Taylor County, Iowa: Lorelei Rusco obits Akers file

Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa obituaries

transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net

Akers, Francis Wayne -

Francis Wayne Akers was born September 23, 1951 in Maryville, Missouri to Francis

Leroy and Bonnie Lee (Humphrey) Akers. He was married to Barbara Miller on

November 8, 1985 at the Courthouse in Bedford, Iowa.

After graduating Bedford High School Wayne enlisted in the Air Force in 1970 during

the Vietnam War and was stationed in Thailand and Laos. He served until 1973.

Wayne was a repairman on aircraft, truck driver, and the recovery of soldiers among

other assignments. After an honorable discharge from the US Air Force Wayne worked

on constructing the highway and bridge between Clarinda and New Market. Hoover-

NSK opened in Clarinda and in 1976 he started working at the manufacturing plant.

Wayne worked there for 29 years without an absence until May 2005 when he went on

medical leave due to his illness. After nearly a year of fighting esophageal cancer and

other complications, he passed away at Jennie Edmondson Memorial Hospital in

Council Bluffs, IA, Saturday morning, March 25, 2005. He will be missed by family,

co-workers, friends and neighbors.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Geri Miller.

He is survived by his wife Barb of Clarinda; children Shawn Thompson, and wife

Angle of Omaha, NE; Heather and husband Pat Rehder of Omaha, NE; and Cody Akers

of Denver, CO; brother Jeff Akers of Gravity, Iowa; mother Bonnie Akers of

Gravity, Iowa; and two grandchildren Chase Rehder and Kail Thompson.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 Thursday, March 30, 2006 at Trinity Presbyterian

Church, Clarinda, with Rev. Charles Bulger and Dr. Tim Roehl officiating. Burial will be

at Covenanter Cemetery, Clarinda. Family visitation is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at

Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Clarinda. Memorials are suggested to Clarinda Fire

Department Ladder Truck, Nodaway Valley Free Clinic, or American Cancer Society.

Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 29, 2006

Baxter, Doris V Milliken -

Doris V. Baxter, age 87 years, of Omaha, NE., formerly of Lenox, IA; died

March 24, 2006, in Omaha.

Services were Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at the West Center Chapel, in Omaha.

Interment was in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Omaha.

She is survived by her husband, John H. Baxter; a daughter and son-in-law, Gloria

and Fred Wolf, all of Omaha. Grandchildren: Marcus Stephens and wife Kaeley,

Andrea Crampton and husband, Steve, and Scott Stephens; great-grandchildren:

Kyle, Adam, Emma and Lorin and a sister, Bertha Williams, Lenox, IA.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Clyde and Anna Milliken.

Memorials are suggested either to Aseracare Hospice or to Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements were handled by Heafey- Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler Mortuaries,

7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE. 68124.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 5, 2006

Beal, Dorothy Ruth Boyer -

Funeral services for Dorothy Ruth Beal of Portland, Oregon, were held Monday, Feb. 15,

2006, at Mt Scott Funeral Home in Portland. Dorothy, a resident of Firwood Garden

Residential Facility died at home Feb. 10, at age 90.

Dorothy Boyer was born Feb. 26, 1915, in Bedford, Iowa, to George G and Lottie

Dowell Boyer. She grew up in Taylor County where she graduated from Bedford High

School in 1933. She had been a member of the Bedford Christian Church. In 1933,

Dorothy was married to Edwin J, Beal, of Bedford. To this loving union, three children,

Cora (Cokey), Judy and Eddie were born. Dorothy and Ed farmed together for many

years in Taylor County, where Dorothy always had a big garden.

When their son, Eddie was 7, he was riding his bicycle home from rural school on a

country road, when he was hit by a truck, and was in a coma for several months and

suffered brain damage. In order to get better treatment for him, the family sold

everything except a few personal belongings, and in 1955 moved to Oregon. Ed and

Dorothy lovingly cared for their invalid son in their own home until he was 21 when he

moved to Good Shepherd Communities Care Facility in Portland.

