Odem, Helen Mae Shore Crawford - Graveside services for Helen Odem, age 86 of Pryor Oklahoma, formerly of Clarinda and Atlantic, who died Friday, March 13, 2009 at Integrais Mayes County Medical Center, Pryor Oklahoma were held Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Karen L. Moore officiating. Visitation with the family was held 5-7 Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Helen’s name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Helen Mae Odem was born September 20, 1922 in Clarinda, Iowa to Rowe and Lula (Marcell) Shore. She grew up in New Market, Iowa. She graduated from New Market High School in 1941. After high school she became a cosmetologist and taught at a cosmetology school for a short time.

During World War II she worked at a bombing plant in Amarillo, TX. In 1959, she went to work as a psychiatric technician at Clarinda Mental Health Institute and worked there for many years.

Helen enjoyed fishing, watching nature, taking car rides and spending time with family.

She was married to Ralph Crawford in 1941. From this union they had two children James Marion Crawford and Janet Leah Crawford-Clark. She married Gail Odem of Atlantic, Iowa in 1982. They spent many wonderful years at their lakeside home in Branson, Missouri before moving back to Atlantic, Iowa because of health problems. Her beloved husband Gail preceded her in death in 2002. In 2002, she moved to Pryor, Oklahoma to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Gary.

Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Jim and Elaine Crawford of Wildwood, Missouri; daughter and son-in-law Gary and Janet Clark of Pryor, Oklahoma; her first husband Ralph Crawford of Clarinda, Iowa; grandsons Ralph Crawford, Alex Crawford and Scott Clark; granddaughter Paula Clark; three great-grandsons and four great-granddaughters.

She is preceded in death by husband, Gail Odem, her parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and numerous other family members.


May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn her passing.
Although Helen will be greatly missed,
her love and inspiration will live on through her family.

Offenburger, Daniel J. - Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Offenburger, Mary Jean Carr - Mary Jean Offenburger, daughter of John Oliver and Evangeline Catherine (Mullen) Carr, was born on March 20, 1936, in the Quad Cities Area. She passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2006, at the Creighton/St. Joseph Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 69.
Her early life was spent in the Rock Island and Carbondale, Illinois areas before the family moved to Fonda, Iowa. Mary Jean graduated from the Our Lady of Good Council High School in Fonda with the Class of 1954. Following graduation, she attended Catholic University in Washington, DC, for two years before receiving her Teaching Degree at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Mary Jean taught school for several years, having taught the second and third grades in her career.
On June 8, 1963, Mary Jean was united in marriage with the love of her life, Dan Offenburger at the Our Lady of Good Council Church in Fonda, Iowa. Following their marriage they resided in Rolfe, Iowa before moving to Omaha, Nebraska and later to Shenandoah, Iowa. In 1980, after staying home with her kids, Mary Jean went back to work in the library of the World Herald in Omaha until she and Dan moved to Shenandoah in 1992. In Shenandoah, she worked as manager of the Spurgeon’s Department Store, before going to work at the Shenandoah Library from 1994 until 2000. Mary Jean was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Omaha and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shenandoah. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Interdenominational Bible Study Group, the Thursday Singing Group and a Shenandoah Historical Society volunteer. She also volunteered at the Joslyn Art Museum. Mary Jean enjoyed reading, music, history and sports.
Preceding Mary Jean in death were her parents; father and mother-in-law, Herman and Anna Offenburger; three brothers-in-law, Tom and Bill Offenburger and Bob Watson; daughter, Nancy Marie Offenburger; and husband Dan Offenburger. Survivors include her three daughters, Jeanie Long and her husband Erik and their children, Amanda and Alex of Perrysburg, Ohio; Katy Spellerberg and her husband Mike and their children Molly Loker and Evan Spellerberg of Omaha, Nebraska; Martina Walker and her children, Tommy Offenburger and Bo and Anna Walker of Falls Church, Virginia; sister, Rose Ellen Meysenburg and her husband Gene of Dallas, Texas; brothers and sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 14, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Celebrants were the Rev.'s Vern Smith and Don Doll, SJ. Altar servers were Austin Feller and Lance Mattice. Lector was Bud Polk. Organist was Mary Beth Gowing. Song leaders were the members of St. Mary's Choir. Attending the memory register were Kris Meyer and Mary Whipple. Ushers were Bob Larson and Pat Emge. Honorary casket bearers were Gene Meysenburg and David Fitzgerald. Casket bearers were John Mullen, Mike Mullen, Mike Reilly, Tim Reilly, Terry Smith and Chuck Offenburger. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery.

