Allen, Cecil A. - Cecil A. Allen was born September 30, 1918, in Bedford, Iowa; a son to Charles and Bessie (Mohler) Allen. He grew to his maturity in Taylor County, Iowa, where he farmed all of his life.
On February 15, 1947, Cecil married Alice Nethers in Bedford and were married for sixty-one years with Alice passing in 2008. The couple was blessed with three sons: Howard, Lyle and Elvin.
Cecil enjoyed farming, carpentry, gardening, camping and fishing. He was a long time member of the Good Sam’s Club.
Cecil passed away on Friday, August 1, 2014 at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center. Cecil was preceded in death by his wife Alice, his parents and his brother Francis.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons: Howard Allen and wife Marilyn of Bedford, IA, Lyle Allen of Bedford, IA, and Elvin Allen and wife Kim of Bedford. His grandchildren: Heather Osborne and husband Tony of Clarinda, IA, Sean Allen and wife Lisa of Joplin, MO, Ashley Turner and husband Tyler of Hopkins; and eight great grandchildren.

Graveside services for Cecil will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 5th at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford with Pastor Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Procession to the cemetery will begin from Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford at 10:15 a.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Care Initiatives Hospice.

Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Bedford is in charge of arrangements

Balch, Nancy - Nancy Balch, 63, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, August 05, 2014, at Cass County Memorial Hospital.

She was born to John and Edna Balch of Bedford, Iowa on August 3, 1951, the third of five children. The family moved to Atlantic, Iowa when Nancy was in 7th grade. She graduated from Atlantic High School in 1969 and then attended Americana Academy of Beauty in Des Moines, Iowa, graduating in 1970. Nancy worked as a hairdresser for almost ten years in Iowa and Montana. For 4 1/2 years she lived in Missoula and Billings, Montana helping out and being "a second mom" to her two nephews and one niece there. She was later employed for 18 1/2 years at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa in ER Admissions, retiring in 2011.

Nancy was a cancer survivor and no matter what health obstacles she dealt with over the past 19 years, she always kept a positive attitude. She had a heart for Relay for Life and headed up a team for several years where she enjoyed using her baking skills to help with fund raising.

She never met a stranger and was genuinely interested in other people and their lives. Her great sense of humor and storytelling made life fun. Nancy had a special gift of relating to children whether at work or with her nieces and nephews and delighted in planning special birthday parties or making "birthday boxes" for other children. She was a loving caregiver for many years to her mother.

Some of Nancy's interests were oil painting, crossword puzzles, and writing stories. She was a fantastic cook and delighted in sharing food and recipes with family and friends. She loved music, especially Classic Rock and Gospel music; a favorite was the Gaither Music Videos.

Nancy is survived by her sisters, Linda Kay Balch of Atlantic, Iowa, and Margaret (Rick) Norman of Stevensville, Montana; brothers, John Michael (Jocey) Balch of Atlantic, Iowa and Randy Balch of Des Moines, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Toby (Tara) Norman and their children, Kensley, Connor and Caden of Grove City, Pennsylvania, Stephanie (Jason) Holley and their children, Kalista and Kyler of Bridgeport, Texas, Melissa Balch and her children, Corbin, RJ and Mason of Atlantic, Iowa, Shane Balch of the San Antonio, Texas area, Bethany (Pablo) Calderon and their daughter, Carolina of Baltimore, Maryland, and Jason Humphrey of Coralville, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edna Balch and her beloved nephew, Andrew Norman.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2014, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa. Committal services will take place in Athelstan Cemetery, southeast of Bedford, Iowa.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2014, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Nancy's family and her arrangements. Condolences can be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

Boltinghouse, Ruth Jane Hogue -Celebration of Life Services for Ruth Boltinghouse, age 92, of Lenox, who died Saturday, June 26, 2014 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield were held Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment were held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Ruth Jane Boltinghouse of Clearfield, IA passed away on June 26, 2014 at the age of 92 years 6 months and 7 days. She was born December 19, 1921 in Axtell, Nebraska, the first child of Hubbard D. and Ida Belle Journey Hogue.
She attended school in Conway, Gravity and Lenox, graduating from Lenox High School in 1940.
Ruth was a member of the six-girl Lenox basketball team when they qualified for the State Basketball Tournament in Des Moines, in 1938 and 1939. Both years, the girls made it to the final game, only to be denied the championship title by West Bend. Ruth was named to the All-State First Team in 1939.
Although she stood only 5’4” tall, she was a consistent high scorer for the Lenox team. Sports writers, both local and from the Des Moines area, described her as a “clever and flashy little forward”, “sparkplug”, “charity line ace”, “outstanding player” and “a long range shooter that kept the team in the game.” Fans who faithfully followed her career said, “She could put that ball in the hoop from anywhere on the floor.”
Ruth and Travis C. Boltinghouse were united in marriage August 27, 1940 in Maryville, Missouri. To this union three boys were born, James Allen, Larry Lyle, and Reldon Duane.
The family lived in several Midwestern towns until moving from Sabetha, Kansas to rural Sharpsburg, Iowa in 1962 when Travis and Ruth bought the family farm. They farmed until failing health forced them to retire in 1982. The couple moved to Loveland, Colorado for a few years until finally settling in Tucson, Arizona and lived near Larry and his family. Ruth returned to Clearfield, Iowa in December 2012 to reside at Clearview Nursing Home.
Survivors include, sons: James Boltinghouse of Lenox, Larry (wife Sandra) Boltinghouse of Tucson, AZ, Reldon (wife Marlene) Boltinghouse of Lenox, eight Grandchildren, Jim (wife Sheila) Boltinghouse, of Olive Branch, MS, David Boltinghouse of Fremont, NE, Sue Ann (husband Wes) Henning of Beatrice, NE, Wade (wife Amy) of Thatcher, AZ, Jana (husband Jeff) Humes of Garland, TX, Holly (husband Terry) of Sharpsburg, Royce (wife Caren) of Clarinda, Nicki (husband Scot) of Lenox, Along with 19 Great Grandchildren , a brother, Lewis (wife Mary) Hogue of Prescott, and sister-in-law Beverly Hogue of Lenox.
Preceding Ruth in death were her parents, husband Travis, three sisters, Lula belle Hogue, Ona Wolfe and Dorothy Brown; and three brothers Joe Hogue, Claude Hogue and Charles Hogue.
Ruth loved her husband, sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family will miss their lively and fun, Mom, Grandma and Great-grandma a lot!!
Burial in North Fairview Cemetery, Lenox, Iowa. Ritchie Funeral Home, Lenox, Iowa.

Briggs, Shirley Marie Moore - Shirley Marie (Moore) Briggs was born on August 1, 1936, at her grandparents’ home in rural Hitchcock County, near Culbertson, Nebraska. She was one of four children born to Thomas Dale and Ruby Helen (Thomas) Moore. When Shirley was seven, her father was called to war and the family relocated to Clarinda.

Later Shirley moved to Taylor County, where she attended and graduated from Gravity High School with the Class of 1953. Following high school, Shirley furthered her education, attending one year of Cosmetology school in Des Moines. On June 6 of 1954, Shirley was married to Virgil Dean Briggs in Bedford, Iowa at the Methodist Church. Her love for baseball began as she was Virgil’s greatest cheerleader, supporting him as he traveled southwest Iowa playing for the Gravity town team. As a couple, they were blessed with three children: Randy, Shirley Kay and Ricky. In 1961 they moved their family to Clarinda where they resided for more than fifty years.

Shirley was a legal secretary at Turner, Jones and Bitting Law Firm in Clarinda. She recently retired from there in 2013 putting in over 47 years with the firm. Together, Virgil and Shirley were baseball enthusiasts, cheering on their beloved St. Louis Cardinals. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Shirley served on the Guss Cemetery Board and was inducted into the Clarinda A’s Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 with Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals presenting her with the award. Most of all, Shirley’s greatest interest was in her family. She was a devoted, giving and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She had a kind soul and will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

Shirley entered into rest after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 77 on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at Westridge Quality Care and Rehab Center in Clarinda. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sons: Randy in 1976 and Rick in 1990; father and mother-in-law David and Lucille Briggs and sister-in-law Evelyn Briggs.
Surviving Shirley are her husband of 60 years, Virgil of Clarinda; daughter Kay (Gary) Smith of Fairfax, Missouri; six grandchildren: Amy (Brice) Derr, Wendi (Jim) Godwin, Heidi Maranville, Matthew (Jen) Briggs, Rachel (Steve) Julo and Kim Briggs; 17 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Kathleen Briggs; siblings: Verna (Marvin) Sanderfield, Dale Moore and Terry (Judy) Moore; brother-in-law Edwin Briggs; along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services for Shirley were held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 19 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda with Rev Russell Clark officiating. Burial followed the service in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Guss, Iowa.

