Page County, Iowa obituaries J- names

 DAUGHTER OF ESSEX POSTMASTER DIES

Elsie Johnson, the eighteen year old daughter of Postmaster and Mrs Axle T. Johnson of Essex, died last Wednesday morning at the Birchmont hospital in Omaha [Nebraska], following an operation for appendicitis. Miss Johnson had made Essex her home all her life, and leaves very many dear friends to mourn her loss, besides the stricken family and other relatives.

Page County Democrat, Clarinda, Iowa, Sep 26, 1918

James, Genevieve Williams, age 93, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, formerly of Clarinda, Iowa, died Thursday, April 13, 2006, at Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. John Clark officiating. Visitation with the family will be 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., prior to the 11:00 a.m. service on Wednesday, April 19 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa. A memorial will be established. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.walker-merrick-wolfe-barr.com.

Genevieve Williams James was born September 6, 1912, at Coin, Iowa to William Worley (Cuddy) Williams and Olive Grace (Russell) Williams. She was raised in Coin and was a graduate of Coin High School and attended Junior College at Clarinda, Iowa. While she was attending Junior College she met and married Kenneth Arthur James on December 13, 1936 at Guthrie Center, Iowa.

They moved to Clarinda and lived there all of their married life. He preceded her in death June 17, 2002. Genevieve was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Clarinda, Iowa. She was a member of Eastern Star for 50 years, the Semper Fidelis Club and was one of the oldest members. She loved singing in the choir when she was younger. Genevieve enjoyed knitting, crocheting and reading.

Preceding Genevieve in death were her parents; husband; brothers, Erskine "Turk" Williams and Ivan "Brownie" Williams. Survivors include her children: Harriet Young and husband William of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Rebecca Anderson of Des Moines, Iowa, William James and wife Claudia of Alhambra, California, Janet Bryan and husband Gerald of Bigfork, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; sister, Marian Hackett of Mesa, Arizona.

Johnson, A. Elaine Howard, age 77, the daughter of Lewis H. and Elsie H. (Anderson) Howard was born October 30, 1928, at Red Oak, Iowa, and passed away September 15, 2006, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Growing up in rural Red Oak, Coburg, Wales, and Hawthorne, Iowa, areas, Elaine attended West Lynn country school and graduated from Red Oak High School in 1946. On May 14, 1950, Elaine was united in marriage to Robert H. D. Johnson at Red Oak and to this marriage Bobette, Connie, Bruce and Brian were born.

After high school Elaine worked for the Thomas D. Murphy Calendar Company in Red Oak, and later as secretary for Tidy House and Lakes Nursery. For thirty three years she and Bob owned and operated the Johnson Tire Company in Shenandoah.

Elaine was a member of the First United Methodist Church of which she belonged to the C. H. B. Class and where she also held various leadership positions through the years. She sang in the church choir and the Sweet Adeline's Women's Choir. She was a member of the Shenandoah Music Association, Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Ann's, and American Legion Golf Club, holding the title as women's golf club champion for a couple of years plus achieving a hole-in-one in 1974.

Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren was a great enjoyment to Elaine. She also enjoyed music, travel (especially to see her brothers and sisters) and swimming. Elaine was known for her sense of humor, great smile, kindness, gentleness and grace.

Preceding Elaine in death were her parents; husband, Robert, on September 3, 2000; two brothers, Dean and Floyd Howard; and a grandson, Phillip Fife.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Bobette and David Fife of Corning, Iowa and Connie and Charlie Richardson of Clarinda, Iowa; sons, Bruce Johnson of Shenandoah and Brian Johnson and wife, Stephanie of Sebastopol, California. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Suzanne Fife, Danyel Foreman, Matthew and Emilee Richardson, Brett, Spencer and Erika Johnson, Ali Burchett, Mitchell Steinkuehler and Andrew Johnson. Others include a brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Wilma Howard of Temecula, California; three sisters, Evelyn Roseberry of Mankato, Minnesota, Arlene Bonner and husband, Cliff, of Huntington Beach, California and Susan Douma and husband, Kenny, of Calimesa, California; plus one great grandchild; other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of Elaine's life was held 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, September 19, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah with Reverend Jim Gubser officiating. Serving at the memory register was Wayne and Ruth Marie Johnson and Don and Carolyn Lantz. Caring for flowers was Carol Jones and Lucille Mathis. Organist was Becky Hoenshel and singers were granddaughters, Emilee Richardson, Suzanne Fife and Erika Johnson singing The Beautiful Garden of Prayer.

