Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
Pat O'Dell - genpat@netins.net
 
 
 

Anderson, John Dean - Wednesday, May 23, 2018, John Dean Anderson met His Savior face to face and was welcomed to his Eternal Home with joy and thanksgiving. The dialysis was over, no more tiredness, no more sleepless night, and no more pain. He is Home at last to abide in Gods care and love.

John was born on April 29th, 1947 and was the oldest child of Leon (Swede) and Wilma Damewood Anderson. He began his life on a farm in the Fairview vicinity where he attended the Fairview Church and the rural school until the 7th grade, when the family moved to Bedford in 1959. The only tears he shed in leaving the farm was when his dad’s Farmall tractor was sold, which was purchased new after the war. He had grown up on that tractor with his dad.

From the time he could walk, his dad taught him how to hold a football and since, he never forgot the game that he and his dad enjoyed so much. He was a war baby and graduated from Bedford Community High School with the class of 1965, which he thought was the greatest class to graduate from Bedford, it also was the largest class, as well. To his father’s delight, he lettered in football for multiple years and was recruited by several colleges for football.

He graduated from Northwest Missouri State Teachers College with a Physical Education Degree. His first teaching job was at Ogden with a quarter of a day of Driver’s Education. Later, he became a full-time coach, teacher, and Drivers Ed instructor. He taught for several years at Ogden, where he then later resigned and went back to trucking. He made several lifelong friends from Ogden.

His trucking buddies left a lasting impact on his life and he had a special place for them in his heart, trucking was his second career. Many of his friends and family enjoyed going on the truck. One time while on the road, John, his mother, and niece Jennifer got stuck at a truck stop for a week. Life was always exciting when John managed anything because you never knew how it was going to end.

Off and on, as time went on with many ups and downs, John went back to school to get his masters and too the surprise of many, John finally got his masters. Thanks to Mr. Black and the school board at BCHS, John was given the opportunity to teach at his Alma Mater in 1991, which was one of the greatest joys of his life. He was so grateful to be a part of the Bedford School District, where he was given the position of Elementary Counselor. He was put wherever there was a need and those who know Mr. A, know he did things in his own way. Mr. A had a way of listening to every word that was said, then did what he wanted to do in the first place.

John had many friends from all walks of life. If he had a dollar, you had a dollar. If you had a problem, then John took the problem on with you. To have money was never very important to John, he shared it generously with those in need and those he loved.

John may have been the only teacher who had 2 retirement parties- a year apart. He then returned to Corning to teach for a while, but he did enjoy retirement. During retirement, he reconnected with classmates, shared many trips with friends, drove a Fed Ex truck, delivered new garbage trucks, and enjoyed watching as many sporting events as possible. John didn’t have much time to keep the house clean or worry about the clothes he wore. His world was a mile ahead.

One of Johns greatest pleasures was watching sporting events, especially football. If you were at any game, it being elementary, high school, or college, you were bound to see John, most likely sitting on the opposing side so he didn’t have to visit and miss seeing a play.

John loved his Lord and he loved his Church. He appreciated Pastor Andrew and Beth and held a special fondness for his parents. Many probably didn’t know he was at church because he was the last one to arrive and the first one to leave. He thought of Beverly as a terrific teacher and a dear friend. John was truly blessed with several very special friends. He knew that and was very grateful for them standing with him, for him, and being available when he needed them. Cultivate your friendships and share your love.

John loved his family, even though they sometimes questioned it- but they always knew he did. He loved his sisters, Marcia and Nancy and their husbands Henry and Steve. He often wondered how they landed such great men. John thought of his nieces and nephew as his own. Tricia, Jennifer, Deborah, Robyn, and Connor held a special place in his heart. He boasted about their accomplishments like a proud grandfather figure.

When his nieces married, he couldn’t believe good fortune struck again and he got 2 wonderful nephews in Colby and Brian. Then along came his great niece and 3 great nephews, Katelyn, Russell, Cauy, and Brady. He was proud of his niece carrying on his teaching tradition and his great nephews playing the game he loved. John never missed a game his nephews played in. John is so proud that the Anderson heritage is being carried on

 

Beemer, Dean - Hudson Dean Beemer - Graveside Memorial Services for Hudson Dean Beemer, age 87, who went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, March 22, 2018, will be held Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Bedford Golf Course. Arrangement for Mr. Beemer were entrusted to the Cummings Family Funeral Home.

