004Funeral services for Forland Hill, age 72, of Sharpsburg, who died Wednesday, June 1, 2011 in Union County will be held Monday, June 6, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. At the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Monday morning from 9:00 AM until service time with the family greeting friends. Cremation will follow the service with private family interment of ashes to be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in Forland’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Forland Francis Hill was born September 21, 1938 in Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Roy Francis Hill and Lida (Blane) Hill. He grew up attending Blockton Schools, graduating with the Class of 1957. Forland served two years in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. On June 11, 1967 he was united in marriage to Donna Larson. Four children were born to bless their lives, Jeffery Allen, Gregory Lee, Kevin James and Kerri Jo. Forland was a laid-back, kind, hardworking and generous man. He always put his family before himself.
Forland farmed in Blockton until 1983 when they moved to Sharpsburg. He then worked for the Sheridan Egg Company in Lenox for several years. Later he went to work for J.L. Houston’s in Hopkins, Missouri sandblasting the tanks. He returned to Lenox to work for Michael Foods where he was ‘employee of the month’ several times. He worked there until his retirement. Forland also served on the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department. Forland loved and was very proud of his children. He especially enjoyed spending time with them and his grandsons.
Forland had little need for material possessions in life. He was a simple man who loved his family. Most times you would see him in scrubby clothing . . . .but when it came time to visit Kerri at school, you would see him dressed in a suit with his hair slicked back! He worked hard his entire life providing for his family. They enjoyed taking their dogs Clyde and Vador out for rides around the country side, often looking for mushrooms in the spring and finding their traditional single one! He liked the outdoors and bike riding. Many children will remember his big heart and the way he shared in their laughter. He was always known for taking his cap off and waving and hollering at the kids on the bus as the bus passed him on the highway. Forland’s way of saying goodbye was “see ya at the rodeo!” Forland always had a lot of stories to tell, especially about the pracital jokes and funny things he used to do.
Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend are his loving wife of 44 years Donna Hill of Sharpsburg; three sons, Jeff Hill of Sharpsburg; Greg Hill and wife Deanna of Creston; Kevin Hill and wife Jennifer of Grapevine, Texas; one daughter, Kerri Howard and husband Troy of Creston; five cherished grandsons, Marshall, Logan, Devon, Liam and Torin; two sisters, Ruth Good and husband Frank of Kansas City, Missouri; and Bonnadeene Amerine of Maryville, Missouri; along with many other family relatives and friends.
Preceding Forland in death are his parents, Francis and Lida Hill; a son, Bryan Scott; and a sister, Deloris Smith |
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Funeral services for Richard Fitzgerald, age 73 of Lenox, formerly of Bedford and Corning will be held Friday, June 2, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Untied Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Visitation will be Thursday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Corning. Instead of flowers, the family requests memorials be given in Richard’s name. Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
Richard Lee Fitzgerald was born October 21, 1937 to Orville “Pete” and Winnie (Miller) Fitzgerald in a Taylor County farmhouse west of Sharpsburg, Iowa.
He departed this life May 31, 2011 at the Clearview Nursing home in Mount Ayr, Iowa at the age of 73 years 7 months and 10 days.
Rich grew up in Taylor County attending rural schools and graduated in 1956 from Sharpsburg. After high school, he worked as a bookkeeper at Taygold Cooperative in Clearfield. He started farming with the help of a graduation gift from his parents – an Allis Chalmers tractor.
On May 17, 1957 he was married to his high school sweetheart Jeanie Brown at the Lenox Manse. Three children blessed this union: Ronald Dean, Christine Kay and Brian Lee.
Over the years, Rich enjoyed milking cows, raising hogs and cattle, and tending to row crops. He enjoyed the company of “the guys” whether it was farming or drinking coffee on rainy days. Rich farmed with Kenny Breach for 17 years and his son Ron for 8 years before moving to Charles City in 1985.
In 1986, he went to work for Crestland Cooperative where he managed the new Lenox branch. After several years, he became sales rep for the Co-op, covering Adams, Taylor and Ringgold counties. He retired in 2000.
Rich was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder for both the Sharpsburg and Corning churches. With Jean, they served as Youth Fellowship leaders.
His family was one of the most important treasures in his life. He looked forward to planning family vacations each year and making memories that would last forever. Rich liked playing cards and visiting with family and friends.
After he retired Rich enjoyed working in his woodshop and fishing. He looked forward to spending time with his friends at the Tiger Den.
Rich was a man of integrity and honesty. He was a great role model to his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.