Brown, Berniece Winifred Douglas - Celebration of Life Services for Berniece Brown, age 95, of Lenox, who died Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Lenox Care Center were held Friday, May 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. Visitation were one hour prior to services. Interment of ashes were held at 8:30 AM, prior to services, at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.
Berniece Winifred (Douglas) Brown was born July 17, 1918, near Liberty, Nebraska the daughter of Mildred (Hunt) Douglas and David Gilbert Douglas. Berniece finished 8th grade in country school and graduated from Lenox High School with the Class of 1935. On February 22, 1937, she was united in marriage to Delman Medford Brown. Two daughters were born to bless their lives, Marilyn and Charlene.
Berniece and Delman purchased a farm west of Lenox and lived there for 27 years. Berniece enjoyed farming right beside her husband. They would stop field work to attend their daughter's music and band festivities. Berniece had many hobbies, oil painting, china painting and made numerous quilts for her family. She and her sister, Deloris spent many hours on genealogy and traced their family history back to the late 1500's. Berniece also enjoyed gardening and her Iris flowers. She joined the Lenox United Presbyterian Church in 1932 at the age of 14, and had been an active member, teaching Sunday school, being the Sunday school superintendent, United Presbyterian Women in 1982, she was elected one of the first Lady Elders. Berniece enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Left to cherish Berniece’s memory are her two daughters, Marilyn Brokaw and husband Paul of Lenox, Iowa; Charlene Heidt and husband Michael of Marshallville, Georgia; five grandchildren, Jayne Thompson and husband Ron of Lenox, Iowa; Wayne Leckliter of Lake Ozark, Missouri; Joan Rojohn and husband Clair II of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Michelle Allen and husband Bob of Marshallville, Georgia; and Alicia Mock and husband Bradley of Fort Hood, Texas; 11 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Don Douglas of Lenox, Iowa; 3 step-grandchildren, Paula Horton and husband Doug of Lenox, Iowa; Tom Brokaw and friend Carol of Des Moines, Iowa; and Bob Brokaw and wife Anne of Rinebeck, Iowa; 13 step-great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-great-grandchildren; along with many other family members and friends.
Preceding Berniece in death are her parents David and Mildred Douglas; her loving husband Delman Brown in 2001; two sisters, Deloris Beck and Mineva Tully; two brothers, Glen Douglas and Earl Douglas; a son-in-law, Jack Leckliter; a grandson, Dwayne Leckliter; a grandson-in-law, Dan Sweeney; and a step-grandson, Tim Brokaw.
Berniece will be missed by her entire family and many friends.
We will hold the memories of her gentle spirit as a wonderful gift of encourament.
She will live on in our hearts forever.

Burton, Elsie Rose Fine - Elsie Rose (Mrs. Richard) "Rosie" Burton, 96, of New Market, Iowa, died peacefully, Sunday morning, May 25, 2014 at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, Iowa.

Mrs. Burton was born January 30, 1918, in Siam, Iowa, to Ralph Douglas and Viva Amelia (Shields) Fine. She attended rural schools near Siam through the 8th grade. Elsie Rose and her sister, Lucille rented a room with a family in New Market, while they attended and later graduated from New Market High School in 1937. Following graduation, she began teaching in rural schools. She was united in marriage to Richard Burton on June 10, 1942.

Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Jo and Lewis Blackney of Clearmont, Missouri; a grandson, Joe Hamilton and his wife, Cindy; a great-granddaughter, Rosie Jean Hamilton; sisters, Lucille Stanley of DeWitt, Iowa; Edith Naven of Clarinda and Hope (Bill) Pratt of New Market; nieces and nephews, Patricia (Douglas) Schultz, Gordon (Marty) Pratt and Billie Joyce (Karl) Hodge.

Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents and brothers-in-law, George Stanley and Hollis Naven.

Visitation will be be held at the Siam Church of Christ from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, in the Church. Pastor Russ Clark will officiate with burial at Memory Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Siam Church of Christ or the Minor Pavillion in New Market.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

Schultz Funeral Home of DeWitt and Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda are caring for the arrangements.

Castillo, Taylor Jon - Private Family Graveside Celebration Services for newborn Taylor Jon Castillo of Cedar Falls, Iowa were held Saturday, May 31, 2014, at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. Memorials may be given in Taylor's name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Taylor Jon Castillo was born sleeping at 12:23 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, in Waterloo, Iowa and was delivered into our… loving arms shortly thereafter. He weighed 3 pounds 2.3 ounces and was 17 inches long with hands like his sister Hallie and feet like his Dad's.

Left to cherish Taylor’s memory are his loving parents, Josh and Keri Castillo and his big sister, Hallie Beth; his maternal grandparents, Dennis and Jeanne Crawford; his paternal grandparents Cindy Wurm and husband Mike; and Jon Castillo and wife Jill; maternal great-grandparents, Helen Rogers and Don Crawford; paternal great-grandparents, Larry Yates, Izetta Castillo, Allen and Helen Ruoff, and Eldred and Lorraine Wurm; aunt and uncle, Nathan and Alicia Crawford and cousins Ty and Betsy; aunt and uncle, Heath and Darci Henry and cousin Carter.

Preceding Taylor in death are his great-grandparents, Junior Castillo, Ilene Yates, Delbert Rogers and Elaine Crawford.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of
Heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

Cecil, Allison Boyd - Celebration of Life Services for Allison Cecil, age 101, of Lenox, who died Saturday, June 28, 2014 in Omaha, Nebraska will be held Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Lenox Christian Church. Interment will be held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Allison Boyd Cecil was born on the family farm on January 1, 1913, in Adair County, Iowa the son of Benjamin James Cecil and Elizabeth (Henry) Cecil. He grew up on the farm attending rural schools, graduating from the Anita High School with the Class of 1929 at the age of 16! He helped run the farm until he was 18, then he attended college at Iowa State studying Forestry and Management. He was employed by the Iowa State Highway Commission and working in Lenox when he met Marjorie Kilby at a cafe where she was working. They went on a blind date and were united in marriage on February 29, 1936, at the Methodist Parsonage in Maryville, Missouri. To this loving union, three daughters were born, Nancy, Janice and Katy. The family lived in numerous places around the country to accommodate Allison's jobs. He retired in 1972, from the US Army Corp of Engineers, where they lived and farmed near Underwood. Later they moved to Bentonville, Arkansas for a number of years before returning to Lenox in 1993. Marjorie passed away in July of 2002.

Allison did not know 'idle time' and spent much of his time in the family flower garden, which at last county, contained 2,600 plants, bulbs and trees! He was raised a member of the Tremont Masonic Lodge #343 and later became a member of Bentonville Lodge #56 A.F. & A.M., he was a member of the Lenox Christian Church, a 50+ year member of the Order of Eastern Star, and the Lions Club. Allison and Marjorie enjoyed traveling and they were always on the lookout for a new route to take or a new experience to be had for he and his family. To Allison, his family was his 'pride and joy' and he treasured his time spent with them. Allison was a 'giver of time' and spent many hours promoting the tourism in Lenox.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful father, grandfather and friend are two daughters, Nancy Larsen and husband Ron of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Katy Wood and husband Bob of Onalaska, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Allison in death are his parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Cecil; his loving wife Marjorie Cecil; his daughter, Janice Baldwin in 2013; a brother, James Cecil; three sisters, Caroline Brody, Beatrice Smith and Zela Grover; one grandson, Norman Baldwin; and one great-granddaughter, Allison Hill.

Churchill, Bobby Dean "Bob" - Celebration of Life Services for Bobby Churchill, age 89, of Gravity, Iowa who died Saturday, July 12, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family and beloved nephew, Danny Aman. Services will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Bobby Dean (Bob) Churchill was born October 18, 1924, at his parent's farm in rural Gravity, Iowa, the son of Elmer Churchill and Jessie (Baker) Churchill. He had two brothers, Bus and Max, and two sisters, Doe and Toots, all who have preceded him in death. Bob dedicated his life to the farm he loved and quit school in the 8th grade to farm full-time. He met his future wife, Anna Virginia Johnson, through his brother's girlfriend, and they were united in marriage on April 7, 1955 in Elizabethan, Tennessee. They were blessed with three children, Kathy, Nancy and Dean.

The couple farmed northwest of Gravity on the Churchill family farm which was established in 1888. Bob continued helping his son, Dean on the farm until a year ago when his health started to decline. After his retirement, he would be seen 'all over the country' driving around, looking at the land and countryside he loved so much. He also enjoyed visiting family and neighbors along the way.

Bob loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed every moment spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After his loving wife, Anna, passed away in April of 2005, he made frequent calls to all of them, especially his daughter Kathy.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend are his three children, Kathy Holder and husband Butch; Nancy Melcher and husband Larry; and Dean Churchill and wife Jessica; his grandchildren, Chanell Otte and husband Luke; Haley Phillips and husband Scott; Mariah Bade and husband Chris; Michael Churchill; Natalie Churchill; Brian Melcher; Kasen Churchill; AnnaMae Churchill; and step-grandchild, Nicholas Whipple; many many great-grandchildren; along with other family members and friends.

Preceding Bob in death are his parents, Elmer and Jessie Churchill; his loving wife of 50 years, Anna Churchill; his brothers and sisters; a granddaughter, Rachael Welcome; a niece, Peggy and a nephew, Mark, who were especially close to him

Cordell, Mary Alice Lundy - Mary Alice Lundy Cordell, 83, Maryville, formerly of Indianola, IA and Taylor County, IA, died Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at her home.

She was born June 5, 1930, east of Sidney, IA to Earl Cecil Lundy and Elsie Jane Cook Lundy. She married Forrest Robert Cordell at the First United Methodist Church, Maryville.

She earned her teaching certificate from Simpson College, Indianola, IA and taught at rural Iowa schools. She retired from the State of Iowa.

She was active in the Red Hat Society, Nodaway County Senior Center and volunteered at Parkdale Manor.

She is preceded in death by her parents; older siblings, Ora Ann Davis, William Hoyt Lundy, Velma June Boyd and Ava Mae Vohs; two grandsons, Caleb David Luke Stille and Trad Leroy Stille.