The congregation sang Brighten The Corner Where You Are and When We All Get To Heaven. Ushers were Al Armstrong, Gaylen Lundgren and Jim Sligar.

Casket bearers were Denny Howard, Steve Howard, Brett Johnson, Spencer Johnson, Dave Lashier, Matthew Richardson and Alan Roseberry. Honorary bearers were Kay Anderson, Marvin & Erma Fuller, Jim & Gladys Howard, Kenneth & Lucille Mathis, Jim Swanson, Jerry Walter, Wayne Walter, Bob & Sharon Wilson, Roger & Linda Howland and the Shenandoah Ladies Golf Association. Final resting place was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa. To send your condolences and memories of Elaine to her family go to web site www.selbyfuneralchapel.com. The Selby Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements.

Jackson, Mary Ellen Clymens, age 79, of rural Clarinda, Iowa, died Wednesday, August 9, 2006, at her home. Graveside services were held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 12, 2006 at the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. John Clark officiating. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery. A memorial will be established. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.walker-merrick-wolfe-barr.com.

Mary Ellen Jackson was born November 22, 1926, at Hopkins, Missouri, to Joe Clymens and Eva (McClure) Clymens. She was a graduate of Hopkins High School and attended Northwest Missouri Teachers College. On August 3, 1949 she was united in marriage to Lowell Jackson. He preceded her in death May 31, 2001. Mary Ellen worked side by side with Lowell on the farm throughout their life together. She received her Master Gardener Certification and enjoyed raising a big garden and flowers. She sold produce from her garden at the Farmer's Market and to J. Bruner's Restaurant.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Harold Clymens and Dennis Clymens; grandson, Riley William Jackson.

Survivors include her sons, Roger L. Jackson and wife Mary of Derby, Iowa and Stephen Jackson and wife Wanda of Kansas City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Heather Jackson of Decatur City, Iowa, Kevin Jackson of Rockford, Illinois, Brian Jackson and wife Jessica of Rockford, Illinois, Erika Jackson and Annika Jackson of Kansas City, Missouri; great grandson, Cody Lee Jackson of Rockford, Illinois; brother, Donald Eugene Clymens and wife Judy of Boise, Idaho; brother, Cecil Duane Clymens of Cotopaxi, Colorado; sister, Judy White and husband David of Maryville, Missouri; nephew, Kenneth Jackson and wife Mona of College Springs, Iowa; and many other nieces and nephews and relatives.

Johnson, Lawrence Spencer "Larry," age 70, of Clarinda, Iowa died Monday, January 16, 2006, at his home in Clarinda, Iowa.

Graveside memorial services will be held 3:30 p.m., Monday, January 23, 2006, at Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please direct memorials towards a monument for Larry. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Lawrence Spencer Johnson was born July 12, 1935, at Shenandoah, Iowa to Clarence Gustaf Johnson and Frances M. (Smiley) Johnson. He attended high school in Clarinda, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. Larry had worked several jobs which included traveling for a candy company and as a car detailer for Carriage Motors and McAlpin Motors, Clarinda, Iowa. Larry was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clarinda, Iowa.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include cousins Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson of Springfield, Virginia and Jonith Beasley and her husband Jack of Leesburg, Florida and many friends.

Johnson, Lucile Malinda Hartstack, the daughter of Otto and Lena (Wehmiller) Hartstack, was born June 16, 1917 on her family's farm in Douglas township of Page County, IA. She died on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, IA at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 8 days.

Lucile was baptized into membership at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Clarinda on July 1, 1917. She attended Woodlawn School, then Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School. She was confirmed March 29, 1931. She continued her education at Clarinda High School. Lucile married Lehmann Theodore Johnson on February 27, 1938, rural Clarinda, IA. They made their home on the Lehmann's family farm in Fremont Township of Page County and there they lived for the rest of their lives.

Lucile joined Lehmann as a member of Fremont Lutheran Church at Nyman. She served in the church as a Sunday School teacher, church council member and held several offices in the women's organization. Lucile devoted much of her life to being a full time wife and mother. She always enjoyed gardening, yard work and tending flower beds, of which she had many. She kept a meticulous and orderly home. Cooking meals, baking rye bread, cookies and other family favorites filled many hours.