Hudson Dean Beemer was born July 19, 1930 on a farm in Taylor County, Iowa. He was the first of two sons born to Hudson Dewey Beemer and Mary Ellen (Garrett) Beemer. Dean went to grade school at Chenoworth country school, junior high and one year of high school in Prescott and the last three years of high school in Gravity. Dean's main interest in school was all sports. Dean graduated from Gravity high school in 1948. Dean married Elverta Shafar and to this union five children, Pam, Dennie, Randy, Deana, and James, were born.

Dean was around farming most of his life. This included the John Deere implement dealership in Bedford and also sale barns in both the Bedford and Gravity area. Dean also belonged to many organizations through the years. These included, Mayor of Gravity, The Gravity Fire Department, President of the Bedford Country Club and President of the Taylor County Fair. Dean and Elverta also enjoyed owning and operating an antique store in Bedford for many years.

Dean enjoyed bowling and golfing through the years but most of all he enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids participate in their activities. In later years Dean also enjoyed spending time with his dog Smax.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents Hudson and Mary and a grandson Dave Calfee.

He is survived by children; Pam (Ron) Calfee, Dennie (Joy) Beemer, Randy (Vicky) Beemer, Deana (Bob) Hand, and James (Shannon) Beemer; grandchildren; Todd (Cherie) Calfee, Tyler (Megan) Calfee, Noel (Jim) Thompson, Brannen (Lisa) Beemer, Kolby (Rhonda) Beemer, Korey (Keenan) Beemer, Kandy (Ryan) Thomas, Taylor (David) Buhman, Ryan Hand, Brooke Hand, Fallyn Beemer, Jett Beemer and Alex Bean; great-grandchildren Trevor Calfee, Callie Jo Calfee, Tripp Calfee, Tate Calfee, Turner Calfee, Zackary Thompson, Kylee Beemer, McKynna Beemer, Kashlyn Beemer, Kinley Beemer, Chase Beemer, Chance Beemer, Klaire Beemer, Kassidy Beemer, Hudson Beemer, Leighton Beemer, Beau Beemer, Korbin Beemer, Collins Thomas, Rhett Thomas and Alexa Buhman; a brother Dick Beemer along with many other family and friends

 

Beemer, Richard "Dick" Dee - Graveside Memorial Services for Richard "Dick" Dee Beemer, who passed away April 4, 2018 in Corning, Iowa, will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 2 PM at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Casual dress is requested by the family. Memorials of the donor's choice may be given in his name. Cummings Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Beemer.

Dick Beemer was born August 21, 1931 on a farm in Taylor County, Iowa. He was the second son of Hudson Dewey and Mary Ellen (Garrett) Beemer. Dick attended his elementary school years in Taylor County country school and Prescott school. He attended high school in Gravity. Dick married his childhood sweetheart, Jean Akers, on December 23, 1947. Together they began a lifetime of farming east of Gravity. To this union two daughters, Dixie and Diane, were born.

In the early 1960's the family moved to Gravity and Dick worked as a parts man at the John Deere dealership and scale master at the Bedford Sale Barn while continuing to farm. While working at John Deere he enjoyed playing some spirited croquet matches at Bibbins park during his lunch hour. Dick also enjoyed "family get-togethers" and watching his grandchildren grow up. While living in Gravity Dick also served 30 years as mayor and a councilman.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather are his wife of 70 years Jean; daughter Diane (Scott) Sheffield of Gravity; grandchildren Troy (Jacque) Weeda, Kristie (Eric) Sapp, Cory (Carrie) Weeda all of Lee's Summit, Missouri; Todd (Jen) Sheffield of Pella, Iowa; Trent (Angie) Sheffield) of Albia, Iowa; Tracy (Jesse) Gerlits of Des Moines, Iowa; great-grandchildren Danielle (Mathew) Dey; Trey Weeda; Mikhayla Sapp and fiancé Ryan Land; Paige (Phillip) Maggio; Brianne Weeda; Katelyn Weeda; Travis Sheffield, Adam Sheffield, Olivia Sheffield, Brooklyn Sheffield, Jaden Gerlits and many other family and friends.

