from Bedford High School.

On December 20, 1945 Betty married Virgil B. McKim and to that union a son was born, Gary V. McKim.  Virgil preceded her in death on September 1962.

Later Betty married Orville Henneman in 1965, who preceded her in death in 1992.  She was a member of the First Christin Church.  She also worked at the MHI and several area stores.  She was also a member of American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Historical Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents and both husbands.

Betty is survived by her son Gary (Nancy) McKim; grandchildren Stephanie (John) Pitzl and Brian (Aya) McKim, four step children Duane (Paula) Henneman, Carl (Elaine) Henneman, Virgil (Carol) Verstappen and Stephen Henneman, 9 step grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, a host of family and friends

Kibbe, Janice Troxel - Janice Troxel Kibbe of Council Bluffs, Iowa formerly of Corning, Iowa entered into peace Friday, October 18, 2019 at Risen Son Christian Village, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Graveside Services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa with Russ Clark officiating. Interment will be held at the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Janice Mae Troxel Kibbe was born December 3, 1949 in Lock Springs, Missouri the daughter of Basil Troxel and Helen (Eads) Troxel. The family moved to New Market, Iowa in 1951 and Janice grew up there attending country school and graduating from New Market High School. Following graduation, Janice attended Cosmetology School in Des Moines, Iowa. She was united in marriage and later divorced and was blessed with three children, Andrew, Nicole and Kurtis.

Janice was a beautician in Corning, Iowa for many years. She also had a variety of jobs through the years, including working at the Burcliesse Industry in Corning, cook at the jail and working at the casino while in Council Bluffs. Her family was her top priority and she relocated to Council Bluffs to be near them. Janice loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, solving puzzles, sewing, doing crafts. She had a knack for decorating and she also loved to shop.

Preceding Janice in death are her parents, Basil and Helen Troxel; infant brother, John Alan Troxel; sister, Joann Troxel Woodruff; nephew, Matthew Woodruff; brother-in-law, Gilbert Burch; sister-in-law, Rhonda Troxel.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Andrew Troxel of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Nicole Haffner (Nick) of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Kurtis Kibbe (Angela) of Council Bluffs, Iowa; six grandchildren, Nathan, Matthew, Jarod, Chole, Connor and Heath; sisters, Karon Burch of Braddyville, Iowa and Sharon Flanagan (Dave) of Johnston, Iowa; brothers, Larry Troxel (Connie) of New Market, Iowa and Norris Troxel of New Market, Iowa; many nieces and nephews and many friends

Ruth Anna (Mullinix) King, 97, of Shenandoah, entered into rest on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah. 

A memorial celebration of Ruth's life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah with Phil Wing officiating.  The family will greet relatives and friends with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 am prior to the service at the funeral home Saturday morning.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in Baker Cemetery, rural Shenandoah.  Memorials in Ruth's name are being directed to the Ruth A. King Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund.

    Ruth Anna (Mullinix) King, daughter of John Day and Mary Grace (Musgrove) Mullinix, was born on November 4, 1922 in Glenelg, Maryland.  She entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 97 years, and 15 days.

    Born in the family home in Glenelg. Maryland, Ruth quietly came into this world as the doctor, who was in the house, slept through her arrival.  She was raised on the family farm and learned many things about farm life from her family.  She attended school in a one room schoolhouse to which she walked one-half mile to attend.  For high school, she rode the bus to Clarksville, Maryland and graduated at the age of 16.  Following graduation, she worked on the family farm, took care of her elderly aunts, and babysat for a relative’s children.  Ruth walked to this job and wore out her shoes.  Her mother made her quit this job because the shoes were more expensive than the pay she was receiving.

    At age 18, Ruth moved to Washington DC, where she did her nurses training at Sibley Hospital and earned her Registered Nurse degree.  She continued working in DC until her sister was transferred to Omaha, Nebraska.  Ruth and Lois moved across the country to begin this new adventure.  St. Joseph Hospital hired her to work in surgery.

    One Thanksgiving, Ruth met Merle King when she came with Lois to the King farm.  Lois knew Merle’s brother, John, from working at the Air Base near DC. On April 7, 1951, at Providence Church in Glenelg, Maryland, Ruth and Merle were united in marriage.  They moved into the King family farm east of Shenandoah, Iowa, where she spent the next 50 plus years.  Through the years she worked at Hand Community Hospital, Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Iowa.  She then studied at the University of Iowa so she could teach practical nursing at the Clarinda Community College, which became Iowa Western Community College (IWCC).

    Ruth always had a big garden, did lots of canning, raised chickens and had time to help with homework even when she was grading papers or making lesson plans.  She was a lifelong       member of the Norwich United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was active in the WSCS (UMW).  She was also a member of the Altrusa Club, Antique Study Club and the Norwich Social Hour.

    Merle always went to auctions and would bring home many “valuables”.  When Ruth retired she decided “if you can’t beat’em, join’em”.  They enjoyed their antique business for many years.  “King’s” was the place to go on Memorial Day weekend and the 4th of July.

    Preceding Ruth in death were her parents; infant son, John Carlton; infant grandson, Glen Dean; husband, Merle Cleatis; sister, Katherine and her husband John (Jack) Dorcus; sister, Lois and her husband Jack McEveny; brother, David Mullinix; brother-in-law, Ron Shriver; and brothers-in-law and their spouses, Dale and Mary King, John and Vera King and Walter and LaVelle King.

    Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Marilyn Anne  Kinsella and husband Bernie of Council Bluffs, IA and Pamela Jean Lewis and husband Mark of Shenandoah, IA; three grandchildren, Bernie Kinsella and wife Melissa of Houston, TX, Katie Kinsella and Ryan Penney of Council Bluffs, IA, and Megan Beery of Glenwood, IA.  Her sister, Grace Shriver and sister-in-law, Betty Mullinix, still live in Maryland.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends

Lewis, Arlene F. Feb 22, 1922 - Oct 11, 2019 -

Virginia L. McElroy, 80, of Sidney, Iowa and formerly of Shenandoah, Iowa entered into eternal rest on Sunday morning, October 27, 2019 at The Ambassador - Sidney following a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born on September 24, 1939 in Tacoma, Washington to William Lee and Dorothy Frances (Ganske) Householder.

