Joan Harland, age 80, of Perry died on Monday, December 10, 2012 at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Perry Bible Church in Perry. Visitation will be Friday, December 14, 2012 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family presentfrom 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Carris Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Dallas Center Cemetery in New Market at 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to Christian Evangelistic Mission of Iowa and Kiwanis and may be left at the Funeral Home.

Joan LaVaughn (Hunter) Harland was born at home near Hawleyville, IA on May 22, 1932 to James Marcus and Fern Marie (Fitz) Hunter. The family moved to Clarinda, IA during the winter of 1943. As a teen she mowed yards with a power mower her father invented. She graduated valedictorian from Clarinda High School in 1950. She married Merlyn Max Harland on Sept. 7, 1952. The couple lived in Ames while Max finished college at Iowa State University. Their first career and home was on the farm near New Market Iowa where their son, Ron was born in 1955. They were active in the New Market Church of Christ and local 4-H clubs. After a drought forced them off the farm they moved to Atlantic, IA where their daughter, Elaine was born in 1958. Later they lived in Madrid, IA for 9 months before settling in Perry, IA in 1961, where they lived ever since.

Joan was a hard worker. She milked cows, raised pigs and chickens, sewed, canned, made crafts for sale, babysat, and raised a family. She worked part time as a bookkeeper for Holcomb Pharmacy. In 1964 she and Max opened Iowa's second coin operated car wash on West Willis Avenue in Perry. There she learned to work with pipes, fittings, and repairs before they opened Harland Ace Hardware in 1969. There she helped customers, did bookwork and payroll until her retirement in 1998. She continued to work part time in the store until Max's death in 2008.

Joan’s life was the epitome of the Biblical concept of "helpmeet". Everything she did was with and in support of her husband and family. She was always kind, gentle, compassionate, and took time to talk and counsel others. She was always "doing" for others before thinking of herself. She often kept the business going during Max's health problems. She and Max did almost everything together. They were active in the Church of Christ, went on three short term missions trips oversees, were board members and forwarding agents for a local missionary to Japan, treasurers of the Christian Evangelistic Mission of Iowa, and taught Sunday School in a new Hispanic Church in Des Moines. Under their influence their children and grandchildren have attended 22 years of Bible College.

Joan was active in the local community by starting a 4-H club, helped with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, was secretary of the local Kiwanis Club, and treasurer of the Perry Food Pantry. She volunteered for the local Chamber Of Commerce, hosted RAGBRAI riders, helped Max on the city council, and served on the Dallas County Republican Central Committee. She is preceded in death by her parents, J. Marcus and Fern Hunter, and her husband, Merlyn Max Harland. Joan will be kept in loving memory by a son, Ronald (Diane) Harland of Perry, IA; a daughter, Elaine (James) Berry MD of Lewis, IA; 5 grandchildren, Andy (Alyssa) Harland of Perry, IA, David (Amy) Harland of Perry, IA, Kevin (Kendra) Berry of Amoret, MO, and Rhonda and Teresa Berry of Lewis, IA; one great-grandchild, Caitlin Harland of Perry, IA; a sister, Karen (Ron) Gaulke of Ankeny, IA; a brother, Kenneth (Kathy) Hunter of Clarinda, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families

Funeral Service for Dolores E. McCullough, 80, of Belton, Missouri who passed away December 22, 2012 at her home will be held December 28, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, IA. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Burial will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed to the Fairview Cemetery Association. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Dolores Elaine Bates was born June 17, 1932 in rural Ross Township in Taylor County, IA; she was the daughter of Orville and Gladys (Clayton) Bates. As a child, Dolores had a love for her horses, especially her horse Ginger. She attended and graduated the Bedford High School. Her four children are born into this union: Cheryl, Steven, Lori, and Vicki. Dolores had been and retired as a manicurist. Dolores will be known for her seamstress skills, love for fishing, life long love for horses, and Elvis. Her family meant the most to her and will be missed by all of them.

She is survived by her daughters: Cheryl (Robert) Morton of Independence, MO, Lori Wagner of Olathe, KS, and Vicki Barzilla of Kingsville, MO; her son, Steven Wycoff of Paradise, CA; her five grandchildren; her one great-grandchild; her one sister, Barbara Burns of Springfield, MO; and her many niece and nephews

Funeral Service for Rose Johnson, 83, of Bedford, Iowa who passed away December 27, 2012 at her home will be held Monday, December 31, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Guss, IA. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with the family greeting friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Guss, IA.