Preceding Dick in death were his parents Hudson and Mary, father and mother-in-law Frank and Jessie Akers; brother Dean; daughter Dixie and son-in-law Roy Weeda

 

Dunlap, James - July 2, 1949 - June 13, 2018

 

Gomez, Richard E. "Rick" - Celebration of Life Mass for Richard E. Gomez, 70, will be held Thursday, May 17, at 2:00pm at Cummings Family Funeral Home, Bedford, IA. Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 18, at 5:00 - 8:00pm All Saints Catholic Church, Stuart, IA. Rev. Fr. Eze Venantius Umunnakwe will be the celebrant. Rick passed away May 11, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Richard E. "Rick" Gomez was born November 15, 1947 in Earlham, Iowa. He was born to Elias "Ike" and Marjorie Evelyn (Miller) Gomez. Rick was the fifth child of nineteen children. He attended Earlham schools. He enjoyed working on his parents farm and would often return home to help his father. His career was spent in various capacities of warehouse management.

He was married to Marian "Jean" Gittins on November 9, 1968, they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this November. They had three children: Patricia Gomez, Brian Gomez and Christopher, and wife Sam Gomez. They also have two grandchildren: Brooklyn and Cash. He enjoyed spending time with them camping, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.

He and his family moved to the Kansas City area in the late 70's. Upon retirement they returned to Iowa three years ago. Rick enjoyed trail riding and camping, car shows, tractor shows and was an avid fan of NASCAR. He also enjoyed spending time with numerous family members at family get-togethers.

He is survived by his best friend and wife Jean, their children Tricia and Chris, his wife Sam and their two grandchildren. Fifteen brothers and sisters and in-laws along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Rick was preceded in death by his son, Brian Gomez; his parents and father in law; brother Jim, sisters Mary and Janet.

 

Gray, Kathryn Lucille Melvin - Kathryn Lucille Gray 91, of Liberty, MO passed away March 23, 2018. A Celebration of Kathryn's Life will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday March 29th at North Cross United Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Road, with visitation preceding the celebration 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Inurnment at Hopkins Memorial Cemetery in Hopkins, MO will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society Kathryn was born July 8, 1926 to Henry Vern Melvin and Emma Dorothea (Gunther) Melvin. Left to mourn her passing are her children, Kathy and Lee Standard, Ed and Lana Gray, Donna Cummins, Carl and Debbie Gray, Andrea and Don Ayers, sisters, Dorothea Abbott, Ruth Brown, 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandkids, and many other friends and extended family. On line condolences may be left at Meyersfuneralchapel.com, Blue Springs, Mo

 

Howes, Gary Lee - Feb. 8, 1944-Nov. 20, 2017

Gary Lee Howes was born Feb. 8, 1944 to Willard Walter Howes and Hazel Elizabeth (Lucas) Howes. He grew up in the Bedford and New Market area. He graduated from New Market with the Class of 1962.

He was married to Joyce Stites and one son was born, Jeff.

Later he married Vickie McKenzie and to this marriage a daughter was born, Kinzie.

He then married Lettie Lehew and they had a daughter, Nicole.

Gary worked several years for Kansas City Life Insurance and New York Life.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Floyd Howes, Phyllis (Clary) Stanton, Deloris Lester, Norma Ewart, Shirley Troutwine and Gayland Howes.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Lettie Howes in Moore, Oklahoma; children Jeff (Karla) Howes, Kinzie (Charlie) Calhoun and Nicole (Nick) Thigpen; grandchildren Jack and Julia Howes, Aliyah and Mikayla Calhoun, Brinlee and Layton Thigpen. One sister, Marjorie Johnson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date at Dallas Center Cemetery near New Market.

 

Irvin, Kathryn Joyce - Funeral Services for Kathryn Irvin, age 76, of Gravity, Iowa, who passed away March 23, 2018 in Corning, Iowa, will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 11 AM, at the Cummings Family Funeral Home. Interment will be held at the Platteville Cemetery. .

Kathryn Joyce Irvin, the oldest child of Robert Loren Irvin and Madelene (Fluke) Irvin was born January 8, 1942. She attended Clayton #6 country school and graduated from Bedford High School in 1961.

She grew up on a farm east of Bedford, later moving to town with her Father and then moving to Gravity where she enjoyed spending time with Rob Terry, his mother Loretta and their family.