A celebration of Virginia's life will be held at a later date.

A homemaker most of her life, Virginia worked as an Iowa Legal Aid for nine years and volunteered at West Page Improvement Center for many years.

Activities and things that brought great enjoyment to Virginia included her flowers and flower gardens, gardening, collecting elephant and black and white cow figurines, doing puzzles and playing cards.

Preceding Virginia in death were her mother, Dorothy Frances (Ganske) Coburn; step-father, Loris Coburn; father, William Leroy Householder; husband, Donald Bower McElroy; infant son, Richard Dean McElroy; son, Donald Lee McElroy Jr.; and granddaughter, Danielle Renee (Masters) Useche.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Billy James Coburn of New York, Patricia Arleyne Masters of Valrico, FL, Susayne Frances Horton and Husband Bill Horton of Sidney, IA, September Dawn McEroy of Clarinda, IA, and Michael Coburn McElroy of Florida; two sisters, Barbara Jean Hembree of Indianapolis, IN, and  Deloris Jane Wuertley and Husband Ken of Avon, IN; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two nieces; other relatives; and many friend

McNeal, Leroyal Edward, was born August 1st, 1921 and died March 3rd, 1923 after more than three months illness. He leaves to mourn their loss, a mother, father, one brother, two grandmothers, three great grandmothers, one great grandfather and a host of aunts and uncles and other relatives and friends. "His little form from us has gone, A voice we loved is still, A place is vacant in our hearts, That never can be filled."

The funeral was officiated by Rev B.F. Hubbard.

The little son of Mr and Mrs McNeal was 19 months and 2 days old. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 8, 1923

----

Leroy Elson McNeal passed away at nine o'clock Saturday morning at the home of his parents Mr and Mrs Harvey McNeal, the service being held this Monday from the George Jones home on S. 14th street with burial in the Clarinda Cemetery. The little one was born August 1st, 1921. His mother's name before marriage was Cattie Montgomery. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 5, 1923

Miller, Betty "Sissy" - Betty “Sissy” Miller, age 62, of Menasha, Wisconsin, formerly of Braddyville, Iowa entered into peace Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Menasha, Wisconsin. Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 4, 2019 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Richard Iske officiating.

Morgan, Naomi Francis Dwyre - Naomi Morgan, 92, of Clarinda, Iowa entered into peace Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa. A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held 1:00 PM Friday, November 22, 2019 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Interment will be held at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

Naomi Frances Dwyre Morgan was born July 31, 1927 in Burlington Junction, Missouri, the daughter of James Ronald Dwyre and Opal (Thacker) Dwyre. Her mother died when Naomi was three years old and her Grandmother Dwyre and her Aunt Blanche and Uncle Frank helped raise her. Naomi’s father married Catherine Bird and they had four children, Ruby, James Ronald, Anna Catherine and Mary Jane. Naomi graduated from Burlington Junction, Missouri High School in 1945. She moved to Clarinda, Iowa and worked at the Mental Health Hospital. She met Jack Clifford Morgan and they married in Troy, Kansas September 7, 1946.

Naomi and Jack worked in Mental Health Hospitals throughout their working careers in Iowa, Oregon, Utah, and California. Naomi retired July 31, 1992, from Dammasch State Hospital in Tualatin, Oregon. After Jack’s death, Naomi continued living in Oregon until moving to Clarinda to be near her family.

Naomi was a life long member of the Burlington Junction Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Employees Union in Tualatin, Oregon and the VFW Auxiliary for many years. Naomi enjoyed her cats, Thumper and Pepper and going to the casino.

Preceding Naomi in death are her parents, Ronald and Opal Dwyre; grandmother; Uncle Frank Dwyre and Aunt Blanche Dwyre; three half siblings, James Ronald Dwyre, Anna Catherine Gilleland and Mary Jane Broker.

Left to cherish Naomi’s memory are her half sister, Ruby Davis of Mound City, Missouri; cousins, Mary Jo Combs of Clarinda, Iowa and Denise Johnson and family of Waukee, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Cheryl Thomsen, Gary (Jan) Thomsen, Terry (Carol) Thomsen, Katherine Knight, Bud Iermini, Sheri (Rick) Mederios, Kelly (Beverly) Iermini and Michael Iermini; all of California and Mary (Robert) McDonald of Washington; other relatives and many friends

Negley, Jean Edith Abbott - Jean Edith (Abbott) Negley was born March 7, 1940, in Clarinda, Iowa the daughter o Vern Abbott and Edith (Apple) Abbott. She grew up on the Abbott farm four miles west of Clarinda along with her brothers Alan and Jon. She had fond memories of playing in nearby Snake Creek and family fishing trips to Minnesota. She attended elementary school in Yorktown before graduating from Clarinda High School with the Class of 1958. She played trombone in the school band and that’s where she first met her eventual life partner, Marvin Negley.

After high school, Jean attended Clarinda Junior College before transferring to Iowa State where she graduated with a Mathematics Degree in 1962. On February 14, 1960, Marvin and Jean were united in marriage in Yorktown, Iowa. After college, they moved to Buchanan, Michigan where Marvin worked at Electro-Voice and Jean was a high school math teacher. In 1968, they returned to Clarinda to be closer to family and to raise their three boys. The boys were active in school and the family calendar was typically filled with concerts and ballgames.

Jean taught math at the high school and Marvin was Manager of Engineering at Lisle Corporation, but they also operated a small hobby farm on a tract of land west of town that had belonged to the Abbott family. In 1989, they discontinued farming and planted a large portion of the farm in trees. In 1981, she stopped teaching and became co-founder of Bordeaux, Inc., a local clothing company. Over the next decade, she experienced both the joys and pitfalls of being an entrepreneur. In 1992, she became an administrator associated with the Clarinda Academy and continued in that capacity until her untimely passing.