Left to cherish Rich’s memory is his wife of 54 years, Jean of Lenox; son, Ron (Susie) Fitzgerald of Bedford; daughter, Chris (Mike) Irvin of Bedford; son, Brian (Tamara) Fitzgerald of Prescott; grandchildren, Jason Fitzgerald, Brandi Cole, Jackie Ward, Michael Irvin, Jennifer Bruck, Elyse Moore, Jessica Fletcher, Makinna, Conner, Jaycee and Levi Fitzgerald; Great-grandchildren Ainsley, Austin, Allison, Ian, Alivia, Morgan, Kayden, Hartley, Nicholas and Kenley; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, sister Joan Cordell, and great-grandson Hunter Cole |
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Funeral services for Helen Klopp, age 101, formerly of Bedford, who died Sunday, May 29, 2011 at the home of her daughter Coleen in Laurie, Missouri will be held Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the Untied Christian Presbyterian Church in Bedford. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Helen Jeane (Dorr) Klopp was born January 5, 1910, the daughter of Charlie and Nellie (Cobb) Dorr in Taylor County, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm south of Bedford. She graduated from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1928. Following graduation she taught country school for a year. On June 1, 1929, Helen was united in marriage to Alvin Leslie Klopp at the home of her parents south of Bedford. Two daughters were born to bless their lives, LaRue and Coleen.
In 1937, the family moved to Sioux City, Iowa where they lived for seven years. In 1945, they returned to the farm and lived south of Corning on Highway 148 for forty years. In 1994, the farm was sold and they retired moving into Bedford. Alvin passed away on December 6, 2002, and Helen went to live with her daughter Coleen in Laurie, Missouri.
Helen was a life-long member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was a liberated woman long before they were fashionable, but she was dedicated to her husband and family. She was an excellent cook and baker, sewed clothing for her and daughters, and was known far and wide for her beautiful garden. She also worked at Turner’s Clothing Store for eleven years. She raised chickens and gave baby pigs their iron shots. She was involved in every facet of life on the farm.
Left to cherish Helen’s memory are her two daughters, LaRue Palmer of Livonia, Michigan; and Coleen Modglin of Laurie, Missouri; four grandsons, William Palmer, Jr., and wife Marilyn of Lyons, Colorado; Kevin Palmer and wife Sue of Livonia, Michigan; Daniel Palmer and wife Carol of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; and Sean Palmer and wife Donna of Traverse City, Michigan; eleven great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives and friends.
Preceding Helen in death are her parents, Charlie and Nellie Dorr; her husband of 74 years, Alvin Klopp; two sons-in-law, Bill Palmer and Russell Modglin; and her beloved granddaughter, Madelyn Ratigan, formerly of Versailles, Missouri |
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Funeral services for Barbara Hawn, age 71 of Bedford will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Barbara Delores (Thomas) Hawn was born in Iowa City, IA on June 2, 1939 the youngest child of Ansley (Tac) and Opha Ferne Thomas. She lived most of her life in Taylor County and spent many springs in Modesto, California with her parents, brothers Duane and Richard, Sisters Darlene, Luella, and Gloria as a migrant worker, harvesting tomatoes, apricots, almonds, peas, and cotton. She attended school in Bedford, IA where she enjoyed playing basketball. One of her only regrets was not graduating from high school. As a teenager Barbara loved to go to dances with her parents in Gravity, Malloy, and Clarinda where she loved to dance with her daddy and fondly remembers rubbing up against James Stewart at the Glen Miller Festival.
While on a date with Rexmon Hawn to the drive in theater in Clarinda, Rex said, “ I’m going to marry you.” And Barb simply replied, ‘I know!” They were united in marriage at the Bedford Christian Parsonage on October 16, 1955. Rex and Barb made their home in Bedford, Iowa and raised six children. She enjoyed being a housewife and raising their children. She never missed any of their sporting events or school functions. In 1970 Rex and Barb bought the trash route from Tac and Opha Thomas. Barb was the bookkeeper for the business and later drove the trash truck while Rex worked the back of the truck. Barb also worked at the Hamburger Inn, working for her sister Darlene where she enjoyed visiting with the customers.
Barbara was known for hugs and kisses to friends and family. She loved to go to the casino and play the slot machines. She always kept busy with her children and grandchildren attending sporting events and other activities. She rarely missed a Thursday night bingo until she was no longer able to attend because of her illness. She was very caring, compassionate, supportive wife, mother and friend.
In 2007 Rex and Barb retired and sold the business to Josh and Tara Weed. They were honored that Josh and Tara kept Hawn Sanitation as the name. Due to retirement Barb had more time to do the things she loved, especially watching the grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time at the casino.
During her battle with cancer, the passing of her daughter Brenda, and her second battle with cancer, she never complained and became very close to the oncology team at St. Francis. She also formed a special bond with her hospice nurse Amy. Family was the most important part of her life and right to the very end she would pucker up for kisses.
Barb was surrounded by her loving husband and children when she passed peacefully in the early hours on May 28.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Rex; her children Debra Brumfield and Mike Fletcher of Bedford; Renee Walston-Albright and Mike Albright of Bedford; Boyd Hawn of Creston; Valerie Hawn of Tulsa, OK; Shannon and Donnie Weed of Bedford; Grandchildren Gary and Brenda Brumfield; Greg and Desirea Brumfield: Lanesa and Ryan Bhattacharyya; Chelsey Braymen; Jessica Walston, Jennifer Walston; Samantha Weed; Isaac Weed; Emily Weed; Abraham Weed; Elijah Weed; Asher Weed; Great-grandchildren Bailey Brumfield; Keona Brumfield; Gage Brumfield, Keaton Albright; Kyara Keller; Kaylynn Keller: Macy Daily; Preston Bhattacharyya; Teegan Braymen; Shaylee Braymen; Cayden Malson; Sister/niece Gloria Hawn; Lots of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Barb was a loving wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma, aunt and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her |
012Funeral services for Edna Streitenberger, age 78, of Bedford, who died Thursday, June 2, 2011 in Omaha, Nebraska were held Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 with the family greeting friends. Interment was held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Meal Site. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Edna Mae Irvin Streitenberger was born on September 5, 1932 at home near Athelstan, Iowa, to H. Franklin and Esther E. (Adams) Irvin. Her childhood was spent in northern Missouri and she attended Mount Vernon school near Hopkins from kindergarten through eighth grade. Her family moved to Athelstan after her eighth grade and she attended high school in Blockton, Iowa, graduating in 1951. She often rode the train to Blockton on Mondays, stayed with her Aunt Ethel and Uncle Elmer, and rode the train back home to Athelstan on Fridays. Growing up, her family never had TV, but they listened to a Nashville station on a battery operated radio. She continued to enjoy listening to country music throughout her life.
Edna was united in marriage to Boyd E. Streitenberger on June 9, 1951 in Bedford, Iowa. Boyd and Edna farmed near Blockton until 1967 when the family moved to Bedford. On the farm, Edna always had a large garden and canned much of the family’s fruits and vegetables. In addition, she raised chickens and sold eggs and cream. Fried chicken was a Sunday favorite. About the time the family moved from the farm, Edna began working at the nursing home in Bedford to help provide for their family and to follow her dram of nursing. She started as a nurse’s aide and during her years of employment, she trained and achieved Certified Med Aide status. In 2002, she retired after 35 years at Bedford Nursing and Rehab.
After retirement, Edna moved to Northside Apartments and enjoyed the activities there in addition to frequenting the Bedford Meal Site. Edna liked playing with her cat, Snoopy, as well as planting and caring for flowers, watching her “stories” on TV, feeding hummingbirds, visiting with her family and friends and especially putting together jigsaw puzzles.
Edna is survived by three daughters, Evelyn Wehde and husband LeRoy of Omaha, Nebraska; Priscilla England and husband Doug of Clearfield, Iowa; and Sharon Bond and husband Patrick of Omaha, Nebraska; ten grandsons, a step-granddaughter, five great grandson, three great granddaughters, a brother-in-law, John Streitenberger of Edmonds, Washington, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Edna in death were her husband, Boyd, in 2001; parents, Frank and Esther; daughter, Norma Jean at infancy in 1966; son, Everett, in 1979; brother, Harold Irvin; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Wilbur Jackson; sister-in-law Dorothy Streitenberger; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Doris and Lewis Shiflett |
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Graveside services for Larry Eighmy, age 89, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into peace Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center, Bedford, Iowa, will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa with Reverend Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to New Market United Methodist Church. 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.
Larry V. Eighmy, the son of Elmer Carlton and Bessie Orilla (Hicks) Eighmy, was born December 14, 1921 at New Market, Iowa. He grew up in New Market attending the New Market School graduating from New Market High School in 1940.
In October of 1942, he answered his country’s call to serve in the Air Force going to Fresno, California for his basic training then back to Lincoln, Nebraska for schooling after which he was sent to Niagara Falls for specialist training. Upon completion of basic training, he was sent to Fort Myers, Florida serving as crew chief on fighter planes in the 438th fighter squadron used in training pilots. Larry received his discharge as staff sergeant in 1946. In 1947, he started farming which kept him busy through the spring of 2006.
On February 20, 1943, he was united in marriage to Clara Lorraine Wells in Lincoln, Nebraska. To this union were born three sons. Larry was very proud of his family. He spent many happy hours with his boys fishing, hunting, playing croquet, etc. leaving many happy memories.
As a child he attended the Methodist Sunday School. At the age of eighteen he accepted Christ as his savior. In later years he appreciated the good sermons on the radio.
Larry will be remembered for his love of flowers and the hours he spent mowing the lawn wanting everything to be neat. He also enjoyed his Saint Bernard dogs that he had over the years.
Preceding Larry in death were his father and mother; two brothers, R.L. (Lefty) Eighmy and Wendall Eighmy and wife Lucille; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Carl and Grace Wells; sister-in-law, Hazel White and husband Claire.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lorraine Eighmy of New Market, Iowa; sons, David Eighmy and wife Margaret of New Market, Iowa, Michael Eighmy and wife Jean of New Market, Iowa and Ron Eighmy and wife Tonya of New Market, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Tim Eighmy and wife Makenzie of Clarinda, Iowa, Terry Eighmy and wife Laura of Maryville, Missouri, Jake Davis of Clarinda, Iowa, Maggie Smith and husband Brian of Blair, Nebraska, Wendy Halloran of Des Moines, Iowa, Brian Moore and wife Liz of Villisca, Iowa, Lindsay Dow and husband Kenny of Clarinda, Iowa; eleven great grandchildren, Taten, Mataya, Trevan, Colton, Caden, Mylee, Tyler, Rylee, Drake, Addison and Olivia; nieces; nephews and many friends |
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Memorial services for Randy Brandon, age 52, of Corning, who died Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning will be held Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home Saturday morning from 11:00 AM until service time at 1:00 PM with the family greeting friends. Private family interment of ashes will be held at a later date. Memorials can be given in Randy’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
Randy Max Brandon was born June 13, 1959, in Maryville, Missouri the son of Raymond Brandon and Bonnie (Chaney) Brandon. Randy grew up in Burlington Junction, Missouri, moving to Conway in 1976. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Arbuckle in 1985. He lived in Trenton, Missouri for many years. In 2001, he was united in marriage to Cindy Sims. He has lived in Corning the past three years where he worked for Dalton Ag in Lenox, Iowa.
Randy enjoyed ‘everyday life’. He was a kind, loving and compassionate man with a special relationship with his brother Jack. He enjoyed working on cars, going on driving trips and fishing when time allowed.
Left to cherish Randy’s memory are his wife Cindy Brandon of Corning; his father, Raymond Brandon of Bedford; two sons, Ian Wayne Lucas and wife Mary of Chillhowe, Missouri; and Chuck Duncan and wife Tiffy of Sioux City, Iowa; four brothers, Ed Brandon and wife Jo of Trenton, Missouri; Junior Brandon and wife Kathy of Oklahoma; Calvin Brandon of Maryville, Missouri; and Jack Brandon and wife Terri of Lenox; a sister, Delpha Mains and husband Chris of Smith Grove, Kentucky; his two best friends of over 20 years, Brian Wright and Timmy Gore; a sister-in-law, Donna Brandon of Oklahoma; one granddaughter, Sky Lynn Duncan; along with many other relatives and friends.
Preceding Randy in death are his mother Bonnie Brandon; a son Daniel Brandon in 2007; and a brother Rick Brandon |
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Graveside services for Clifford Davis, age 68, of Corning, formerly of Bedford, who died Wednesday, June 8, 2010 at his home in Corning will be held Saturday, June 11, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bedford City Cemetery military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford Saturday morning from 9 AM until 10 AM when we will leave for the cemetery in procession. Memorials may be given in his name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
George Clifford Davis was born October 20, 1942, in Osceola, Iowa the son of Alva Davis and Viola Dolly (Lucas) Davis. He grew up in the Bedford area attending school, graduating from high school with the Class of 1961. Cliff entered the United States Navy in Nebraska City, Nebraska on November 9, 1964 and was honorably discharged January 22, 1965. During his time in the U.S. Navy he was stationed in San Diego, California. Upon his discharge Cliff returned to Iowa where he began working for the Lisle Corporation in Clarinda, a position he held for 38 years until his retirement in 2006.
Cliff enjoyed computers, the Game Show Network and was a long-time Club Pogo Member. He also enjoyed watching old movies, country music and was extremely passionate about John Wayne. Cliff was known as a ‘practical joker’ always up for a good prank on someone! He was always very active in the lives of his cousins and their families.
Left to cherish the memories of Cliff are his cousin, Betty McLean and husband David of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and their children Debbie Skinner of Ottumwa, Iowa and her children; along with many other cousins and friends.
Preceding Cliff in death are his parents, Alva and Viola Davis |
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Funeral services for Randy Groves, age 51 of Lenox, Iowa who passed away Monday, June 6, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, will be held Friday, June 10, 2011, at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox Thursday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials may be given in Randy’s name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. The Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox was entrusted with the arrangements.
Randy Dale Groves was born on October 13, 1959 in Des Moines, Iowa to Bobby and Charlotte Groves and grew up on a farm south of Atlantic, Iowa. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1978 and attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. He later came back to Iowa where he met his wife Shelly and made his home in Lenox. He has been employed at Michael Foods for the past 13 years.
Randy will best be remembered for the love he had for his grandchildren. He loved giving them tractor rides, tossing them into the back of his truck for rides to the lake and he especially enjoyed working side by side with them in his garden. At any given time, you could find Randy in his garage watching his favorite station “The Food Network”, where he loved taking new recipes and making them his own.
Randy was raised on a farm and it was always a dream of his to one day own his own farm. He took great pride in his antique Case tractor. Friends and family will remember Randy for his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. .
Randy is survived and loved by his wife, Shelly; daughter Sarah (Victor) of Lenox; sons Jason Johnson and Brett (Cynthia) Johnson, all of Lenox; grandkids Dillon, Mahaley, Mason and Trenton; parents Bobby and Charlotte Groves, brother Jon (Bev) Groves, and sister Cathy (Chris) Knuth; and grandmothers Leona Groves of Atlantic and Vivian Langfelt of Massena.
Randy is also survived by his father and mother-in-law Phil and Lola Sanson; brother-in-law, Steve (Missy) Sanson of Nodaway; sisters-in-law, Debbie (Bob) Gallant of Gladstone, Missouri and Brenda (Mark) Huff of Creston. Randy is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Randy is preceded in death by his two grandfathers Robert Groves and Dale Langfelt.
Randy was a wonderful, fun-loving person who enjoyed life. His family and friends will miss him dearly |
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Celebration of Life Services for Charlotte Akers, age 69, of Gravity, who died Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning will be held Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be given in Charlotte’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Charlotte Carol (Woods) Akers was born January 9, 1942, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of William Frederick Woods and Opal (Parker) Woods. In 1959, Charlotte was united in marriage to Walter Fleetwood and to this union four children were born to bless her life, Ron, Jeff, Connie and Bonnie. The couple later divorced.
After receiving her GED, Charlotte worked several years at the Main Street Café in Bedford under Dell Forrester and Mable Stewart. She met Lloyd Akers and after a long courtship, they were united in marriage on December 3, 1980. She was then blessed with two step-children, Andy and Sheryl Akers. Lloyd and Charlotte lived in Sidney, Iowa where she worked as a Home Health Aid for the elderly. After retirement, Lloyd and Charlotte moved back to Gravity and enjoyed traveling south during the winter months. While down south, they enjoyed going to flea markets. They also enjoyed taking their grandchildren on vacations.
Charlotte’s heart was always in being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Giving love to them to no end. While her family was the love of her life, she enjoyed cooking, which included her homemade beef and noodles and delicious homemade pies. She enjoyed going to garage sales and visiting the casinos along with planting all kinds of flowers. Throughout the years, Charlotte’s Dachsund dogs brought a lot of joy to her life. Charlotte was a long-time member of the Gravity American Legion Auxiliary.
Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend are her husband Lloyd Akers of Gravity; her children, Ron Fleetwood; Jeff Fleetwood, Connie Fleetwood and husband Duane; and Bonnie Gross, all of Gravity; Step-children Andy Akers of Marshalltown, Iowa; and Sheryl Depatten and husband Pete of Des Moines, Iowa; five grandchildren Tonya Fleetwood of Brooklyn, New York; Eric Gross of Bedford; Stephanie Akers of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; and John and Anthony Soares of Des Moines, Iowa; two brothers-in-law, Duane Akers and wife Deloris; and Junior Akers and wife Edna; two sisters-in-law, Darlene Armstrong and Deloris Williams; along with several nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Preceding Charlotte in death are her parents, William Woods; and Guy and Opal Dugan; a brother Bill Woods; a sister Phyllis Hartman; along with a brother, Bobby Lavonne; and sister, Iona Rae at infancy |