She did some volunteering at the nursing home. She loved to fish, hunt mushrooms, and garden; especially her flowers. She was an artist and enjoyed drawing and painting. She liked to cook and try new recipes. She loved animals and always had furry companions. She enjoyed her computer and her friends on Facebook. She was the family historian and her knowledge will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her sisters, Barbara Riggs, Pat Weber (Steve), and Judy Ludwick (Jon). She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We will all miss her smile and warm personality

 

McCandless, William L. "Bill" - William L. McCandless, 98, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Brookdale Senior Living in Lexington with his family by his side. 

Bill was born December 15, 1919, in Burlington, Iowa, to John Thomas and Gretchen Elizabeth (Milliman) McCandless. He attended primary school in Clearfield, Iowa and Bedford, Iowa. Following his schooling he farmed in Iowa. He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1937-1939. He then learned his diesel mechanic skills from a correspondence course. 

He was united in marriage to Lucille Snyder on October 7, 1939, in Hiawatha, Kansas. Five children were blessed to this marriage, Arlene, Carol, Judy, Don & Sharon. The couple moved to Lexington in 1952. 

Bill worked as a mechanic for Valley Implement, Wink Implement in Elm Creek, sold welders, baled hay, did custom farming, trucking, and farmed until he was 89 years old. 

Bill was never one to walk away from hard work. His start in life was a tough one, but as he said, “taught him how to work hard and he never walked away from that”. He was a kind man with a heart of gold. He always fought for the underdog, never took any guff from anyone, and loved those who were sometimes unlovable. His belief in doing good ran deep. He had a mouth like a sailor, but a soft touch and always a twinkle in his eye. 

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, and the Eagles Club, where he served as a Trustee for several years. 

Survivors include his children; Arlene Reed of Lexington, Nebraska, Carol Stock of Lexington, Nebraska, Judy (Morrie) Andres of Cozad, Nebraska, Don (Linda) McCandless of Lexington, Nebraska, and Sharon (Michael) Gerken of Wichita, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and twelve great-great-grandchildren with three on the way; two brothers-in-law, Leo Snyder of Arizona, and Edward Snyder of Washington; two sisters-in-law, Fern Mingus of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Betty Cook of Council Bluffs, Iowa; also surviving are nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends. 

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; sister, Jean Kitzman Blumer; and sons-in-law, Larry Reed and Calvin Stock. 

Funeral Services will be Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel with Pastor John Shields officiating. Burial will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Central Ne. Human Trafficking Outreach, the Dawson Co. Parent/Child Center or Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

 

Newkirk, Donald Glen -

Funeral services for Donald G. Newkirk, 88, Branson will be Friday, May 4 at 2PM in the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson. Pastor Larry Herndon will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.  Mr. Newkirk passed away Monday, April 30 in Branson.

Donald Glen Newkirk was born Aug. 20, 1929 in Bedford, Iowa.  He was the son of Garrett Roy and Flossie Mae (Thompson) Newkirk.  He served his country in the National Guard during the 1950’s. Don was a classic entrepreneur. While he lived in Bedford as a young man Don farmed, grew crops, raised cattle, had a hatchery, owned a feed store and drove a truck.  He moved to the Branson area in the early 1960’s and built two miles west of old town Branson, Dairy Land (now known as Billy Bob Dairyland). Don also started Newkirk Realty, Gift Gallery and The Gingham Goose just to name a few.  Don had also worked at Lowe’s in Hollister.

He married Deloris Waggoner on July 31, 1999 in Harrison, Ark.  They had celebrated eighteen years together this past summer.  Don attended the Protem Pentecostal Church in Protem, Mo.  He enjoyed playing tennis, working in his yard, growing flowers, woodworking, was a craftsman, traveling, farming, and people.  He loved his family and liked having his grandchildren around as much as possible.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Howard and Dwight and one great grandson Bradley Herndon.

Don is survived by his loving wife Deloris “Dee” of the home and his children Dennis Newkirk (Suzanne) of Branson; Diane Luebke of Hollister; Debi Herndon (Larry) of Aurora; Travis Huffman (Dana) of Kansas City, Mo.; Tera Jennings (Kevin) of Hollister; eight grandchildren Madison Newkirk (Candace); Mallory Lale (Jonathan); Bryan Herndon (Jennie); Heath Jennings; Sadies Green (Daniel); Randi Huffman; Harley Huffman and five great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday from 12:30 until service time at 2PM in the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.

In Don’s memory, donations may be made to Taneyhills Community Library, 200 S. 4th St., Branson, MO  65616

 

Quick, Kathryn "Kay" Louise Frost - Kathryn “Kay” Louise Quick, 77,  Maryville, Missouri died  March 29, 2018, at Maryville Living Center.