Jean was always involved in community activities and volunteering her time to make Clarinda a special place . . . the home of both she and Marvin’s families for many generations. She was all about getting things done and since she seemingly knew ‘everybody’ she had plenty of resourses to make things happen. She was often asked to sit on boards or serve on committees where she often had leadership roles. Some of the organizations she had been a part of included the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Trees Forever, and the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society.

Jean had a sense of adventure and had the good fortune to travel around the USA as well as many foreign countries. She loved seeing the sites and meeting people from different backgrounds. She loved to fish in the pond and liked nothing better than rolling down the windows and taking off on some backroad driving adventure. A farm girl at heart, she had a good mechanical sense around machinery and could clean the carburetor on the old Ford 640 tractor . . . endearing qualities to her family of four engineers! One of her favorite pastimes was driving that tractor around the family farm which she had nicknamed “Serenity Acres”. She was a prolific winker, which was her sign of affection or that she hoped you were in on the joke. She was also a faithful member of the Fairview Church of Christ.

Jean was a mentor and friend to many . . . Aunt Jean, Grandma Jean, and Mom to a precious few. She loved life and all its complexity, but liked nothing better than simply gathering around the fireplace on a cold night surrounded by family. That same family will treasure her memory and carry on her legacy.

Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her husband Marvin Negley of Clarinda, Iowa; sons Paul (Dasha) of Urbandale, Iowa; Van (Barb) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Mark (Em) of Kirkland, Washington; grandchildren Luke, Logan, Timber, Minka, Race, Charlotte, Brio; nieces, nephews and so many friends.

Preceding Jean in death were her parents Vern and Edith Abbott; her two brothers, Alan and Jon Abbott; and her in-laws Paul and Elsie Negley.

Jean was a life well lived . . . her impact on her family and community will long be remembered.
May she be at peace in God’s loving care

Newberg, Arllie Nevin - Arllie Newberg, age 87, of Buena Park, California, formerly of College Springs, Iowa entered into peace Sunday, October 6, 2019 at West Anaheim Med Center, Anaheim, California. Funeral Celebration of Life Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Interment will be held at the Maple Hill Cemetery in College Springs, Iowa with military honors. 

Joyce Ann (Mattes) Partridge, daughter of Gerald Dean and Norma Deane (Nicks) Mattes was born on July 14, 1950 at Nebraska City, Nebraska.  She entered into rest on Friday, October 18, 2019 at her home in Inverness, Florida surrounded by family at the age of 69 years, 3 months, 4 days.

Funeral services for Joyce will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 10:30 am at Nishna Valley Funeral Home with Pastor Marcia Barnett officiating.  The family will greet relatives and friends with visitation one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 am.  Memorials are being directed to the family.  Burial will take place in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.

In her very early years, Joyce’s family lived in Riverton, Iowa and Braddyville, Iowa.  When Joyce was four years old, the family moved to Elmo, Missouri where she attended Elmo elementary school during which time she was a member of the Elmo 4-H club. She was baptized in 1963 and became a member of the Community of Christ Church in Maryville, Missouri.

Growing up on the farm, Joyce learned many valuable life lessons and traits.  She helped with the gardening, canning and meal preparation for the family. Along with her brothers and sisters, she spent many hours walking beans, one summer of detasseling corn, as well as assisting with the livestock chores and taking lunches to the field during harvest time. She also enjoyed projects of sewing, food and nutrition and made several of her own outfits.  Joyce was a 1968 graduate of West Nodaway R-1 High School where she was very active in the high school choir.

After high school Joyce attended Business College in Omaha, Nebraska. It was during this time at college that she met and married Earl Schlotfeld.  To this union two sons, Earl J and Rex Allen, were born.

Later in Joyce’s life she met and married Dale Partridge adding Michelle and Michael to their family. After a short time of working at Control Data, Joyce then assisted Dale in his business “One Stop Music”.  Dale repaired band instruments for all the area High Schools along with providing music lessons to area students.

In 1998, Dale and Joyce moved to Clearwater Beach, Florida when they bought and managed the Amber Tides Motel.  Joyce provided the laundry and housekeeping end of the business along with assisting where ever she was needed until they lost the motel to city rezoning and construction.  Joyce then worked for 10 years in home health caring for the elderly in need until her health forced her to give up her career.

Preceding Joyce in death were her parents, grandparents, a brother-in-law, and all but one aunt and uncle.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dale of Inverness, FL; her four children, Earl J.  Schlotfeld of Anderson, IN, Rex Allen (Karen) Schlotfeld of Olympia, WA; Michelle (Dean) Campbell of Inverness, FL, and Michael Partridge of Inverness, FL; three grandchildren, Jessica, Jason, and Dale Jr;  two brothers,  Stephen Mattes and wife Sharon of Auburn, NE and Rex Mattes of Perry, IA; sister, Sheryl Waldron and husband Jim of Villisca, IA; uncle and aunt, Burvon and Lola Owens of West Plains, MO; many nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives and many friends.

Pease, Sarah Newsam - Mrs Sarah Pease died at the home of her sister in law, Mrs E. Newsam eight miles southwest of Villisca, on Saturday, September 14, 1912, at the age of seventy-eight years, five months and nineteen days.

Sarah Newsam was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1834, and came to Iowa in the early fifties and settled in Lee county, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Joseph A. Pease October 4, 1870. He preceded her to the grave about five years. Since the time of his death she had made her home with a sister until a year ago when she came to Page county and had since made her home with Mrs Newsam.

The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian church at Ft Madison, Iowa. Distant relatives, only, survive, her brothers and sisters having preceded her to the grave. The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon at three o'clock by Rev W.J. Ewing, pastor of the Villisca Presbyterian church. The interment was in North Page cemetery. THE VILLISCA REVIEW, Villisca, Iowa, Sep 19, 1912

Pettengill, John - Funeral services were held Monday, February 24, 1975 from the Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada for John Richard Pettengill. Rev Louis Nemmo officiated. Burial was in Paradise Memorial Park.

Mr Pettengill died February 20th after a lengthy illness.

John was born in 1897 at Essex, Iowa to Franklin A. and Flora A. Brann Pettengill. He attended school in Essex and Villisca. He played baseball on one of the first Nodaway teams.