Ohnmacht, Lois Eugenia Fisher - Lois Eugenia Ohnmacht, the daughter of Silas E. and Bertha E. (Laurence) Fisher, was born October 24, 1904, on a cold frosty morning near Humbolt, Nebraska, and passed away July 19, 2004, on a warm and humid morning in Clarinda, Iowa, at the age of 99.
The fourth of eighth children, Lois moved with her family to south of Peru, Nebraska, when she was one year old. There she attended rural school through the eighth grade. Lois graduated from the T.J. Majors High School in 1923 and later obtained an A.B. Degree from Peru State Teachers College. The following years she taught in Mason City, Wells, Silver Creek and near Nebraska City, Nebraska.
In December 1936, Lois was united in marriage to George John Ohnmacht and to this union, a son, Dennis was born. They lived four years on a farm near Peru before moving in 1940 near Northboro, Iowa, where George, his parents and brothers each bought farm land. They farmed and lived in the area near Northboro and Blanchard for the rest of their lives.
Lois was a member of the Northboro “Live Wire Club” and enjoyed attending the Blanchard United Methodist Church. She was known to be an excellent cook and would always have the table set and meal prepared when her family and guests arrived. Her family was always the most important part of her life and she looked forward to their visits. She felt fortunate to have lived a long life still remaining to live in her home on the farm.
Preceding Lois in death were her parents; husband, George in 1972; great grandson, Anthony Neil Ohnmacht; brothers, Alva, Laurence and Wendell Fisher; sisters, Lucille Harmon, Edna Warnke and Genevieve Michalek.
Survivors are son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Leanna Ohnmacht of Blanchard, Iowa; grandchildren, Darin Ohnmacht and wife, Jennine, of College Springs, Iowa, and Angela Norris and husband, Todd, of St. Joseph, Missouri; brother, Harold Fisher of Coin, Iowa; four great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends.

Oldham, Karen Kay Silence - Karen Kay Oldham, age 53, the daughter of Earl and Marian (Smith) Silence was born December 25, 1951, at Hamburg, Iowa, and passed away January 8, 2005, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Growing up in Shenandoah, Iowa, Karen received her education in the Shenandoah school system. On March 27, 1970, in Shenandoah, she was united in marriage to Arthur Oldham and to this marriage, J.R. and Candi were born.
Karen was a former member of the Memorial Baptist Church when she lived in Shenandoah. After moving to Holdrege, Nebraska, she became a member of the First Baptist Church, Eagles Auxiliary and the Elks Does. She was an avid Elvis Presley fan and died on Elvis’ birthday. Visiting with people was one of her favorite things to do. She also enjoyed going to flea markets and garage sales, playing cards, fishing, dancing and playing shuffle board. She was known for her good cooking and especially loved to have fried chicken. Most of all, Karen loved to be with her family and grandchildren.
Preceding Karen in death were her parents and brother, Bill Silence. Survivors include her son, J. R. Oldham of Coin, Iowa; daughter, Candi Oldham of Loomis, Nebraska; brother, Vernon Silence and wife, Angie, of Corning, Iowa; and grandchildren, Amber, Dakota and Sky Oldham. Also surviving are half brothers and half sisters: Wendell Silence, Rob Silence and wife, Camiel, Colleen Bohelen, Barbara George, and David Jenkins all from Riverton, Iowa, and Tony Jenkins from Nebraska City, Nebraska; plus several stepbrothers and stepsisters.

Mt Zion Cemetery, south of Riverton, Iowa.

Oliver, Dorothy Evelyn Cooper - Dorothy Evelyn Oliver, of Clarinda, Iowa was born August 3, 1918 in Nebraska Township, Page County, Iowa to Clyde J. and Flossie E. (Johnson) Cooper. She passed away Sunday, July 6, 2008 at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 89.
Dorothy was the owner of Main Street Tap in Clarinda. She and her husband Jack, operated the Main Street Tap until they retired and moved to Branson, Missouri for a short time until returning to Clarinda.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Jack in 1983; parents, Clyde and Flossie; brother Milt Cooper and his wife Dorothy; and friend, Burl Bryant.
She is survived by her nephews: Dan Cade and wife Pam of Lincoln, Nebraska and Randy Evans and wife Cindy of Grand Island, Nebraska; niece, Kelly Evans of Topeka, Kansas; and friend, Mary Elliott of Clarinda.
Funeral services will be 1:30 Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Clarinda Cemetery with Pastor Russ Clark of New Market Church of Christ officiating. Memorials are suggested to family choice. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Olson, Brooklyn Leeann - Brooklyn Leeann Olson, daughter of Christopher Lee and Holly Renae (McKenney) Olson, was born on August 5, 2006, at Council Bluffs, Iowa. She passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa, following a courageous battle with Leukemia.