Dorothy had a lifelong interest in quilting and made more than 600 quilts, plus

another 200 table runners, wall hangings and placemats. Her great-aunt taught her

to sew when she was six. She practiced by hand stitching around the edges of

handkerchiefs and tea towels. Growing up in Bedford, she made her own clothes, and

later clothes for her children. She made her first baby quilt for her first child, Cora,

and later made a quilt for her bed, which Cokey still uses as a tablecloth.

A quilted wall hanging Dorothy designed and called "The Christmas Star" was

entered in the Oregon Alliance Of Senior and Health Services ageless art contest

last year. Of the more than 130 entries, Dorothy received the Judges Choice purple

ribbon. Her wall hanging was later displayed at the Oregon State Capitol Building in

Salem. Until his death in October 2003 Dorothy and husband, Ed, could be found

quietly sitting on the couch together-she quilting and he making macrame hangings or

counted cross-stitch pictures.

Ed often helped his wife with her quilting projects, including candle-wicking designs on

quilts, one of which was on Dorothy's bed in the care facility.

Left to cherish Dorothy's memory are her daughters, Cora Jones, and husband, Bud

of Portland and Judy Skipton, Portland; son, Edwin L. Beal of Good Shepherd

Communities, Portland; five grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Joe Boyer, Bedford, Larry

Boyer and Delmar Boyer, both of Waterloo, IA; and half sister, Marjorie Overton, Des

Moines, IA.

Interment was at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, Portland, with Mt Scott

Funeral Home officiating. Memorials may be sent in Dorothy's name to Good

Shepherd Communities, 831 SW17th. Portland, OR. 97205.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 29, 2006

Briggs, Henry Ralph -

Henry Ralph Briggs passed away May 1, 2006, at the Clearview Nursing Home

Clearfield, IA.

Ralph was born at home in rural Taylor County to Henry Francis and Maybell

Ann Briggs, where he lived and worked most of his 87 years. He was a part

of a large family with 7 brothers, Lowell, Emery, Hobart, Dave, Ernest,

Floyd, and Frank Briggs as well as 2 sisters, Opal Lawson and Mary Gohn.

Ralph married his wife of 51 years Wyona Fern Stoops, May 4, 1946 in

Maryville, MO.

Ralph lovingly raised Wyona's daughter, Thelma Fern Kennedy as his own. To this

union was born 3 children, Henry R. Briggs, Barbara Ellen Mattson, and Deborah

Annetta Brummett. At the time of his passing Ralph had 14 grandchildren,

16 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Ralph volunteered for active duty in the navy and shipped out December 1942

where he became a gunner captain on the BB35 USS Texas Battleship. During

his tour of duty he saw 5 different continents and fought in 7 major battles

of WWII. He served until the Japanese surrendered to our Armed Forces

on V Day. Shortly after he joined his family back in Iowa.

To his last breath he was a Patriot of the United States of America.

Ralph worked on the farm before and after the war and until they moved to town

where he took a job at the local CO-OP Elevator, among a few other jobs in the

area.

Ralph moved his family to Burlington Jct. MO in 1973 where he took a job at

Northwest Missouri State University's construction crew where he retired in 1980

and moved back to Clearfield.

Ralph enjoyed listening and playing country music with his daughter, Debbie. Over the

years he played and sang in several bands. He played the guitar and sang with several

local musicians. His love for music brought him and his family and friends, great joy

and entertainment.

The funeral service was held May 3, 2006 at the United Methodist Church, Clearfield,

IA with Rev. Jerry Kahler, officiating. Patty Parrish provided organ music for the

services. Casket Bearers were: Todd Briggs, Cliff Briggs Luke Briggs, Mike Briggs,

Brandon Wilcox, Jason Parker, and Marc Brummett.

