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Grable, Dustin Robert - Dustin Robert Grable, son of Jackie Lee Jones and Tiffanni Dawn (Grable) Connell, was born on June 8, 1983, in Omaha, Nebraska. He passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center at the age of 22, due to injuries sustained in an ATV accident.
His early life was spent growing up in north Omaha (Florence area) where he attended Minne Lusa Elementary. Dustin also lived for a short time in Logan, Iowa. He attended high school in Shenandoah, graduating from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 2001. Following high school, he enlisted in the Air Force attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served five years in the service and was deployed to Afghanistan in March 2005 through November 2005. He had just reenlisted with the Air Force shortly before his accident. During his military career he volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Meals On Wheels in the Bellevue and Omaha area. He also did extensive work with the orphans of war in Afghanistan. In addition to spending time with an extensive list of family and friends, Dustin enjoyed golfing, riding ATV’s, and collecting sports memorabilia, including objects from his favorite sports teams, the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Atlanta Falcons, as well as his favorite stars like Michael Jordan. He also participated in soccer, softball and football while in the Air Force. Dustin had a career goal of becoming a First Sergeant in the Air Force. Always thinking of others, Dustin donated his organs to those in need after his death. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor. Dustin was always smiling and was a great inspiration to those in his life.
Preceding Dustin in death were his great grandfather and great grandmother, Robert and Hazel Hunt; and a great aunt, Lois Hunt. Survivors include his mother, Tiffanni (Grable) Connell, stepfather, Kelly Connell, sister, Hayleigh Connell, brother, Josef Connell, and grandmother, Lenny Drake, all of Shenandoah, IA. He is survived by his father, Jackie Lee Jones, stepmother, Jenny Jones, sister Ashley Jones, brothers John and Jackie Jones, Jr., stepbrothers, Benjamin and Adam Monk, all of Moorhead, IA; Also surviving is his grandfather, John Grable of Yuma, AZ; grandfather, Jackie Eugene Jones and grandmother, Lavonne Jones and uncle Anthony Drake, all of Omaha, NE, along with aunt, Amanda Drake of Warrenburg, MO, and lots of friends and extended family. A memorial fund has been established for Dustin at the First National Bank, 801 S. Fremont Ave., Shenandoah, IA 51601.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given the Rev. James Gubser and Ch. Capt. Randall Jamieson. Musical selections were "I Can Only Imagine", "Tears In Heaven", "Tears & Rain", "The River" and "Cry". Attending the memory register were Rebecca Castle and Katie Hillman. Ushers were Jason Gillett, Curtis Brooks, Justin Urrutia and Lance Nettrouer. Casket bearers were Christopher Swain, Brad Behrens, Rich Williams, Bobby Bouchard, Curtis Hinkle and Russell Curtis. Military rites were accorded by the Offutt Air Force Honor Guard from Bellevue, Nebraska. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Grafft, Dean Irvin - Dean Irvin Grafft, 88, of Templeton, Calif., formerly of Payette and Fruitland, Idaho, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2009 in Templeton, Idaho. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette, Idaho, with Pastor Greg Grafft officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Payette. Services were under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette.
Dean was born Jan. 30, 1921, in Braddyville, Iowa. He was one of nine children born to Earl and Nellie Grafft and a farming lifestyle in southwest Iowa. After finishing school and working on farms around the country, Dean joined the army at the beginning of WWII and served throughout the war years before he was honorably discharged in 1946. During his Army years, he met his buddy’s sister, Ruby Frazier of Kamiah, Idaho. After a typical wartime romance, mostly by mail, they were married July 17, 1944. It was a wonderful match, ruby’s calm, fun-loving spirit balancing Dean’s personal discipline and single-minded pursuit of his goals. After Dean’s discharge and a year in Iowa, they moved to Baker, Ore., where Dean found work as a carpenter.
Four children were born during these years, Greg Grafft (Jane) of Boise, Idaho, Marilyn Tackitt (Terry) of Templeton, Idaho, Phil Grafft (Jody) of Springfield, Mo., and Paula Weise (Glen) of St. Louis, Mo. After eight years of carpentry in Baker, Dean pulled up stakes to attend Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Ore. While majoring in ministry at NCC, he served as student pastor of Norkenzie Christian Church in Eugene. Upon graduation, he became pastor of Mountain Home Christian Church for six years. In 1966, the family moved to the Midwest where Dean served as pastor to Fulton Christian Church and Millersberg Christian Church while he pursued a Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Missouri. Upon graduation from MU, Dean accepted a position as Oneida County Director of Social Services in Rhinelander, Wis. Following four rewarding years in Rhinelander, he and Ruby fulfilled a longstanding dream of returning to the West when he accepted a position with social services in Fruitland, Idaho in 1974. He worked in probation and parole, family counseling, and mental health services until his retirement in 1983. He later accepted a part-time position as pastor of St. John’s Congregational Church in Payette where he served for four years.
Dean loved being part of Lion’s Club and Song-Fellows during their 20 years in Payette, and served both in many capacities including President. He and Ruby together treasured many loving ties through church, work, and family. One of their highly anticipated yearly events was a group visit by their far-flung children and their families, who gathered at his “farm” every summer for a family reunion. One singularly memorable experience occurred in the early 80’s when Dean and Ruby took a six-week trip to Europe, about which they reminisced regularly and recounted often to anyone who was interested.
Dean and Ruby celebrated 50 years of marriage with 200 admiring friends and family in 1994, and continued their life together in Payette until Ruby’s passing six months later. In late 1996, the Grafft family was once again blessed by wedlock when Dean married Helen Rader, an energetic loving woman who made her mark on his life and on the Grafft family until her death in 2005. Declining in health, Dean accepted an invitation to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Terry Tackitt. He basked in their loving care for four years until age and illness took his life.
He is survived by two sisters, Lois Foster (Durwood), Medford, Ore., and Ruth Anderson (Lowell) of Shenandoah, Iowa. Also four children, 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were brothers and sisters, Margaret Dickey (Ward), Dale Grafft (Isabelle), Charles Grafft (Jennie), Vernon Grafft (Dorothy), Iris Browning (Vernon), and Ross Grafft.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to New Plymouth congregational Church or the Payette Lion’s club, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, Idaho 83661.