Survivors include her children: Dorothy Jane Helgason and husband, Steve; Mickey Jo Prettyman and husband, Basil; Robert “Bo” Alvin Cordell; Roger Alan Cordell and Deb; grandchildren: Jared Lewis Stille and wife, Sary; Nathan Adam Prettyman and wife, Jessie; Tyler Joseph Prettyman and Brianna; Andrea Lanore Nash, RoseMary Renee McCown and husband, Don; Cody Robert Cordell; 16 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

An open book registration will be from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday, May 29 at the funeral home.

Inurnment will be at the Thurman, IA cemetery at 3:00 pm, Friday, May 30, 2014.

Memorials may be made to Asera Care Hospice of Savannah, Missouri.

Online condolences may be left at www.bramfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville

Cowen, Russell Robley - Russell Robley Cowen, 96, passed away on Saturday August 18, 2012, at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center in Bedford, Iowa. Russell, the son of Harry and Gladys Churchill Cowen, was born January 9, 1916, in Hopkins, Missouri. He attended Gaynor High School and then worked for Merriman Lumber Yard in Sheridan, Missouri.
In 1938 he married Alice Blaylock in Grant City, Missouri. The couple was married 67 years before she passed away in 2005.
During World War II Russell served in the U.S. Army with the Eleventh Armored Division of the First Army. Based in England he saw active duty as a driver in Belgium, France, and Germany.
After the war Russell and Alice resided in Sheridan for many years. He first farmed and then ran a gas station and sold automobiles. After they moved to Bedford, Iowa, Russell worked for Country Boys’ Lumber Yard until retirement.
He was a long-time member of the American Legion organization. He loved to travel and had a passion for trading cars.
In addition to his wife, Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, including sisters Coryl (Howard) Wolverton and Phyllis (Eldean) Murphy and brother Harry Junior Cowen, as well as a niece, Phyllis Ann Wolverton Keever, and nephews Ralph (survived by wife Jo Ann) Wolverton, and Hal Wolverton and his wife Ivy.
He is survived by a sister-in-law, Lois Cowen, of Pierre, South Dakota; nieces Barbara Cowen Wagner and husband Don of Savannah, Missouri, Coralea Cowen Samson of Maryville, Missouri, and Sharon Cowen March and husband David of Hale, Missouri. He is also survived by grand-nieces and nephews, including Rene Wolverton (Leland) Kaufman, LeAnn Wolverton (Rick) Pierce, and Dave Wolverton. Other survivors include numerous grand-nieces and nephews, as well as great-grand nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, with interment at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Military honors will be provided by John F Hardin American Legion of Bedford. Visitation is open Tuesday and again Wednesday morning. Visitation with the family present will be 1-2 p.m. Wednesday with services at 2 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Bedford Meal Site. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. www.EFC.c

Croson, Cindy Jane Schrodt - Cindy Jane (Schrodt) Croson, age 55, passed away Friday, July 4, 2014. Cindy was born in Maryville, Missouri to Lewis Charles and Evelyn Lorraine (Harris) Schrodt on August 6, 1958. Cindy lived most of her life in Bedford where she attended school and graduated from Bedford with the class of 1976.

She married Lonnie Dean Croson on March 28, 1980 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The love of Cindy's life were her two daughters Tracy and Heather and her grandchildren Clay, Alex, and Nickie. She was the primary babysitter of her grandchildren through the years as well.

Cindy was a friend to many and could always be counted on to help anyone. You could always find Cindy baking cookies and banana bread. Even when her health started failing, she never showed up at a family dinner without cookies. Coming from a large family, frequent family gatherings for meals or to play cards were very common and she enjoyed every time they got together and the activities that came with each one.

Cindy adored her nieces and nephews and was always willing to help them in any way she could. She was always there to help cook meals for them, babysit when needed or just give lots of hugs and kisses. Every year at Christmas Cindy took her nieces and nephews Christmas shopping. She started the tradition in 1977 and continued it until 2013. Cindy continued this tradition every year except one, when she was battling cancer. Sometimes there were so many nieces and nephews it took two weekends to accomplish all the shopping.

Through the years Cindy worked many jobs while she was able to before her health failed. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1989. There were many times the love and support of family and friends were what brought her through her treatments and recovery. After Cindy was diagnosed with CHF and COPD and her health deteriorated she had to give up her home and move in with her daughter and son-in-law Shannon earlier this year.

Cindy was preceded in death by her husband Lonnie in 2002, her parents Lewis and Evelyn Schrodt, her sister Pauline Fearnot, a brother in infancy Charles Edgar, her grandparents Edgar and Neva Harris and Charles Schrodt and Rena Webb.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Tracy Lynn Ebrecht and husband Shannon and Heather Dawn Croson; 3 grandchildren Clayton Earl, Alexander Cole, and Nickie Dawn Ebrecht; sisters Scharry (Mike) Hipsley, Phyllis Barrett, Kay (Leroy) Dukes, Janice Campbell, all of Bedford, Karen (Everett) Herzberg of Emerson, Iowa; brothers Lewis (Brenda) Schrodt of Clearmont, Missouri and John (Stephanie) Schrodt of Shenandoah, Iowa; brother-in-law Dale Fearnot of Kennesaw, Nebraska and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews and cousins

Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa.

Davies, Alice Jean Beattie Wardlow - Alice Jean Wardlow-Davies, daughter of John Leonard and Audrey Mae (Maples) Beattie, was born on April 9, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri. Alice entered eternal rest on Monday, July 15, 2013 at Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of sixty-two years, three months and six days.

Alice lived in Maryville, Missouri prior to moving to the Guss area in 1983. In 2009 Alice moved to Corning and was united in marriage to Leo Davies on October 24, 2010. The couple had been together… twenty-six years prior to his death on September 3, 2012.

Alice was a Nurse’s Aide and part of the Direct Care Staff at Midwest Opportunities in Corning, caring for the mentally and physically challenged.

Alice was a member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church at Guss.

Left to cherish Alice’s memory are her children: Rebecca Davis (fiancé Bill Cozad) of Jefferson, Iowa, Christina Wardlow (significant other Clint Miller) of Corning, Iowa, Kimberly Wardlow (significant other Jimmie Kuhn) of Corning, Iowa and Jeffery (Karina) Wardlow of Lenox, Iowa; three step-daughters: Dr. Kim Davies (husband Michael Millken) of Lenexa, Kansas, Kelli (Curt) Haggey of Burlington Junction, Missouri and Kristi (Kevin) Behrhorst of College Springs, Iowa; step-son, Kris (Lexy) Davies of New Market, Iowa; twenty-three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers: Wayne (Arlene) Beattie of Syracuse, Missouri, Lenny (Jo) Beattie of Lubbock, Texas, Keith (Nancy) Beattie of Clarinda, Iowa and Bob (Maryann) Beattie of Syracuse, New York; sisters: Pat (Earl) Spencer of Kansas City, Kansas and Carol Martin of Henrietta, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Ada Beattie of Maryville, Missouri and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo Davies; brother, Marvin Beattie and brother-in-law, Danny Martin

Pearson Family Funeral Service, Corning, Iowa.

Everhart, Donald Richard - Celebration of Life Services for Donald R. Everhart, age 71, of Bedford, Iowa, who died Saturday, August 2, 2014, in Creston, Iowa, surrounded by his family. Services will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Friday, August 8th, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Donald Richard Everhart was born October 5, 1942, in Maryville, Missouri, the second of four sons to Jesse Fay Everhart, Jr., and Eva Geraldine (Shell) Everhart. Growing up, Don loved playing and being involved with sports. In high school Don played baseball, football, and basketball. He enjoyed the competitiveness of athletics and the camaraderie that went along with them. After graduating from Bedford High School in 1961 Don enlisted in the United States Navy and spent the next four years of his life serving his country. During this time he spent a year on the USS Ticonderoga. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, and upon returning home to Bedford, Don began a family of his own.

Don began a long career in the automotive transportation industry. Don enjoyed his job so much that he continued to work in this field for the next 30 years. Also, because of his love of sports, as a part-time job, Don worked as an usher for the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He enjoyed getting to watch the games while helping the fans enjoy the atmosphere.

Don may have been passionate about sports and his job but his "true love" was his family. Whether it was his children; Kevin, Kristina, Rick; his wife Kay; his parents; his brothers; his grandchildren; or other relatives Don loved to be with them. He enjoyed just spending time with each one of them and watching them grow as he nurtured his bond with each one. Don was active in his children's' lives as they grew up. Always taking time to help coach their sports teams or whatever the event might be. Don was there to help. Don was especially fond of taking care of his folks in their later years and enjoyed touring the farm with them during those years.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend are his wife, Kay Everhart; three children, Kevin Everhart and wife, Tiffany; Kristina Prober; and Rick Brown and wife, Diane; step-daughters, Melody Brown; Karena Logan; and Heather Eberley (Shawn Barnes); brothers, Jesse Everhart, III, and wife, Elaine; William Everhart and wife, Mary; and Fred Everhart and wife, Cathy; 19 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse F. Everhart, Jr., and Eva Everhart; a step-son, Scott Boyd, one niece and one great-niece

Green, Lloyd Earl - Celebration of Life Services for Lloyd Green, age 80, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into peace Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Clarinda Regional Hospital, Clarinda, Iowa, will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Clarinda. Visitation with the family greeting friends will be held one hour prior to services Tuesday Morning at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Inurnment of ashes with military rites will be at the Memory Cemetery in New Market, Iowa.

Lloyd Earl Green was born March 8, 1934, in Ault, Colorado the son of Chester Gorman Green and Alice Louise (Epperson) Green. Lloyd was born and raised in Ault, Colorado where he grew up attending school, graduating from the Ault High School with the Class of 1953. After graduation, Lloyd answered the call to serve his country entering the United States Air Force, serving in the post Korean Conflict. While serving his country, Lloyd was stationed in Denver, Colorado, Victorville, California, and overseas in Okinawa, and Japan. On June 5, 1954 he was united in marriage to Sharlene Mae Mathews in Ault, Colorado.

He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1957, and the couple moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where Lloyd worked in the retail business for several years. In 1970, the family moved to New Market, Iowa to be near Sharlene’s family. Their sons, Kelly Earl and Cecil Ray attended the New Market School and graduated from New Market High School. Lloyd finished his working career after twenty-two years of service to the Lisle Corporation as a a Screw Machine Operator and a Tool & Die Maker, retiring in 2000. Lloyd was a member of the Baptist Church. He loved hunting deer, pheasant and quail as well as trout fishing in Colorado and enjoyed reading in his free time.

Left to cherish Lloyd’s memory is his loving wife of sixty years, Sharlene Green of New Market, Iowa; his two children, Kelly Earl Green and wife Doris of New Market, Iowa; and Cecil Ray Green and wife Lori of Manor, Texas; a grandson, Levi Ray Green of Des Moines, Iowa; a sister, Barbara LaBarbara and husband Vito of Eaton, Colorado; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Lloyd in death are his parents, Chester and Alice Green and a sister at infancy

Henry, Jacqueline "Jackie" Kilburn - Jacqueline “Jackie” Henry, 51, of Nome, Alaska, formerly of Cambridge, Iowa, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2014 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 7, at Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada. Private burial of ashes will be held at a later date in Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa. Memorial contributions in memory of Jackie Henry, may be made to the Norton Sound EMS Department, PO Box 966, Nome, AK 99762.
Jackie was born March 19, 1963, in Nevada, Iowa to Howard and Josephine (Pearey) Kilburn. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1981 and was united in marriage to Clifford Henry on June 12, 1991 in Nevada. Jackie worked as a pilot for Bering Air for 18 years and was a member of the AOPA.
Jackie loved the outdoors, especially sailing, camping, canoeing and birding. She also liked photography, quilting, knitting and crocheting. Jackie was recently compiling a book, “Wildflowers of the Seward Peninsula,” which will soon be published and dedicated to her. Jackie is survived by her husband, Cliff of Nome, Alaska; her father Howard Kilburn of Cambridge; her sister, Barbara and husband Lee Myers of Bondurant, Iowa; her treasured niece and nephews, Michelle, Noah and Matthew; and her beloved Black Lab, Emma. She was preceded in death by her mother in 1993. Other survivors include brother-in-law David (Dorothy) Henry, Spearfish, South Dakota and their children, Robbie (Becky) Henry and children Victoria and Alexa of Rapid City, South Dakota and Stephanie (Shawn) Kvanvig and children Seth and Sawyer of Spearfish, South Dakota; sisters-in-law Sharon (Larry) Wiseman of Bedford and Julia (Timohty) Johnson of Los Angeles, California.
Jackie had more friends than acquaintances, from the outliers of Alaska to Russia.

Johnson, Betty Jean Ridnour - Celebration of Life Services for Betty Johnson, age 85, of Corning, who died Friday, July 11, 2014 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Monday from 3-7 PM with the family greeting friends from 5-7 PM. Interment will be held at Guss Cemetery.

Betty Jean (Ridnour) Johnson was born August 18, 1928, in Gravity, Iowa the daughter of John Ridnour and Blanche (Leighton) Ridnour. She grew up in the Gravity area attending school, graduating from High School with the Class of 1947. After graduation, Betty attended two years of Normative Teacher Training School. She then taught in Holt Center and Nodaway Center Community Schools. On August 22, 1949, she was united in marriage to Wilbur "Shorty" Johnson.

Betty was a waitress at the Mitchell Cafe and Gentle's Cafe in Corning for many years, however, her true love was being a 'farmer's wife'. Betty raised chickens, tended a large garden and was a good seamstress. She loved cooking and was known for her fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and her beef and noodles. She enjoyed company of all kinds, especially after her husband passed away. Betty lived on the farm for 50 years, moving into Corning in the early 2000's. While living in town she enjoyed walking and visiting with neighbors. As a child growing up, Betty played cards as her father's partner, so as the years went by she continued her enjoyment of card playing, usually Phase 10 or Rummy being her favorites.

Left to cherish Betty’s memory is a brother, Ralph Ridnour of Omaha, Nebraska; a special friend, Thelma Jones; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends

Preceding Betty in death are her parents John and Blanche Ridnour; her loving husband Shorty in 1999; four brothers, Elmer Ridnour, Orval Ridnour, Oren Ridnour and Eldon Ridnour; three sisters, Zona Schnepp, Hazel Ridnour and Meda Mitchell; a nephew, Calvin Johnson and a niece, Phyllis Chubick.

Keyt, Morris "Leroy" - Morris Leroy Keyt, the son of Ross and Ruth (Burk) Keyt, was born on July 14, 1939, near Greencastle, IN. On September 5, 1939, his family moved to S.W. Iowa where he lived in the Tabor, Hamburg, and Shambaugh areas, attending Clarinda High School for two years. His family then moved to Indiana where he graduated in 1957 from Westfield, IN High School.
Leroy attended Clarinda Junior College, graduating with high distinction from Peru State Teachers College in 1961. In later years he did graduate work at Iowa State University, Bucknell University, Wayne State College, and the University of South Dakota.
In College he was a reporter for the Clarinda Herald Journal and the Peru Stater, as well as a sports reporter to the Omaha World-Herald, Council Bluffs Nonpareil, and the Des Moines Register. In early 1961 a short story and poem he authored were published in the national Sigma Tau Delta magazine. In 1987 his essay of “Free Speech” was an Iowa State prize winner published in the book “American Voices.”
On October 18, 1958, he was united in marriage to Connie Lee Posten at the Free Methodist Church, Gravity, IA. To this union four children were born: David Lynn, Christopher Leroy, Katherine Lee, and Dean Leon.
Leroy taught English, Journalism, and Government for 10 years in the Bloomfield, NE, Meridan-Cleghorn, and Hartley High Schools. From 1972 to 1978 he was an agent for Farm Bureau Insurance, after which he operated an independent agency for several years. In 1972 he also began a bookkeeping and tax preparation practice which continued until 2008. In 1979 he became qualified to practice before the IRS. Leroy was interested in coins and antiques. As a dealer he was perhaps best known for his “Birthyear Coin Sets.” He also owned and operated the Hartley Antique Mall from 1993 to 2001.
Leroy was a Christian and a member of the Masons and OES for over 35 years. He was raised in Beacon Lodge #495 (Hartley) February 6, 1973, where he served in a variety of offices including Master. More recently he has served in Onyx Lodge #419 (Sanborn), most recently as Senior Warden. He joined Golden Sheaf Chapter #181 (Hartley) in 1973, where he held several offices including Worthy Patron. He also served in Coral Chapter #41 (Sanborn), most recently as chapter secretary.
He enjoyed music of all kinds, but especially rock-n-roll, country, and music from the Woodstock era. He loved to travel by auto, visiting Mexico, several provinces in Canada, and 44 of the 48 contiguous United States.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Connie; his children: David (Barbara) Keyt of North Salt Lake, UT, Christopher (Susan) Keyt of Van Meter, IA, Katherine (James) O’Brien of Chandler, AZ, and Dean (Beth) Keyt of Van Meter, IA; nine grandchildren; two brothers: Stephen (Donna) Keyt of Cheyenne, WY and Robert (Mary) Keyt of Tallahassee, FL; a sister: Rachel(Charles) Adams of Gibbon, NE; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Ross Leon Keyt and Ruth Anna Keyt.
In Remembrance of
Morris Leroy Keyt
Born ~ July 14, 1939
Died ~ October 25, 2008
Age ~ 69 years 3 months 11 days

Funeral Service
2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Hartley Funeral Chapel
Hartley, Iowa

Clergy ~ Rev. Jeff Filkins
Organist ~ Julie Back
Soloist ~ Rev. Jeff Filkins
“Where Have All the Flowers Gone”
Congregational Singing
Processional ~ “How Great Thou Art”
Recessional ~ “’Til We Meet Again”

Pallbearers
Sonny Tewes Jack Beck Mel Norem
Steve Buren Eric Rozeboom Steve Armstrong
Glenn Veldboom David Sholly