Brooklyn’s life was spent surrounded by her family and friends, along with many visits and hours spent at Children’s Hospital Clinic in Omaha. Brooklyn loved going to clinic and seeing her many friends. She put a smile on everyone’s face, where ever she went. Brooklyn loved reading books, playing with her princess kitchen and being around her family and friends. Brooklyn was a smart, beautiful, strong little girl. She blessed her parents lives forever.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include her parents, Chris and Holly Olson; grandparents, Les and Bev McKenney, Joan Olson and Bob and Susan Olson; great-grandparents, Clarke McKenney and Carl and Lois Kluver; aunts and uncles, Heather Moore and husband Chris, Hillary Franks, Grant Olson and wife Christina and Katelyn Olson.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 13, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Karen Bash and Rev. JoAnne Johnson. Attending the memory register were Jennifer Golden and Mickey Perian. Ushers were Jim Wilson and Tom Olson. Caring for the flowers was Onalee Czapla. Special music played during the service included, "Who Am I", "Beautiful", "Untitled Hymn", and "I Life My Friend". Casket bearers were Michael Cisneros, Austin Moore, Spencer Moore and Thomas Cox. Honorary casket bearers were Kevin Olson, Jeff Olson, Michael Olson and Joe Buckminster. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials are being directed to the family to help with medical expenses.

Orme, Delford Dean "Bus" - Delford Dean “Bus “ Orme, the son of William Delford and Hettie Jane (VanAlstine) Orme, was born February 23, 1933, in Clarinda, Iowa, and passed away April 11, 2004, in Clarinda.
Growing up in the Hawleyville, Iowa area, Bus attended the Orme country school through the eighth grade and high school in Villisca, Iowa. On February 22, 1953, he was united in marriage to Norma L. Semmons and to this union, Rick, Debbie, Judy and Rusty was born.
After farming in the Hawleyville area until 1957, Bus moved his family to Shenandoah where they ran Squires Locker. In the early 1960’s they then moved to Northboro, Iowa, where he was employed at McGuire Locker and later ran a maintainer for the county of Page for a number of years. He then opened and ran Northboro Small Engine until failing health forced his retirement.
Bus was a former member of North Grove Methodist Church in Hawleyville, where he was baptized and the Northboro Saddle Club. He lived life to the fullest, enjoyed horses, but most of all, he loved his grandchildren and family.
Preceding Bus in death were his parents; sisters, Mae Parson, Amy Buchannan and Velma Lofgran; and brothers, Marvin, Homer and Clifford Orme.
Survivors include his wife, Norma, of Northboro, Iowa; children and their spouses, Rick Orme, Debbie and Jim Whipple, Judy and Charles Peterson and Rusty and Janet Orme, all from Northboro. Also surviving are sisters, Phyllis Miller and husband, Donnie, of Hepburn, Iowa, and Arlene Sis and husband, Hal, of Nodaway, Iowa; brother, Charles Orme and wife, Shirley, of Clarinda; grandchildren, Brian, Darin, Casey, Amy, Terri Jo, Michael, Angie, Steve, Kristin and Troy; plus 6 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Union Grove Cemetery, Northboro, Iowa.

Orme, Ricky Dean - Ricky Dean Orme was born January 5, 1954 in Clarinda, Iowa, the son of Delford “Bus” and Norma (Semmons) Orme. He passed away on Friday evening, August 17, 2007 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Rick attended school in Northboro and graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1972. On April 11, 1980, he was united in marriage to Linda Whipple at the United Methodist Church in Northboro, Iowa. To this union three children were born; Brian, Darin and Casey.

Rick worked at Eaton’s and Thermogas. He later drove a truck for Earl May Seed Company. For the last 11 years, Rick has worked as a Correctional Officer at the Clarinda Correctional Facility. He enjoyed sports, hunting and fishing, riding motorcycles, horse back riding and flying Tumbling Birds. He was a member of the Pony Express, The Masons Emmanuel Lodge #405 and The Blanchard Fire Department.

Rick was preceded in death by his father; paternal grandparents, William (Del) and Hettie Orme and maternal grandmother, Bonnie Semmons.