She was born August 29, 1940  to Paul Leroy and Irene Buquo Frost. She was united in marriage to Bruce Delano Quick. In this union, they were blessed with and cherished by five children and their spouses.

Kathryn was a 1958 graduate of Chesapeake, Ohio High School and being of strong Christian Faith she then attended Kentucky Christian College. She was a dispatcher with the Taylor County Sheriff Department and, with her husband, was co-owner/operator of BDQ Trucking Company.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bruce Quick (March 6, 2009); brother Paul Frost and sister Barb Barbe.

Surviving Kathryn are two sons, Lester Quick  Maryville, and Chuck (Mandy) Quick, Ottumwa, Iowa, three daughters, Patty (Garry) Rankin, Bedford, Iowa; Kim (Richard) Baldwin, Grant, Iowa; and Jessica (Jack) Lewis, Bedford. 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, sisters: Peggy (Roger)  Titchenell, Albright, West Virginia,  Patty (Boo) Carr, Smithfield, Virginia and sister-in-law: Donna (Jack) Main, Bellevue, Nebraska.

Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 Sunday, April 1, 2018, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, with Funeral Service to be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 2 also at Price’s.

Burial will follow at Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, MO.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.co

 

Scott, Donald Walter - Donald Walter Scott in the company of his loving wife, peacefully left this life June 11, 2018. A visitation and funeral service will be held Friday June 15, 9:30 am at the Cummings Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa. The graveside service will immediately follow at Washington Township Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Friends and family will gather after at the Gravity Community Center to celebrate his life.

Donald was born October 12, 1928 date in rural Sharpsburg. He was the son of Walter Norton Scott, and Viola Knott and spent his childhood in the Sharpsburg area until he enlisted in the military. He proudly served our country in the United States Marines during WWII as an aircraft mechanic. He was assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323. Don quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant and was an expert marksman. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After Don was discharged, he married Nellie Francis Sparks on her high school graduation day, May 25, 1950. They were married in the Christian Church in Blockton, IA. They quickly started a family on their farm near Sharpsburg. He and his brother, Bill Scott owned and operated the Scott Brother Feed and Grain elevator in Sharpsburg, Iowa. He also had his own bean cleaning business that he operated around south west Iowa and into Missouri.

Don enjoyed traveling and camping; his favorite place was Yellowstone, especially watching Old Faithful. Don and Nellie spent many winters in Alamo, Texas with friends and family. He had a smile that would light up a room and sweet tooth for ice cream, butterscotch, and Double Mint gum. Don liked to fix things around the farm and was always tinkering about. He enjoyed playing cards (maybe a little cheating at cards), dancing and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

He was a loving and devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. One favorite story that demonstrates his love is that Nellie would fix him tuna fish sandwiches for lunch, it took him 25 years to tell her he didn’t like tuna fish.

Left to cherish his memory are Nellie Francis Scott, his wife of 68 years; his children, Helen Francis Ambrose and husband Charles, Ellen Susan Lee, and Janet Marie Tiefenthaler and her husband Gary, and daughter-in-law Kathy Scott. Donald has 10 grandchildren: Angela, Dawn, Larry, Nicole, Deanne, Joshua, Jeremiah, Jennifer, Matthew and Jason. He has 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Scott, his sisters Faye, Hazel and Helen, his son Donald Walter Scott Jr,, grandson Donald Walter Scott III, and son-in-law, Larry Allen Lee

 

Spencer, Peyten Elizabeth -

Peyten Spencer, 21, of Waukee (formerly of Winterset) died Friday, May 11, 2018, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 17, at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset, with family present to receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00. A Prayer Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family and online condolences may be left at ochiltree.com.

Peyten Elizabeth Spencer, daughter of Amy Smith and Jeremiah Spencer, was born February 24, 1997, in Clarinda, Iowa. She graduated from Winterset High School in 2014.

Peyten was a beautiful and smart young woman who cherished being a big sister. She played soccer at a young age and volleyball in high school. Peyten was a loving daughter, mother, sister, niece and friend who loved spending time with her family and many friends.