Mr Pettengill was a carpenter and for many year worked in Copper, Tungsten and Uranium mines in the west. Eight years ago he moved to Las Vegas when he retired.

Preceeding him in death were his wife, Jane, who died in 1971; his parents; one brother Clifford; and two sisters, Mrs Ruby Hendry and Elva Maxine.

Surviving him is a step daughter, Mrs Ester Langon, 2 brothers, Chester of Grant, Iowa, and Everett of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two sisters, Lucinda Ashmore of Richland, Missouri and Mamie Wright of Custer, Washington; a friend and companion, Clara Reasonover of Las Vegas, Nevada, and many nieces and nephews.

Attending from this area were Mr and Mrs Don Bryson, Mr Chester Pettengill, and Mrs Blanche Pettengill., Mr and Mrs Larry Baker attended from Cottonwood, Arizona. THE VILLISCA REVIEW, Villisca, Iowa, Mar 6, 1975

Robert "Bob" Petersen, 83, of rural Essex and formerly of Nebraska City, entered into rest on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society - Villisca.  A memorial visitation, following cremation, will be held to celebrate Bob's life with the family receiving relatives and friends from 7:00 to 9:00 pm Monday, November 25 at Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah.  Memorials in Bob's name are being directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Professional arrangements are under the direction of Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah. 

CTOC Robert Eugene Petersen, USN Ret, entered into peace on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society – Villisca, Iowa at the age of 83 years, 1 month, 17 days.  Bob was born on September 30, 1936, to Alvin and Catherine (Rakestraw) Petersen in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

He attended the Nebraska City Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1955.  Bob participated in football and basketball and was multi letter athlete in each.  He was also in the National Guard during high school and enlisted in the Navy following graduation.

On June 25, 1956, Bob and Paula E. Graham were united in marriage at Lorton, Nebraska.  To this union three children were born, Patricia (Patti), Susan and John.

Bob served most of his service time with the National Security Agency.  His duty stations were in Maryland; Adak, Alaska; Okinawa, Japan; Hawaii and Virginia.  In 1974, he retired as CTOC (E-8).

Following retirement the family settled in Shenandoah, Iowa, where Bob took up taxidermy and built an extensive collection of guns.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as playing golf until his health prevented him from doing so.  He was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88.

Preceding Bob in death were his daughter, Susan Lynn Petersen; son, John Eugene Petersen and his wife Alice (Reed) Petersen; grandson, Troy Eugene Petersen; parents; brother, Donald Petersen; sister, Alice Jean Sharp and her husband Al Sharp.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Paula Petersen; daughter, Patricia Johnson of Shenandoah, IA; granddaughter, Jessica Sue Johnson of Atlanta, GA; sister, Rita Place and husband Richard of Eugene, OR; sister-in-law, Theresa Petersen; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends

Polsley, Gwendolyn Irene Wilson - Gwendolyn Polsley, 97, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Clarinda, Iowa entered into peace Friday, October 18, 2019 at Valhaven Care Center, Valley, Nebraska. Graveside Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Andrew Rubenking officiating . Interment will be held at the Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Iowa.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Gwendolyn Irene Polsley was born April 27, 1922 in Yorktown, Iowa to Arthur Wilson and Gelena (Downing) Wilson. She was the fourth child of seven and only girl with six brothers. She grew up in Clarinda, Iowa and graduated from Clarinda High School. She graduated from Iowa Western Community College as a LPN. She was united in marriage October 24, 1941 to Melbern C. Polsley and they were blessed with two sons, Larry and Rex.

Gwen worked for over twenty six years as a nurse and dental technician at Clarinda Treatment Center. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Clarinda. Gwen and Melbern move to Blair, Nebraska in 1986 to be near their family. She was very active in volunteer work with the Blair Methodist Church, Blair Hospital, Good Shepherd Home and Thrift store.

Gwen enjoyed watching football games, traveling and family fishing vacations to Minnesota and Canada. She also enjoyed crocheting and was an avid reader. Gwen resided at Valhaven Care & Rehab Center, Valley, Nebraska for the past six years.

Preceding Gwen in death are her parents, Arthur and Gelena Wilson; husband, Melbern Polsley; brothers, Harry Wendell Wilson, Floyd Michael, Lloyd Michael, Francis Wilson, Lowell Wilson, Keith Wilson; son, Rex Polsley.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Larry Polsley and wife Sandee of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Colene Liles of Red Oak, Iowa, Debra Chigas of Omaha, Nebraska, Tracy Carman of Las Vegas, Nevada, Angela Starr of Omaha, Nebraska; eight great grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; nieces; nephews and many friends

Rowan, Phyllis - Phyllis J. Rowan, 88 of Shenandoah, Iowa passed away on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Burial will be held 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Coin, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Pullen, Allie E., son of Johnnie and Etta Parker Pullen, was born in Shambaugh, Iowa, January 26, 1900 and passed away at the Municipal Hospital March 18, 1970 after having been a patient there since February 28. Allie had been in the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha where he had undergone surgery February 13 before coming back to his home.

On April 9, 1921 he was united in marriage to Edna Fern Royer, and to this union two children were born: a son Lowell, of Shambaugh and a daughter, Mrs Winston (Juanita) Crabtree of Kansas City, Missouri. Three grandchildren were also reared in the home, Mrs Harold (Marcia) Stewart and Larry Niblock of Kansas City, Missouri and Debbie Schade of the home.

He is survived by his wife, one son, one daughter, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, a sister, Mrs Harve Miller of Shambaugh, a brother, Kenneth Phipps of Fontana, California, and also Mrs Harry (Velma) Rucker of Bedford, Iowa, who was like a sister to Allie, as she was reared in the family home. Many nephews, nieces, and cousins are also left to mourn Allie's departure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr and Mrs Johnnie Pullen. Allie had held several employments, his last employment being at Campbell Plumbing in Clarinda.

Allie was noted for his many deeds of helpfulness to others and his special love for all children. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and by all who knew him. CLARINDA HERALD-JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 26, 1970

Sawyer, John R. - John R. Sawyer, 90, a longtime resident of Tucson, Arizona, passed away Friday, October 18, 2019 following a lengthy illness. He was born and raised in Shenandoah. He was born on December 4, 1928 to the late Raymond and Marie Sawyer.