Interment was in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Guss, IA. with military graveside

rites by Woodside Post #97, of The American Legion.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 10, 2006

Clayton, Leah Drake Kemery -

Funeral Services for Leah Kemery Clayton, age 88 of Blockton who died Wednesday,

April 19, 2006 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning were held Saturday, April

22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blockton Christian Church. Leah was cremated following the

services and interment of ashes will held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton at a later

date. Memorials can be given in Leah's name. Please leave a message of tribute to the

Kemery/Clayton family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under

Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Leah Kemery Clayton was born July 18, 1917, on the family farm northeast of Blockton,

the daughter of Georgia (Stephenson) Drake and Elbert Drake. She grew up attending

country school, along with her older sister and brother, Lavona and Bert. She graduated

from the Blockton High School with the Class of 1935. In the fall of 1936, she was united

in marriage to her 'first love' Clyde Kemery. To this loving union Jerry Gene and Wayne

Keith were born. Always the ardent fans, she and Clyde attended all the sporting events

the boys participated in as their most devoted fans. Leah was even known to make

cinnamon rolls to sell at the concession stand at home basketball games. At the age of 51,

Leah was a widow as a result of Clyde's sudden death. She continued to run "Kemery

Blacksmith & Welding Shop" until her retirement.

In 1987, she was united in marriage to her 'second love' Louis Clayton and they made

their home at Louis's farm home south of Blockton. From day one, Leah was treated as

"mom and grandma" by Louis's family. With the families joined, Leah and Louis shared

three children and their spouses, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Leah

and Louis enjoyed several trips until Leah's health made it necessary for them to

remain close to home. After suffering from several falls and small strokes, Leah

depended more and more on Louis. Louis was an excellent caregiver, but due to

his heart surgery in December of 2003, Leah decided to enter the Bedford Nursing

& Rehab Center. Here, Leah had a new "family ". She immediately fit in and was soon

a favorite with her sense of humor and noncomplaining way. It was at this time she

met her best friend, Shirley Weir. Leah soon found out she had her own Guardian

Angel, Shirley, who became her legs, her mentor and companion. Together they

spent many evenings Watching "Wheel of Fortune" and "Texas Ranger". Right up to

the time of Leah's death, Shirley was always there for her.

Following a severe heart attack and complications, Leah passed away on April 19,

2006 at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa.

Left to cherish Leah's memory are her loving husband Louis Clayton of Blockton;

sons, Jerry Kemery and wife Karen, and Wayne Kemery and wife Pat of Blockton ;

stepdaughter, Sue Beemer and husband Paul of Maryville, Missouri; grandchildren,

Kathy and Scott Coulter of Maryville; Mike and Donna Kemery of Clearfield; Marilyn

Miller of Hopkins; Debbie and Bill Lynch of Redding; Deb and James Bonde of Blockton;

Jim and Johnna Beemer of Maryville; great-grand-children, Nick Rucker and Taylor

Miller; Cody and Kaylee Coulter; Kati, Erica and Christopher Kemery; Cole and Callyn

Bonde; Dakota and Hailee Beemer; Zach and Taylor Lynch; a sister-in-law, Kathleen

Drake of Blockton; a niece, Linda Thielen of Las Vegas, Nevada; nephews, Larry Lines

of North Carolina; and Earl Drake of Blockton; and. a special cousin, Patty Larceri of

Vero Beach, Florida.

Preceding Leah in death are her first husband, Clyde Kemery in 1969; a granddaughter,

Connie Kemery in 1977; her parents, Georgia and Elbert Drake; a sister and

brother-in-law, Lavona and Joe Lines; a brother and sister-in-law, Bert and Gwendolyn

Drake; and a nephew Don Drake.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 26, 2006

Colyn, John -

John Colyn, age 82, passed away April 14, 2006, in Sabetha, KA. following a

brief illness.

He was born February 25, 1924, in Lenox, IA to the late Charles and Nora (Alexander)

Colyn.

On November 29, 1947, John married Alice A. Weir, Bedford, IA. who survives him

in Sabetha. They are the parents of Cathy (Tom) Shade, Marion, OH.; Kay Ann

(Gary) Hewlett, Wamego, KS; Leslie (Gary) Scoby, Sabetha, KS. And Ken (Judy)

Colyn, Gilbert, AZ. He is also survived by grandchildren: Ryan (Shelley) Keane, Travis

Keane, Abby Keane, Jennifer Recob, Nathan (Sarah) Winter, Josh (Amanda) Winter,

Kara (Chris) Tramp, Luke (Robyn) Scoby, Ben Scoby, Jacob Scoby, James Colyn,

Samantha Colyn, and Wyatt Colyn. Six great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Rocky.