Survivors include his children; Brian Orme of Northboro, Iowa, Darin Orne of Northboro, Iowa, Casey (Moore) Orme of Des Moines, Iowa; mother, Norma Orme of Northboro, Iowa; brother, Rusty Orme and wife Janet of Northboro, Iowa; sister, Debra Whipple and husband Jim of Northboro, Iowa, sister, Judy Peterson and husband Charlie of Northboro, Iowa; grandfather, Floyd Semmons of Farragut, Iowa; Linda Orme of Shenandoah, Iowa along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Oslin, Agnes Josephine Tiemeyer - Agnes Josephine (Tiemeyer) Oslin, age 84 years, 5 months and 29 days was born October 17, 1924 at Phelps City, Mo., one of two children of the late Carl Herman and Josephine Marie (Salfrank) Tiemeyer. Agnes passed away April 15, 2009 at Pleasant View Care Center in Rock Port, Mo., after being a resident there for five years. She grew up and graduated from high school in Rock Port, Mo. She married Claude R. Oslin Sr. of Watson, Mo., on July 15, 1945. They became the parents of three children, Ray, Cheri, and Randy.

Claude and Agnes started their married life farming in Rock Port, Mo. They moved to Oakland, Calif. for two years and then moved back to Rock Port, Mo., to farm and to help care for her parents. In 1959 they moved to Braddyville, Iowa where they farmed until 1968 when they purchased a farm near College Springs, Iowa.

They farmed and resided there until they retired and moved to Clarinda, Iowa in April of 1995. After Claude passed away in 1997 she and her son, Randy, lived in Clarinda until 2001 when they went to WestRidge Care Center. In 2003 she moved to pleasant View Care Center in Rock Port, Mo. Agnes was a devoted mother known for her home cooked meals, sewing, gardening and growing beautiful flowers.

She was devoted to taking care of Randy at home for as long as she was able. She felt God gave him to her knowing that she would take care of him. She was an active member of Clearmont, Missouri Christian Church, teaching Sunday School and Bible School for many years. Agnes especially enjoyed having her grandchildren visit in the summer and having her family for holiday meals. She loved coloring and hiding eggs for them at Easter.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Claude. She is survived by her son, Claude R. Oslin Jr. (Ray) and wife Peggy of Shenandoah, Iowa, daughter Cheri Lynn Smith and husband Roger of Red Oak, Iowa, son Randy Clint Oslin of Shenandoah, Iowa, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren, and her sister Joan Bell and her husband Marvin of St. Joseph, Mo., many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services for Agnes J. (Tiemeyer) Oslin, 84 of Rock Port, formerly of College Springs and Clarinda, Iowa, were held at 10:30 Saturday at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda with interment at Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials to the Clearmont Christian Church. The Tradition of Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa has served the family.

Ossian, Lola May Livingston Durfey - Lola May (Durfey) Ossian, age 83, the daughter of Loren and Geneva (Pierce) Livingston was born March 20, 1922, on their family farm three miles south of Farragut, Iowa, and passed away October 13, 2005, in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Growing up in rural Farragut, Lola May received her education from Centennial Country School and Farragut High School. On February 18, 1938, Lola May was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Durfey, at Clarinda, Iowa, and made their home in Farragut. To this union Marilyn, Larry, Ronald and Dwight were born.
After all their children were in school, Lola May began working part time and later full time at the Hamburg Hospital where she worked for over 17 years caring for patients. She enjoyed her work and making friends among her patients and co-workers. Lola and Kenneth enjoyed square dancing with their friends. She had many hobbies which included knitting, crocheting and other handwork. Often “Shirts by Mom” were made for her boys and sometimes dad got one to match. After retiring in 1984, Lola May and Kenneth spent much of their time together enjoying yard work and tending their flowers. After 48 and one-half years together, Kenneth passed away on August 20, 1986.
In 1989, Herman Ossian came into Lola May’s life filling a void for both of them. After courting for a period of time, they were married on April 28, 1990. They enjoyed spending winters in Texas until Herman’s health began to fail. Herman passed away on August 8, 1997.
On November 9, 2000, Lola May moved to Fair Oaks Residential Care in Shenandoah where she lived the remainder of her life. She enjoyed the scheduled activities and food prepared. Lola May added new friends while living there and enjoyed the visits from family and old friends.
Preceding Lola May in death were her parents; husbands; daughter at birth, Marilyn Durfey; son, Larry Durfey; brother, Max Livingston; and sister-in-law, Rubye Livingston.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Cindy Durfey of Henryville, Indiana, Dwight and Connie Durfey of Bonner Springs, Kansas and Belgica Durfey of Farragut; brother, Kenneth Livingston of Farragut; sister-in-law, Charlotte Ditmars and her husband, Hank, of Farragut. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; plus other relatives and friends.

