Fesenmeyer, Etta Dell Runyan - Etta Dell Fesenmeyer, 81, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Friday, July 16, 2010.
She was born May 15, 1929 at Gravette, Ark., to Harold Keith Runyan and Susie Pearl (Parmley) Runyan. As a child, Etta and her family moved to a farm near Braddyville, Iowa. Here she met and married Dale Fesenmeyer. The couple was married June 5, 1946 and live din and around Clarinda until 1969. During their time in Clarinda, Etta worked as a bookkeeper and as an office manager at Paris and Dunn, Kearney’s, Page and Hill, and Farmer’s Co-op. In 1969, Dale was employed as an airplane mechanic with TWA and the family moved to the Kansas City area. There, Etta worked seasonally as a tax preparer for H and R Block. After Dale’s retirement, the couple moved to Excelsior Springs, Mo. Many of their winters were spent on land they owned near Rio Hondo, Tex.
Not only was Etta a loving spouse, mother, grandmother and sister, she was a compassionate and helpful friend and neighbor as well. She was never idle, keeping herself busy as an immaculate housekeeper, an excellent cook and an active gardener. The Fesenmeyers vacationed in New Zealand, Mexcio, and Hawaii and explored the back roads of America in their RV. At home, they loved playing cards with friends, going on walks, and reading. Although temporarily sidelined by a back injury, Etta was an energetic member of the local senior exercise group.
Etta was preceded in death by a son, Ronald L. Fesenmeyer and a brother Harold Lee Runyan. She is survived by her husband, Dale Fesenmeyer; daughter, Linda Jones of Crockett, Calif.; brother, Rev. James Runyan of Bethalto, Ill., sisters, Patricia Conrad of Glenwood, Iowa, and Beatrice Ross of Oak Grove, Mo.; and two grandchildren, Sarah Herriott of Eureka, Calif., and Aaron Burton of Concord, Calif.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 23 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 217 West Broadway, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Visitation were held at 1:00 p.m. with a service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Glick, Jay M. - Funeral services for Jay M. Glick, age 39 of Carroll, Iowa, formerly of Clarinda, Iowa, who died Wednesday, July 21, 2010 in Omaha, Nebraska will be held Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Clarinda. Visitation will be Friday from Noon until 7 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment with military rites will be held in the Clarinda Cemetery.

Jay Merrill Glick was born in Clarinda, Iowa on July 23, 1970 the son of Lowell Wayne Glick and Lois Kathleen (Miller) Glick. He grew up attending school in Clarinda, graduating from the Clarinda High School with the Class of 1989. When he was in high school, Jay was active in many sports activities, however, baseball was his favorite sport.

Following high school, Jay joined the Army National Guard and served for twenty-one years with the last ten years on active duty in Carroll, Iowa as a Supply Sergeant for “A Company 168th Infantry”. Prior to that time, he served in the “B Company 168th Infantry” in Clarinda. Jay served in Afghanistan in 2004 through 2005.

On August 23, 2008, Jay was united in marriage to Michelle Armstrong of Carroll, Iowa. The couple lived in Carroll with their two children, Spencer and Kylie. In May, 2009, they were blessed with a daughter, Alyssa.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, son, soldier and friend are his loving wife Michelle Glick; two step-children Spencer and Kylie and their daughter Alyssa, all of Carroll; his parents Lowell and Lois Glick of Clarinda; two brothers, Doug Glick of Clarinda; and Greg Glick and wife Angie of Cedar Falls, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Aaron and Amber, both of Clarinda; Brianna, Justin, Ethan and Madison all of Cedar Falls; along with many aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

Preceding Jay in death are his grandparents, Jesse and Wilma Glick and Merrill and Angie Miller.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda.

Goecker, Corinne Violet Noland - Funeral services for Corinne Goecker, age 86 of Clarinda, who died Friday, July 23, 2010 at the Clarinda Regional Hospital will be held Monday, July 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clarinda. Interment will be held in the Summit Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Lupus Foundation of America or the First Baptist Church..