John worked for May Broadcasting at KMA Radio in Shenandoah as an accountant until he moved to Tucson in 1969. He worked as an accountant at KGUN Television until he retired. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for four years and was a Korean War veteran.

In Tucson, John was an active member in the Campbell-Grant Neighborhood Association and served for a time as the group's president.

John is survived by two nephews; Sam Sawyer of Tucson, Arizona and Steve Sawyer of Lawrence, Georgia.

John will be interred 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah with military rites provided by the Shenandoah American Legion Post 88 Color Guard

Steffen, Mary Lou Harlow - Mary Lou Steffen, 76, of Clarinda, Iowa entered into peace Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral Celebration of Life Services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2019, at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Mitch Grossoehme officiating. Interment will be held at the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. 

Mary Lou Steffen was born June 21, 1943 in Toronto, Canada to R. Edward Harlow and E. Margaret (Burritt) Harlow. She was the daughter of missionaries and lived in several places including Africa for two years while growing up. Mary Lou graduated from Plainfield High School, Plainfield, New Jersey in 1961. She attended Emmaus Bible School in Oak Park, Illinois where she met her future husband. Mary Lou and Valgene Steffen were united in marriage March 29, 1964 in Wheaton, Illinois. They were blessed with five children, Jan, Karen, Linda, Marletta and Bill.

Mary Lou and Valgene farmed and raised their family in Taylor County, Iowa. In addition to helping with the farm, when her children were of school age, she worked at the Clarinda Company until its closing as a proof reader and later as the secretary of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Mary Lou was devoted to her family. Her greatest enjoyment was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; she would light up when talking about her family. She was a woman of faith and devoted to serving God in the best way she could. Through the years, she was active in many churches, teaching Sunday School and Bible School, playing the piano and organ. She would daily send Bible verses to several people with her flip phone.

Preceding Mary Lou in death are her parents, Edward and Margaret Harlow; husband, Valgene Steffen; sister, Rhonda Hess; brother-in-law, Jim Hess; in-laws Max and Eulah Steffen; brothers-in-law, Mike Headley and Claude Birge

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jan (Russ) Samford of Bedford, Iowa, Karen (Aaron) Davidshofer of New Market, Iowa, Linda (Jon) Poore of Macomb, Illinois, Marletta (Joe) Helms of Leawood, Kansas, and Bill (Jenny) Steffen of Clarinda, Iowa; grandchildren, Devyn Samford, Eric Samford, Ashley (Josh) Woods, Haley Davidshofer, Levi Davidshofer, Lindsey Poore, Jacob Poore, Abby Helms, Emma Helms, Hannah Helms, Clint Steffen and Layne Brown; great grandchildren, Andi Woods, Jaxson Woods and Jace Woods; brother, Steve (Louise) Harlow; brother-in-law, Wes (Mary Anna) Steffen; sisters-in-law, Zelda Birge and Donna (Lendy) Tyler; nieces; nephews and many friends

Stevens, David "Dave" Louis - Dave passed away at his home on Wednesday afternoon, October 16, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be be held 10:30 a.m. on October 26, 2019 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. Memorial Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on October 25, 2019 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. Burial of cremains will be held following the memorial service at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials may be directed to the family.

David Louis Stevens, beloved son of Nancy (Hankins) and the late Richard Stevens, was born on October 2, 1952, and entered to rest surrounded by his family on October 16, 2019.
Some would say he had nine lives, was spring-loaded, and spent each one of those lives giving anyone willing to accept the challenge a good run for their money. Dave grew up in Shenandoah, and miraculously managed to graduate with the class of 1970 (he'd tell you 75), much to the relief of every one of his instructors and the entire administration. They
earned their money with him.

If you knew Dave in his youth, you were witness to seemingly endless tomfoolery, police sirens, dust clouds, and the occasional serious misdemeanor. In fact, according to sources who wish not to be named as an accessory after the fact, Dave still holds the record for the most successful attempts to outrun local law enforcement. All in good fun, of course, and he was never one to back down from a challenge.

Dave, after he decided to become a part-time law-abiding citizen, spent most of his professional life in the printing business. Aside from that, he was also pretty handy with a set of tools, fishing rods, guns, a vegetable garden, and a cooler. He was a dedicated Broncos fan, and much to the chagrin of their mothers, managed to impart a deep love of Husker football upon a couple of his grandsons.

Dave married Vicki (Whitehill) Stevens on November 24, 2000, and together they joined their families. Their children, Brandon, Natalie, Leigh, Katie, and Nikki somehow managed this dynamic duo with a little bit of grace and remain after all these years their own force to be reckoned with.

Dave and Vicki became grandparents for the first time in 1999 with the births of their grandsons Aysah and Alex, a role that Dave, in particular, was so excited to play he quite literally danced a jig. Kemper and Renee soon joined the family, followed by Nicholas, Samantha, Annabelle, Easton, and Matthew. The icing on the cake for Dave and Vicki came with the birth of their first great grandson, Orion.

Over the years Dave became affectionately known as Grandpa, or Grampy, to everyone. He never knew a stranger, and friends were always family. He reveled in his role as grandfather. He was the bass master and knower-of-all-things to Aysah and Kemper, and he was their best friend.

Preceding Dave to the great beyond was his father Dick Stevens, grandparents Duffy and Merna Hankins, grandparents Edward and Sarah Stevens, and a slew of great friends and family that he missed dearly (all of whom most likely welcomed him to the other side with a cold beer).