Interment
Washington Cemetery
Gravity, Iowa

Madsen, Lorraine Gail Cox - Lorraine Gail Madsen of New Market, Iowa passed away at 4:45, the morning of June 24th, 2014. She was 55 years old. Born to Dolores Orleen Cox and Gordon Harold Cox on June 16th, 1959, she was the youngest of three children, including her older sister Audrey Elaine Haverkamp, and their older brother Neal Harold Cox. As a young girl, her fair hair and rambunctious personality earned her the nickname Blondymopper and a penchant for disappearing over distant hills on horseback. The horses she rode (Tony, Ribbon, and Lee Bob) were the first loves of her life, and the gentle strength of horses everywhere were her inspiration and reminder that the world’s natural state was one of freedom and kindness.
After graduating from New Market High School with dear friends Elaine Huntsman, Brian Anders Laverty, Mark Davison, and others, that same spirit of freedom led Lorraine to pursue training in the Fine Arts at Northwest Missouri State University. There she was courted by Bedford, IA resident Skip Madsen, currently of Denver, CO, whom she married in 1978. Together they had her first child, Erin Alexander Madsen, in 1981, currently of Iowa City, IA. After parting from Skip, Lorraine’s heart compelled her begin a career doing the most good for others. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1988 and began working almost immediately as a psychiatric nurse at the Clarinda Treatment Complex as a B.S. R.N. While earning her nursing degree, Lorraine was courted by Alan Earl Schenck of Clarinda, IA, and in 1990 they had her second child, Lara Ann Schenck, currently of Ames, IA.
In her life, Lorraine Madsen was an artist, a nurse, a school teacher, a seamstress, a wife and friend, a daughter and sister, but her most important role – and the one for which she was most grateful – was as a mother. As a young woman, motherhood figured very low on the list of characteristics by which Lorraine wanted to be defined, but the birth of her first child changed everything, revealing to her an idea of the woman, the mother, she wanted to be. The birth of her second child strengthened this idea, creating in her a resolve to do everything and anything for the sake of Erin and Lara, including making sure that both succeeded at college, traveling with them to see the world, and taking every opportunity to call, write, or send little gifts so that there would be no mistaking how important they were to her.
Lorraine lived by a single motto: actions speak louder than words. Her actions are heard louder than most across oceans of distance and time. In the character and love of her family both near and far away, in the admiration of her many friends at home and around the world, in the disappointment of her detractors who never got the best of her, and in the smiles that we could not hold back when she flashed hers: sweet and sincere, framed in gold and never less than dazzling. In these things and more, Lorraine Madsen speaks, her words going on and on like the summer wind, through the trees and down the hill, across the river, up the road and over the horizon, ever into tomorrow.
Lorraine believed that the cycle of nature – birth, life, death and renewal – was the greatest gift ever given to humanity. And she believed that the light of an unnameable, untouchable presence could be felt in all things, if the mind only opened itself to feel it. Her life was a celebration of life. She will be missed more than these meager, but heartfelt, words can say. She was the very best of us. May she rest now in absolute peace.
Lorraine is survived by her son Erin Madsen and his wife Katharina Mendoza, her daughter Lara Schenck and partner Brian Lage, Lorraine's partner Alan Schenck, her brother Neal Cox and his wife Nancy, and Neal's children: Brian Cox, his wife Lawanna, and their children Lily, Logan, Lola, and Zooey, Darrell Cox, Rachel Cox, and Ethan Cox; her sister Audrey Haverkamp, and her husbund Mark, and her children: Amy Law and husband Dustun, Heather Dempsey and her husband Mike and their two sons Tyler and Gavin; her best friends and cousins: Mona Hensley and Kelly Roberts, her uncles Harold Gilbert and Lowell (Pete) Gilbert, her aunt Betty McBride, and many cousins and friends.

Burial in Graceland Cemetery, Taylor County, Iowa. Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa.

McMahon, Deloris Irene McCloud - Deloris Irene McMahon daughter of Orville and Edith (Bates) McCloud was born January 17, 1925 in Tabor, Iowa. She passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014 at George C. Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa. She was 89 years, 3 months, and 10 days old.

Deloris spent her childhood in Conway, Iowa until she was united in marriage to Clayton W. McMahon on October 3, 1941 in Rock Port, Missouri. They then moved to Shenandoah were she worked at Henry Fields Nursery for 35 years. After retirement she spent her time going around to flea markets buying and selling items. She enjoyed going to garage sales.

Deloris was preceded in death by her husband Clayton W. McMahon in 1991, a granddaughter, parents Orville and Edith McCloud, two brothers Robert and Gilbert, sister Phyllis, seven nieces and nephews. Those left to cherish her memory include her two children Dennis McMahon of Shenandoah, Iowa and Stella DeLong and husband Paul of Springfield, Missouri, sister Darlene Hatfield of Washougal, Washington, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, Isaiah DeLong, and numerous friends. Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Moore, Zorah Olinda Jones - Celebration of Life Services for Zorah Moore, age 94, of Bedford, who died Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning will be held Friday, June 20, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00 noon until service time with the family greeting friends. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed to the Taylor County Museum.

Zorah Olinda (Jones) Moore, was born June 19, 1919, at her parent's home east of Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Chester Jones and Pearl Isabell (Wiles) Jones. She grew up attending local rural schools, graduating from Bedford High School with the Class of 1937, with a diploma to teach rural schools. Zorah used that education for several years before and after she was married. One of her former pupils said, "she tried to make learning fun". On October 8, 1938, she was united in marriage to Arthur Moore and the couple farmed together for the next 43 years. After they sold their farm, in 1981, they moved to 807 Illinois Street in Bedford.

Together Zorah and Art enjoyed many years of their retirement before Art lost both of his legs to aneurysms. Taking care of her loving husband and teaching him to walk again became a way of life for Zorah. Art passed away in 2006, and with the help of her family, Zorah was able to stay in her home where she continued to enjoy her family, friends, sewing and quilting.

Left to cherish the memories of a mother, grandmother, teacher and friend are her three children, a daughter, Rebecca Mick and husband Roger of Bedford, Iowa; a son, Richard J. Moore of Hopkins, Missouri; and a daughter, Ramona Parman and husband Gary of Orient, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Rick and Verna Moore, of Independence, Missouri; Lisha Moore of Valley View, Texas; Larry and Connie Mick of Omaha, Nebraska; Tytanya and Gary Lischer of Bedford, Iowa; Quentin and Sharon Dalton of Sharpsburg, Iowa; Nicole and Rob Brammer of Clarinda, Iowa; Latrisha and Jared Maines of Clearfield, Iowa; Sandi and Stuart Lawson of Hopkins, Missouri; 17 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; a nephew, Bud (Coke) Jones of Portland, Oregon; two nieces, Pam Cagle of Tillemook, Oregon and Tonchita (Alan) Leach of Bay City, Oregon, and their families; along with many other family relatives and friends.

Preceding Zorah in death are her parents, Chester and Pearl Jones; her husband Arthur Moore; a brother Orie L. Jones; a sister, Mable Croft; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Moore and Kathy's daughter, Mona Ware

Nicholson, Alford Louis "Nick" - Alford Louis "Nick" Nicholson was born December 10, 1920, the son of Albert and Lulu (Bivens) Nicholson, in Maize, Kansas. At the age of 13, his family moved to his maternal grandparents farm north of Lenox. He then returned periodically to Kansas to help his granddad with his wheat farming. He died July 5, 2014.

In 1941, he went to work at the Boeing Aircraft company located in Wichita, Kansas. In 1942, he joined the Army Air Corps to serve his country honorably during World War II. After his discharge he started a farming life of his own. He raised hogs, cattle, chickens and milk cows in addition to his row crops.

On February 8, 1948, he married "the most beautiful girl he had ever seen", June Arlene Eigenheer. To this very special union, two daughters Kristina and Darla were born. Nick loved the land and farming. Most of all Nick loved people. There were no strangers in his life, only people he hadn't met. He was always happy and would share that with just a smile, a chuckle, or his special "whirligig" wave.

Nick enjoyed being part of the Lenox Flying Club and was always ready to take his girls for a Sunday evening ride. He also loved to "roll" his unsuspecting passengers. His other favorite pastimes were bowling, playing cards, and drinking coffee with the guys. He worked many years at the Lenox Sale Barn as well. He and June were strong supporters of the community and attended athletic events whenever they could. They also enjoyed watching their grandchildren participate in their various activities through the years.

In April of 2009, Nick entered the Lenox Care Center where he found many old friends and made many new friends as well. He always considered the loving staff as a second family.

Left to cherish Nick's memory are his daughters; Kristina (Mark) Berg of Lenox, Iowa and Darla and (Bob) Hartzler of Ames, Iowa; one grandson Matt (Emilie) Harvey; three granddaughters Brie (Joe) Day, Alice Hartzler, and Abby Hartzler; five great-grandchildren Paige Harvey, Hannah Harvey, Michael Harvey, Jack Day and Nick Day; sisters-in-laws Ila Lincoln of Osage, Iowa, Bonnie Kirk of Adel, Iowa and Noretta Eigenheer of Norwalk, Iowa; brother-in-laws Jack Refer of Lenox, Iowa and Duane Eigenheer of Norwalk along with numerous nieces and nephews and many other relatives, neighbors and friends.

Preceding Nick in death are his parents Albert and Lulu Nicholson; his loving wife of sixty-one years June Nicholson; sister Marcile Nicholson; half-brother Mervin Belding; sister-in-laws Betty Refer and Lois Bothell and brother-in-laws Tom Lincoln and George Bothell.

Ritchie Funeral Home, Lenox, Iowa.

Poore, Dorotha Faye Utter - Dorotha Poore, age 90, of New Hope, Minnesota passed away Saturday July 12, 2014 at St. Therese Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday July 15, 2014 at Eickemeyer Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa with Jeff Cummins delivering the service. Burial will follow the service in the Gravity, Iowa Cemetery.
Dorotha Faye Utter was the daughter and second child of Gail and Eva [Adams] Utter born Dec 19, 1923. She grew to adulthood and graduated from high school in Gravity, Iowa. On May 15, 1943 she was united in marriage with Stanley Miles Huntsman and they were blessed with two children, Wayne Lee and Linda Kay. In 1969 she married Ward Poore at Maryville, Missouri.
Dorotha began her adult life as a hard working farm wife. Later she graduated from college and obtained an LPN degree. She practiced nursing for many years at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa before retiring and moving to Minnesota to be close to her daughter. She lived independently and enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren before moving to St. Therese Nursing Home. During her three years there she gained great respect from her care givers, due in no small part from her nursing experience and cheerful attitude.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Stanley Huntsman and Ward Poore, son Wayne Huntsman, and sister-in-law Helen Utter. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Linda and husband Steve Bailie of Plymouth, Minnesota; daughter-in-law Carol Huntsman of Jefferson, South Dakota; brother Don Utter of Ankeny, Iowa; grandchildren: Patty [Joe] Rarrat of Jefferson, South Dakota; Curt [Jana] Huntsman of Denver, Colorado; Aaron [Jenon] Bailie of Otsego, Minnesota; Stephane [Nicholas] Tumler of Los Angeles, California; great-grandchildren : Jonathan [Antonia] Rarrat; Kyle, Thomas, and Kristen Rarrat; Dylan, Derek, and Ellie Huntsman; Briana and Brendan Bailie; Annabelle Bailie; and great-great grandson, Kaden.
Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, with Jeff Cummings officiating. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, provided arrangements

Roberts, Karen Ann Rops - Celebration of Life Services for Karen Roberts, age 71, of Bedford, who died Sunday, May 25, 2014 at her home will be held Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Bedford United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Wednesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home from 3-7 with the family greeting friends from 5-7 PM. Memorials can be given in Karen’s name.

Karen Ann Rops was born November 23, 1942 in Parkersburg, Iowa to Pearl and George Rops. She was the oldest daughter with three younger siblings born of the marriage. Later, she was blessed with three more step-siblings when Pearl married Don Mitchell and finally another baby brother was added to the family. How many is that? It was a big family in a two bedroom home in Evansdale, Iowa. She graduated in 1960 from East High School in Waterloo, Iowa.

Shortly after turning 18, Karen met John Roberts at a dance. He was the life of the party then too! Six months later, May 28, 1961, they were joined in marriage. They resided in LaPorte City, Iowa while Karen was a nurses aide and John worked at John Deere. After the birth of 2 girls and one on the way they decided to move to a farm south of Shell Rock, Iowa where the city girl became a farmer. Many great friends were made in this community. After building a new home and growing family they decided to purchase a dairy farm near Highlandville, Iowa. Over 70 dairy cows were delivered and Karen coaxed each into their station with an apple! She continued to raise her family to the tunes of milking machines and the Eagles music and anything you could Jitter Bug to. The Saturday night card club crew brought many great laughs and memories to our family and the members have remained friends throughout the years.

Once the kids were in school Karen decided to go back to work. She found a job at North Winneshiek school as a board secretary. It was a great comfort to the girls to know their mom was always where they needed her. She loved the teachers, principals and superintendent and often found her office occupied with someone seeking advice, or someone to talk to. Karen's love for reading led her to purchase the Armory Bookstore in Decorah, Iowa. As the family moved she found her niche again as the board secretary at Clarke Community School and finally in Marion School district.

In 1990, the final move to Bedford to run an embroidery factory with John brought an adventure of a new kind and many new friends too. Karen (kind of) ended her working career at State Savings Bank in Bedford. John would tease Karen about lines forming at her window as her friends would wait for her to become available to wait on them. It was here where the people of Bedford got to know Karen, her quick wit and sometimes withering look that her daughters thought was only for them - 'the Look' let you know when you were out of line. Customers would bring in their newborn children or their visiting parents to meet her. She would laugh with you and cry with you and jump every time the fake mouse was put in her money drawer (every time).

Now that we have that all out of the way, we have come to the part that really matters. The grandchildren. If you knew Karen you know how much we could write here. She. Loved. Them. Each one was so very special to her. In each one she saw a unique quality only possessed by the Rops/Roberts gene. Thursday Night Supper Club was attended by each child at least once in their lives. A night with no parents, only Grandma and Grandpa where you ate all the food on your plate because it was your favorite, workbooks were finished and maracas were played.

After John's passing Karen found solace in her church, her coffee ladies and her many close friends .... A special thank you to Harold for his friendship to Karen, his help around the farm, and special trips to Maryville.

Left to carry on Karen's memory are her three daughters, Linda Throckmorton and husband Tom; Susan Swartz and husband Jeremy; and Nancy Murphy and husband James. Grandchildren, Nicholas Throckmorton, Caila and Haley Raymond, Noah McBride, Kyla and Dalton Swartz, Devon and Madison McBride and Max and Samantha Murphy. Three brothers, Lee Rops and wife Linda; Paul Rops and wife Janet; and Gary Mitchell. Two sisters, Roseann Spooner and husband Mike and Pam Schmitz and husband Dan; and sister-in-law, Marguerite Shreve. Many nieces and nephews and too many friends to count.

Preceding Karen in death - Her husband John of 49 years, parents Don and Pearl Mitchell and George Rops, brothers- Charles Mitchell and Larry Mitchell, and Father and Mother-in-law, Earl and Pauline Roberts

Robinson, Clifton Henry - Clifton Robinson, age 71 of Olathe, Kansas died Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the Saint Luke's Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.
Clifton Henry Robinson was born to Victor and Imogene (Templeton) Robinson on
October 21, 1942, in Maryville, Missouri. Vic was in the Coast Guard in California during
WWII, so Imogene and Clifton joined Vic in California. After the war, they returned to Bedford,
Iowa. Vic and Imogene ran the Lake of Three Fires, which Cliff swam across when he was six.
The family lived on the Templeton farm, and Clifton attended country school. When Cliff was in
the fourth grade, they moved to Sabula, Iowa. Cliff helped his dad with his commercial fishing
and trapping business. Imogene owned a restaurant on the Mississippi River where Clifton
probably developed his love of sweets by helping himself to the "goodies" in the restaurant. Cliff
returned to Bedford in the 8th grade. He enjoyed being in the Bedford Saddle Club with his
mother, sister Jeanne, and grandparents Cliff and Eva Templeton.
Cliff graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1960 and married Dixie
Baker of the Bedford High School class of 1962. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last
summer. Cliff served in the Marine Corps and was stationed at the El Toro Marine base in
California. Cliff and Dixie remained in California after his service in the Marines. He attended
Iowa State but graduated from California State University in Fullerton, California with a BS in
Accounting.
After graduation, he worked for Arthur Young and Company in Santa Ana for nine years.
He then accepted a position as CFO of the Alison Company Real Estate Investment Company in
Newport Beach. He worked for them for nineteen years and finished his career with Sunray
Lighting in Irvine, California as their CFO. Cliff and Dixie moved to Olathe KS in 2004. Cliff
liked to travel and was proud of the fact that he and Dixie had visited all 50 states and had taken
a couple of cruises. He loved Hawaii and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
They have two sons - Patrick and Scott. Patrick and his wife Gloria have three children -
Adam, Samantha, and Brodie. Scott and his wife Cathy have two sons - Troy and Chad.
Samantha and Hayden named their son William Henry after his great grandpa Cliff. He was
looking forward to Adam and his wife Miranda giving him a great granddaughter next month.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, their
sons and families, his sister Jeanne and her husband Kevin Hogan all of Olathe, Kansas, as well
as many wonderful friends. He was well loved and will be forever missed!
Funeral services were held at 1 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville with Reverend Francis Warren officiating. A visitation were held from 12:30-1:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment with military rites follow in the Unionville Cemetery, Unionville, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the American Cancer Society or to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be given to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

Routh, Marvin Gerald - Celebration of Life Services for Marvin Routh, age 91 of Lenox who passed away Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the Lenox Care Center will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at the Lenox United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on Monday from 3-7 with the family greeting friends from 5-7 PM. Interment will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.
Marvin Gerald Routh, the youngest of four sons blessing the union of Frank Leslie Routh and Carrie Ann (Tindle) Routh, was born May 11, 1922 on the family farm in Ringgold County. He enjoyed the rural life and the advantages of living in a close-knit family circle – all living within a few miles.

Marvin was a farmer all his life. As a child growing up on a farm between Diagonal and Clearfield, he even played “farming”. He always had a pony to ride – and later some fine saddle horses. He got his first Duroc when he was 16. Due to his father’s failing health, he left his junior year in high school to take care of the family farm. He began his own farming venture on the “High and Dry” when he was 22. On January 27, 1948, he was joined by his bride, Dorothy Preston.

The next spring they moved to a farm south of String Town, where Gary Mark (1949) and Gayle Elaine (1952) were born. Marvin continued with more Durocs, Hereford cattle, a few Guernsey milk cows, and always some chickens. In 1963, he bought his first 160 acres southeast of Lenox, which was his home until entering the Lenox Care Center on December 23, 2013.

Marvin always prided himself on planting a “straight row” and his land stewardship. He enjoyed gardening and keeping a well-manicured homestead. He enjoyed nature and all the wonders it has to offer. He felt a deep responsibility for providing for his family and for caring for the land and livestock that God had entrusted to him.