Corinne Violet (Noland) Goecker was born June 29, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Hoyt) Noland. She was baptized on December 24, 1939 at Calvary Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska where she accepted God into her heart as a young child, encouraged in her faith by an elderly woman whom she sat next to in church. Her experience here can be directly related to her activity in The First Baptist Church, Clarinda, Iowa, delivering the children’s sermon for over 18 years, and the importance of growth in her spiritual life.

Corinne attended Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska and finished high school in Clarinda, Iowa after moving there with her dad (Pop). Corinne enjoyed telling people how the kids had to run to their favorite teacher’s class on the first day of school in order to be in that class. After high school she had the opportunity to work in Alaska which she declined in favor of working at the P.O.W camp in Clarinda during WW2. It was during this time that she went on to pass the civil service exam and worked for the Commanding Officer of the camp. Corinne has shared many of her experiences and memories of this time to people far and wide including an interview aired on TV via the Public Broadcasting System.

On December 1, 1944 Corinne was joined in marriage to Wilbur Fred Goecker at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Yorktown, Iowa. This union was blessed with two children, Suzanne Marie (Goecker) Meier and Wayne Fred Goecker. Wilbur and Corinne lived on a farm south of Yorktown for a few years, and then moved to the Goecker home where they celebrated 55 years of marriage and enjoyed their family tremendously. Christmas was an extremely special occasion for Corinne as the family would all try to gather at the family farm to celebrate on Christmas Eve.

By chance Corinne found a new niche in her working life by assisting Mr. Hoskinson in his tax office to help pay for piano lessons for Suzie. This led to passing the government test to be “Enrolled to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service”, and to her subsequent opening of an income tax office in the family home’s converted porch. Wilbur was afraid no one would drive clear out in the country to get help with their taxes, but many did come. Corinne loved the work she did and treated all of her clients like family. They in turn showered her with love.

Corinne had many hobbies and pursuits. These included figurine and oil painting, bowling, golfing and fishing, of which she enjoyed fishing the most. Many long trips were made to Canada, just so that she could spend 8-10 hours fishing each day rain or shine, wind or calm, for 7 to 14 days, and never was a bigger smile seen on a face than Corinne’s. Her diligence in this endeavor landed her prized possession “Penelope”, a 23 ½ lb. Northern pike which hangs on her office wall to this date.

Even with such an active and full life, Corinne always kept God and her family at the forefront of her daily life. She never forgot that all things were a gift from God, and with that knowledge she cherished every moment.

Wilbur preceded Corinne in death in September 2000. She is survived by her daughter Suzanne and husband Ken of Colorado, her son Wayne and his wife Debbie, grandchildren Cherissa Meier, Jeffrey Meier, Brent and wife Angel Goecker, Andy and wife Ari Miesner, and Amy and husband Andy Wisneski.

Corinne will be missed by many, but we have the blessed assurance that she is with our Lord and Savior now, and will be for all eternity. Praise be to God.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda.

Haley, Thomas Emory - Thomas Emory Haley was born September 30, 1945, in Taylor County Iowa. He was the son of Delmar Dale Haley and Lois “Jean” Patton Haley. He graduated from the Villisca High School in 1963. On July 26, 1963 he was united in marriage to Janet Greenfield. After their marriage, he began farming, doing custom baling and combine work for area farmers. He was a substitute rural mail carrier for Nodaway, an over-the-road truck driver and a gravel truck hauler for Schildberg’s Construction. His health forced him to retire in 2007.
Tom filled his spare time by playing baseball on the Nodaway town team, fishing, hunting, playing cards (especially cribbage) and reading westerns. He was a John Deere man through and through.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughters Carey Haley and Jody Haley, and brother Donald Haley. He is survived by his wife Janet Haley of Nodaway, daughter Jenny (Troy) Gilleland of Villisca, son Jason (Chris) of Kansas City, Missouri, granddaughters Haley (Tom) Gourley and Renae Gilleland all of Villisca, brother David (Betty) Haley of Federal Way, Washington, sister-in-law Linda Haley of Nodaway, extended family members Franklin and Ruby Walter of Corning, many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services for Tom Haley, age 64 of Nodaway, were held Saturday, August 7, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Villisca, Iowa, with interment at Nodaway Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to a fund in Tom's name.