Mary Rose Spencer was born March 27, 1929 in rural Taylor County. She was one of seven children and was the daughter of John Howard Spencer and Helen Elizabeth Smith. Mary Rose Spencer married Darrell Salen in 1946 and their son Richard was born into this union. In 1965, she later married Ray Johnson and moved to the farm around the Bushville / Guss area. Ray and Rose worked hard on the farm for many years until Ray's passing in 2009. Rose was a member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Guss, IA until moving to Bedford, IA. She enjoyed square dancing in Gravity, IA, playing card with her friends, and her time spend volunteering at the Bedford Museum. She loved her family dearly and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her special friend, Garry Rankin of Bedford, IA; her son Richard (Sandi) Salen of Bedford, IA; her step children: Rodney (LaVaun) Johnson of Corning, IA, and Cindy (Jim) Nardini of Omaha, NE; her step grandchildren: Andrew (Misty) Johnson of Corning, IA, Tina (Chris) Boswell of Corning, IA, Jeremiah (Lisa) Johnson of Bedford, IA, Joyanna Reimer, Colton Johnson, A.J. Nardini Omaha, NE, and Cole Nardini of Omaha, NE; her seven step great grandchildren; her brother, Roy Spencer of Roodhouse, IL; her sister, Evie (Mike) Barnes of Fort Myers Beach, FL; and her many nieces, nephew, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray Johnson; her step child, Randy Johnson; her siblings, Donnie, Howard Junior, Ivan, Clyde, and Raymond

Funeral Services for Donald D. Saunders, 86, of Lenox, who passed away at the Clearview Nursing Home in Clearfield, IA Tuesday, December 25, 2012 will be held at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox at 10:30 AM. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Donald Dean Saunders was born on March 9, 1926 in Lenox, Iowa; son of Charles and Agnes (Hill) Saunders. He was one of six children born. Donald grew up and attended school in Lenox. Don served his country honorably between the years of 1944-1946 in the Army during WWII. On October 22, 1949 he was united in marriage to June Marie Thompson in Corning. After their marriage the couple moved to the Lenox area.

He farmed near Lenox, IA until 1964 and then started working for the Lenox Elevator. Donald's greatest love was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a life time member of both the Lenox United Presbyterian Church and the Lenox American Legion. He was also a member of the Stock and Saddle Club of Lenox.

Left to cherish his memory is his children: Vickie (Larry) Westendorf of Waterloo, IA, Kathryn Scott of Sharpsburg, IA, Debra (Clarence Miller) Midthun of Bedford, IA, and Gary (Sarah) Saunders of Coupeville, Washington; his grandchildren: Nicole Paul of Conway, Deanne Scott of Creston, Jeffrey Boyd of Red Oak, and Christopher Saunders of Savannah, Georgia; his great – grandchildren: Sierra and Paul Logan of Bedford, and Jade, Connor, Elias Jackson of Creston; his sisters: Grace Rodgers and Dorothy Kennedy; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, June Saunders; brother, Vernon Saunders; sister, Jean Douglas; infant son, Dennis Saunders; grandson, Donnie; and son-in-law, Don.

Funeral services for Dorothy Poore, age 91, formerly of Bedford, who died Monday, December 24, 2012 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield will be held Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held at the Clearfield Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Dorothy Mae Poore was born on March 13, 1921, in Adams County, Iowa the daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Bartrum) Trost. She grew up attending rural school and graduated from Lenox High School with the Class of 1938. She was united in marriage to Yale Lillie in August of 1938. Two sons were born to bless this union, Richard and Allen. Yale and Dorothy farmed south of Clearfield until 1946, when they moved into town and purchased the Clearfield Hardware Store. Yale passed away in 1962. In 1965, Dorothy was united in marriage to Howard Poore and the couple moved to Bedford. Dorothy worked at various jobs in Bedford and performed many volunteer services. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford.

Dorothy enjoyed cooking for her family, playing the piano, vacationing in the Rocky Mountains, and especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren. Handicapped and disadvantaged children and adults always held a special place in Dorothy's heart.

Dorothy is survived by her son Allen Lillie and wife Myra of Mesa, Arizona; two step-sons, Gary Poore and wife Barbara of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Don Poore and wife Jeanette of Deltona, Florida; a step-daughter-in-law, Judy Poore of Lincoln, Nebraska; two brothers Don Trost and Gene Trost, both of Lenox; a sister, Mildred Reynolds and husband Jerry of Torrance, California; a sister-in-law, Isabel Trost of Lenox; a brother-in-law, Paul Boone of Cody, Wyoming; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents, Joseph and Ruth Trost; her first husband, Yale Lillie in 1962; her son Richard Lillie; her second husband, Howard Poore in 2005; two step-sons, Larry Poore and Greg Poore; a step-daughter-in-law, Marilyn Poore; a brother Raymond Trost; a sister Margaret Boone; and two sisters-in-law, Yvette Trost and Dorothy Trost

Celebration of Life Services for Rex Hawn, age 79 of Bedford, who passed away at his home Thursday, December 20, 2012 will be held Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation with the family greeting friends will be Sunday from 12:00 Noon until service time. Interment will be held in the Fairview Cemetery with military rites.

