Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net
 
 
 

Austin, Phoebe Elizabeth McHenry -

Mrs. Stanley Austin, 77, died at the Rosary Hospital in Corning Friday after an illness of about 2 months.

Phoebe Elizabeth, youngest daughter of George and Rosie Coughnour -McHenry, was born in Worth County, Mo., on March 3, 1899. Her age at the time of her death was 77

years, 10 months and 4 days.

At an early age she was baptized into the Christian faith and remained faithful to her belief the rest of her life. Her young years were spent on farms in Worth and Ringgold

counties She also lived in the state of Montana for a short while.

On July 4, 1917, she was united in marriage to Stanley Austin in Ringgqld County, Iowa. To this union two sons were born, George and Claude.

She was preceded in death by her husband Stanley on January 20, 1968, and also by her parents, 3 brothers, one sister, and her daughter-in- law Lois.

She leaves to mourn her passing two sons, George of Lenox; Claude of Omaha, Nebraska; her daughter-in-law, Eloise; two sisters in law, Lucy of Mt Ayr and Ora of Kansas City, Kansas, also several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Her first love was her family and home. She always had a cheerie smile and welcome hand for everyone. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. from the Larkin-Bender Funeral Home with Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist, and Marilyn Beck and Billie Jean Barker, vocalists.

Pallbearers were Paul Calvin, Royal Rusco, Hugh McCall, Dean Finck, Kenneth Young and Marion Spicer.

Interment was in East Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday January 13, 1977

 

Brown, Steven Ray -

Brown, Rex Eugene -

The deaths of Steven Ray Brown, age 18 and his brother, Rex Eugene Brown, age 19 of Bedford, Iowa, have been attributed to over-exposure.

Through extensive investigation by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Taylor County Attorney's Office and the Iowa Bureau of Criminal Investigation, it was determined

by laboratory and medical examination that the cause of death was overexposure.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday January 6, 1977

 

Bryant, Caroline Duane -

Caroline Duane Bryant, 65, died recently in Sanger, California. She was the wife of Lawrence Bryant, a former Lenox resident.

She is survived by her husband, a son Michael Bryant of Cypress, California and a sister, Dorothy Bascus of the state of Oklahoma.

Private services were held Oct. 14th by the Wallen and Son Funeral Home. Cremation was at the Chapel of Light.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 4, 1976

 

Haering, Clarence -

Clarence E. Haering, son of John J. and Annis Hodges Haering, was born April 18th, 1897 near Lenox, Iowa, and passed away Nov. 20, 1976. He had always loved the farm and farm animals and worked at farming all of his life.

He enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1918 during WW I, and served one year, first in the calvary and then was transferred to truck driver in the armored division. He was a member of the Christian Church and the American Legion. He remained with his parents and cared for them until their deaths. He was also preceded in death by a younger sister, Helen, who

died in 1915. He is survived by two sisters, Alice Preston and Edith Nixon, two brothers-in-law, Harry Preston and William Nixon, a niece, Geneva Hagee and five nephews, Norman and Carroll Preston and Dale, Robert and Ray Nixon and a number of great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the Christian Church with Pastor Jack Cutbirth officiating.

Music was furnished by Harley Porter, organist and Mildred Walter, vocalist.

Bearers were Norman Preston, Carrol! Preston, Phillip Preston, Dale Nixon, Robert Nixon and Ray Nixon.

Interment was in West Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 25, 1976

 

Henn, Bessie Baker Bennett -

Bessie Bennett Henn was born July 23, 1898 on a farm near Clearfield, Iowa, daughter of Frank Baker and Mabel Sargent Baker and passed away at her home in Lenox on

Nov. 1, 1976 at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 8 days.

She attended country school and graduated from Clearfield High School in 1916 and graduated from Deaconess Training school in Des Moines.

On Dec. 29, 1920 she was united in marriage with David Bennett of Lenox, Iowa, who preceded her in death June 25, 1956.

She was married on Dec. 2, 1972 to Rev. W. C. Henn who survives her.