Huber, Donald Burton - Donald Burton Huber was born June 25, 1925 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Wilmer Burton Huber and Hazel (Kirkendahl) Huber. He attended Marshalltown schools. During his junior year of high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II.
He was married to Mildred Virginia McKinney "Mickey", on August 8, 1957 in Long Beach, Calif. They have two children, Dixie and Ron.

Don and his brother owned and operated a Super Valu grocery store in Des Moines. He then changed careers and went into sales in the insurance industry, later he joined the sales force of Capp Homes, Minneapolis. He continued with Capp Homes until retiring in 1983. While with Capp Homes he and his family lived in multiple cities and states.

Following Don's retirement, he and Mickey moved to New Market, Iowa, to be near their daughter, Dixie. Don had a great love of music, he played many instruments in addition to his beautiful singing voice. He and Mickey performed for many years with their band the "Winter Texans" while they wintered in Mission, Tex.

Don passed away Sunday morning, August 1, 2010, at the Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 85.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Hazel; sister, Dorothy Oxenfield and her husband Art; his grandson Tim, and son-in-law, Alan Hutcheson.

Don is survived by his wife, Mickey of New Market, Iowa; children Ron Huber and wife Charleen of Rochester, Minn., and Dixie Hutcheson of New Market, Iowa; brother, Ed Huber and wife Mary of California; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Family services were held Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa with Pastor Russ Clark officiating. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Clarinda, Iowa. www.EFC.cc.

Johnson, Roger - Roger Johnson formerly of Villisca, Iowa; Clarinda, Iowa; Papillion, Nebraska; and since 2007, Junction City, Kansas, passed away at the Sterling House of Junction City, an assisted care living facility on Sunday, July 18, 2010. A graveside service will be held at the Villisca Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on July 23, 2010.
Roger K. Johnson was born December 24, 1922, in Blanchard, Iowa, the son of Charles Lester and Irene (Hildreth) Johnson. He graduated from Coin high school on March 4, 1941, and enlisted in the US Army. During World War II he was stationed in the Aleutian Island serving as an airplane engine mechanic. He was awarded a Bronze Star during the Aleutian Campaign and then honorably
discharged in 1945.
He married Carol Anderson of Coin, Iowa, and to that union their daughter Cheryl was born. He and Carol subsequently divorced. He returned to southwest Iowa and on October 3, 1952, in Red Oak, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Lucille S. Stackhouse. He and Lucille were blessed with a continuing relationship with his daughter Cheryl, who always considered Lucille her Mom. During this time Roger worked for General Motors as a mechanic and then for GMAC Credit retiring in 1982.
Roger is preceded in death by wife Lucille in 2001, his parents Charles and Irene Johnson, and his brother Charles Johnson. He is survived by his daughter Cheryl Harvey of Junction City, Kansas, and his granddaughter Linda Harvey-Yates of Oak Grove, Missouri.
The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be sent directly to your local chapter of the American Heart Association in his name.

Wolfe Funeral Home of Villisca in charge of arrangements.

Laird, Grace Lord - Grace Laird passed away July 23, 2010, at Westridge Care Center, in Clarinda, Iowa. Grace was in her 100th year, having celebrated her 99th birthday on January 23, of this year.

Grace was born on January 23, 1911, to Emmett and Lovie Lord, in Fremont County, Iowa. She graduated from the Sidney High School, and worked for a time at the Henry Fields Company in Shenandoah, before marrying Dennis Laird on January 31, 1933. In 1937 their only son, Larry, was born when they lived in Mills County, Iowa.

Prior to moving to Clarinda in 1968, she and her husband were tenant farmers, living near Cumberland, Griswold and Carson. In addition to helping with the farm work, Grace enjoyed crocheting in her spare time. After moving to Clarinda, she worked briefly at a local pharmacy store and for several years at the State and Municipal Hospitals.

Grace is survived by her son, Larry and his wife, Charlotte of Carmel, Indiana; two grandchildren, Douglas Laird and his wife Sharon of Robins, Iowa, and Michele Kosegi and her husband Christopher of Fishers, Indiana; seven great-grandchildren, Jenna Laird Woestman and her husband Joey of Indianapolis, IN, Andrew Laird and his wife Laura of Cedar Rapids, IA, Ashley-Nicole Laird Willcox and her husband Stephen of East Moline, IL, Alex Laird of Robins, IA; Emily, Cameron and Natalie Kosegi of Fishers, IN; and a great-great-grandson, Jeshuah Willcox of East Moline, IL.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Dennis, and her only brother, Merlin, and his wife, Beulah, and their son, Duane.

Grace was a member of First Baptist Church, Clarinda, IA, and the family has suggested memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to The First Baptist Church in Clarinda.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, following which Pastor Mitch Grossoehme conducting the funeral service, both at the Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Clarinda, IA. Following the memorial service, a graveside service was held at the Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, IA.

Kennett, Edward John "Ed" - Funeral services for Edward J."Ed" Kennett, age 87, of New Market, Iowa, who died Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital, Corning, Iowa were held Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Interment was held in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa.

Edward John Kennett was born on April 7, 1923 at Clarinda, Iowa to Edward Kennett and Pearl (Sebeniecher) Kennett. Ed grew up in Clarinda, attending Clarinda Community Schools. Ed served his country during World War II.

He served with the United States Navy and with the Coast Guard. On March 26, 1957, Ed and Shirley May Brogan were united in marriage in Bentonville, Arkansas. They were blessed with three children, Kyle, Kim and Mary Ann.

Ed was a long time employee of the Clarinda Co-op, retiring in 1988 at the age of 65.

His second career was with Snyder Auto Body driving the auto transport many miles. His health forced him to retire once again at the age of 85.

Ed was a long time member of the New Market American Legion Post #300. Ed enjoyed life and had many activities. He had a vegetable garden and also loved flower gardening; and would drive many miles to see a new flower.

Ed and Shirley also liked to camp, attend the Branson music shows, eat out and attend the "Old Thresher's Reunion" at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Family was most important to Ed and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandsons.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather are his wife, Shirley Kennett of Bedford, Iowa; sons, Larry Kennett of California and Kyle Dee Kennett of New Market, Iowa; daughters, Kimberly Ann Scott and husband Steve of Hopkins, Missouri and Mary Ann Hensley of New Market, Iowa; grandchildren, Mandy Hensley and fiance Adam Randolph, Zach Smith, Jessica Kennett; great grandsons, Carter and Cash Randolph; sister, Betty Fenstermaker of New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; other relatives and many friends.

Preceding Ed in death were his parents.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda.

Vanderholm, Louise H. Larson - Louise H. Vanderholm, the daughter of Gilbert T. and Ella (Hull) Larson was born September 26, 1914 in Page County, Iowa near Bethesda. She passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at the Red Oak Rehab and Care Center, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 95 years, 10 months and 27 days.

Louise was raised on a farm in the Bethesda area. She graduated from Stanton High School with the class of 1931. Louise was united in marriage to Raymond Vanderholm on November 23, 1933 in Bethesda, IA. They farmed in the Bethesda area until l958 when they made their home on an acreage south of Red Oak. After the passing of her husband, Louise continued living on their acreage until 1974, when she moved to Red Oak. For 20 years, Louise worked for Union Carbide Battery Company in Red Oak. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles and watching golf on TV. She was also, an avid bird watcher and enjoyed gardening. Louise was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and WELCA of Red Oak and past member of the Christian Women's Club.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Raymond in July of 1969; two sisters: Ione Vanderholm and Marjorie Schantz.

Louise is survived by her son: James Vanderholm and wife Sharon of Omaha, NE; three daughters: Mary Needham and husband Richard of Council Bluffs, IA; Rachel Levy and husband Ray of Seattle, WA; and Susan Hirschman and husband Thomas of Glenwood, IA; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother: Charles Larson of Clarinda, IA; along with other relatives and friends.