Rexmon Arlen Hawn was born in Conway, Iowa on February 14, 1933 to Orham and Helene (Neville) Hawn.

He lived most of his life in Taylor County. Rex and his five brothers and one sister lived in a 2 bedroom house with no running water or electricity. He enjoyed playing in the creeks, climbing trees and hand fishing in the river.

He attended and graduated from Conway School in 1951. While attending Conway School he enjoyed playing basketball and was president of his class. He always teased that he was President and top of his class but there were only five classmates that year. After high school he joined the army in which he served from June 18th 1953 to December 7th 1954. In 1955 he married the love of his life Barbara Delores Thomas. They were married for 56 years. Rex and Barb made their home in Bedford and raised six children. Rex's family loved getting together with friends and family for get togethers, cookouts and fish fries. Rex was well known for his ability to tell amazing stories from the past whether it be about hunting and fishing with his brothers and friends, his younger days and random things that happened over the years. He could always make everyone laugh.

He worked for Taylor County for several years before purchasing the trash route from his father-in-law Tac Thomas in 1970. In 2007 he retired and sold his business to Josh and Tara Weed of Bedford. He was very honored that they kept Hawn Sanitation as the name.
Rex was a man who could fix about anything from cars to lawnmowers, tillers to toys. He could do it all. Rex loved gardening, fishing, hunting and having a good time with all his family and friends. He was most proud of his "weed less" garden. He always said you could get more radishes out of a crooked row than a straight one. He loved sharing his harvest with everyone.

His family was the most important thing in his life. He was well known for giving lawn mower rides to all of his grandchildren, he would go round and round the yard as they never tired and always yelled for more. While they owned the farm he loved taking walks to the pond and picking wild flowers for his wife. He also loved taking drives and short trips with family and friends. He couldn't wait to get home and always craved a home cooked meal with home grown tomatoes. For many years he enjoyed following the Bedford Football team to all their games. His trash truck always had a Bulldog logo on the side. Rex was well known for always being on time for pickup. He never missed work.

Rex was devastated after losing his wife Barb when she lost her battle with cancer in May 2011 and his daughter Brenda in 2010. He just never quite got over their deaths. He mourned in his silence and thought of them daily. He truly loved life but longed for the day he would again be reunited with his wife. They will all truly be missed.

Left to cherish his memory is his brother Lowell and wife Mildred of College Springs; his children Debra Brumfield and fiancé Mike Fletcher of Bedford; Renee Walston Albright and Mike Albright of Bedford; Boyd Hawn of Bedford; Valerie Hawn of Broken Arrow, OK; Shannon and Donnie Weed of Bedford; grandchildren Gary and Brenda Brumfield; Greg and Desire Brumfield; Lanesa and Ryan Bhattacharyya; Chelsey Bramen; 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; Macie Daily; Preston Bhattacharyya; Teegan Bramen; Shaylee Bramen; Cayden Malson; Carson Malson. Lots of nieces, newphews and many many friends

Funeral services for Waunita Sobotka, age 86, of Lenox, who died Monday, December 17, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa will be held Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will begin at 12:00 Noon with the family greeting friends until service time. Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Opal Waunita (Brand) Sobotka was born June 20, 1926, and lived her entire life in Taylor and Ringgold Counties in Iowa. She was the daughter of Roy Brand and Edith (Hutchison) Brand. Waunita attended rural schools, graduating from Creston High School with the Class of 1945. She then attended Teachers College and taught in rural schools for two years. In 1948, she was united in marriage to Leo Sobotka. The couple made their home in Taylor County where they were employed on the Fred Bruner Farm. They were the parents of four boys. In 1967, they moved into Lenox where Leo was employed by Caines and Reeds Oil Stations. Waunita kept very busy in Lenox working at various jobs as well as making numerous pies and cakes for special occasions. She also enjoyed making rolls for her neighbors and friends. In addition to all of her activities, Waunita was a loving Grandma to 1 grandson, 9 granddaughters and 24 great-granddaughters, including twins!

Waunita was a member of the Lenox United Methodist Church. Due to failing health the past 21 months, Waunita resided at the Lenox Care Center.