Graham, Charles William Funeral services for Charles Graham, age 85 of Clarinda, Iowa, who died Friday, August 8, 2008 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa were held Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Jerry Lamb officiating. Visitation with the family was held 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Sergy Post 98 and V.F.W. Post 9230. Memorials can be directed to the Parkinson’s Association Research. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Service of Clarinda, Iowa.

Charles William Graham was born July 9, 1923 near Braddyville, Iowa, the eldest son of Roy Franklin Graham and Bertha (Arment) Graham. The family moved to the Hepburn area and Charles attended grade school at Hepburn, Iowa. He was a 1941 graduate of Clarinda High School. Charles served his country from July 20, 1942 to November 28, 1945 in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

Charles and Betty Jean Fleck were united in marriage on December 18, 1944, in Pasadena, California. This loving union was blessed with two sons, Larry and Tommy. Following his discharge from the Marines, Charles and Betty returned to the Hepburn area to farm and raise their family.

Charles was a life long farmer and farming was his life. He enjoyed planting and harvesting the crops and working with the livestock. He especially loved his Red Angus cattle. Charles also enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. His family was very important to him and loved being with them.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of sixty three years, Betty Graham of Clarinda, Iowa; sons, Larry Graham and wife Jean of Clarinda, Iowa and Tommy Graham and wife Judy of Essex, Iowa; five grandchildren, Robert J. Graham and wife Vicki of Penn Valley, California, Wendy Graham and husband Chris Lincoln of Penn Valley, California, Greg Graham and wife Shelly of Villisca, Iowa, Dawn Rice and husband Raymond of Shenandoah, Iowa, Travis Graham and wife Nikki of Essex, Iowa; eleven great grandchildren, Trevor Balzer, Cassidy Balzer, Shelby Graham, Dakota Graham all of Penn Valley, California, Thomas, Tyler, and Alison Rice of Shenandoah, Iowa, Sadie and Slade Graham of Villisca, Iowa and Avery and Aedynn Graham of Essex, Iowa; brothers, Roy Graham, Jr. and wife Jean of College Springs, Iowa and Richard Graham and wife Claudia of College Springs, Iowa.

Preceding Charles in death were his parents.

Although Charles 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.

Graham, Dale - Graveside services for Dale Graham, age 95 of Clarinda, Iowa will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, September 17, 2007 at the Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Iowa. There will be open viewing after noon on Friday, September 14, 2007 at Selby-Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to the United Methodist Church in Clarinda, Iowa. Selby-Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah is in charge of arrangements.

Dale Graham was born May 17, 1912 in Hepburn, Iowa, the son of Fred A. And Elizabeth (Dyke) Graham. He passed away on Thursday morning, September 13, 2007 at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, Iowa. He attended school in Hepburn and graduated from Clarinda High School with the class of 1933. In January of 1939 he was married to Mary Lois Racine at the Little Brown Church.