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

Funeral Service will be held
Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Red Oak, IA
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak
Rev. Dr. George Hooper, Officiating

Visitation with the family present at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home Wednesday, August 25 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Memorials to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Arthritis Association

Services entrusted to Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home

Whitehill, Ida Lenore Stevenson - Memorial services for Ida Whitehill, age 103, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 at her daughter’s residence in Clarinda, Iowa were held Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Leslie Traylor officiating. Private burial was in the Reformed Presbyterian Church cemetery, rural Clarinda, Iowa.

Ida Lenore Stevenson Whitehill was born June 8, 1907 near Idana, Kan., to Edwin Stevenson and Fannie Franconia (Dunn) Stevenson. Ida grew up on the family farm, the fourth of eight children. It was a busy and happy home where neighbors and friends were always welcome for a visit. Ida attended country school and Clay Center, Kansas, High School. Her family was regular attending members of Idana Covenanter Church. Ida attended summer conferences for young people with her sister Mildred and while there she met a young man from Clarinda, Iowa named Donald Whitehill. Four years later, January 14, 1925, they were married and Ida and Donald made the trip back to Clarinda in two days in the Model T Ford that Donald had purchased for fifty dollars.
Ida and Donald lived with his parents their first year and started farming together. The next year they moved to the farm they bought and spent forty-nine years together, until Donald’s passing. They were active members of the Covenanter Reformed Presbyterian Church all of their married life. Ida later joined Trinity Presbyterian Church after moving to Clarinda. Born to this marriage were Thomas Edwin and Janet Rose.
During her years on the farm, Ida enjoyed the camaraderie of working with the ladies in the church, taking children and young people to church camp and helping with many projects at the church. She was very helpful to Donald’s parents (Tom and Rose) and taxied Rose to town since Rose did not drive. She looked forward to meeting with the neighborhood club once a month to “laugh and chat”. She was a loving wife and mother who raised her two children on the farm where they attended Butler Country School and Clarinda High School. During those many years Ida raised and dressed chickens to earn extra money. She also worked for many years at Connor’s Ladies Ready to Wear store in Clarinda. She was grandma on call when her grandchildren were born and was a wonderful help for Edwin and Dorothy, and John and Janet. Her Bible stories provided many fond memories for all her grandchildren. Her life and attitude are summed up in on of her favorite Bible verses, Psalms 118:24, “This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She read her Bible daily until her sight failed her.
Ida loved the holidays, and Christmas Eve’s soup supper was a family tradition at her home while Donald was alive. She continued to enjoy that tradition at her daughter’s home and loved watching the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time at “Ida’s Place”, a cabin that her son-in-law built and named in her honor. She enjoyed picnics at the cabin and for many years her fried chicken, potato salad, and deviled eggs were everyone’s first choice.
Ida lived her life in Faith and Love and desired to live that life in a way that was pleasing to her Lord. “May the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight Oh Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, parents-in-law, son, Thomas Edwin and his wife Dorothy, grandson, Thomas Edwin II, son-in-law, John C. Greenwood, and six siblings, James Cargill, Edna, Mildred, Ann, Edwina, and Georgia.
Left to cherish her memory are one brother, Cameron Stevenson, daughter, Janet Greenwood, five grandchildren, Virginia Conner (Doug), John D. Greenwood, Jean Minor (Duane), Juli Mace (Tom), Joy Walker (Mark), and granddaughter, Vicki Whitehill (Thomas, deceased), Fourteen great-grandchildren, Heather Wonderlich (Ahren), Amy Schurger (Josh), Zachery Whitehill, Kylee Whitehill, Barbara Greenwood, Samantha Chambers (Josh), John David Greenwood, James Greenwood, Forrest Greenwood, Bryce Greenwood, Jason Minor (Chelsie), Brent Minor (Jackie), Ted Mace, and Ginny Greenwood-Walker. Five great-great-grandchildren, Jaksen and Kali Wonderlich, Justice Whitehill, Christian Greenwood, and Suzzanna Chambers, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Richardson, Jerry Lee - Celebration of Life services for Jerry Richardson, age 72, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Nebraska Medical Center-Clarkson Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska were held Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Visitation with the family and informal gathering was held following the service. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery at a later date.

Jerry Lee Richardson was born June 10, 1938 at Shambaugh, Iowa; the son of Donald Richardson and Mable (Houston) Richardson. He grew up in Shambaugh, attending Shambaugh School. Jerry had two brothers and two sisters. He was united in marriage May 2, 1960, at Maryville, Missouri, to Joyce “Kay” Dailey. They were blessed with three children, Teresa, Bill and Robin.

Jerry was a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed his job and the farmers he hauled for. One of his great loves was riding his motorcycle. In the later years, he could be seen riding his scooter to Hy-Vee and Casey’s. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. His family was most important to him and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and his brother Bub. He spent many hours sitting on his deck waving at people going by and visiting with the ones that stopped.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents; wife, Kay; brother, John Richardson; sister, Elma Van Fosson.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, daughter, Terry Hiatt and husband Larry of Clarinda, Iowa, son, Bill Richardson and wife Mary of Yorktown, Iowa, daughter, Robin Richardson of Grinnell, Iowa; grandchildren, Ashley Johnson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kara Peiffer of Grinnell, Iowa, Taylor Herr of Grinnell, Iowa, Zachary Herr of Grinnell, Iowa, Nick Richardson of Yorktown, Iowa, Chad Haffner of Shenandoah, Iowa, April Haffner of Shenandoah, Iowa, Jessica Eggers of Shenandoah, Iowa; ten great grandchildren; brother, Leonard “Bub” Richardson and wife Sheryl of College Springs, Iowa; sister, Wilda McClarnon of Clarinda, Iowa; nieces; nephews and many friends.

Keeran, Phyllis Marie Gee - Memorial services for Phyllis Keeran, age 83, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Monday, August 30, 2010 at Tabor Manor Care Center, Tabor, Iowa were held Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Andrew Rubenking officiating. Burial was in the Summit Cemetery, Yorktown, Iowa.

Phyllis Marie (Gee) Keeran was born on February 7, 1927, in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of Henry Gee and Mary (Gleason) Gee. Phyllis was one of three children; brothers, Merrill and James. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Phyllis attended Shenandoah High School, graduating in 1944. She worked at F.W. Woolworth’s after high school as well as taking care of her younger brother.

Phyllis was joined in marriage to Kennard Keeran on September 17, 1946, in Troy, Kansas. They moved to the family farm near Clarinda where Kennard was engaged in farming. Phyllis and Kennard were blessed with two sons, Charles and Stephen. Charles currently lives on the family farm and Stephen passed away in October of 1992. Kennard and Phyllis celebrated 63 years of marriage together.

Phyllis went to work in 1960 and spent 29 years in the Clarinda Public School system as the secretary of the junior high school. During those years, she made many close lifelong friends while working there. Phyllis was involved in many areas of the school selling tickets to the various events sponsored by the school system. Phyllis was known by just about every child in Clarinda during her tenure in the school system. After Phyllis retired, people would come up to her and ask if she remembered them from school. Phyllis made a lasting memory with everyone that she met.

Phyllis had many hobbies and interests over the years as well as being very involved with her children when they were in school. Phyllis participated in many events with her children, a chaperone on bus trips for the band or baking cookies for some event or another. Phyllis enjoyed bowling in her earlier years and later developed a very avid interest in golf. She was a member of the Golden Girls, a senior ladies golf league. Phyllis also enjoyed her 10 winters in Arizona which allowed her to pursue playing golf year around and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoyed a spirited game of cards with her friends. Friends and family were extremely important to Phyllis; her face would light up when her grandchildren came to visit.

Phyllis led a full and active life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Clarinda and gave of herself to church activities on a regular basis.

Preceding Phyllis in death were her parents and son, Stephen.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Kennard Keeran of Clarinda; son, Charles Keeran of Clarinda; grandchildren (Stephen’s), Erin Michael Keeran and Shannon Irene (Keeran) Hughes; great grandchildren, Connor and Abbie; brothers, Merrill Gee of Essex, Iowa and James Gee of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; 14 nieces and nephews; great nephews and nieces and many friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.