Waunita is survived by three sons, Alan Sobotka of Jamesport, Missouri; Paul Sobotka and wife Cathy of Sheldahl, Iowa and Roger Sobotka and wife Carla of Lenox; grandson Chris Sobotka and wife Myndi of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; nine granddaughters, Barbara Baumgardner and husband Mark of Cambridge, Iowa; Jennifer Sobotka and friend Kevin Masemann of Nevada, Iowa; Jolene Johnson and husband Jay of Cordova, Tennessee; Julie Showers and husband Michael of Weldon, Iowa; Jody Horstman and husband Kevin of Prairie City, Iowa; Jamie Killion and husband Mitch of Creston; Aimy Anderson and fiancé David Twigg of Des Moines, Iowa; Leslie Cory and fiancé Jason Cobb of Des Moines, Iowa; and Nicole Snyder of Red Oak, Iowa; 24 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Sobotka of Cainsville, Missouri; three sisters-in-law, Marilyn Hollinger and husband George of Omaha, Nebraska; Martha Belle Davis and husband Rod of Sidney, Iowa; and Jorene Sobotka of Creston, Iowa; one sister, Bernita Tharp and husband Don of Show Low, Arizona; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Waunita in death are parents Roy and Edith Brand; her husband Leo Sobotka in 2011; a son, Robert John Sobotka; three grandchildren, Casey Ryan Sobotka, David and Linda Sobotka at infancy; a great-granddaughter, Bailey Hilton; and two brothers-in-law, Melvin Sobotka and Eldon Sobotka

Celebration of Life Services for Velva Wilcoxson, age 75, of Bedford, who died Friday, December 14, 2012 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Missouri will be held Monday, December 17, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Velva Ruth Wilcoxson, or "Shorty" as she was lovingly called, was born July 11, 1937, in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Fred Delnoe McNutt and Mary Georgean (Sumner) McNutt. Shorty grew up living between Kansas City and Taylor County. She had a very special bond with her sister, Jean, while growing up. After graduating from high school, she moved to California where she met her future husband Ben McFadden at Al's Drive-In in Modesto, California where they both worked. Shorty and Ben were united in marriage two months later! The couple was blessed with the birth of five children, Patty, Tim, Mary, Bill and Lorna. The family moved around, finally settling in Bedford in 1974. Shorty went to work for O'Bryan Brothers for many years until it closed. She then worked for Boyt Manufacturing until it closed, then Gear for Sports until it closed, finally finishing her working career as a secretary for the New Market School District until they closed. One might say "Shorty was a closer"!!! Ben passed away suddenly in 1981 and in 1984 she was united in marriage to Paul Wilcoxson, adding his two sons, Dan and Bill to her family. In September of 2010, Paul passed away.

Shorty was very active in the Bedford Belles Chapter of the Red Hat Society, attending the monthly meetings and their annual jamboree, making sure her costume fit the theme! She was a member of the Bedford American Legion Auxiliary serving as Secretary and as a Page at the state meeting. Shorty had a passion for Bingo, never missing a Thursday night in Bedford. She enjoyed traveling with a good friend to other area Bingo Parlors. She was an avid embroiderer and crocheted many items for her family and friends. She was an excellent baker with her rolls being a special treat at all family functions. However, of all the things enjoyed by Shorty, her family was her true passion. Her true pride and joy was being having the title of Grandma! A title she held from her own family, and others as well.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend are her five children, Patty Lischer and husband Jay of Bedford; Tim McFadden and wife Ramona of Council Bluffs; Mary Pitman of Bedford; Bill McFadden and wife Yolanda of Wellston, Oklahoma; and Lorna Bucher and husband Dale of Bedford; two step-sons, Dan Wilcoxson and wife Sheila; and Bill Wilcoxson, both of Clarinda; three sisters, Jean Anderson and husband Ted of Independence, Missouri; Joyce John and husband David of Clarinda; and Rita Daniels of Bedford; a step-sister, Janet Smith of Bedford; a sister-in-law, Nadine Mills of Camarillo, California; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Shorty in death are her parents, Fred McNutt and Mary and Tom Hodges; both husbands, Ben McFadden in 1981 and Paul Wilcoxson in 2010; a step-brother, Gary McNutt; a sister-in-law, Lorine Smith; and a granddaughter, Caitlin Pitman

034Carolyn Joyce Dukes was born November 6, 1949 in Clarinda, Iowa, the daughter of Samuel Calvin and Alta May (Goff) Bennett. She passed away on Monday, December 24, 2012 at her home in Shenandoah at the age of 63 years, 1 month and 18 days.

Carolyn grew up in Clarinda and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1967. On April 14, 1968, she was married to Ronald Lee Dukes. This union was blessed with one son, Ronald, Jr. Carolyn was an avid cross-stitcher, craft enthusiast and devout Christian. Most of all she was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and great aunt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ronald Lee Dukes, Jr. and a brother, Doyle Dean Oliver.

Survivors include her grandson, Dennis Milford of Atlanta, Texas; her three sisters, Catherine Herzberg and her husband Mike of Clarinda, Iowa, Susan Basta and her husband Nicholas of Columbus, Ohio, Beverly McGuire and her husband Oliver of Laverne, Minnesota; along with many other relatives and friends.

Kirsch Funeral Chapel, Shenandoah, Iowa: burial Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa