Armstrong, Mary Elizabeth Russell - Memorial services for Mary Armstrong, age 95, of Corning, who died Friday, July 16, 2010, at Vintage Park Assisted Living Apartments in Lenox, will be held Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home in Corning. Visitation will be from 10:30 until service time Saturday morning. Private family interment of ashes will held prior to the services at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Mary Elizabeth (Russell) Armstrong, the fourth child of Harry and Mabel Russell, was born November 14, 1914, in South Auburn, Nebraska. She graduated from Brownville High School in Nebraska and attended Peru State College. She then taught in a rural Nebraska school for four years.

She married Dean W. Armstrong on June 4, 1937, in Brownville. They had three children—Margaret, Ed and Don.

Mary and Dean farmed east of New Market for four years before buying their farm northwest of Gravity in 1941. They farmed there until Dean’s death in 1978.

Mary worked as the switchboard operator at National Farmers Organization in Corning for 26 years. She read the paper daily and was interested in all current events. She took great pleasure in her flowers and loved to travel, both in the United States and internationally. Staying in touch with her scattered family was important to her, and she was especially proud of her grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dean, her brothers, Harold and Howard Russell, and her sisters Ruby Owens, Lucille Hicks, Dorothy Albers and Neva Mae Walker. She is survived by her daughter Margaret and husband Mark Heffron of Iowa City, Iowa; son Ed and wife Cheri Armstrong of Loveland, Colorado; son Don and wife Nancy Armstrong of Longmont, Colorado; grandchildren Nick Armstrong and wife Amanda of Fort Collins, Colorado; Heather Armstrong of Ashland, Oregon; Holly Armstrong and husband David Stern of Fife, Washington; Matt Heffron and wife Renee of Seattle, Washington; Peter Armstrong and fiancée Melissa Straten of Denver, Colorado; great grandchildren Adrian, Tony, Savanna and Josh Armstrong of Fort Collins, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary’s family would like to give a special thank you to all the staff at Vintage Park Apartments for the exceptionally kind and loving care she received during her stay there.

Arrangements were entrusted to Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Brooks, David Richard - David Richard Brooks, son of Burton & Dorothy (Pope) Brooks, was born August 5, 1950 in Casper, Wyoming. David served his country in the Vietnam War. He was an electrician and has been living in Blockton, Iowa.
David died in a motorcycle accident south of Mount Ayr on June 18, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Charlie & Clarence.
Survivors include his wife Cheryl Brooks of Chariton, IA; son Karl Brooks of Blockton; three daughters Michelle Brooks of Chariton, Amanda (Steve) Holland of Lincoln, NE, and Marjorie (Brain) Shunkwieller of Chariton; 7 grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Mr. Brooks was cremated and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements are by Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.

Davis, Freda Elda Basler - Funeral services for Freda Davis, age 95, of Lenox, who died Monday, June 28, 2010 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield will be held Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the services at the church. Interment will be held at West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Freda Elda (Basler) Davis was born August 4, 1914 on a farm located north and east of Lenox, Iowa the daughter of Fred and Amelia (Wurster) Basler. She attended grade school at Country School No. 5 (Grant Center) and graduated from the Lenox High School with the Class of 1932. On December 25, 1934 Freda was united in marriage to Clyde Alfred Davis in the Kent Parsonage in Kent, Iowa.

After the couple was married, they moved to Clyde’s parent’s farm near Kent, Iowa where they took over the operation of the farm due to his parents’ retirement. Six children were born to bless their lives, five of which Clyde’s mother Merna was active in helping with their birth! In March of 1942, they purchased 160 acres of farm ground south and east of Lenox, Iowa. Later on, they acquired another 160 acres of farm land. Clyde and Freda retired actively from farming in 1979, but continued living on the family farm. Clyde passed away in 1995, Freda remained on the family farm a number of years, eventually moving into Lenox. Over the years, Freda enjoyed tending a large garden on her farm. She loved to go to garage sales and auctions, often buying items . . . . only if the price was right! They attended the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox and were registered Republicans.

Left to cherish the memories of this wonderful woman are her four sons, Donald Davis and wife Joyce of Marion, Iowa; Ronald Dean Davis and wife Clare of Lincoln, Nebraska; Gary Davis and wife Cheryl of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Larry Jack Davis and wife Valerie of Runnells, Iowa; one daughter, Shirley Haynie and husband Russ of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; a brother, Bob Basler and wife Dorothy of Lenox, Iowa; a sister, Letha Wurster of Lenox, Iowa; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Freda in death are her parents. Fred and Amelia Basler; her husband Clyde Davis; one son, Dale Davis and a brother, Paul Basler.


Freda will be missed by her entire family.

We will hold the memories of her gentle spirit as a wonderful gift.

She will live on in our hearts forever.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Duncan, Barbara Louise Bosley - Barbara Louise (Bosley) Duncan of Villa Rica, Georgia was born on July 1, 1935 in Parnell, Mo., to Ernest Ralph and Virdlain (Porch) Bosley. She graduated from Parnell High School in 1953. Following graduation Barbara worked as a telephone operator in Wichita, Kan., and Maryville, Mo. She met Wayland who was in the Air Force. On May 18, 1955 she was united in marriage to Wayland E. Duncan in Parnell, Mo., to whom she was married for 54 years. To this union were born two children, Steven and Sharleen.

Barbara accompanied Wayland on his three year tour to Japan from 1956 through 1958. Steve was born at Tachikawa AFB, Japan. In September 1963 Barbara and Steve followed Wayland on another three year tour to Izmir, Turkey, where he was assigned to NATO. Sharleen was born at the military hospital in Izmir.

In November 1969, Wayland went on a remote one year assignment to Osan AFB Korea. Barbara, Steve and Sharleen lived in Bedford, Iowa, across the street from Wayland's parents which was close to her sister Norma and about ten miles from her parents in Hopkins, Mo.

After Wayland retired from the Air Force in 1973, Barbara and family moved to Las Vegas, Nev., and resided there for thirty-one years. Barbara was employed at Sears for almost eighteen years as a PBX operator, retiring in 1991. Later on she joined the American Legion Auxiliary at Bedford, Iowa.

In 1994 Barbara joined TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) and was a very active member up to September 2009. In 1998 she became a KOPS (Keeping off Pounds Sensibly). She maintained her KOPS status for over eleven years (always staying within her weight goal). While living in Las Vegas, Nev., she was recognized by TOPS/KOPS as the Nevada State Runner Up Queen for losing a very large amount of weight.

In 2006, Wayland and Barbara moved to Villa Rica, Ga., to be near their son, Steve and family. They joined Wesley Chapel UMC at that time.

She is survived by her husband Wayland; her children Steven and Sandra Duncan of Villa Rica, Ga.; Sharleen and Shawn Winkler of Elko, Nev.; grandchildren Allan Hovi, Paul Winkler, Dustin Duncan, Jana Duncan and Karissa Winkler; and sisters Norma L. Cox of Forsythe, Mo.; Bonnie S. Baker of Stanberry, Mo.; Eda Faye and Cecil Cahoon of Lexington, S.C. and brothers Ernest R. Jr., and Deana Bosley of Hopkins, Mo., and Francis and Margaret Bosley of Bay City, Mich., and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara passed away on September 17, 2009 after a brief illness and was cremated. Her ashes will be buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law Corky Cox and John Baker, Jr.

Memorial services and a luncheon for family and friends was held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at the Hopkins Community Center with Pastor Frank Boone of Villa Rica, Ga., officiating the service. Following the services, burial was held at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Bedford was in charge of the arrangements. www.EFC.cc

Howes, Duyal Edmond - Duyal Edmond Howes passed away at the age of 80 on June 17, 2010 at Goldenrod Manor. He had been a resident there since October 2004. He was born on October 3, 1929 in Taylor County, Iowa near New Market.
Duyal’s parents were Harland and Lucy (Bashor) Howes. He grew in the New Market-Siam area. While growing up on the farm he enjoyed the family dogs, but really didn’t like the chickens. He attended different county schools and New Market High School. Duyal enlisted in the United States Army in March 1948. He served during the Korean War in Japan. He was not discharged until March 1953. After returning home he worked in Clarinda at Kearney’s Mfr, in Clarinda and Red Oak at Every-Ready Carbon Plant and at last Lisle Corp., where he worked for 30 years and retired in 1991. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, also the American Legion for 48 years.
Duyal enjoyed his hobbies which included wood working and fishing. Duyal and his special friends, Wade Freeman and George Douthit, enjoyed going for rides and out to eat. This was a weekly adventure. They would go to surrounding towns and check out the different restaurants. He frequently went to McDonalds for coffee.
Dual is preceded in death by his parents Harland and Lucy Howes; brother Maynard Howes and a sister-in-law Frances Howes.
Duyal is survived by caregiver Barb Otte, many cousins and friends; and his special friends, the Goldenrod staff and employees.

Graveside services for Duyal Howes, 80 of Clarinda, will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, at Dallas Center Cemetery, rural New Market. Family visitation will be held 10 a.m. until processing to the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, Clarinda, or Dallas Center Cemetery.

Huntington, Claudia Maxine Duncan - Celebration of Life Services for Claudia Huntington will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at the Lenox American Legion. Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment will be at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Claudia Maxine (Duncan) Huntington entered Heaven on July 1, 2010 at the age of 67 after fighting a courageous and heroic 18 year long battle with cancer. She passed away at the Greater Regional Hospice in Creston, Iowa surrounded by her devoted husband and loving children.

Claudia or Claud to her countless friends, was born September 23, 1942 in Hamlet North Carolina to Claude and Reedy Duncan. She was the last of five children in the family that included her brothers and sisters Robert, Elizabeth, Francis (Frankie) and Joyce.

She attended and graduated from Hamlet High School in Hamlet, North Carolina in 1960. To no surprise to those who knew her she was a cheerleader throughout high school and was voted the most friendly by her classmates.

Upon graduation she moved to Washington D.C. where she held several jobs. While working in the Communications Center at Ft. Belvoir in Alexandria, Virginia she met her husband of 39 years Reldon Huntington.

In 1970 they moved back to Iowa and on October 24th, 1970 they were married just south of Corning, Iowa at the Fairview Christian Church. After living for a few months in Red Oak, Iowa they moved to Lenox where they purchased the Standard Gas Station and Snack Bar located on Main Street. Claudia ran the snack shop while Reldon fixed the cars. After three years they sold the station and opened Huntington Repair, which they have run together for the last 36 years. While keeping the books for Huntington Repair, Claudia also held several jobs in and around Lenox and she was a member of the Lenox Community School Board and the Lenox Christian Church for several years. She thoroughly enjoyed her waitressing jobs, not for the money, but for the opportunity to talk to her many customers. No one was a stranger in her eyes.

Claudia will always be remembered by those who knew her, for her kind words, loving deeds, endless hugs, incredible humor and for a smile that could truly light up the world.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband Reldon Huntington of Lenox, IA, son Bill (wife Diana) Huntington of Orient, Iowa, Daughter Melinda Huntington of Lenox, IA, daughter Beth (husband Andy) McCutchan of Norwalk, IA, daughter Becky (husband Lance) Wignall of Altoona, Iowa. Grandchildren Emily, Joey, and Olivia Huntington and Lauren and Owen Wignall. Also, many nieces and nephews.

Claudia was preceded in death by her granddaughter Brooklyn McCutchan, her parents Claude and Reedy Duncan, her sister Joyce Lannon, brother Francis Duncan, sister Elizabeth Newell, and brother Robert McKay.

Jennings, Addie Young - Funeral services for Addie (Young) Jennings, 75 of Clarinda, will be held 10:30 Wednesday at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel with interment at Dallas Center Cemetery, New Market. Family visitation is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Chapel. A memorial fund is being established.

Addie Iona (Young) Jennings was born October 22, 1934, to Dorman and Trevia Young in Hepburn, Iowa. Addie passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2010, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
Addie graduated from New Market High School on May 21, 1953. She then attended Clarinda Junior College and graduated from there on May 26, 1953. Addie was united in marriage on October 2, 1955, in Villisca, Iowa, to Lowell (Bill) Jennings Jr., to which there are five children: Peggy, Betty, Patti, Lowell III and Becky. Addie was a devoted loving mom. She was always putting her family first and enjoyed attending her children's events. She never got excited about all of the cuts, scrapes, bruises and wrecks while living on the farm east of Clarinda. She doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren as much as possible.
Addie is survived by her children Mr. & Mrs. Gary Gerdts of Newton, Betty Jennings of Houston, TX, Patti Sleep of Newton, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Jennings III of Clarinda, Iowa and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McCall of Clarinda; 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Siblings of Addie are Mr. and Mrs. James Young of Des Moines, Iowa, Alta "Marie" Rasner of Chicago, IL, Virginia Boatner of Burkeburnette, TX, Mr. and Mrs. Dorman "Allen" Young of Tama, Iowa and Mr. and Mrs. John Pfeiffer of Clarinda; additional family members include Paul Jennings of San Antonio, TX, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Jennings of Clarinda, Mary Lou Baker of Des Moines, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hedgecock of Udel, Iowa, Lynda Swanson of Clarinda, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Nothwehr of Clarinda and Mr. and Mrs. James Woodard of Marshalltown, Iowa.
Addie is preceded in death by her parents, Dorman and Trevia Young; her sibling Carroll Young; Lowell (Bill) Jennings Jr.; mother and father in law Lowell (Tony) and Helen Jennings; sisters in law Donna Jean Jennings, Margie Jennings and Shirley Loos.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Phil Jorgensen officiating. Interment was at Dallas Center Cemetery, New Market with memorials directed to the cemetery. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Clarinda, Iowa. www.EFC.cc

Larson, Ronald D. - Celebration of Life services for Ron Larson, age 51 of Bedford, who died Saturday, June 12, 2010 in Liberty, Missouri will be Friday, July 9, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm with services to follow and interment at a later date.

Ronald D. Larson was born September 9th, 1958, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Carl H. and Beverly J. (Searl) Larson. He passed away in Liberty, Missouri, on June 12th 2010, at the age of 51 years.

Ron lived in Knoxville, Iowa, until 1966 when his family moved to Mt. Ayr, Iowa, where his father was employed by the telephone company. In 1972 the family moved again to Bedford, Iowa.

Ron lived most of his adult life in Bedford, where he graduated from Bedford High School in 1977. While in high school he lettered in marching and concert bands and also choir. He also helped manage the wrestling team as well as performing in school plays.

Ron was probably best known for fish. He spent 11 years helping Randy Beemer and family with Beemer Fisheries. Not only did he help out in the office dealing with customers in person or on the phone, but he would also accompany Randy on numerous trips delivering fish all over the Midwest. He especially enjoyed setting up the demonstration booth for Beemer’s Fisheries at the Iowa State Fair.

Ron was a member of the Bedford chapter of the Son’s of The American Legion, his father being a veteran of World War II. Ron and mother Beverly were past members of the Ringgold County Singers in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Ron was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed working with young people as a DNR Gun Safety instructor. He enjoyed shooting clay pigeons at the trap shoot meets at the Bedford Airport. In earlier years he bowled league in Grant City, Missouri.

One of Ron’s greatest enjoyments was aircraft. He never missed a chance to travel to the Offutt Air Force Base open house and air show and attended other shows in St. Joseph and Kansas City. He loved watching the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels perform and also enjoyed the flights of the restored planes of the World War II era. In past years he was a member of the Nebraska Squadron of the Confederate Air Force. If you ever wondered what kind of plane was flying overhead or parked at any airport, chances are Ron could tell you right away without having to look in any of the many books he collected on airplanes.

Ron was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by two brothers: Jim of Grant City, Missouri, and Richard, of Mt. Ayr, Iowa; nephews Carlin Larson of Grant City, Missouri and Bobby Findley of Clearmont, Missouri; Uncle Robert Larson (Jerry) of Lakewood, Colorado; Aunt Elaine Myers (Jack) of Albia, Iowa; three cousins and many friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

May, Charles P. - Charles P. May was born to Alice & Harry May on November 23, 1920 in Bedford, Iowa. After high school he joined the U.S. Army and served in WWII. After his discharge he attended Drake University. He received a master’s degree from Oklahoma A&M. Charles lived most of his adult life in New York City and worked as a writer and photographer. He published twenty-seven children’s books before becoming an editor for the Book of Knowledge Encyclopedia. Charles returned to Des Moines in 1990 and resided at Crestview Acres and Bickford Cottage in West Des Moines. He is survived by five nephews and one niece whom he loved very much.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery, July 2nd at 11 a.m. Ritchie Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Orme, Lois Elmina Woldruff - Lois Elmina Woldruff Orme was born May 30, 1913 in Page County, Iowa to James Russell and Amanda Fine Woldruff. She died June 12, 2010 in Maryville, Missouri.

She was a member of the Wray Memorial United Methodist Church of Hopkins.

Four years of her childhood was spent in Greeley, Colorado. With her parents she returned to Page County, Iowa in 1924 where she finished her schooling.

Lois married Alfred Orme May 9, 1931 in Sidney, Iowa. They lived on a farm in Taylor County, Iowa moving to Missouri in 1941.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred (September 25, 1975); Sons-in-laws C.D. Richardson and Dr. Gerald McKee; eight brothers, Loy, Orie, Glen, Cecil, Elbert, Loren, George, and an infant; three sisters, Velma Woldruff, Vera Clayton, and Ethel Neal.

Lois is survived by one brother, Marvin (Ethel), Clarinda, IA; two daughters; Shirley McKee, Pickering, MO and Barbara Richardson, Huntsville, Alabama; four grandchildren, Randy (Sheri) McKee, Buda, Texas, Vicky McKee, Jackie (Charlie) Zarzour and Dala (Tommy) Williams all of Huntsville; four great grandchildren, Ryan, McKee, Denver, Colorado, Matthew McKee, San Antonio, Texas, Kim (Kevin) Kosek, Jackson, Mississippi, and Jennie (Bill) Ferguson, Auburn, Alabama; three great great grandchildren, Kate and Jack Kosek and Ryan Ferguson.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at the Wray Memorial United Methodist Church, Hopkins, MO. Pastor Susan Noakes officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, IA.

Memorial: Wray Memorial United Methodist Church.

Price Funeral Home, (www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.), Maryville, Missouri.

Pierce, James Dennis - James Dennis Pierce, age 58 died Monday, January 4, 2010 in Westminster, Colorado following a long fight with C.O.P.D.

Jim was born April 24, 1951 in Hamburg, Iowa the son of Ethel Faye (Fletchall) Pierce and Warren Pierce.

The family moved to Westminster, Colorado where James went to school, graduating in 1969. Then in 1970, he joined the United States Navy and served on the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. America, doing two tours in Vietnam.

James was united in marriage to Patricia Harmon and to this union a daughter, Jennie Lee was born.

James is preceded in death by his mother Ethel Faye in 2001.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Pierce; a step-son Christopher Jones; his daughter Jennie Lee; two granddaughters, Asia Marie and Jaiden Landē; one grandson, Josiah Robert Paul; a sister, Dana Lea Eagal; his father, Warren Pierce; Aunt Blanche Downing; along with many cousins and friends in Colorado.

[Mother Zenith Pierce of Bedford, Iowa. Burial Allendale Cemetery, Allendale, Mo. Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa.]

Porter, John Wesley - John Wesley Porter was born April 4, 1937 at Burlington Junction, MO to Gerald Woodrow Porter and Marjorie Wanda (Martin) Porter. He passed away at the age of 73 at his residence in Bedford, IA on Saturday, July 10, 2010.
John was preceded in death by his first wife, Lavon Porter; parents; sister, Betty Porter; and brother, Keith Porter.
He is survived by his wife, Rondy Porter of Bedford, IA; sisters Delores (Walter) Williams, Maryville, MO, Pat (Raymond) Coulter, Conception Junction, MO, Carol (Leo) Long, Elmo, MO, and Sharon (Frank) Schupp, Tarkio, MO; step daughters, Zhlao Lynn of Japan, Lahoma Reese, Clarinda, IA, and Martina Reese, Bedford, IA; two step grandchildren, Zachary and Natalie Reese; nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the Club House at 2514 Aurora Ave, Maryville, MO.
Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, IA. 712-523-2662

Siverly, Lawrence Lewellyn "L.L." - Funeral services for L.L. Siverly, age 87, of Lenox, who died Friday, June 4, 2010 at Greater Regional Hospice House in Creston will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Clearfield United Methodist Church. Private family interment will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

We are here to celebrate the life of Lawrence Lewellyn (L.L.) Siverly. He was born on July 7, l922 on the family farm 5 ½ miles SE of Clearfield. He attended Grant Center School in Ringgold County and graduated from Clearfield High School in 1939. L.L. married Alice Bennett November 25, l943, celebrating 62 years together. The love of his life was his family and farming. After rental farming, they bought their farm SW of Clearfield, terracing & tiling the land. He and Alice lived there for 50 years. They then moved into Vintage Park Assisted Living in Lenox for five years. Like other grandparents, he was very proud of his grandkids and their lives and accomplishments. He was active in the NFO, the Clearfield Lions Club, ASCS and served two terms on the Clearfield School Board, serving as president for four years. Over the years, he enjoyed reading, visiting with friends, trapping, hunting, and trap shooting. After his retirement, he spent many hours working on his antique tractors and tinkering around his farm.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, his parents Fred & Dorothea Siverly, sisters Winnifred Frus, Ethel Graham, Belle Bennett, Joan Beggs and grandson Mitchell Wade Siverly.

Celebrating his life are his children Sharon & Robert McClintock of Carlisle, Lawrence
& Norma Siverly of Bedford, Sheryl & Steve O’Riley of Minonk, Ill., Laura & Jim Bentley of Diagonal, niece Bonnie & Mike Halligan of Lenox, 11 grandchildren, Mike & Jennifer McClintock, Nicole Carter, Holly Christensen, Leah Henderson, Keely Ginger, Colleen Smart, Troy & Eric Halligan, Renae Hammel & Kayla Bentley. Nine great grandchildren Noah, Hannah, Ty, Nicholas, Maggie, Max, Brenna, Isabella & McCade; brother Fred (Virgina) Siverly, brother-in-law Paul Bennett, sisters-in-law, Grace and Virginia Bennett, and many nieces, nephews, his Vintage Park family and many friends.

His family and friends are celebrating his life with memories of his love, humor and storytelling.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Sprague, Betty Lou Maley - Funeral services for Betty Sprague, age 81 of Bedford, who died Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at her home in Bedford will be Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 PM to 7 PM with the family greeting friends from 5 PM to 7 PM. Interment will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be given in Betty’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Betty Lou (Maley) Sprague was born December 5, 1928 in New Market, Iowa the daughter of Floyd Beryl “Swede” Maley and Alice Bertha (Clabaugh) Sprague. She grew up in the New Market area attending school, graduating from the New Market High School with the Class of 1947. After high school, Betty attended beauty school in Des Moines, Iowa. On June 25, 1950 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Floyd Bud Sprague, in New Market. To this loving union two sons, Terry Lee and Richard Allen were born to bless their lives.

After their marriage, Bud and Betty moved to a farm south of Siam. In 1959, they moved to a farm in Benton Township where they lived until 1997 when they moved into Bedford. The couple truly enjoyed farming and the lifestyle it provided their family. It always gave them great satisfaction watching the farming operation grow through their children and grandchildren. During this time, Betty also worked as a hairdresser for over forty years. She enjoyed the outdoors whether it was mowing or helping Bud on the farm. However, family was her true passion and she was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Bud enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Arizona. In their younger years, she and Bud were active in square dancing. Betty enjoyed her “girls club”, maintaining a close relationship with them over the years. As well as her two coffee clubs that met at the Junction Café and Godfather’s.

Left to cherish Betty’s memory are her two sons, Dr. Terry Sprague and wife Mary Jane of Audubon, Iowa; and Rick Sprague and wife Pam of Bedford; four grandchildren, Bruce Sprague of Syracuse, Nebraska; Kristen Lucas and husband Jon of Rock Port, Missouri; Steven Sprague and wife Michelle of Audubon, Iowa; and Justin Sprague, who is stationed with the United States Army at Camp Zama in Japan; six great-grandchildren, Colton and Mayson Sprague; and Ethan, Caleb, Ryan and Levi Lucas; a sister, Lois Marie Marino and husband Rol of Brea, California; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Teeters of New Market; along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Betty in memory are her parents; her loving husband Bud in June of 2008; and a grandson, Bradley Sprague in 1997.

Trost, Raymond Carl - Memorial services for Raymond Trost, age 87, of Lenox, who died Monday, August 2, 2010, at his home will be held Thursday, August 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Raymond Carl Trost was born May 19, 1923 in Lenox, Iowa the son of Joseph Carl Trost and Ruth (Bartrem) Trost. Ray spent his early life on the farm north of Lenox while attending grade school at Grant No. 8 and then later Lenox High School where he graduated with the Class of 1940. After high school, Ray worked at Beech Aircraft for three years in Wichita, Kansas before being inducted into the United States Army Air Corp. in May of 1943, serving until February of 1946, as an Instrument Panel Instructor on B-17 Bombers. On October 23, 1943, while in the service, he was united in marriage to Bess Isabel Horton. Three children were born to bless their lives, Terry Rae in 1945; David Michael in 1946; and Randall Douglas in 1949.

Upon Ray’s discharge from the United States Army Air Corp. he returned to the farm to start his farming career. Later he was thankful to have his two son’s join him in the family business. In 1978, he semi-retired and the couple started traveling south for the winter to spend time with their daughter Terry and her family. Then it was back to Lenox to enjoy Mike and Randall’s families for the summer. Ray worked at various jobs while in the south and enjoyed helping the boys on the farm in the summer months. In 1990, he fully retired, but still enjoyed traveling and watching over the farming operation throughout the many years.

Left to cherish Raymond’s memory are his loving wife Isabel of 66 years; his daughter Terry Kriz and husband Dale of Phoenix, Arizona; two sons, Mike Trost and wife Carol and Randy Trost and wife Cindy, all of Lenox; two brothers, Donald and Gene Trost; three sisters, Dorothy Poore of Lenox; Mildred Reynolds and husband Jerry of Torrance, California; and Margaret Boone and husband Paul of Cody, Wyoming; 9 grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ruth Trost.

Raymond was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and steward of the land.

His enthusiasm, humor, insight and kindness will be missed by his family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Stevens, Francis Mitchell - Francis Mitchell Stevens, Sr. was born March 25, 1944 in Eureka, Kansas, the son of Benjamin and Estelle (Williams) Stevens. He passed away on Monday evening, June 7, 2010 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 66 years, 2 months and 12 days.

Francis grew up all over the country. He lived in Shenandoah for several years where he worked for the Farm Master Gate Factory and he drove a truck. He later moved to the Lenox area where he worked for Papetti’s. After he retired, he moved to the Boone area where he lived until his health began to fail. At that time he moved to Fremont, Nebraska to be close to family. Francis enjoyed leatherwork, beadwork and building model cars. The true love of his life was NASCAR racing and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step father, Boyd Jack Spencer; and an infant sister, Marion Louise Stevens.

Survivors include his three sons, Luke Kirsch and his wife Melanie of Des Moines, Iowa, Mitchell Kirsch of Atlantic, Iowa, Benjamin Kirsch of Red Oak, Iowa; two sisters, Syvithia Spencer and her husband Dan of Fremont, Nebraska, Alberta Wedmore of Pierre, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Zackery Kirsch, Caleb Kirsch and Zane Kirsch all of Des Moines, Iowa, Jonah Kirsch and Makayla Kirsch of Red Oak, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends

Burial Dallas Center Cemetery near New Market, Iowa. Kirsch Funeral Chapel chapel@kirschfuneral.com Shenandoah, Iowa.

Whipp, Forrest Farquhar - Funeral services for Forrest Whipp, age 86, of Lenox, who died Saturday, June 26, 2010 in Omaha, Nebraska were held Friday, July 2, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. Interment was held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Forrest Farquhar Whipp, the oldest son of Isabelle Farquhar Whipp and Lloyd Adam Whipp, was born on July 18, 1923 in College Springs, Iowa. Forrest was the first boy in the family that already included two sisters, Ruth Pauline and Betty Jean. A new brother, Lloyd Louden Whipp, was born the following year.

This young family’s early years were spent on a farm near College Springs surrounded by brothers and sisters of Isabelle and Lloyd. Like many others during the Great Depression, the family faced many challenges; however, Forrest and his siblings enjoyed a simple and happy childhood surrounded by family and friends.

During these years, the Whipp children developed their musical interests, with special encouragement from their musically-talented father. Even before high school, Forrest was already playing his baritone horn as a member of the Clarinda Municipal Band – which was under the direction of Major Landers, a well-known band leader of the day. Forrest’s proud father drove him to Clarinda for all of the band’s practices and concerts. In high school, Forrest performed baritone horn solos at two national music contests and received superior ratings for each performance. He was also the member of a high school boy’s quartet invited to sing at the national FFA convention in Kansas City.