Dale was a self-employed trucker hauling coal all around Page & Taylor Counties. He later worked for Clarinda Coal & Concrete still driving a truck. Dale had been a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hepburn. He loved to fish, hunt and trap. He also enjoyed rebuilding and repairing appliances.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary; a sister, Freda Oehler and an infant son at birth.
Survivors include his son, Roger Graham and his wife Thelma of Clarinda, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Shirley Racine of Shenandoah, Iowa and Dorothy Racine of Longmont, Colorado; cousins, Robert Humphreville of Clarinda, Iowa, Gary Oehler and his wife Konnie of Clive, Iowa and Ellen Oehler Blackstone of Seattle, Washington; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graham, Gladys Clara Drake Hagglund Swanson - Gladys Clara Swanson Graham, age 100, the daughter of Guy and Nellie (Crawford) Drake was born February 24, 1905, on the Francis Drake Farm near Shenandoah, Iowa, and passed away July 30, 2005, in Shenandoah.
Growing up in the Shenandoah area Gladys attended Shenandoah schools graduating from Shenandoah Normal School in 1923. She furthered her education at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 1928 Gladys was united in marriage to Eugene Hagglund and to this marriage Leland and Eloise were born. Gladys was united in marriage to Oscar Swanson in 1953 and later following his death she was married to James Graham in 1983.
Through the years Gladys was employed by public schools in the counties of Page, Fremont and Montgomery, teaching at various country schools and Broad Street School in Shenandoah, where she was principal. She worked hard all of her life beginning with tasks on her parents’ farm. To help support herself and her children she also clerked and did other odd jobs. She was known to be frugal and a great “saver”.
Gladys’ greatest gifts were her intellectual curiosity, her zest for life, and her work ethic. She was determined, strong-willed and always had an opinion on almost everything. She took great pride in her home and family. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting, doing bead work, making Christmas ornaments, leatherwork, ceramic painting, embroidery work, textile painting, pictures and chalk, and sewing. She was very competitive at playing games and cards and was an avid reader. Gladys also enjoyed growing plants, flowers, and a huge vegetable garden from which her family and friends enjoyed the many jars of food she canned.
She was a long time member (60 years) of a women’s study club, member of War Mothers and Degree of Honor Lodge, Nautilus Club, Senior Citizens Group and a 65 year member of the Presbyterian Church.
Preceding Gladys in death were her parents; husbands, Oscar Swanson and James Graham; son, Leland Hagglund, sisters, Lois Rutherford, Marjorie Clatterbaugh and Marie Drake; brother, Ernest Drake; twin infant brothers; and an infant sister.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Eloise and Keith Christie of Algona, Iowa; five grandchildren and their spouses, Jamie and Jerry Simpson of Algona, Kim and Tim Fyfe of Clear Lake, Iowa, Lori and Tony Mineart of Bradenton, Florida, Julie and Mel Elsberry of Orange City, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, Gardenview Care Center or to the Shenandoah Medical Center Hospice.

Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Graham, Steven Michael - Steven Michael Graham was born May 8, 1959 in Shenandoah, Iowa the son of Robert Leroy and Waneeta Fern (Jones) Graham. He passed away suddenly on Friday evening, November 13, 2009 at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa at the age of 50 years, 6 months and 5 days.

Steven grew up in Page County and attended South Page Schools. He later worked for Bud Turnbull as a painter. He also worked for Tiemeyer Enterprises as a truck driver and mechanic. He enjoyed basketball, fishing, watching stock car racing at the Adams County Speedway and tinkering with cars, especially his 1968 Chevelle.

He was preceded in death by his mother. Survivors include his two sons, Darwin Joe Graham of Texas, Steven Eugene Graham and his wife Brenda of Minnesota; four grandchildren, Bethany, Grace, Christopher and Abigail Rhea; his father, Robert Graham of Shenandoah, Iowa; siblings, Linda Lantz of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Gene Graham and Wendy Hendon of Essex, Iowa, David Graham and his wife Kimberly of Nebraska City, Nebraska, Paula Rhodes of Shenandoah, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.

Graham, Timothy, baby - Baby Timothy Graham, age one day, passed away Monday, November 6, 2006, at Saint Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Parents are Tim and Heidi Graham of North Liberty, Iowa. Grandparents in Shenandoah are Wayne and Marlene Graham

Burial Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa. Kirsch Funeral Chapel.

Graham, Waneeta Fern Jones - Waneeta Fern (Jones) Graham, daughter of Lloyd Eldon and Ethel Ellen (Snodderly) Jones, was born on January 8, 1937, at Elmo, Missouri. She passed away on Monday, October 9, 2006, at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 69.

Fern’s early life was spent in northwest Missouri in the communities of Clearmont and Elmo. She attended elelmentary school in the Maple Lawn District of Nodaway County. Fern graduated from Clearmont High School with the Class of 1955. Following high school she attended college for one year.

On August 19, 1956, Fern was united in marriage to Robert Graham in Tarkio, Missouri. Following their marriage they made their home in Clearmont. To this union were born five children, Linda, Steven, Gene, David and Paula. The family later moved to Shenandoah. Fern was a loving homemaker to her children and husband. Fern worked for a short time at the Nishna Valley Café and in later years worked with Nishna Productions. She was a member of the Shenandoah Assembly of God Church. Fern was an avid high school basketball fan and enjoyed sewing when she had time. Failing health caused Fern to spend most of the last four years in nursing homes in Malvern and Clarinda. She was able to come back home on July 21, 2006, until she suffered a stroke and spent the remainder of her life at Elm Heights Care Center.

Preceding Fern in death were her parents; brothers, Lowell and Neil Jones; sister-in-law Letta Jones; and son-in-law, John Rhodes. Fern is survived by her husband, Robert Graham of Shenandoah, IA; daughters, Linda Lantz of Council Bluffs, IA, and Paula Rhodes of Shenandoah, IA; sons, Steven Graham of Shenandoah, IA, Gene Graham and Wendy of Essex, IA, and David Graham of Nebraska City, NE; sister, Donna Williams and husband Lloyd of St. Louis, MO; three brothers, Rex Jones and wife Judy of St. Joseph, MO, Max Jones and Polly and Allen Jones and wife Jessica all of Clearmont, MO; 17 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. at the Shenandoah Assembly of God Church. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Mark Dolphens and Assistant Pastor Marcus Dolphens. Musical selections were "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross" performed by Jaynie Dolphens. Attending the memory register were Sonja Williams and Kim Presley. Usher was Ron Green. Casket bearers were Jeremy Lantz, Brian Graham, Wes Graham, Eric Jones, Randy Jones, Ricky Jones. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials are being directed to the family. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Gray, Arthur Russell Graveside services for Arthur Gray, age 84 of Clarinda, Iowa, formerly of Villisca, Iowa, who died Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa was held Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the North Grove Cemetery, rural Villisca, Iowa Reverend Walden Paige officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at the United Methodist Church, Clarinda, Iowa and also 9-10 a.m., Wednesday morning prior to leaving for the cemetery. Burial was in the North Grove Cemetery, rural Villisca, Iowa with military rites by American Legion Ker-A-Vor Post 251, Villisca, Iowa. A memorial will be established. You may share memories with the family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Service, Clarinda, Iowa.

Arthur Russell Gray was born January 7, 1923 in Canton, South Dakota, the son of Otis Lee Gray and Iva Ellen (Walters) Gray. His family moved to Iowa in 1930. He attended Baker Cut rural school south of Villisca and attended Villisca High School. He served his country during World War II in the United States Navy on the USS McCoy Reynolds destroyer escort. He was united in marriage to Mary Robinson. To this union five children were born, Russell, Gail, Gary, Kevin and Kyle.

Art’s occupation was road construction with heavy machinery. He was also employed at Wilson Foods in Clarinda until his retirement. Art then returned to construction, running a caterpillar. Art enjoyed working with horses and mules and was a member of a saddle club. He was also a member of the American Legion Ker-A-Vor Post #251, Villisca, Iowa. Art enjoyed fishing and especially liked playing pitch during his stay at Westridge Care and Rehab Center.

Art is survived by his sons, Gary Gray and his wife Beth of Villisca, Iowa, Kevin Gray of Clarinda, Iowa; brothers, Donald Gray of Clarinda, Iowa, Robert Gray and wife Lorena of Emerson, Iowa; sisters, Thelma Stamps and husband Jack of Clarinda, Iowa, Lois Trybom and husband Donald of Red Oak, Iowa; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Art in death were his parents; wife, Mary Robinson Gray; sons, Russell Gray and Kyle Gray; daughter, Gail Lee Thurman; grandchild, Jason Gray; brothers, Carroll Gray and Max Gray.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Art’s passing.

James Edgar Gray, 64 of Maryville, Missouri died on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at St Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri.

He was born July 24, 1944 in Clarinda, Iowa. He attended Clarinda High School. Jim was the owner/operator of Jim's Auto in Maryville.

Jim was united in marriage to Ruth Francis Cottrell, September 4, 2004, at Grand Island, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents; James Gilbert and Delores Lavonne Casteel Gray, two brothers, Marvin and Melvin Gray.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth of the home, Maryville; daughter, Tina (Gary) Strub, Kansas City, KS; three brothers, Gary (Marlene) Gray, Britt, IA, Donald (Terri) Gray, Green Bay, WI and Terry Gray, Council Bluffs, IA; 3 grand children; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, April 9, at the Price Funeral Home Chapel, Maryville. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the services at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will be in the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society of Nodaway County.

Gray, Maralyn R. Hotze Stickler - Funeral services for Maralyn R. Stickler-Gray, age 79 of Clarinda, Iowa, formerly of Villisca, Iowa, who died Thursday, November 29, 2007 at Good Samaritan Care Center, Villisca, Iowa were held Monday, December 3, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rose Hill Church with Pastor Charles Mayer officiating. Visitation with the family will be 1:00 p.m. Monday prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, rural Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be donated in her name. Memories and condolences may shared with the family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to Ritchie Funeral Service of Clarinda, Iowa.