Pies with flakey crusts were her specialty. After the children were grown, Lucile went to work at the Red Oak "Sew & Sew" fabric shop for 5 years. She then worked for 2 years at Kolterman's Ben Franklin and 15 years at Place's Department Store. She was the department manager of the fabric department, using her excellent sewing skills to assist & advise customers. She retired on January 6, 1992, but continued to sew for herself and others. Lucile was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lehmann on January 18, 2001, brother Lloyd Hartstack, all her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Lucile is survived by her son, Roger T. Johnson and wife Marian of Shenandoah, IA; her daughter, Barbara K. Johnson and husband Stanley of Bethesda, IA; Roger's family: Penny Johnson and friend Brice Erickson of rural Clarinda, IA, Kim Moyer and husband Kurt, their children, Trevor & Jestene of Montezuma, IA, Aaron T. Johnson and wife Christi, their children, Brooklyn & Abigail, step-children, Tyler, Dakota and Hunter McMann of rural Red Oak, IA; Barbara's family: Clarisa Mascher and husband Bill, their children, Travis and Ransom of rural Nemaha, IA, Angela Johnson and fiancé Michael Wityk, and daughter Hailey of rural Essex, IA, Laura Kirchert and husband Brian of Essex, IA; a brother, Leroy Hartstack of Clarinda, IA, other relatives and a host of friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26, 2006 at 10:30 AM at Fremont Lutheran Church at Nyman. Burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery with Rev. Sarah Brown officiating.
Visitation with the family present at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorials to the Mt. Hope Cemetery Directory.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Johnson, Mary Elizabeth Thomas, age 83, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 25, 2005 at Westridge Care Center, Clarinda, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. Dan Wiebesiek officiating.

Visitation with the family will be held 7-8 p.m., Monday, November 28, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Guss Cemetery, Guss, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the New Market Methodist Church or to the Maple Grove Methodist Church, Guss, Iowa. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth (Thomas) Johnson, daughter of Allie Georgia Hickman Thomas and George Lyman Thomas was born in Union County, Iowa, June 28, 1922 and she died Friday, November 25, 2005 at Westridge Care & Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa. Mary was one of ten children.

She graduated from 8th grade in Chicago, Illinois. Mary was united in marriage to L. Albert Johnson on September 22, 1940 at the home of Albert's parents Emma and Wesley Johnson near Guss, Iowa.

They moved to a farm northeast of Guss in Spring of 1941, where they lived for thirty-five years. On the farm Mary raised lots of chickens, a big garden, and loved working with her flowers. She also did a lot of sewing and enjoyed doing crafts.

Mary and Albert had five children: Inez Marie, Doris Jean, Calvin George, Earl Dean and Gail Lee.

Mary was baptized and joined Maple Grove United Methodist Church at Guss, Iowa along with her five children on April 21, 1957. She taught Sunday School here for 15 years, and was an active member of the United Methodist Women. In 1975, Mary and Albert moved into New Market, Iowa due to Albert's health and they transferred their membership to the United Methodist Church there on September 9, 1979. Mary was also active in the United Methodist Women at New Market United Methodist Church.

While in New Market, Mary continued enjoying crafts and working with her flowers. Mary has crocheted afghans for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary moved into an apartment at Clarhaven in Clarinda, Iowa in the Fall of 2001, where she still continued to enjoy crocheting baby afghans.

Survivors include daughters: Inez Gray and husband Dale of Clarinda, Iowa, Doris Stamm of Clarinda, Iowa,; sons, Calvin Johnson and wife Nancy of Clarinda, Iowa, Earl Johnson and wife Della of Stanton, Iowa, Gail Johnson and wife Laura of Corning, Iowa; twelve grandchildren; twenty five great grandchildren; four sisters, Charlotte Smith of Naperville, Illinois, Cleo Creech of Carol Stream, Illinois, Violet Newton of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bonnie Clymer and husband Willard of Ada, Oklahoma; and many other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, L. Albert Johnson; three grandchildren; one daughter-in-law; one son-in-law; five brothers; three sisters-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