Left to cherish and laugh about their every memory are his mother Nancy Stevens of Shenandoah, IA, his wife Vicki Stevens of Farragut, IA, children Brandon Stevens of Omaha, NE, Natalie
Cottrell and Andy Paez of Clarinda, IA, Leigh and Victor Bycroft of Fort Dodge, IA, Katie and Andrew Peterson of Coin, IA, and Nikki and Jamarl John of Fayetteville, NC; grandchildren (in no
particular order) Aysah Dondlinger, Kemper Long, Matthew Peterson, Samantha and Annabelle Cottrell, Easton Paez, Alex, Renee, and Nicholas Von Korff, and great grandson Orion Dondlinger.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for every kind word, thought, and deed during Dave's illness. They'd buy you a beer...but there probably just isn't enough to go around

Stipe, Leon D. - "The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Sergeant Leon D. Stipe was killed in action in defense of his country in western European area on November 9. Clio the Adutant General.

This was the sad message received y wire from Washington Saturday by Mr and Mrs William F. Stipe of Clarinda.

The very day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, this patriotic young man--not yet 19 at the time--went to Omaha to volunteer for the army air service. After returning for consent of parents, he got his enlistment through on December 14th and was assigned to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for preliminary training. After two months in this basic training he spent less than a month at Sheppard field, Texas, when he grasped an opportunity to volunteer for the radio division of the army air corps.

After a six month's course he was assigned to Scott field, Ill, near St Louis, Mo. Leon was home last April on furlough when moving to Camp Dix, N.J. where he soon got extensive air travel on a "clay pigeon" transport, so called because it carried only light field guns and was used to fly officers to points in the United States and Canada. Then he flew to Iceland on an officers' transport as a radio operator. Meantime he was training as a pilot and was made a co-pilot after receiving the rank of sergeant last July, and in August he flew on transport from Iceland to Britain, carrying American officers. Last reports indicated he was carrying troops to Africa, probably paratroopers, and his parents believe it was in this mission that he met his unfortunate death.

Attended Junior College

Leon was a bright young man who took a leading part in affairs, graduating from high school here in 1941 with high honors, and he was in his first year of junior college when he enlisted, being treasurer of the freshman class and president of the Phalanx club, CJC Hi-Y organization. He participated in athletics while in high school and was a member of the Cardinal football squad during 1938, 1939, and 1940, lettering the latter two years, playing regular tackle, and being on the Hawkeye Six honor roll his senior year.

He was active in Boy Scout work here.

Sgt. Stipe is the second local youth killed in action during World War II. Ensign Don Griswold losing his life in June while on bomber duty with the U.S.S. Hornet, blasting a Jap battleship in his final bomb dive.

Stone, Daniel Frederick - Daniel Stone, 55, of Shambaugh, Iowa entered into peace Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at his residence in Shambaugh. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the Shambaugh Community Center, Shambaugh, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Daniel Frederick Stone was born August 4, 1964 in Salida, Colorado to Richard Fredrick Stone and Donna Mae (Mingus) Stone. He grew up in Salida and graduated from Salida High School. He moved to Clarinda with his family after graduation. Dan served his country in the United States Army. Upon his discharge, he returned to the Clarinda area where he worked a number of manufacturing jobs.

Dan enjoyed following and keeping football statistics. He had a gift with numbers, adding and multiplying in his head. He had an interest in electronics and had a knack for being able to build and repair almost anything. Dan was always dependable and could always be counted on whether it was working or being a part in his family’s life.

Left to cherish Dan’s memory are his sisters, Christine Nicholson and husband Bill and Tami Brown and husband Doug; brother, John Stone; three nieces; three nephews; one grand niece and three grand nephews.

Preceding Dan in death are his parents, Richard and Donna Stone

Merrill Dean Swanson, 86, of Shenandoah and formerly of rural Essex, unexpectedly entered into rest on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Nebraska Medicine - Omaha.  

Funeral services for Merrill will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:00 am at Nishna Valley Funeral Home in Shenandoah with Pastor Kurt Hoover officiating.  The family will greet relatives and friends with visitation and viewing from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the funeral home prior to the service.  Burial will be in Shenandoah's Rose Hill Cemetery with military rites.  Thank you, Merrill, for your service to our country, we are eternally grateful.  Memorials in Merrill's name are being directed to the Shenandoah Emmanuel Lutheran Church or to People For Paws. 

Merrill Dean Swanson was born on February 22, 1933 on a farm east of Essex, Iowa to Raymond and Inez (Wedell) Swanson.  He unexpectedly entered into rest on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Nebraska Medicine – Omaha following a sudden heart attack at the age of 86 years, 8 months, and 18 days.

At the age of five, Merrill and his family moved into Essex in 1938.  He attended the Essex Community Schools for three years until moving to a farm west of Essex in 1941.   He then attended Centennial country school through the eighth grade before attending and graduating from Essex High School with the Class of 1950.

Following graduation, Merrill farmed with his father until April of 1953, when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War.  After basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, he was sent overseas to Kaiserslautern, Germany.  He spent 17 months as a clerk typist at Rhine Engineer Headquarters in Germany.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in March of 1955. Following his discharge, Merrill returned to farming. 

On January 29, 1956, he was united in marriage to Etta Marie Swift at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, Iowa.  Following their marriage they moved to a farm north of Shenandoah.  While living there a son, Kevin Dean, and a daughter, Nancy Lyn, were born.  In 1965, they moved to the farm east of Essex, where Merrill was born.  They lived and farmed there until 2006, when they moved to Shenandoah.

When Merrill was young he attended and was confirmed in the Mission Covenant Church near Essex and later joined the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah.  He served on the church council, Page County Extension Council, was an assistant 4-H Leader, and a member of the American Legion Post #88.  He also worked at the Shenandoah Food Pantry.

Preceding Merrill in death were his beloved wife, Etta (Swift) Swanson; son, Kevin Swanson; and parents, Raymond and Inez (Wedell) Swanson. 

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Nancy Wilson and her husband Darrell of Quincy, IL; two grandsons, Blake Wilson and his wife Kassidy of Edwardsville, IL and Logan Wilson and Caitlin Arnold of Morrison, CO; two great granddaughters Kalylah and Kelette Wilson of Edwardsville, IL; sister, Mavis Herzberg and her husband Darrell of Villisca, IA; sister-in-law, Gloria Swift of Wheatland, WY; nieces and nephews, Diane Shipley and husband Bill of Nodaway, IA, Chris Herzberg and wife Jami of Charlotte, NC, Steven Herzberg and wife Kristen of Ankeny, IA, Dwight Swift and wife Cindy of Colorado Springs, CO, Paula Ann Swift of Bountiful, UT and Darwin Swift of Bristow, VA; many great nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives and many friends; and his beloved dog "Sparky".