Maralyn Ruth Stickler-Gray was born November 8, 1928 in Carson, Iowa, the daughter of Ray Hotze and Hazel (Smith) Hotze. She grew up in the Carson-Macedonia area and was a graduate of Macedonia High School. Maralyn attended Cosmetology School in Omaha. She worked for the telephone company in Clarinda in the 1950’s and she then was secretary/receptionist for Dr. Comeau in Clarinda. Maralyn also worked as a Home Health Aide for Page County Health Care.

Maralyn was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years and was currently a member of Rose Hill Church, rural Clarinda, Iowa. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary in Villisca and a member of the Legion Auxiliary in Clarinda. Maralyn enjoyed volunteering at the church and the Good Samaritan Care Center of Villisca. She was always good at helping those that needed a helping hand.

Maralyn is survived by her sons, Jack Stickler and wife Sharon of Clarinda, Iowa, Dave Stickler and wife Jerrie of Clarinda, Iowa; grandchildren, Krista Nelson and husband Jason, Terri Radke and husband Jason, Scott Stickler and wife Val, Chad Isaacson and fiancé Sara Volkmar, Ryan Isaacson and wife Erin, Misty Mallonee and husband John Erick, Jesse Stickler, Alana Stickler and Joana Parrott; thirteen great grandchildren; step-sons, Kevin Gray of Clarinda, Iowa and Gary Gray and wife Beth of Villisca, Iowa; sister, Neuonia Timberman of Oakland, Iowa and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Maralyn in death were her parents; brothers, Theo Hotze and Bud Hotze; sister, Clella Robinson Young; great granddaughter, Geneah Radke.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn her passing.

Gray, Maudie - Graveside memorial services for Maudie Gray, age 69 of Clarinda, Iowa, formerly of Glenwood, Iowa, who died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 at Westridge Care & Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Blockton Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. 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.
Maudie Gray was born October 28, 1939 in West Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Riley Theodore Gray and Goldie Lucille (Harmon) Gray. Maudie had lived at Woodward, Iowa and was a long time resident of Park Place, Glenwood, Iowa.
Maudie had a special way of touching the people around her. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and what she didn’t want. When she gave you her “look,” she was unhappy. For those that were lucky enough to know her, we knew what she was trying to tell us. She had the most beautiful smile and a laugh that would light up any room.
Maudie is survived by nieces, Charlotte Pearce of Blockton, Iowa; Charlene Pearce of Osceola, Iowa and Darlene Myers of Creston, Iowa; other relatives and friends.
Preceding Maudie in death were her parents; step-father, Otha Woods; brothers and sisters.
Maudie will be greatly missed but will be forever in our hearts. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn her passing.

Gray, Opal M. Williams - Funeral services for Opal M. Gray, 94, formerly of Villisca, IA, were held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 3, 2009,in the Wolfe Funeral Home.
Opal died Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 in Higginsville, Missouri. She was born Oct 7th, 1914, to John S. Williams and Myrtle Leona Williams near Carson, in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. She was married to Carroll James Gray in Clarinda, Iowa on Aug 3rd, 1935. She was the mother of two, Marlyn Dean and Norma Jean (Doan), who gave her three grandchildren each.

Opal spent most of her adult life farming in southwest Iowa near the towns of Guss, Strand, and Villisca. She also worked at the Milligan's cafe and the Green Lantern cafe in Villisca.

When they retired from farming, she and her husband lived in Villisca and enjoyed traveling and fishing. After losing her husband she moved to senior apartments in Corning. She later moved to an assisted living and care center in Higginsville, Missouri were she died of natural causes.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and gardening, but, her greatest love was her family. She devoted her life to her husband, children and grandchildren making numerous sacrifices of her own for her children. They would never want for anything, be it food, clothing, or something as simple as a hug, as it was already there. She was the mother, and grandmother, that everyone should have. She will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, on Aug 28th, 1979; her sister Ruth Holmes on Oct 21st, 1989; her daughter Norma Jean (Charles) on May 1st, 2001; and her son Marlyn (Norma) on Sep 19th, 2001.

Survivors include her sister Wilma Walters (Harold) of Prescott; six grandchildren; Mike Gray (Ellen), Tim Gray (Loretta), Deborah (Doan) Craig (Thomas), Tammy (Doan) Boyer, Jeff Doan (Benita) and Russell Gray (Sherry); and 10 great-grandchildren.


Wolfe Funeral Home of Villisca in charge of arrangements.

GrayEagle, Marc Alexander - Marc Alexander GrayEagle was born May 4, 1956 in Lexington, Kentucky, the son of Wendell Malcom and Anne Reeser (Beeler) Lykins. He passed away on Saturday evening, November 1, 2008 at his home in rural College Springs, Iowa at the age of 52 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Marc grew up in Kentucky and following high school Marc had numerous jobs until he found his calling in the broadcast business as an on-air personality. On September 4, 1981 he was married to Terri Boyer in Hurst, Texas. The couple was blessed with four children; Jeremiah, Charlotte, MerriLorynn and Nicholas.

Marc worked all over the southern United States as a disc jockey for numerous radio stations. He was also very proud of his Native American heritage. He was very active in his native culture. He was an ordained Native American minister and was the Native American spirit leader for the federal prison and the Aldersgate Women’s Prison both in West Virginia. Marc and his family hosted native pow-wow’s West Virginia. He enjoyed going to schools and other civic groups and teaching about his native traditions. He also enjoyed Native American Crafts such as bead and leather working. In 1996 Marc was disabled following complications from Lyme disease and diabetes.

Marc was preceded in death by both his birth and adoptive parents and his mother-in-law, Mary Jane Boyer.

Survivors include his wife, Terri GrayEagle of the home; his children, Jeremiah, MerriLorynn and Nicholas GrayEagle all of the home, Charlotte Kelkar of Hurst, Texas; a sister-in-law, Vicki Yarnell and her husband Jack of Hurst, Texas; father-in-law, Virgil Boyer of Hurst, Texas; an aunt, Lorene Neal of Villisca, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.

Greenleaf, Mary Winifred Nye - Mary Winifred “Winnie” Greenleaf, the daughter of Arthur B. and Mary T. (Healy) Nye was born July 19, 1924, in Shenandoah, Iowa, and passed away June 20, 2004, at Elm Heights Park Crest Care Center in Shenandoah. She was 79.

Growing up in Shenandoah Winnie graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1941. After high school she attended UCLA in Los Angeles, California. During World War II and after, she was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, California, as a radio operator. In 1951 she was introduced to Hale Greenleaf and on May 1, 1952, they were united in marriage. To this union, Stephen, Amy, John and William were born.

During her life, Winnie was active in a number of different civic and community organizations, including St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the garden Club, the Saturday Night Club, West Page Improvement Center, the Republican Party, Shenandoah Park Board, and the Health Planning Council of the Midlands. She was one of the early members of the Southwest Iowa Theatre Group appearing in several productions including Social Security in 2000, for which she received the outstanding actor award. In 2003, she appeared in the production of Inherit the Wind. For a number of years and up until the time of her death, Winnie served as coordinator for the Shenandoah Historical Museum. She recently received an award of appreciation from the Museum Board for her devoted service. This award will be formally commemorated at the Grand Opening of the new museum facility.

Preceding Mary Win in death were her parents; an infant brother; and her husband, Hale, on April 21, 1997.

Survivors include her son, Stephen Greenleaf and wife, Connie, of Iowa City, Iowa, daughter, Amy Payne and husband, Thomas, of Seattle, Washington, sons, John Greenleaf of LaVista, Nebraska and William Greenleaf of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Anne and Abigail Greenleaf of Iowa City and Jennifer and Molly Payne of Seattle, plus other relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Historical Museum, St. Mary's Catholic Church or to Southwest Iowa Theater Group.

A luncheon with the family will follow at St Mary's Catholic Church Parrish Hall.

Burial Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa. Selby Funeral Chapel, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Greenwalt, Harold "Bill" Guy - Harold “Bill” Guy Greenwalt, the son of Howard and Cecile (Bartles) Greenwalt, was born March 2, 1925, in Shenandoah, Iowa, and passed away December 7, 2002, at the Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah.
Growing up in Shenandoah, Bill received his education from the Shenandoah school system, graduating from high school in 1943. On December 30, 1944, Bill was united in marriage to Doris “June” Purtle at the Congregational parsonage in Shenandoah. To this union, Deborah, ZoAnna and Claudia were born.
During Bill’s working years he was associated with Spurgeon’s Department Store, Douglas and Lomason, Henry Field Seed and Nursery Company, Leacox Drug, United States Postal Service and for several years was superintendent of the Company E. Memorial Building in Shenandoah where he retired. He was a member of the First Christian Church and Elks Club #1122 in Shenandoah. Bill’s main interest in life was his family. He took great joy in following the activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceding Bill in death were his parents; brother, Miller “Bub” Greenwalt; sister, Mildred Spies; and granddaughter, Janie Hagglund.
Survivors include his wife, June Greenwalt of Shenandoah; daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Colonel Lloyd Keeton of Colorado Springs, Colorado, ZoAnna McAdams of Omaha, Nebraska and Claudia and Chuck Brooks of Farragut, Iowa; brothers, Harley Greenwalt of Shenandoah and Larry Greenwalt and his wife, Sandy, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and sister, Margaret Kling and her husband, Norman, of Shenandoah. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, Julie Cassady, Jennifer Keeton, Jill Lofton, Anthony McAdams, Tiffani Caleb, Amy Howard, Claudia Stokes, and Curtis and Craig Brooks plus 10 great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Burial Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa. Selby Funeral Chapel, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Greenwood, John Clyde Memorial services for John C. Greenwood, age 78, of Clarinda, Iowa, who died Thursday, April 26, 2007 due to a boating accident in Webster County, Iowa will be held Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clarinda, Iowa with Rev. Neal Allen, Rev. Charles Bulger and Rev. Roy Fox officiating. Interment was held in the Covenanter Cemetery, rural Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Southern Christian College of the Philippines or to Heifer International (please make checks out to Trinity Presbyterian Church and designate one of the locations listed). Memories can be shared with the family on our web site at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Service of Clarinda, Iowa.