Johnson, Robert A. Johnson, age 91, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away, Tuesday, February 15, 2005, at the Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorial services were held 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2005, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Kelly Walter officiating. Visitation with the family was held one hour prior to the memorial service. Burial was in Shearer Cemetery; Braddyville, Iowa with military rites by American Legion Post 98 and V.F.W. Post 9230. Memorials may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church, Clarinda, Iowa or to the Rockbrook Church, Belton, Missouri. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Robert A. Johnson was born November 5, 1913, near Braddyville, Iowa, to Clyde A. Johnson and Grace E. (Lathrop) Johnson. Robert served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He served in Guadalcanal, Midway and Okinawa. He was united in marriage June 24, 1943, near Braddyville, Iowa to June R. Walter. Robert worked in a lumber mill from 1946-1964 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He worked as a government trapper with the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service from 1964-1981 for Wasco County, Oregon. He also raised Chinchillas and Weimaroner pups. Robert and June lived at Tygh Valley, Oregon and after retiring, Robert spent time fishing, gardening and tending his orchard. He also drove shuttle for the river guide. They moved from Oregon back to Clarinda, Iowa in October of 1996. Robert was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.
Preceding Robert in death were his parents; brother, Merl Johnson; sister, Opal Clark; sister, Ruth Davison; sister, Lois Smith; grandson, Steven Charles Johnson. Survivors include his wife, June Johnson of Clarinda, Iowa; son: Robert C. Johnson and wife Lois of E. Bernstadt, Kentucky; son, William C. Johnson and wife Maria of Palisade, Colorado; son, Daniel R. Johnson and wife Lillian of Winslow, Arizona; daughter, Ruth Ann Welch and husband Gerard Welch of Corbett, Oregon; three step grandchildren; two great grandsons; four step great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Johnson, Vaughn D. Fidler McAlpin - Very few families enjoy "Four Generations" for as long as the family of Vaughn D. Johnson. She was born the third child of Jird and Margaret (Hutcheson) Fidler on December 27, 1920 in Hawleyville, Iowa and passed away on May 12, 2005 at the Plano Specialty Hospital in Plano, Texas.
In the past few months she has been very painfully ill and we are very grateful the Lord replied, "My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." She saw the footprints and she peacefully passed.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jird and Margaret Fidler, two sisters Charity Louise Foster and husband Dwight Foster, Gertie Ethel Brodd and husband Clarence H. Brodd, two husbands C.A. McAlpin and Wendall Johnson and many extended family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter Connie and husband Neal Hibbs of Richardson, TX., grandson Jeffrey and wife Michele Hibbs of Rowlett, TX., granddaughter Nancy and husband Curt VanLandingham of Richardson, TX., grandson Jon and wife Andrea Hibbs of Allen, TX., seven great-grandchildren Nicholas, Courtney and Coleman Hibbs of Rowlett, TX., Conrad and Colton VanLandingham of Richardson, TX., and Austin and Ashely Hibbs of Allen, TX., nephew Paul and wife Carla Foster of Ogden, Utah, niece Juanita and husband Gene Butler of Sun City, Arizona, and nephew Burt and wife Vicki Foster of Ogden, Utah.
Vaughn D. Johnson attended a one room school through the eighth grade. She was the youngest of three daughters of Margaret and Jird Fidler. She played the violin and piano and became accomplished enough to play in a dance band and the Symphony in Des Moines, Iowa.
Upon graduation from high school she took a position as secretary in the Clarinda office of social welfare which was during the depression era. She was a young mother while her husband (C.A. "Mac" McAlpin) was in Europe during WWII. Vaughn's father passed away during the war and she became the primary bread winner not only for herself and young daughter, but also her mother. THESE WERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT HELPED FORM THE INDEPENDENT ATTITUDE THAT SHE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT HER LIFE.
Over the next 25 years she graduated with an Honors Bachelors Degree, worked her way up to Social Welfare Director, raised a child and lost a husband. During this time she enjoyed an occasional evening of dancing, weekend fishing and bird hunting with family and friends.
She met her second husband (Wendall "Cap" Johnson) while he was constructing the building that was to become the new offices of the Social Welfare Department. They later married and relocated to Osage Beach, Missouri on the Lake of the Ozarks. They became successful Real Estate Brokers after opening the Johnson & Johnson Real Estate Office in Osage Beach. She enjoyed golfing, boating and entertaining at their lake front home. She especially enjoyed visits from her daughter and grandchildren and often had friends over and engaged in discussions on Politics, Religion, Conflict or other worldly issues. Her husband was on the city council and she became the city clerk. She often maintained she was a Democrat, not because of strong convictions, but because it almost always started a good discussion on politics. They spent their winters in south Texas where they maintained a small home near the Mexican border.
Her second husband was killed in a small airplane accident in April of 1975. Shortly thereafter she bought a town home near her only daughter in Richardson, Texas, which she maintained until she became ill a few week ago. She enjoyed cooking, quilting and sewing. She loved to make homemade noodles for Sunday dinners, made her own brand of homemade sausage and a sweet specialty she made was cinnamon swirls. Many of her family members have keepsake quilts and enjoyed her homemade pies, breads and jams.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy. She looked forward to the extended family vacations to the mountains during the summer at such places as the Black Hills, Breckenridge, Cuchara, Red River and Jackson Hole.
She often told her son-in-law that he was her favorite and he told her she was his favorite mother-in-law. Of course, they were both the only ones. She really was a good G.G. and will influence the future because of her relationships with her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as many friends. She went on to a better place to be with other friends and relatives.
Funeral services were held by Pastor Kurt M. Friederich at Ascension Lutheran Church, 4230 W. Buckingham Road, Garland, Texas 75042-4601 on May 16, 2005 at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the church in her memory.
Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home of Sashse, Texas was in charge of arrangements.

Johnston, LaVaun Mary Stimson, age 93, of Coin, Iowa, joined her loved ones in heaven on Friday, June 24, 2005, at Good Samaritan Care Center, Red Oak, Iowa.

A memorial celebration was held 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 28, 2005, at the United Methodist Church, Coin, Iowa with Rev. Carl Phillips officiating. Interment was in the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa next to her husband Art.

Visitation with the family was held 6-8 p.m., Monday, June 27, 2005 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Coin United Methodist Church. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.

LaVaun Mary (Stimson) Johnston was born January 28, 1912, the fourth of six children born to John H. and Anna (Hamm) Stimson of rural East River Township, Page County, Iowa. She attended Fruit Country School through eighth grade and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1929. LaVaun attended the former Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa from 1929-1931, where she received an associate degree, and subsequently taught school in Hepburn and Coburg Iowa.

On April 2, 1933, she married Arthur A. (Art) Johnston and they began married life southwest of Clarinda in the J. Ren Lee tenant house while Art worked with his brother Ola Johnston managing a filling station in Clarinda. They also began farming, renting the Millhone farm for two years, then the J. Ren Lee farm for seven years. During these years their family increased by three with the births of Arta Marlee in 1934, Beverly Ann in 1936, and Norman Lyle in 1942. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Clarinda where the children were baptized.

In 1942, Art and LaVaun purchased a farm two miles west of Coin, Iowa and moved to that location in March, 1944 where they put down deep roots and remained on their little corner of the world for the rest of their lives. The births of two more sons, Donovan Arthur in 1948 and Merlin Ray in 1949, completed the family. The Johnstons were active in the Coin United Methodist Church where the boys were baptized. As parents, they enthusiastically supported their children in church, academic, athletic and musical endeavors throughout their school years.

Art and LaVaun engaged in diversified crop and livestock farming and in 1952 began breeding and showing registered pure bred angus cattle. When they joined the Iowa Purebred Angus Association, they were required to name their farm, so combining their names, Art and LaVaun, they created the name "Arlavon" which has carried down through the years. In their semi-retirement after divesting of their cattle business, they enjoyed several years of travel in their fifth wheel camper.

LaVaun, the ever present helpmate, gardened, canned, raised chickens and managed the home, enjoying creative sewing as one of her several crafts. She mentored the girls in learning the many skills of a versatile farm wife, and with her neighbor, Audrey Thomas, organized and led the Coin Colleens 4-H club for several years when both were mothers of young girls. The boys were outdoors and riding tractors with their father as soon as they could walk so began learning the farming business at a young age.

Art and LaVaun were always positive role models as were the extended Johnston and Stimson families. LaVaun was active in the church for many years, serving terms as president of the United Methodist Women and member of the church council. In the early 1960's she was also a member of the building committee for the new Coin United Methodist Church building. Over the years, she worked side by side with her UMW friends serving countless delicious church suppers as well as funeral luncheons, wedding receptions, fund raising meals, alumni banquets and more. She also worked many months helping formulate the UMW "Culinary Delights" cook book for publication.

LaVaun will be remembered as a cheerful positive presence, always interested in the well being of family, neighbor and community.

Her death ends many happy years she and Art spent on their Coin farm where countless family gatherings took place with grandchildren and great grandchildren delighting in the farm and especially the sweet corn and watermelons Grandpa proudly produced.

LaVaun was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur Aden Johnston in 1998; four brothers, Harold, Stanley, Fred and Jacob Stimson; daughter-in-law, Sharon (Nowels) Johnston; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Ebert-Johnston. She is survived by her five children, Arta Johnston Smith of Lincoln, Nebraska; Beverly Johnston Merkle and husband Bob of Altoona, Iowa; Norman L. Johnston of Lincoln, Nebraska; Donovan A. Johnston and wife Dorthea (Williams) of Kaiser, Missouri; and Merlin R. Johnston and wife Teresa (Kerns) of rural Shenandoah, Iowa; twenty grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She is also survived by daughter-inlaw, Denise (Morrow) Johnston of Coin and her sister, Elsie Stimson Dockendorff Kleese of Washington, Iowa.

Jobe, Floyd Conlin - Funeral services for Floyd Jobe, age 83 of New Market, Iowa, who died Monday, April 13, 2009 at his home in New Market, Iowa were held Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Russ Clark and Loren Daly officiating. Masonic rites were held 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15 at the funeral home with visitation with family following until 8:00 p.m.

Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials can be directed to Siam Church of Christ.

Floyd Conlin Jobe was born May 29, 1925 in Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Conlin and Blanche (Fine) Jobe and entered into rest April 13, 2009 at his home in New Market, Iowa. As a youngster he grew up in the Sidney, Iowa area where he performed trick roping at the Sidney Rodeo.

He attended school at Sidney and New Market. Floyd served two years in the American Merchant Marines during World War II. On March 26, 1945, he was united in marriage to Cleva Whitehead. They were blessed with two children, James and Jacky.

Floyd operated a road grader for seventeen years for Taylor County. He then served on the Board of Supervisors for sixteen years. Following his retirement, he worked at Easter's True Value and Poore's Plumbing in Clarinda. Floyd was a member of the Siam Church of Christ, the New Market American Legion and a fifty year member of the Siam Masonic Lodge.

Family was the most important thing to him, and giving to them was his greatest joy. Floyd was a man with a great sense of humor and he had a way all his own for telling a good story. He loved playing pitch and naming trump.

Preceding Floyd in death were his parents; grandson, Chad Rucker, nephew Wes Ferguson; sisters-in-law, Cleta Jones and Marie Whitehead; brothers-in-law, Raymond Whitehead and Milo Whitehead.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Cleva Jobe of New Market, Iowa; son, Jim Jobe and wife Birdice of New Market, Iowa; daughter, Jacky Rucker of New Market, Iowa; grandchildren, Laurie Fountain and husband Bruce of Gretna, Nebraska, Shaun Rucker and wife Sarah of Des Moines, Iowa, Carrie Geer and husband Gene of Treynor, Iowa, Scott Jobe and wife Alisha of New Market, Iowa, Emily Smith and husband Geoff of Raleigh, North Carolina; seven great-grandchildren, Tayler and Trenton Geer, Nicholas and Benjamin Fountain, Grant and Presley Jobe, Ivy Smith; sister, Evelyne Villines of Des Moines, Iowa; brother, Ronald Jobe and wife Mary of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law, Helen Whitehead; brother-in-law, Weldon Jones; nieces; nephews and many friends.

Floyd's humor, insight and kindness will be missed by everyone. his love and inspiration will live on through his family. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.

Johnson, Everett "Ray" - Everett Ray Johnson, son of Leslie and Ester (Lundquist) Johnson was born in New Market, Iowa on Wednesday, January 24, 1923. Ray entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa at the age of eighty-six years, two months and thirty days.

Celebration of life services were held on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Guss, Iowa with burial at the Maple Grove Cemetery.

After graduating New Market High School, Ray started his life long passion for farming. Ray proudly served his country in the Army during WWII where he was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupational Medal for his campaigns in Central Europe.

Ray was honorably discharged on July 10, 1946. Ray returned to farming and farmed until retiring at the age of 79 years, due to ill health.

Ray's first wife, Katherine (Garten) Johnson, passed away in 1958, shortly after the birth of their daughter. Ray was married to Mary "Rose" (Spencer) Johnson in Mt. Ayr, Iowa in 1965. Together, the couple raised their four children: Randy, Rodney, Cindy and Richard and enjoyed their life on the farm. Ray cherished his wife, children and his relationships with his friends. He treasured his grandchildren and his horses.

Ray was a fifty year member of the American Legion in Gravity and the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Guss.

Left to cherish Ray's memory is his wife, Mary Johnson of Corning, Iowa; sons: Randy (wife Cindy) Johnson and Rodney (wife LaVaun) Johnson, both of Corning, Iowa; daughter, Cindy (husband Jim) Johnson Nardini of Omaha, Nebraska; step-son, Richard (wife Sandi) Salen of Bedford, Iowa; grandchildren: Andrew (Misty) Johnson of Corning, Iowa, Tina (Chris) Boswell of Corning, Iowa, Jeremiah (Lisa) Johnson of Bedford, Iowa, Joyanna Reimer of Corning, Iowa, Colton Johnson of Springfield, Missouri, A.J. Nardini and Cole Nardini, both of Omaha, Nebraska; step-grandchild, Dory (Erik) Clausen of Creston, Iowa; seven great-grandchildren; brothers: Marvin Johnson of St. Joseph, Missouri, Wayne Johnson of Villisca, Iowa, Norman Johnson of California and sister, Betsy Williams of California.

Ray was preceded in death his parents; first wife, Katherine Johnson; brother, Dean Johnson; sister, Bernice Johnston and grandson-in-law, Landen Reimer.

Pearson-Coen-Beaty Family Funeral Service of Corning was in care of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Maple Grove United Methodist Church and/or the Maple Grove Cemetery. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Johnson, Ralph Vernon - Ralph Vernon Johnson was born November 27, 1924 at Clarinda, Iowa to Ira Johnson and Elizabeth Beech (Hoskins) Johnson. He passed away at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa Friday, September 18, 2009 at the age of 84.

Ralph served during World War II in the United States Coast Guard. Following the war he was married to Donna Walker on September 5, 1948. Mr. Johnson owned and operated Johnson and Sons Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning in Clarinda for many years. He took over the business from his father-in-law which had his name, Walker Plumbing. Ralph retired from the plumbing business in 1986.

He loved to travel with his wife, Donna, in their camper. Camping, fishing, and deer hunting were among his favorite activities but nothing was more important than his family-visiting with his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his wife Donna of Clarinda; children Teresa Chambers of Shambaugh, Vicky Plummer of Clarinda, James Johnson and wife Stephanie of Slidell, La., Kris Johnson of Slidell, La., and Kirk Johnson also of Slidell, La.; sister Etta Belle Roberts and husband Floyd of Eugene, Ore., brother Creighton Johnson and wife Anna of New Windsor, Ill.; sister-in-law Dorothy Grace Johnson of Barstow, Calif; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers Charles and Walter Johnson and sisters Pearl Hipps and Josephine Johnson.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Brian Bontrager officiating. Military rites were provided American Legion Sergy Post #98 of Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association. Interment was at Clarinda Cemetery. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel provided arrangements.

Johnson, Robert "Bob" - Robert "Bob" Johnson, 74, Gillette, Wyo., died of natural causes at Campbell County Memorial Hospital on Monday, July 6, 2009.

Private family services will take place at a later date.

He was born in Montesano, Wash., on Nov. 7, 1934, to Wilber Ace and Marie Belle (Fargo) Johnson. He grew up on a farm near Clarinda, Iowa. He was a truck driver in his early years.

On June 9, 1956, he married Lola Rae Shum in Clarinda and they raised three daughters. Lola Rae was a graduate of Clarinda High School.

In 1967, the family moved to Wyoming where he worked in the uranium mine near Casper driving heavy equipment. After that, he drove a log truck, propane tanker and worked in a coal mine. He went to work for Campbell County driving heavy equipment, retiring from there on April 28, 2000.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of Gillette; three daughters, Sherry Mills of Gillette, Wyo., Leona Christensen of American Falls, Idaho, and Julie Johnson of Gulfport, Fla.; sister, Shirley Clark of Heppner, Ore.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Clarice Shum of Clarinda is a sister-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister.

Memorials and condolences may be sent in his name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. Fifth Street, Gillette, Wyo., 82716 or via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

Jones, Linda Joy Dixon - Linda Joy Jones was born April 20, 1951 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of Darwin Max and Ardith Genevieve (Murphy) Dixon. She passed away early Friday morning, June 5, 2009 at the Shenandoah Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 58 years, 1 month and 16 days.

Joy graduated from Niangua, Missouri, High School in 1969. She then attended college at the School of the Ozarks, Brigham Young University, Buena Vista College, Northwest Missouri State University and was currently working towards her doctorate through the University of Northern Iowa. On June 9, 1978 she was united in marriage to Kevin Jones in Salt Lake City, Utah. This union was blessed with six children, Mahalia, Elizabeth, Genevieve, Nephi, Jacquelyn and Christina.

Joy loved education. She taught school at the Westboro and South Page Elementary Schools. She later became elementary principal at South Page and was most recently superintendent of schools for the South Page Community School District. She was a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Shenandoah. She served a mission for the church in London in 1972. She and Kevin were also stake missionaries for the church for six years. She enjoyed music, but her grandchildren were the true love of her life.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin Jones of Coin, Iowa; her children, Mahalia Bird and her husband Richard of Highland, Utah, Elizabeth Miner and her husband Jeromie of Eagle Mountain, Utah, Genevieve Knight and her husband Russ of Eagle Mountain, Utah, Nephi Jones and his wife Andrea of Shenandoah, Iowa, Jacquelyn Autry and her husband Daniel of Coin, Iowa, Christina Kimpston and her husband Matthew of Coin, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Kaiya Ethington, Ammon Miner, Lana Miner, Olivia Knight, Evelyn Knight, Leslie Rine, Danica Jones, Liam Jones, Isaac Autry and Lucy Autry; her parents, Darwin and Ardith Dixon of Council Bluffs, Iowa; mother and father-in-law, Sheldon and Opal Jones of Coin, Iowa; three sisters, Cheri Hargadin and her husband David of Johnstown, Colorado, Kim Flores and her husband Lupe of Morena Valley, California, Rhonda Roper and her husband Kim of Orem, Utah; a brother, Hollis Dixon and his wife Cindy of Vernal, Utah; along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Shenandoah with Bishop William Barrett officiating. Burial was in the Union Grove Cemetery at Northboro, Iowa. Visitation with the family present was held on Sunday, June 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. Memorials were suggested to the Perpetual Education Fund at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Shenandoah. To leave online remembrances or condolences with the family, go to www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements.

Jones, Weldon Earl - Funeral services for Weldon Jones, age 87, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into rest Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at his home in New Market, Iowa was held Monday, August 17, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Russ Clark and Loren Daly officiating.

Visitation was held from Noon-4 p.m., with the family present 2-4 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2009. Burial with military rites by John F. Hardin American Legion Post 164 was in the Memory Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the New Market Fire Department or to the New Market Church of Christ.



Weldon Earl Jones was born June 11, 1922, at Benton, Iowa, to Walter Earl Jones and Elsie Belle (Gunter) Jones. He grew up in the Conway area and graduated from Conway High School in 1939. Weldon served in the United States Army with the Medical Detachment of 10th Infantry during World War II in Central Europe. On August 18, 1945,

Weldon was united in marriage to Cleta Whitehead at Troy, Kansas. They were blessed with four children, Pat, Jeanne, Susie and David. Weldon and Cleta lived in the Hepburn area, moving to New Market the early 1950's, living in the same home for nearly sixty years.

Weldon took pride in the New Market community where he had been active in the American Legion, Civic Club, City Council and a member of the New Market Fire Department. Weldon worked for thirty seven years for Taylor County Road Department. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and received an I.O.O. F. pin for 50 years.

He collected coins and Lionel Trains, and attended many garage sales over the years and listened to the Elephant Shop on KMA always looking for a "deal".

Weldon was a people person and a good friend. He plowed everyone's garden in New Market not to mention his own, which was quite large, growing a wide range of produce, especially potatoes, tomatoes and sweet corn. He and Cleta enjoyed square dancing, attending the local dances when they were younger.

He enjoyed the outdoors and being active. After his first retirement, Weldon worked at the Clarinda Treatment Complex from 1996-2007, when his hip surgery forced him to retire at the age of 85, which did give him more time to go to garage sales and auctions.

Preceding Weldon in death were his parents; wife, Cleta Jones; two brothers, Cecil Jones and Thomas Jones; sister, Treva Jones; great granddaughter, Geneah Radke; sister-in-law and brother?in-law, Marie and Raymond Whitehead; brothers-in-law, Milo "Mike" Whitehead and Floyd Jobe.

Left to cherish Weldon's memory are his children, Pat Knoke and husband Larry of Loveland, Colorado, Jeanne Showers and husband Eric of Clarinda, Iowa, Susie Caligiuri and husband Lenny of New Market, Iowa, David Jones and Dennis Boger of Clarinda, Iowa; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Olive Lombolo of Snohomish, Washington; sisters-in-law, Cleva Jobe of New Market, Iowa and Helen Whitehead of New Market, Iowa; nieces; nephews and many friends.

Weldon was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and will be greatly missed: his love and inspiration will live on through his family. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.