She is survived by her parents, Amy (Ryan) Smith of Winterset and Jeremiah (Audrey) Spencer of Waukee; her two children, Tysen and Maya; grandparents, Gary & Lisa Smith of Winterset; Kenny Spencer of Bedford, Deb & John Weaver of Blockton; Beth Kunzie; Tom Swiger; great grandmothers, Shirley Bolton of Winterset, Joyce Cordell of Bedford; siblings, Caleb, Keaton, Rylee, and Brody; extended family and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Belinda Spencer; great grandparents, Clyde and Joann Spencer; Lee and Betty Smith, Leonard Cordell and Donald Bolton.

 

Wakefield, Sandra "Nanny" See - Celebration of Life Memorial Services for Sandra Wakefield, age 73, of Bedford, Iowa, will be held July 13, 2018, at 1 PM at Grandview Park in Des Moines, Iowa. For further information please contact an immediate member of the family. Memorials may be directed towards the family for a memorial to be chosen at a later date. Cummings Family Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Mrs. Wakefield.

Sandra "Nanny" Wakefield went to be with her Heavenly Father, Saturday, April 28, 2018. Sandi was born August 29, 1944 to Edward and Viola (Hutchkins) See in Marshalltown, Iowa. A traveler at heart, Sandi spent time living in many states including Iowa, Arizona, California and Montana. She graduated from high school in 1962 and went on to attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. After spending several years in the administrative field she decided to take on a more personal role as a live-in nanny. Being a nanny was something she found great fulfillment in. During this time she cared for numerous children, many whom she was still in contact with at the time of her passing.

Her greatest accomplishment by far was the role of mother and grandmother. She dearly cared and loved her family and all that they did. Sandi enjoyed socializing with family and friends, weekend visits with her grandchildren, shopping and ensuring the continuity of her family was carried on. It was often joked that Sandi was the "lady in the know."

Sandi is survived by her children; sons Todd (Nikki) Adamson of Baker, Montana; Troy (Samantha) See of Des Moines, Iowa and daughter Stephanie (Robert) Clary of Phoenix, Arizona; nine grandchildren Steven ( Lovejoy), Tristen (Jake), Trey (Jamila), Sammy, Takoda, Valerie, Chloe, Terrance, Tatum; sisters Shirley Curry of San Bernadino, California and Pam (Earl) Mathiews of Orient, Iowa.

Sandi is preceded in death by her parents and brother Denny See.

 

Wilmarth, Neill - Funeral Services for Neill Wilmarth, age 83, who passed away on May 4, 2018 at Bedford Specialty Care in Bedford Iowa, will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 10 AM at The Cummings Family Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Oakland at Quincy Cemetery.

Neill was born July 7, 1934 in Adams County, Iowa to Vern Howard and Dorothy Neill Wilmarth. He grew up attending Douglas #7 Country School in Adams County and graduated from the Corning High School, Corning, Iowa in 1952. After high school he joined the National Guard and started farming in Adams County Iowa. He met the love of his life and later married Donna Nolte of Mt. Etna, Iowa on August 25, 1954. To this union three children were born: Kay Ann, James Allen, and William Eugene.

Neill was a hardworking man that had a great love for God, his family and farming. Neill was a member of the Laura Street Baptist Church in Maryville, MO. He liked going to church and especially Sunday School where he made several friends. He worked many different jobs over the years, from being a farmhand, working for a survey crew, being a farmer, owning a grain elevator, crop spraying and fertilizer business, carpentry, mowing lawns, and maintenance man. There was not much that he couldn’t do! He enjoyed visiting with his kids and grandkids about what was going on in their lives and loved to hold the little ones, especially the last few years. He would have a grin that stretched from ear to ear when he was introduced to a new baby in the family.

Preceding Neill in death are: His wife Donna Wilmarths, parents, Vern Wilmarth and Dorothy Schmitz, his son, James Allen Wilmarth and daughter, Kay Ann Fahlgren.

Left to cherish Neill’s memory are his son, Bill (Elaine) Wilmarth, daughter in law, Pam Wilmarth, 5 grandchildren: Tricia Wilmarth, Donna (Willie) Sylvester, Bryan (Robin) Wilmarth, Eric (Lori) Wilmarth, and Holly Wilmarth. 8 great grandchildren: Kurt Helmick, Lily Sylvester, Madelynn, Trinity and Hayzlee Wilmarth, Marcus, Nathan, and Isaac Nunez. Sisters, Darleen (Hyatt) Rice and Pauline McCoy, brother, Harold Wilmarth