John Clyde Greenwood was born August 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of John Lester Greenwood and Leona Pearl (Clyde) Greenwood. He was one of eight children. John was a graduate of Centerville High School and attended Baker University near Topeka, Kansas. He served his country during the Korean conflict in the United States Army. He was united in marriage July 23, 1954 at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Clarinda, Iowa to Janet Whitehill. They were blessed with four children; John, Jean, Juli and Joy.

John and Janet owned and operated the Greenwood Insurance and Real Estate business of Clarinda, Iowa. He had retired and was enjoying his hobbies which included fishing, hunting and woodworking. John was an active member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Clarinda, Iowa.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his wife, Janet Greenwood of Clarinda, Iowa; son, John D. Greenwood and wife Barb of Clarinda, Iowa; daughters, Jean Minor and husband Duane of Clarinda, Iowa, Juli Mace and husband Tom of Clarinda, Iowa and Joy Greenwood of Lexington, North Carolina; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild; mother-in-law, Ida Whitehill of Clarinda, Iowa; brother, Art Greenwood and wife Marge of Clarinda, Iowa; sister, Doris Lisle of Iowa City, Iowa.

Preceding John in death were his parents; brothers, David Greenwood and Frank Greenwood; sisters, Leona King, Mary South and Ruth Weller.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn John’s passing.

Greer, Flossie Della Ratliff - Flossie Della Greer, the daughter of Clyde and Wilda (Ayres) Ratliff, was born October 29, 1918, at Thedford, Nebraska, and passed away June 15, 2004, at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. She was 85.
As a young girl, Flossie moved from Thedford with her family to Clearfield, Iowa, where she started her education. Later she and her family moved to Lakeland, Florida, where she received the rest of her education at Lakeland High School.
In the 1930s she returned to the Midwest to Sharpsburg, Iowa, attending to the elderly as a caregiver. She then moved to Clarinda, Iowa, where she worked as a nurse’s aid at the Clarinda State Hospital. There she met Wayne and on March 16, 1938, they were married in Maryville, Missouri. To this marriage, three children, Johnnie, Jodie and Barbara were born. They lived in Clarinda for a short time before moving to Odebolt, Iowa, and then to Missouri Valley, Red Oak, Iowa, and finally to Shenandoah, Iowa, where they lived and raised their children. From 1955 to 1971 Flossie was employed in the Shenandoah School lunch program as a cook.
Through the years she was a member of The Congregational United Church of Christ, the Jolly Mixers Club and the Nishna Valley Saddle Club. Flossie enjoyed quilting and making ceramics. She was well known for being a great cook and often filled many orders of cookies and her famous cinnamon rolls. After their retirement, Flossie and Wayne enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona.
Preceding Flossie in death were her parents; husband, Wayne, on January 2, 2001; brothers, Leonard, Richard, Ralph, Leo and Rex Ratliff; sister, Eula McCeldry; son-in-law, Lyle Cox; and great grandsons, Nathan Greer Grant and Cory Rowe.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Johnnie and Elizabeth Greer of Berea, Kentucky, and Jodie and Karen Greer of Springfield, Missouri; daughter, Barbara Cox of Shenandoah; 9 grandchildren, Pam Greer, Belinda Amerson, Julie Geis, David Greer, Mary Beth Dahler, Robin Grant, Lori Biffle, Lisa Nene and Deanna Cox; 23 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Mary Ratliff of Shenandoah, Evelyn Exley and Martha Greer of Humeston, Iowa, and Erma Calhoun of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Virgil Greer of Woodburn, Oregon; a special friend, Thelma Benedict of Shenandoah; plus several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Burial Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa. Selby Funeral Chapel, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Greever, Dwight - Dwight Greever, son of Thompson H. and Goldie (Rouse) Greever, was born in Locust Grove Township on October 19, 1926 and passed away at Clarkson Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska on June 28, 2006 at the age of 79. Dwight was raised and educated in the Locust Grove area.
On May 16, 1944 Dwight was united in marriage to Betty M. Howes. To this union was born three daughters. Dwight and Betty spent their 62 years together in Shenandoah. They enjoyed spending time with their family, in the summer at Tablerock Lake and winters in Mesa, Arizona with friends.
During his young adult years Dwight worked in the surrounding area before being hired by the City of Shenandoah. He worked at the water plant 38 years during which he was promoted to Water Superintendent, holding that position until his retirement in 1988.
Dwight was a member and Deacon of the Community of Christ Church.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters: Hazel Gesy, Pauline Blaine, Margaret Howard, Mabel Dinsmore, Leota Herold and Ruth Hampton; and two brothers, Wayne and Thompson Greever.
Survivors include his wife, Betty; his children, Bev Hill of Lawrence, Kansas, Donna Munsinger and her husband Merril of Northboro, Iowa and Tammie Stettler and her husband Kevin of Shenandoah, Iowa; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren; sister, Ann Compton and sister-in-law, Marjory Greever; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Griffin, Norman Dale - Norman Dale Griffin, age 88, of Clarinda, Iowa, and formerly of Coin, Iowa, passed away Monday February 16, 2004, at the Clarinda Regional Health Center.