Ubil, Nellie E. Drake - Mrs Nellie E. Ubil, 81, who died Thursday at 11 am at the home of her daughter, Mrs Verna Nelson, in Villisca, was buried in the Rosehill cemetery at Shenandoah Monday after a funeral service in the Methodist church in Shenandoah.

Mrs Ubil's body was removed from Mrs Nelson's home to the Pitman funeral home, and from there it was taken to Shenandoah for the funeral. The Rev Peter Jacobs, pastor of the Congregational church at Tabor, Iowa, conducted the service.

The deceased, a daughter of Mr and Mrs Braden Drake, was born August 6, 1859, near Streator, Ill. When she was 8 years of age her mother died and she went to live with her foster parents, Mr and Mrs William Bute in Streator. In the spring of 1877 the Bute family moved to Iowa and settled on a farm five miles southeast of Shenandoah. There Mrs Ubil spent her life, until two years ago when she came to live in the home of her daughter in Villisca.

She married James R. Ubil at Shenandoah, March 11, 1880. Four children were born to them, a son and three daughters. The son, Lloyd, died in 1919, after serving in the World war. The daughters, all living are Mrs Myrtle Shutwell, Boise, Ida; Mrs Mildred Tucker, Los Angeles, Cal; and Mrs Verna Nelson. Mrs Tucker and Mrs Nelson attended the funeral.

Other surviving relatives are two grandchildren, Mervin Nelson, Villisca, and Mrs Marie Stinemates, Clarinda, and two greatgrandchildren, Edward E. Stinemates and Elaine Marie Stinemates, both of Clarinda. A foster brother, Ewing Bute, lives at Shenandoah.

Mrs Ubil was a Gold Star mother and a member of the Methodist church.

Music at the funeral was furnished by Mrs Marie McMichael at the organ and Mrs Win Brown who sang several numbers.

Pallbearers were Mark Book, Mark Ketcham, Walter Beale, Floyd Beale, Will Wolford and John Sweeney, and the flower committee was Mrs Fred Wolford and Flora Beale. THE VILLISCA REVIEW, Villisca, Iowa, Jul 31, 1941

Vanni, David - 13 Mar 1942 - 21 Nov 2019 - David passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Shenandoah Medical Center.

No formal services will be held. He is survived by his beloved wife Kristine of the home.

Vicki Lynn (Stafford) Wagoner, 68, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society - Red Oak, Iowa following a courageous bout with cancer.

Private family graveside funeral services will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Franklin Grove Cemetery in Pierce Twp. north of Essex, Iowa with Pastor Ann Albert officiating.  Memorials in Vicki's name are being directed to the American Cancer Society. 

Vicki Lynn (Stafford) Wagoner, daughter of Bernard and Vada Jean (Boldra) Stafford, was born on May 26, 1951 at Nebraska City, Nebraska.  She entered into rest on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society – Red Oak, Iowa, following a short battle with cancer at the age of 68 years, 5 months, 28 days.

Her early life was spent growing up in the Sidney and Thurman, Iowa area.  On September 3, 1977, Vicki was united in marriage to Rickie Joe Wagoner at Sidney, Iowa.   They lived all their married life in the Shenandoah and Essex, Iowa area.  They built their current home outside of Essex in May of 1984.  Together, Rick and Vicki hand built a cabin at Sun Valley Lake, Ellston, Iowa in 2003.

In 1977, Vicki started working at Eaton Corporation in Shenandoah and worked there until her retirement on May 27, 2005.  Prior to Eaton’s she worked at the Meter Plant in Nebraska City.

Making memories with family and friends at Sun Valley Lake by boating, swimming and fishing brought great enjoyment to Vicki.  She also enjoyed cooking for friends and family, gambling at the casinos and playing scratch off lottery tickets.

Preceding Vicki in death were her parents; sister, Patty Greene; and brother, Chuck Fellows.  Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Rick Wagoner of Essex, IA; son, Robert (Rob) Jordon and wife Jodie of Essex, IA; two grandsons, Clay Jordon of Red Oak, IA and Noah Greene and wife Chelsie of Shenandoah, IA; step granddaughter, Emma Ross of Omaha, NE; two great grandchildren; brother, Ted Stafford of Thurman; brother-in-law, Roger Green of Farragut, IA; niece, Denell Eggleston of Farragut, IA; aunt, Jackie Richards and husband Wally of Columbus, NE; and two cousins, Anne Leahy of Colorado and Shari Wederquist of Red Oak, IA; other loving family members; and many friends

Edith Elnora was born December 10, 1924 to Russell and Hazel (Taylor) McAlpin in New Market, Iowa.  She passed away on October 30, 2019 at Clarinda Regional Health Center.

Edith Elnora Williams was a wonderful woman.  But you didn't dare call her Edith.  For some reason, she never liked that name and always went by Elnora.  Of course, when son, Kevin, found that out, he loved calling her Edith just to tease her.  But you had to be careful teasing Mom.  She could dish it out just as well as she could take it.  And she often dished first.  If you happen to be watching a football game with her (she did like to watch football) she would ask which team you were rooting for just so she could root for the other team.  (I really hated that).  

She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to have fun with people.  Even toward the end of her life, as she lay in her hospital bed, one of the nurses came in and softly asked her if there was anything at all she could get for her.  Mom, barely able to speak, replied, "You got any money?"   Joking until the end. 

Mom was never one to just sit around and do nothing.  And with a family of nine kids, there was always something to take care of, and she did.  Even with a full-time job working nights at the Clarinda Company, she still found the time to get things done.  She cooked, she cleaned, she canned, she shopped, she did the wash, hung clothes on the line, did ironing (LOTS of washing...LOTS of ironing), Even with all this she still found time to work in our big garden and yard.  And, when Dad got ill and became bed-ridden, she took care of him at home until the day he died. 