Farragut Cemetery

Born on April 27, 1957 in Clarinda, Iowa he was the son of Byron E. Osthoff and the late Dorothy (Evans) Paul.

He worked in maintenance at Energizer for over 25 years and spent time running a small engine repair shop and fishing.

In addition to his father he is survived by a daughter, Chandra Nicole Osthoff and a son, Nicholas Scott Osthoff both of Burlington Junction, MO, a stepdaughter, Jennifer Rene Hoyt, Clarinda, Iowa, sisters, Debbie Dammann, Julie Ann Osthoff, both of Clarinda, Iowa, a brother, Edward Duane Osthoff, West Plains, MO. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at the Danfelt Funeral Home, 951 S. Main Street, Maryville, Missouri 64468. Final Resting Place will be in the Ohio Cemetery, Burlington Junction.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening July 14, 2008 from 6 to 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the Charity of One's Choice.

Overman, Donald Edward - Donald Edward Overman was born February 17, 1936 at Amsterdam, Missouri to Clarence Edward and Neoma June (McGuire) Overman. He passed away Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Duff’s Friendship Villia, Nebraska City, at the age of 73.
Donald grew up around Villisca and Nodaway and was active in sports. He was married to Donna Kay Peach and they have two children: Craig Overman and Cindy Gammell. He was a family man cherishing his wife, children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Overman of Sidney, Iowa; children Craig and Cindy and their spouses and children; and sister, Wanda Kleindinst of Villisca, Iowa.
Memorial services were held Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Church of Christ in Sidney, Iowa with interment at Villisca Cemetery, Villisca, Iowa.
Wolfe Funeral Home of Villisca provided arrangements. www.WolfeVillisca.com

Donald Overman was born February 17, 1936, in the heart of the depression. He grew up in Villisca, IA with one sister, Wanda. His dad drove a truck much of his life, an occupation that Donald later followed him in.
When Donald was two he lost a baby brother to dysentery. Maybe that’s why Wanda always found Donald to be a good, protective older brother. He always took her side when she got in trouble with school mates by shooting her mouth off. Donald got in a few fights on Wanda’s behalf, but he made it known you don’t bother his sister.
Donald and Wanda did everything together. As children they loved to explore and play. When Donny was 5 and Wanda was 2 rain would fill the ditch in front of their house with water. Donny would try to persuade her to jump in. A cousin, Danny Young, lived with them part-time. They loved to go swimming or sleep out in the back yard on the bank.
Later when Donald had a car they loved to go to square dances in the Nodaway Community Hall. Other times they’d drive to Council Bluffs to Playland Park. They’d double-date there or at drive-in movies. They truly did everything together.
Though he grew up crippled from the polio he suffered as a little boy, he didn’t let that slow him down. When he was 8 he let Wanda tag along while he did his paper route in the days when you had to walk every inch of the route. Donald even then didn’t like to ask people for favors, and Wanda remembers one cold night when she had to go to the bathroom, but he absolutely would not hear of her asking any of his customers if she could use their bathroom! He was very proud and self-sufficient and expected her to be the same.
Starting in Junior High Donald worked at the local grocery store. In High School he played football. One leg shorter than the other didn’t stop Donald.
Donald also worked at the State Hospital in Clarinda, where his mother and father, wife, and sister also worked.
In 1960 Donna’s sister Erma and her husband introduced her to Donald. She liked him, but was on her way to California to visit her sister, Margie, so it was only after she got back 6 months later that they started dating. It was so nice to be in love! But during that time Donald had a bad car wreck and broke his hip, he got out of the hospital early to get married, since Donna said she could nurse him herself. He and Donna were married in April 1962 and set up their home in the village of Hepburn, IA.
Donald loved hunting and fishing, and fished a lot in local ponds. He hunted squirrels and rabbits. The biggest fish he ever caught was a carp. He joined his good friends Frank Geary and Jim Black for fishing, swimming in the river, or just working on their cars.
Donald was a devoted husband and father. He loved to take the family on trips, to South Dakota, or Worlds of Fun
Donald loved country music, especially Patsy Cline and LeRoy Van Dyke. He didn’t especially care for Johnny Cash. Later in life when he lost his sight he enjoyed listening to audio books. He always said the most important thing to him was family.