Memorial services following cremation, will be scheduled at a later date.

Survivors include his daughter, Janice Pitt and husband Gary of Coin, Iowa, Patricia Murray and husband, Lee, of Morrison, Illinois, and Jeannie Hull of Bailey, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Coin Library Fund and sent to the Selby Funeral Chapel.

Gruber, Anna Marie - Anna Marie Gruber, age 90 of Shenandoah, Iowa was born April 12, 1918 in Locust Grove Township, Fremont County, Iowa, the eldest of three daughters of Oscar and Fern (Mackoy) Gruber. She passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa. Anna Marie was named for her two grandmothers and an aunt.

Anne Marie attended Locust Grove rural school and graduated as county valedictorian; Farragut Consolidated High School in 1937 with a Normal Training Certificate. She taught for six years at Summit and Locust Grove rural schools, Fremont County, Iowa. Anna Marie attended Colorado College of Education in Greeley, Colorado where she obtained her B.A. and M.A. degrees. She received her Ed. D. from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

After teaching in Fremont County rural schools, Anna Marie taught in Westboro, Missouri junior high one year, then three years in Tabor, Iowa under her high school superintendent, R.C. Polton. The remaining nine years in Iowa, she served as Elementary Supervisor in Shelby and Woodbury Counties. In 1958, she joined the College of Education staff at Western Illinois University (WIU), Macomb, Illinois. Her teaching emphasis was in the fields of language arts, creative education and early childhood education. When the college reorganized, she became chairman of Elementary Education, a position she held until retirement in 1978. She highlights at WIU were establishing early childhood area of concentration, curriculum team teaching assisted in establishing five day cares, Reading Information Service (RIS) for the visually handicapped via radio, trained Head Start teachers and had modal school on campus, College of Education’s representative in Presidential Selection Committee, Illinois President of Association of Childhood Education (ACE) as well as WIU advisor of ACE.

Anna Marie’s professional life was dedicated to the betterment in the field of elementary education. With Gladys L. Jackson, The Science of Sound and Spelling was written and published by Desaubniers Press, 1971, “…Are he Spaceships of Fairies” was published in the Illinois Journal of Education in 1970. She has served on many committees and councils in the university, her church and organizations in which she participated. She held life memberships in Pi Lambda Theta, Alpha Delta Kappa, was the first woman member and president of Phi Delta Kappa at WIU, and served and supported Kappa Delta Pi and ACE, student organizations. Each year student members of ACE attended the International Conference.

In retirement, Anna Marie filled her days with volunteer work: transportation for cancer patients, therapy for two multiple sclerosis patients, taught 55 Alive, Mature Driving, SHIP-assisting senior citizens with their health insurance, Felheimer Committee board member and chairman, Wesley Village Retirement Center Board member, visitor and wrote its first Eagle Evaluation, Reading Information Service (RIS) (reading to visually handicapped on the radio) as member, and president, served on various church committees as well as meal preparation for senior citizens XYZ, co-chaired bazaar, directed a quilt and a Fashion Show of Yesteryears.

Anna Marie is survived by one sister, Barbara Bredensteiner of Shenandoah, Iowa; a niece, Lo Ann Brdensteiner Beran and her husband Joe of Northboro, Iowa; nephews, Scott Bredensteiner and his wife Sandy of Pfugerville, Texas and David Bredensteiner and his wife Shary of Bedford, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.