Marvin will be missed, but his tender heart and laughter will be remembered by his son Gary Routh and wife Anne of Waterloo, Iowa; daughter Gayle Herring and husband Dennie of Bedford, Iowa; grandchildren Kellie (Chad) Dean, Scott (Jasminka) Davidson, Aaron Routh, Adam (Stephanie) Routh; and great-grandchildren Andrew and Samantha, Jeorgia and Emily, Gabriel, Austin and Paige, and Corbin; two sisters-in-law, Oneita Routh and Elsie Preston; along with many other family members and friends.

Marvin was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents, Frank & Carrie Routh, and brothers Francis, Lee, and Freddie

Schrader, Lola Maxine Walters - Lola Maxine Schrader was born November 29, 1925 in Clarinda, the daughter of George Wesley and Violet Mae (Gray) Walters. She passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 6 days.

Maxine grew up in the Villisca area and graduated from Villisca High School. She later attended Clarinda Junior College for two years. On June 11, 1945 she was united in marriage to Kendall D. Schrader in Lyman, Iowa. This union was blessed with two children, Mike and Janet.

Maxine taught school at Frog Pond School for several years. She then stayed home and raised her children and working on the farm before going to work for Hy-Vee in Villisca. After moving to Shenandoah, she worked for Krieglers Office Supply. She was a member of the United Methodist Church both at Guss and Shenandoah. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and caring for her flowers. Her true love was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kendall in 2009.

Survivors include her children, Mike Schrader and his wife Nancy of Des Moines, Janet Dukes and her husband Mike of Essex; her grandchildren, Angie Clark of Garden City, Kan., Bryan Schrader and his wife JoAnne of Corpus Christi, Texas, Angel Dawson of Essex, Kristi Clark and her husband Jeff of Clarinda, Shane Dukes and his wife Megan of Essex, Leslee Dukes, Christian Dukes and Alyssa Glassgow all of Essex, Peter Trost and his wife Annie of Waukee, Adam Trost and his wife Leah of West Des Moines; a brother, Ronnie Walters and his wife Connie of Guss; brothers and sisters-in-law, Darrell Schrader and his wife Delores of Nodaway, Reba Maxwell and her husband Gerald of Villisca; along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah with Rev. Ed Powers officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss. Visitation with the family present will take place on Friday, March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah.

A memorial fund is being established. Online remembrances or condolences can be left at www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah is in charge of arrangements.

Simmons, Duane - Celebration of Life Services for Duane Simmons, age 81, of Bedford, who died day, Friday, July 11, 2014 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Monday, July 14, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Visitation was held Sunday afternoon from 2 - 5 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held at the Lexington Cemetery in Taylor County, Iowa.

Harlan Duane Simmons was an only child born October 12, 1932 in Gaynor, MO to parents W.C. and Marjorie Lawler Simmons.

As a toddler, Duane’s family moved to Taylor County, Iowa, north of the Lake of Three Fires. Duane loved the farm life and was very active in 4H, and as an adult, was a leader for 10 years. He attended elementary school in Conway, and graduated from Bedford High School in 1951. He began farming with his father as a young man and continued farming until he was 75 years old.

In high school, Duane met his best friend, Margaret White. They were married June 29, 1952. After having four children and still farming, in 1973 he purchased and operated The Bedford Sales Company, conducting auctions and order buying cattle for individuals and various feedlots. Duane was a well liked and respected man in the community as well as the church. He has held various leadership roles in the church and loved teaching and training, not only his own children, but others about the love of Jesus. Duane realized as a young man the need to confess his sin and receive Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

He treasured the time he spent with family. He loved passing on the life lessons learned from his father about respect, hard work and honesty.

During their retirement years, Duane and Margaret made many mission trips to south Texas and Michigan serving as support to the missionaries.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother Mabel Simmons; parents in-law Claire and Hazel White and brother in-law Marvin White. He leaves to cherish his memory: sons Randy and Jenice Simmons; Don and Norma Simmons; Greg and Pat Simmons; daughter Cheri and David Dirksen; special nephew Rick White and family; brother in-law Bennie and Kay White; nephew Britt and Heather White; uncle Lynn and Arlene Simmons; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and many cousins, friends and his beloved wife, Margaret.

Spencer, Joann Myrtle Waugh - Celebration of Life Graveside Services for Joann Spencer, age 79, of Bedford, who died Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab will be held Monday, July 28, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Visitation will be Sunday, July 27, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. The Spencer family invites friends to meet at the Ritchie Funeral Home on Monday morning at 10:00 AM prior to the graveside services at 11:00 AM.

Joann Myrtle (Waugh) Spencer was born in Worth County, Missouri, February 27, 1935. Joann was the youngest of five children born to Myrtle Faye (James) Waugh and Carl Albert Waugh.

Most of Joann's early years were spent in rural Taylor County and rural Ringgold County near Blockton and Redding, where she attended school. In 1951, Joann moved to Bedford where she met her future husband, Clyde Allen Spencer, while attending high school. Joann and Clyde dated for three years before tying the knot on April 2, 1954. To this union, six boys were born, Kenny, Calvin, Mark, David, Todd and Bryan.

Joann truly loved her role as wife, mother and homemaker. Joann was an excellent cook and while the boys were young, Clyde and Joann raised two large gardens. (Six growing boys and a hard working husband requires much food!) What wasn't eaten immediately, Joann would can and stock up for the winter.

Joann was also an excellent seamstress, often making clothing items for her boys. It was nearly impossible to tell the difference between what she made and "store bought".

As the children grew into adulthood and began to have children of their own, Clyde and Joann took great pride in their expanding family. Holidays and birthdays were just 'one more opportunity' for Joann to show her creativity by making cards and gifts. "Grandma Jo" looked forward to babysitting with the kids, whether for a few hours or the weekend. She never turned down an opportunity to spend time with the kids.

After Clyde retired the two of them enjoyed traveling. Never any extended trips, but many short vacations to visit family members in different states.

Joann took great pride in the role of "wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and "chief cook and bottle washer!"

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend are her sons, Kenny Spencer and wife Belinda; Mark Spencer and wife Penny; David Spencer; Todd Spencer and wife Cindy; Bryan Spencer and wife Carrie, all of Bedford; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a community of friends.

Preceding Joann in death are her parents, Myrtle Arehart and Carl Waugh; her sister Helen; her brothers, Elvin, Leroy, and James; her husband Clyde in 2008; and her son Calvin in 2011.

Standage, Julia Irene Steeve- On June 2, 2014 Christ Jesus took Julia Irene Standage’s hand and peacefully walked with her to her forever home in Heaven with Him.

Julia was born July 21, 1928 on the back porch of the family farm house south of Clarinda, the daughter of Bertha (Warneke) & Adolph Steeve. She attended county school and graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1946. Following graduation she received a teaching certificate and taught in a one room county school south of Bedford. She would… get there early to build the fire and carry water from the well to fill the water crock inside. She walked 1 ½ miles one way to school everyday.
She loved teaching children of all ages, grades 1-8th.

On September 19, 1953 she was united in marriage to Dale Arthur Standage at the Methodist church in Bedford, Iowa. They made their home in Bedford, living in an apartment just off Main Street. Together with Dale’s brothers and Bob Cobb they built the Skylark Café, motel and gas station where Julia wore many hats including bookkeeper, housekeeper, and cook & waitress at the Café while Dale worked and managed the gas station. However during this time Julia became very ill with kidney problems that resulted in one of her kidneys being removed. She later was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease but remained in good health despite it. Having children with only one kidney was questionable but in 1957 they were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Susan Kae (Standage) Howman. Six months after Susan was born they purchased a house in Athelstan from Dale’s brother and had it moved to their lot on Main Street in Bedford. It spent the night along the side of the road south of town on Hwy 148 before being place on its foundation where it still stands today. Julia set to the task of making their house a home while raising their daughter. She enjoyed flying with Dale, going to flight breakfast, making homemade ice cream and planting flowers. She liked to sew and was crafty before crafty became popular. She took toll painting classes, line dancing lessons, played cards with family and close friends, and especially liked playing dominos and Old Maid with her nephew Roger. They would go camping in the Ozarks or Minnesota with her sister Martha and her family about every year. Fishing and cooking over a camp fire was something she always enjoyed. She could even catch a fish with a dish pan! . Lake of Three Fires was another favorite spot for camping or family picnics. She LOVED the outdoors and nature, she preferred being outside the most of all. Because of her love of the outdoors, flowers and gardening were among her favorite pastime. She shared many starts of flowers with neighbors and friends and always had flowers beds that people would admire. She passed this love on to her daughter who has Julia’s flowers growing at her own home in Texas. Julia also enjoyed collecting antiques’ and refinishing different pieces she’d purchased or those that had been handed down in her family. Because of this she taught herself to quilt following in her mothers footsteps.

Julia’s faith sustained her throughout her life. Early in her childhood she accepted Christ. She would tell people, “celebrate my life, don’t mourn it.” and she knew Jesus would be waiting for her. Julia taught 1st grade Sunday school at the Methodist church for over 25 years and was a member of the church for 57 years. She served on the board for the Bedford City Cemetery.

Because of her love for children and the fact that she only had one child of her own, Julia began babysitting. Many children played on her floor with toys that are still in her house today.

Following her husbands death in 1978, she became the secretary for the Taylor County Health Nurse. In the Fall of 1981 she became ill with polycystic kidney disease and had to go on dialysis, driving to St. Joe three times a week. On January 13, 1982 she received the call in the middle of the night that a kidney had been found and by ambulance arrived at St. Lukes Hospital in Kansas City, Mo where she received her kidney transplant. The following month her brother Harold Steeve received a kidney transplant too. This transplant allowed Julia to live a long and full life. Her 32 year old post transplant kidney was working perfectly until the time of her death. Polycystic Kidney Disease is a hereditary disease that her daughter was also diagnosed with at about the same age as Julia was. Susan received a living donor transplant in 2008, 26 years after her mother had received hers. They both would encourage anyone to sign their driver’s license and become an organ donor-www.donatelife.net.

Because her daughter moved to Texas following High School, her niece Renee White and her daughters Ashley and Andrea & their children became her second family’. ‘Aunt Julia’ as she was lovingly called, spent many an afternoon having coffee with Renee and loving on her great nieces and nephews. Traveling to Texas to visit her daughter Susan and her family was something she did every year. Her grandchildren Reagan, Ryan and Holly all as kids got to come to “grandma Julia’s in Iowa’ for visits each summer. They learned many value lessons from her that they still hold dear today.

In the later years she enjoyed going to her “favorite” nephew Rogers’s farm and watching them harvest. She especially enjoyed riding in the auger wagon with son-in-law Bob and the semi with her great nephew Shannon. Eating lunch on the tailgate was always a treat to her.

Julia brought such joy and love to those around her. She never met a stranger, was accepting of anyone and continued to learn and be curious until she became ill prior to her death. Her journey on this earth was amazing, filled with laughter, children, stories, flowers and endless love. Her teaching career extended beyond those one room schools into real life where she shared her wisdom and opinions freely. She was a practical woman, who was so strong & who overcame many obstacles in her life. The last two months of her life were spent in Texas with her daughter and her family. She enjoyed every minute of the time with her grandkids and great grandkids.

Preceding Julia in death were her parents Bertha & Adolph Steeve; her husband Dale; two brothers Harold Steeve and August Steeve; sister-in-law Delores Steeve; and brother-in-law Harold Snyder.

Left to cherish Julia’s memory is her sister Martha Snyder of Sidney, Iowa; sister-in-law Lola Steeve of Hopkins, Missouri; daughter Susan and husband Bob of The Colony, Texas; granddaughter Reagan and her husband Gary Rochell of Little Elm, Texas; grandson Ryan Howman and his wife Sarah of Lewisville, Texas and granddaughter Holly and her husband James Faske of Denton, Texas; great grandchildren include Kayla Pope, Elaina Rochell, Aiven & Carson Faske and a grand dog Boo.

Julia will be missed by her entire family include many nieces and nephews, her many friends and neighbors on Main Street

Turner, Yasuko Onodera - Yasuko Turner, age 83, of Clarinda, Iowa, entered into peace Friday, July 11, 2014 at Westridge Care & Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Ritchie Funeral Home with Reverend Andrew Rubenking officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa.

Yasuko (Onodera) Turner, 83, died Friday, July 11 2014, with her family by her side in Clarinda, Iowa. She was born February 26, 1931, in Sendai, Japan to Koyo and Seizi Onodera.
Yasuko graduated from high school and attended college in Japan where she received a degree in education. Yasuko then met and married Doyle Turner while he was stationed in Japan, Doyle and Yasuko returned to the United States in 1956 and resided in Bedford and later Clarinda. To this union there were two daughters Kathleen (Sue) and Linda.

She was an active member of the Clarinda United Methodist church and a fifty year member of the order of Eastern star. Once she had been in the states for a few years and after learning the English language she attended college and obtained her LPN nurse degree and spent 37 years working as an OB nurse in Clarinda and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. One of her proudest moments was when she obtained her US citizenship in 1961.
Her interests included family; attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Yasuko every year looked forward to the Glenn Miller festival and enjoyed the Tamana bands from Japan.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters and their spouses, Kathleen and Arvid Garey of Clarinda and Linda and Mark Laumann of Farragut, son and his spouse Hiroshi and Mitcheko Onodera of Sendai, Japan; thirteen loving grandchildren, Scott (Carrie), Amy, Erik (Kim), Heather and Jessie Laumann and Brett and Jennifer Geer, Renee (Tim) McMahon, Dillon Kersey and Tracy (Shad) Brown, Shu, Ken and Megami Onodera; ten great grandchildren, Danica, Makenna, Kandra, Cameron, Evan, Quentin, Xander, Cian, Saige and Tadyn; neices and nephews, Louis and Greg Larson and Janice Mobley, and many friends.

Yasuko is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother in law and sister in law Alberta and Phil Larson.

Wehrkamp, Marjorie Jean Cordes -

Celebration of Life Services for Marjorie Wehrkamp, age 88, of Bedford, who died Tuesday, June 17, 2014 in Corning were held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10:30 am at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care Initiatives.

Marjorie Jean Wehrkamp was born April 21, 1926, in rural Taylor County, Iowa the daughter of Maurice Arthur Cordes and Gertrude (Starks) Cordes. She grew up in Taylor County attending school, graduating from the Villisca High School with the Class of 1943. After high school she went to college for two years where she obtained her Teaching Certificate. She taught country school for many years until the state reorganized into the public school system we now have. Marjorie was united in marriage to Donald Gilbert Wehrkamp on November 17, 1945, in Troy, Kansas. To this loving union one child, Monte was born to bless their lives.

Marjorie loved to garden, tend her beautiful flowers, and she even raised cacti in her rock garden. She was a wonderful cook, specializing in potato salad, and if you stopped by for a visit, you never left hungry, and the coffee pot was always on! Marjorie loved going to Ravenwood, Gentry and the Junction to listen to country western music. She enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas.

She possessed a great sense of humor and was very quick witted. She and Don were privileged to share 63 years of marriage together until his death on January 17, 2009. Marjorie loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren . . . and she loved her cats, especially her Siamese cat, however, she only tolerated Don's peacocks! She was a wonderful storyteller, teaching manners and good life lessons throughout her life. She was known as a 'perfectionist' and for 'keeping her home immaculate'. One event she always looked forward to was going to Dillards on July 5th and on Black Friday after Thanksgiving for their great sales! She was always a very well dressed woman who never missed her beauty shop day each Thursday!

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend is her son Monte Wehrkamp and wife Sandy of Gravity; two grandsons, Greg Wehrkamp and wife Tammy of Bedford; and Brian Wehrkamp and wife Cally of Bedford; seven great-grandchilren, Mark, Stacey, Chelsea, Monte, Seth, Matthew and Kayle, all of Bedford; a sister, Alice McFarland; a sister-in-law, Bobbe Cordes; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Marjorie in death are her parents, Maurice and Gertrude Cordes; her loving husband Don Wehrkamp; a brother, Richard Cordes; and a sister, Kathleen Morrow

Williams, Gerald O. "Jerry" - Jerry Williams, age 58 of Lenox died Saturday, June 22, 2013. In accordance with Jerry's wishes, only a very private family service will take place. A memorial will be established in his name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Gerald O. Williams was born October 21st, 1954, to Orville and Doris Williams. He lived in Lenox for most of his life and attended Lenox schools.

Jerry's son, Jayme, was born in February 1973, and Jerry raised Jayme for many years. Jerry married Lori Wurster in 1982 and was a loving husband. His life was one of quiet dignity, and others recognized and respected his sincere heart.

Jerry had many hobbies and talents. He loved training his two German Shorthair dogs and spent many fall days hunting pheasant and quail with them on his father-in-law's farm and in Missouri. He loved to fish and had many great times fishing in Minnesota and Canada with his father-in-law, brother-in-laws, Lori, nephews, friends, and Jayme. One of his favorite "big fish" memories was of the giant muskie Jayme hooked while on a fly-in Canadian vacation.

Jerry loved music from the time he was a teenager. His love of listening to and playing the blues and Christian music on his guitar enriched his life. He loved being a homebody, "piddling" in the basement and garage, using his carpentry skills on his home, and eating Lori's homemade cookies. Another of his favorite things to do was to go and listen to blues guitarists with Lori.

For most of his adult life and in the past months in particular, Jerry devoted a large amount of his time reading his Bible and praying for his family and his friends. His faith was steady and his heart was clean, knowing that God loved him and sent His Son, to die for him and for us.
Jerry's favorite Bible verses were:

Romans 5:8-10 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved..."

Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, 'But the righteous man shall live by faith."

1st Corinthians 2:9-10 "but just as it is written, 'Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.' For to us God revealed them through the Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God."

Left to cherish their memories of Jerry are his wife, Lori; his son, Jayme and his girlfriend, Erin; and he and Lori's family, extended family, and friends. Comfort comes from their faith of being reunited in Heaven

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Sunday June 23, Lenox Police were contacted about a missing man. Jerry Williams, 58 of Lenox had not been seen since the previous day, Saturday June 22. A check of Williams home showed he and his bicycle were gone. With the assistance of the Taylor County Ambulance, Lenox Fire Department and members of the Lenox Public Works Department a search was conducted. At 9:40 AM Williams was found lying in a ditch on CR J-13 approx. 1 Vi miles east of Lenox.
Williams bicycle had been struck by a vehicle and he died at the scene. The Lenox Police Department, Taylor County Sheriffs Office and the Iowa State Patrol conducted an investigation at the scene.                       
Information was obtained which led to the identification of a driver and vehicle involved in the fatal crash. The investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Lenox PD and the Iowa State Patrol. The name of the vehicle's driver is not being released because the investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.