Mom did a lot of things very well.  One of things she really loved to do was bake.  Well, I guess I can't say she really loved to bake but the whole family really loved her baking.  She would prepare a big batch of raw dough, put it in a dishpan covered with a damp tea towel and place it at the top of the first set of stairs to rise.  Then she would make the best buns, loaves of bread, cinnamon rolls and fried bread!  Grandma taught her well.  I will say that having the pan of raw dough at the top of the first set of stairs wasn't always the best place.  I'm positive that more than one of us kids opened that stair door unaware of what our next step was going to put us in.  Thank goodness for the tea towel.  

Canning was an especially "fun" thing our mother did.  I say "fun" because we kids were always volunteered to help.  Our Uncle Jimmy would bring us (or we would go pick) ears and ears of sweet corn.  If you've never shucked and cut sweet corn on a warm, humid, sticky day, you don't know what you're missing.  Mom (and Grandma) also canned tomatoes, beets and made homemade pickles.  I have to say, for a family of eleven, though we certainly weren't "rich", we always ate very well.  

There's so much more that could be written about our mother but I have very little time and this needs to get wrapped up.  But I have to add that our mother was one of the kindest, most caring people on this earth.  Most of our friends called Mom "Mom" and they still do.  She was always inviting and always had a kind word to say or something funny to make you laugh.  And, anyone that knew our mom well, knew that she had a faith in God as strong as anyone could have.  Amazingly, she used to say that she was concerned that she wouldn't make it to heaven.  I told her that if that were true, then the rest of us don't have a prayer of making it.

Elnora is preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Ivan Winter, Francis Fahey and Calvin Williams; son Kris, daughter Mary Lou and sister Lucille.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Grebert, Kathleen Briggs and Kristine (Dwight) Wagoner; sons, Paul (Delinda) Fahey, Mike (Shelly) Fahey, Pat (Nancy) Fahey, Kevin Fahey and Eugene (Becky) Fahey; brother Jim McAlpin; 21 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren

James Edward Woldruff was born April 27, 1923 at the family farm in Siam, IA. to Cecil and Mary (Stewart) Woldruff.  He was the only son in a family of 3 daughters.  James started his education at a country school in Siam, IA. and then attended high school at Bedford IA. where he graduated in 1940.

James joined the Navy in August of 1943 and served our country until January of 1946.  He worked as an airplane mechanic, being stationed in Saipan.  On October 30, 1944 he was united in marriage to Arleen Marie Steeve at Hiawatha Ks.  Four Children were born to this union, Sheryl, Wendell, Marnice and Kevin.

James joined St. John Lutheran church in 1952 and remained a faithful and active member throughout his life.   He was a farmer and he never lost his love for the land and the Angus cattle that he raised.  He was a 4-H leader, served as president and secretary of the Angus Association and secretary of his bowling league, and was on the Page County Board of Supervisors (1985).  He was an avid bowler and golfer and enjoyed many years of participation.  He was selected bowler of the year in 1978 and was very proud of the hole-in-one that he made at the Griswold Golf Club in 1983.  Following his retirement, he wintered in Mesa, AZ. and enjoyed taking part in the park activities and meeting new friends.

After suffering a stroke in May of 2014, he moved to Goldenrod Manor.  He became close friends with the residents and staff.  He enjoyed talking with them daily and participating in some of the games and activities.  He looked forward to seeing the family and many visitors that stopped to see him.   Going on rides to survey the countryside and check on the progress of the crops and fall harvest was a favorite pastime.  James looked forward to the annual Woldruff picnic and the yearly 4th of July celebration in New Market, IA. and always had a good time visiting with people.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Cecil (1972) and Mary (1999), his wife Arleen (1985), grandson Adam Woldruff (1988), sister Doris Perry (2017), and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Sheryl Merone of Hastings, MN., Wendell (Mia) Woldruff of Clarinda, IA., Marnice (Dave) McComb of Clarinda, IA., and Kevin Woldruff of New Market, IA., 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Sunderman of Clarinda, IA., and Marian (Fred) Fesenmeyer of Eldon, MO., sisters-in-law, Dora Steeve of Clarinda, IA., and Pat Steeve of Creston, IA., along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

Woodsmall, Roger Dean -Nov 7, 1960 - Oct 20, 2019 - Roger Woodsmall, 58, of Clarinda, Iowa entered into peace Sunday, October 20, 2019 at his residence, rural Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Alvin Trusty officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday at Ritchie Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 AM with the family greeting friends. Interment will be held at the Memory Cemetery in New Market>, Iowa. Memorials may be given in his name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa, where we ‘Celebrate Life’.

George Warren Yaple, 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Council Bluffs, IA on Oct. 31, 2019.

 Warren was born February 7, 1953 in Clarinda, Iowa to George and Helen (Yance) Yaple. He graduated from West Nodaway R-1 High School in 1971.  Mr. Yaple attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education.

 Warren held various jobs throughout his life but spent the last 15 years employed by Metro Area Transit in Council Bluffs.

Warren enjoyed politics, whether it was a good conversation about them, supporting candidates or running for office himself. In 2012 he ran unopposed for the District 15 House of Representatives Democratic Party. Warren also enjoyed watching sports, gardening, animals, and collecting model World War I and World II planes and model tractors. 

Warren is survived by his only son, Austin Weil, of Waterloo, two grandchildren, Madison Chien and Ryder Weil of Cedar Falls, sisters Carol Yaple , of Clarinda, and Mary Brady of Brownsville, TX,  brother Jon Yaple (Janet) of Clearmont, MO, nieces and nephews Greg (Tisha) Butt of Clarinda, Robin Brady, Austin, TX, Shelley (Mark) Storey, Lee's Summit, MO, Mark (Donna) Yaple, Iowa City, Matthew (Natalie) Yaple of Maryville, MO, Steven (Jennifer) Yaple, Liberty, MO, Jim (Sherry) Yaple of Alvada, OH, Roseanne (David) Wintringham, Dawson, OH and many other relatives and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Yaple, of Braddyville, and two brothers- David, of Braddyville, and Jim of Toledo, OH