She is also survived by 4 children, Roy and wife Virginia of Lenox, Arthur and wife Grace of Mapleton, la., Alice and husband L. L. Siverly of Clearfield, Iowa, Paul and wife Rosa of Lenox, 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, two sisters, Fannie Walter and Pearl Beck of Lenox and one brother, Ernest Baker of Clearfield. A sister, Laura Beck and a

granddaughter preceded her in death. A sister in law Marie Bennett of Lenox and a brother in law, Don Bennett of Clearfield also survive as well as many other relatives and friends.

Bessie, as noted, was a, member of the Methodist Church for more than 68 years but even more was a faithful servant of her Lord with a deep personal experience of

Christ and full consecration to Him. All of those years she served her church and her God in every way she could and even the day before her death was in her usual place

at the church service and Bible study in the afternoon. Surely her Lord met her with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the Joy of your Lord."

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the United Methodist Church at 2:30 with Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist and Billie Jean Barker and Marilyn Beck, vocalists.

Bearers were Wayne Beck, Ivan Bennett, Lowell Brott, Earl Baker, Gerald Baker and Carroll Baker.

Interment was in East Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 4, 1976

 

Holmes, Jon Charles -

Jon Charles Holmes, 23, of Algona, Iowa, passed away Oct. 31st, 1976 at Broadlawns hospital in Des Moines. He was born in Smith Center, Kansas on July 15, 1953, but

most of his life was spent in Kansas City, Mo., where he attended school and graduated from Van Horn high school in 1971.

On July 6, 1974 he was married to Candy Graham, who along with a daughter, Stacy Dawn survive. Other survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Holmes of Kansas City, Mo., two brothers, Donald Holmes of Blue Springs, Mo., Ronald Holmes of Sugar Creek, Mo., one sister, Mrs. Connie Curtin of Independence, Mo., also 2 sisters-in-law, Cheryl Holmes

and Pauline Holmes, one brother-ii-law, Mike Curtin, one nephew, Ronald Holmes, Jr., 4 nieces, Christine Holmes, Deborah and Annette Holmes, Julie Ann Curtin; his maternal

grandmother, Mrs. Lecta Rogers of Peoria, Ill., his father-in-law, Darwin Graham of Red Oak, Iowa; mother-in-law, Mrs. Alvin Lytle of Oakland, Iowa, plus a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one infant sister.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Larkin-Bender Funeral Home at 2:00 o'clock with Rev. Bill Watson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church officiating.

Music was furnished by Donna Cribbs, organist.

Bearers were Don Johnson, Alan Johnson, Doyle Day, Randy Wilson, Kenny Peterman, and Craig Donaldson.

Interment was in the Bedford cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 4, 1976

 

Morris, George Henry -

George Henry Morris, 69, of Heron Lake, Minn., died Saturday morning, January 8, 1977 enroute to a Minneapolis hospital. He was a former Lenox resident.

George Henry Morris was born April 4, 1907 at Sherdon, Mo. His parents were Jess and Cora Godsey Morris. He grew up and attended school at Conway, Iowa.

Mr. Morris married Ruth Shaver on Oct 30, 1937 at Maryville, Mo. After their marriage the couple made its home in Lenox, where Mr. Morris worked on farms in the

area. Mrs. Morris passed away on Sept. 25, 1965. In 1966 Mr. Morris moved to Heron Lake and for the past seven years he has made his home with his daughter and son-in-

law. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge.

Survivors include three daughters, Janet (Mrs. DeLoy Krueger) of Heron Lake; (Jane) Mrs. Floyd Schultz of Westbrook and (Amie), Mrs. Louis Olson of Heron Lake,

and five grandchildren.

Mr. Morris was preceded in death by his father, mother, one sister and his wife.

Funeral services were held at the Hasara Funeral Home in Heron Lake on Tuesday, January 11th at 2.p.m.

Interment was at Lakeside cemetery, Heron Lake, Minn.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday January 20, 1977

 

Naven, Clarence A -

Funeral services were held at 1:30 Saturday, Oct. 30th for Clarence A. Naven, 78, who died October 28 at the Rosary hospital in Corning.

Mr. Naven was the son of George and Jane Naven and was born Sept. 24, 1898 in Taylor County, Iowa. His age at the time of his passing was 78 years, 1 month and 4 days.

His entire life was spent on a farm where he was born south of Brooks. He attended school at Mt. Pleasant, and was a member of the Iveyville Methodist Church and

the Masonic Lodge at Gravity.

On May 10, 1922 he was united in marriage with Freda Walter at Lenox, Iowa. Three children were born to bless this marriage.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Freda on Nov. 6, 1949; two brothers: William and Clyde, and a sister: Jessie.

He is survived by his two sons: Hollis and his wife Edith of Lenox; Norman and his wife, Linnea of Omaha, and one daughter, Mildred and her husband Paul Fishell of Kansas

City, Mo. In addition he leaves seven grandchildren: Jim, Sheila and Jerry Naven; and Allen, Monte, Eric and Aaron Fishell; one sister, Artie McClelland and her husband

Bob of Corning, a sister-in-law, Sadie Naven of Corning, other relatives and a host of friends.

Clarence took great pride in his farm and livestock. In later years he loved sharing his flowers with relatives and friends. He was a devoted father and grandfather and

loved having his family gathered at his home. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Rev. James W. King officiated at the Thursday afternoon service.

Music was furnished by Donna Peckham, organist and Ruth Tranbarger, vocalist.

Casket bearers were Edward Naven, Dean Naven, Max. Pool, Ronald Naven, W. A. Allison and Kenneth Fudge

Interment was in Prairie Rose cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 4, 1976

 

Reynolds, Claude Henry -

Claude Henry Reynolds, 85, long-time resident of Lenox died Tuesday afternoon at the Rosary hospital in Corning. He had been in failing health several weeks.

Mr. Reynolds was born in LeRoy, Illinois Oct. 4, 1891. He was a World War I veteran and a charter member of the local American Legion. He has served as Adjutant of

the Legion for 38 years.

Survivors include his wife, Effie, a son, George, and a daughter, Mrs. Geo. Young all of Lenox, 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by stepsons Thurman Curphey and Kenneth Curphey, 3 brothers Pearl of Lenox, Guy of Clearfield and Ray of Sheldon, Wisconsin and a sister, Amelia Jordan of Burbank, California.

Funeral services will be  held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the United Methodist Church with Rev. Floyd Newbrough, officiating.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday December 16, 1976

 

Reynolds, Claude Henry -

Claude Reynolds, son of Cornettie Susan (Collins) and Henry Chauncey Reynolds, was born October 4, 1891 in Rutlege Township, Lewitt County, Illinois near LeRoy, Illinois.

Claude passed away Dec. 14th at the Rosary Hospital in Corning.

Final rites were held Friday afternoon at 2:00 at the United Methodist Church in  Lenox with Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiating.

He came to Lenox, Iowa, in 1915. He has resided in and  around Lenox ever since, except the months he spent as a member of the 88th Division in France. He was a member

of the armed forces from Feb. 28. 1918 until June 2, 1919. He was awarded the A. E. F. ribbons and the Victory medal.

Claude was married January 20, 1920 to Maude Miller of Clinton, Ill. To this union two children were born, Mrs. George Young (Nina), and George Reynolds, both of Lenox. Maude passed away May 26, 1955.

Claude farmed for 10 years then moved into Lenox where he was a carpenter.

He was a charter member, Commander and also Adjutant for 38 years of Parkinson Post 250 of the American Legion and was also County Commander for 2 years. He was Platte Township Clerk for 26 years. He was a member of the Lenox United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and was Trustee of the Methodist Church and an usher for 28 years, and was still active.

On August 4, 1957 he married Effie Curphey of Lenox. Claude was preceded in death by his father & mother, Chauncey and Cornettie Reynolds and his brother Amon and sister Ida Mayhew. Claude is survived by his wife Effie, two children George Reynolds and Nina Young of Lenox; two stepsons Thurman Curphey of Sharpsburg and Kenneth Curphey of Omaha, 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Three brothers, Pearl of Lenox, Guy of Clearfield and Ray of Sheldon, Wisc., and a sister, Amelia Jorden of Burbank Calif., also survive.

He was a devoted father and grandfather and loved his family gathered around him. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

His remains were tenderly placed to rest in Lenox Fairview cemetery where the  stars will shed their rays on him and tenderly gaze on him. "From out their blue dome of heaven.

Kept he the nation's call. Faithful in all Until God called him home.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist; with Marilyn Beck and Billie Jean Barker, vocalists.

Bearers were Jerry Mauderly, David Reynolds, Ronald Young, Jerry Thompson, Roger Huryta, David Miller and John Weeber.

Honorary bearers were Charles Brokaw, Frank Teply, Fred Strunce, Elmer Orr, Cecil Maharry and Ernest Nook.

Military graveside rites were given by Parkinson Post 250, American legion.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday December 23, 1976

 

Schneider, Maxine Dunbar -

Maxine Dunbar Schneider, daughter of Edgar Clyde and Ethel Edna Beadel Dunbar, was born in Lenox, Iowa, on December 29, 1912, and passed away at the Clarinda Municipal

Hospital Nov. 9, 1976 at the age of 63 years, 10 months and 11 days.

She lived in the Lenox community where she attended the public school and was a member of the Christian Church, later transferring her membership to the First Baptist

Church, Bedford, Iowa. After graduation she taught in several rural schools around Lenox.

On January 1, 1944, she was united in marriage to Raymond Wildman Schneider at Maryville, Mo., and to this union two daughters were born. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her father, two brothers and one sister.

She was blessed with four grandchildren who were very special in her life.

Maxine lived her life for God and loved serving Him. Through teaching in public school and Sunday School, she touched many young hearts and lives. She was a loving wife and mother. Although everyone who knew Maxine will miss her greatly, her rewards and eternal life with God are just beginning.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Phyllis Marvelli and her husband, Melvin of Carlisle la., Christina Long and her husband, Richard of Lenox, la.; her mother Ethel Dunbar of Lenox, la.; three sisters, Lenore Bailie of Lenox, Olive Sutton of Ottumwa and Phyllis Brown of Phoenix, Arizona; two brothers, George Dunbar of Omaha, Nebr. and Dick Dunbar of Phoenix, Ariz; four grandchildren, Kimberly and Daren Long, Brandon and Bambi Marvelli other relatives and a host of friends.

Maxine's memory will glow in the hearts of everyone who loved her.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 18, 1976

 

Schreifer, Elanara Beck -

Elanora Beck Schreifer, daughter of Barbara Marie and George Beck, was born at Clearfield, Iowa on May 5, 1895 and departed this life at the Rosary Hospital on Dec.

17, 1976 at the age of 81 years, 7 months and 12 days.

She went to Chicago at an early age and worked for Bauer and Black Surgical Supply House for 32 years.

She was united in marriage to Louis Schreifer in 1956 and in 1959 they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Mr. Schreifer passed away Nov. 21, 1968. In 1974 Elanora came to Lenox to make her home with her sister, Alice.

During her years in Chicago she was active in the South Side Presbyterian Church and attended the Lutheran Church in Phoenix. She was also an active member of the Rebekah Lodge at Phoenix and during World War II was active in helping in the USO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Louis and sister Klarah.

She is survived by two sisters, Mary K. Brandt of West Liberty, Iowa and Alice Hancock of Lenox, three nieces, Helen Brandt of Milwaukee, Wisc, and Martha and Hermina Brandt of Chicago and one nephew, John Hancock of Phoenix, Ariz., plus other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 1:30 at the Larkin-Bender Funeral Home with Rev. Floyd Newbrough, pastor of the United Methodist Church, officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist.

Casket bearers were Dale Purdum, Carl Clinton, Howard Morris, Richard Young, Robert Reynolds and H. H. Brown.

Interment was in West Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday December 23, 1976

 

Sturm, Ethel May Leonard -

Ethel Sturm, 84, a resident of the Lenox Care Center for the past 2½ years, died Friday, December 24, 1976.

Ethel May Sturm, daughter of William Leonard and Alice Claybaugh Leonard was born on Sept. 11, 1892 near the town of Sharpsburg, Iowa.

On January 14, 1915, she was married with Arthur Sturm at Creston, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Orlo Leonard Sturm, Cleo Sturm and Mrs. Homer

(Leona) Minnick.

Mrs. Sturm was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur on March 25, 1955; a son Orlo in 1928; one brother, Henry Leonard, and two sisters, Eva Boltinghouse and Lottie Leonard.

She is survived by one son Cleo Sturm of Lenox; a daughter, Mrs. Homer (Leona) Minnick of Kent seven grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Orr. of Corning and two brothers, Lloyd Leonard of Corning & Lee Leonard of Carthage, Ill., and one sister-in-law. Mrs. Henry Leonard of Sheridan, Wyoming.

In early life, she was baptized into the Blue Grove Christian Church near Sharpsburg, Iowa. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be missed by her family.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, Dec, 27th at 1:30 o'clock from the Larkin-Bender Funeral Home with Rev. Riram Kagerreis officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist and Becky Nelson, vocalist.

Bearers were Dennis Sturm, David Sturm, Dale Sturm, Duane Sturm, Rob Sturm and Dr. Hal Minnick.

Interment was in West Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday December 30, 1976

 

Teply, Jenifer N -

Jenifer N. Teply, 3 month old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Teply of 3310 E. Thirty Sixth Court, in Des Moines died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1976 of sudden infant death

Syndrome. She was born July 31. 1976 in Des Moines.

Services were held at the Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Father Polich of St. Joseph Catholic Church officiated.

Survivors include her parents, her grandparents, Mr and Mrs. William Teply of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baker of Pleasant Hill and great grandparents, Mrs.

Mae Baker of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Shiltz of Wisconsin, Mrs. Gertrude Beatty and Frank Teply of Lenox.

Burial was in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 18, 1976

 

Wursters, Tura D Young Williams-

Tura D. Wurster, 91, a resident of the Lenox Care Center, died Friday, November 19 following a gradual decline in health. She was the daughter of T. T. and Senia J. Elder Young, and was born Oct. 27, 1885 in El Dorado Springs, Mo. She was 91 years and 22 days of age at the time of her passing.

She became a member of the Christian Church while she was young. Her early years were spent in Missouri where she was married to Hubert F. Williams in her parents' home on October 26th, 1902. She moved to a farm in Iowa where most of her life was spent. Five children were born to this marriage: Melvin, Glen and Bernice; and Theola and Dale who died in infancy.

After the death of her husband, Bert in 1960, she moved into Lenox. In October of 1952, she was united in marriage to Fred Wurster of Lenox. He preceded her in death in 1971. She continued her home in Lenox until her health forced her to leave her home and go to the Care Center She was preceded in death by her two infant children; a grandson, Randall Williams; her parents; three brothers: Frank, Glen and Bill and also by one sister, Roxie.

She is survived by her three children: Melvin and his wife Bertha Williams of Lenox; Glen and his wife Margaret Williams of Ozark, Mo.; and Bernice and her husband,

Skeeter Brown of Branson, Mo. In addition there are six grandchildren, Norma Reed, Dorothy Stoaks, Bill Williams, Janet Holben, Leonard Brown and Roger Brown.

Also surviving are her 12 great grandchildren: Stephen Jeff and Susan Reed, Gary and Kurt Stoaks, Kevin Williams, Tommy, Jeni and Joni Holben; Cindi, Brian and Danny Brown. One great great grandchild, Troy Reed and 1 sister, Bertha Costin of Creston, Iowa also survive as well as many other relatives and friends. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 21 at the Larkin-Bender Funeral Home at 2:00 o'clock p.m. with Pastor Jack Cutbirth of the Lenox Christian Church officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist and Billie Jean Barker and Marilyn Beck, vocalists.

Bearers were Bill Williams, Leonard Brown, Roger Brown, Marvin Reed, Howard Stoaks and Stephen Reed.

 Interment was in West Fairview cemetery at Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday November 25, 1976