In 1940, during Forrest’s junior year in high school, the family purchased a farm east of Lenox, Iowa, which became the homestead for Isabelle and Lloyd until their retirement. While his sisters were already away at college, Forrest and his brother finished their high school education at Clearfield, since the roads to Clearfield were more all-weather than those to nearby Lenox. Following graduation in 1941, Forrest’s education took a short break to earn money for college; however, he enrolled at Simpson College in the fall of 1942 after receiving an attractive scholarship offer.

It was at Simpson where Forrest met his wife, Margaret Gray, a music major from Des Moines. Since they were both on music scholarships, it’s not surprising that they got to know one another in chorus and band. Forrest became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega and Phi Mu Alpha fraternities. Like many young men during these war years, Forrest left college before graduating. It was toward the end of the war when Forrest suffered perhaps his greatest disappointment in life – the early loss of his beloved younger brother, Lloyd (“Sam”) on Iwo Jima.

Margaret and Forrest were married in Omaha after Margaret’s graduation from Simpson. Their first homes were on rented farms in the Lenox area, and Margaret began a long career of teaching music in the Lenox schools in 1945. They purchased their first farm in 1950, and accumulated several additional farms over the years. The couple became increasingly involved with Lenox and the surrounding communities, particularly through musical events at schools and churches. Forrest became an Elder and Trustee at the United Presbyterian Church, and sang in the choir for many years. He was an active member of Tremont Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star, twice serving as Worthy Patron. Forrest also was a member of the Lenox Flying Club, he served on several Taylor County Boards, and was a Board Member for Taygold Cooperative. After retirement, and building a new house in Lenox, Forrest became active in other community service through the Rotary Club, the annual Christmas Park decorating, and the project to refurbish the Lenox Depot. He also performed with the traveling singers who celebrated the Lenox and Clearfield centennials, as well as with the Easter Cantatas in Lenox.

Forrest also found time to fit in other interests, such as riding motorcycles, short-wave radio operation and travel. Over the years, Margaret and Forrest traveled to all 50 states and to 34 countries – some several times. He also maintained his love of animals, and was always anxious to talk about man’s best friend!

Forrest is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Pamela Whipp of San Rafael, California; his daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Stephen Robinson of Omaha, Nebraska; three grandchildren, Jennifer Robinson Zebrack and husband John of Reno, Nevada; Joseph Robinson and fiancé Nicole Martinez of Omaha, Nebraska; and Sarah Jane Robinson of Omaha, Nebraska; and two great-grandchildren, Jane and Joshua Zebrack, of Reno, Nevada. Also surviving is a sister, Betty Jean Duncan of Lincoln, Nebraska; and in-laws, Douglas Sherwin of Arizona; and Mildred and Ted Hansen of California, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Forrest in death are his parents, Lloyd and Isabelle Whipp; a brother, Lloyd (Sam) Louden; and a sister, Ruth Pauline Sherwin.

Masonic Rites will be held during the service with burial at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Betty Elaine Swigart, 65, of Coffeyville passed away this morning, July 26, 2010 at the Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha [Kansas].

She was born November 16, 1944 at Creston, Iowa to Ralph Oren and VaDonna Pearle (Lucas) Price.  Betty grew up and attended school in Gravity and Bedford, Iowa.  After graduating from high school she attended Barnes Beauty College in Council Bluff, Iowa.

On July 4, 1964 she married Keith Swigart at Gravity, Iowa.  Following their marriage they lived in Seligman, MO and Rogers, AR until they retired and moved to Coffeyville six years ago.

Betty operated a Beauty Shop for many years, was a department manager for Wal-Mart, and did secretarial work at S & W Sales after moving to Coffeyville.

She was a member of Grace Fellowship in Coffeyville.  Betty enjoyed working puzzles, crocheting, ceramics, car racing, camping and fishing.

Survivors include her husband, Keith of the home; one daughter, Sonja Wells of Coffeyville; two sons, Marty Swigart of Garfield, AR, and Michael Swigart of Seligman, MO; three sisters, Karen Akers of St. Joseph, MO, Marilyn Leek of Indianola, IA, and Barbara Elder of Agency, MO; four brothers, Richard Price of Corning, IA, Robert Price of Seligman, MO, Alan Price of Pleasant Valley, MN, and Bryan Price of Jefferson, IA; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2010 at Grace Fellowship with Rev. Gerald Morris officiating.  Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park in Coffeyville [Kansas].

Friends may call on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial gifts be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.