Preceding him in death were his; parents, brothers, Charles, Jr. and David, and sister,

Olive Ranck.

John attended a country school southwest of Lenox during his grade school years.

He then attended Lenox High School, graduating with the class of 1942. He was active

in sports during his high school days especially outstanding in football.

He was a veteran of the Army Air Force serving during WW II. John graduated

from McPherson College, McPherson, KS., earning a Master's Degree from Emporia

State, and retired after a teaching career of 35 years.

Throughout his teaching career, he spent summers as a Ranger Naturalist in Yosemite

and Rocky Mountain National Parks, serving as an instructor for the National Outdoor

Leadership School, and ornithologist for the Audubon Camp of Connecticut. His

family accompanied him on these adventures, always enjoying the time together as a

family and learning from John an appreciation for wildlife and the great outdoors.

John's greatest love was for his Lord Jesus Christ, whose word and power he

never failed to share. He grew up in a Christian home. His father, Charles Colyn, was

Pastor of the Salem Church, northwest of Lenox, during his childhood days. He was a kind

and gentle man who was never without a smile. He never forgot his ties to the Lenox area,

attending many Lenox Alumni banquets.

Services for John L. Colyn were held Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at the Northridge Church,

Sabetha, KS, Officiating pastors were: Charlie Robinson and Pastor Ray Talbot.

His children planned his service and had a power point visual using the song "A Good

Man" written by Emerson Drive, which went along with many phases of John's life.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 3, 2006

Eller, Patricia Cole -

Patricia (Cole) Eller, age 63, passed away at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines,

Sunday, March 5, 2006. No formal services are planned.

She was born in Los Angeles, CA., the daughter of Kenneth and Ida Mae Cole.

She married James (Jiggs) Eller, October 8, 1961 in Miami, OK.

She moved to Winterset, IA. eight months ago to be near her family during her

illness.

She worked for Knowles Publishing Company in Ft. Worth, TX. for 18 years.

She is survived by her husband, James, of Winterset; three sons, Jim and Michael of

Winterset and John of Ft; Worth, TX.; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Also two brothers and one sister survive.

[Born 1 Apr 1942]

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 5, 2006

Green, Elizabeth Tatro -

Funeral services for Elizabeth Green who passed away at her home on April 14, 2006

were held Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning with

Father Tan Iran officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Corning.

Memorial may be directed to Alegent Health Hospice and/or St. Patricks Catholic

Church. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family Funeral Service of Corning was in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth Green was born January 1, 1930 in Willowdale, Kansas the daughter of Henry

Walter Tatro and Catherine Rhodantha Schonlau. On July 21, 1949 she was united in

marriage to Levi Everett Green at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Mound, Kansas.

Elizabeth was a homemaker and farm wife for many years. After moving to Corning

she worked for Home Alone, providing companion care. She was a member of

the St. Patrick Catholic Church and Altar Society.

Survivors include: husband, Levi Green, Corning; daughter, Anne Gard, Corning;

sons: Walter Green, Council Bluffs; Bill (Donna) Green, Wasilla, Alaska; John (Karma)

Green, Corning; Jim (Karen) Green, Bedford; David Green (friend Amy) Columbia, MO;

daughter, Nancy (Delbert) Heim, Lenox; 26 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren;

brother Mark (Betty) Tatro, Villisca; sisters: Pauline Strand, Abilene, KS; Patricia

Kasha, Villisca; sister-in-law, Opal Click, Mesa, AZ; many nieces, nephews and

other relatives.

Preceded in death by parents; son-in-law Leo Gard; brothers Jerry and Bill Tatro;

half sisters Catherine Don Dracek and Mary Williams; half brothers Ivo and Gene

Click; brothers-in-law Ralph Strand and V.J. Kasha.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 19, 2006

Lock, Glen Ivan -

Memorial graveside services for Glen Lock, age 89 of Hopkins, Missouri formerly

of Gravity, who died Sunday, April 23, 2006 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center

were held Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at Washington Cemetery in

Gravity with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post

officiating. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American

Legion Post No. 164 and the Gravity American Legion Post No. 578. Memorials can be

given in Glen's name. Please leave a message of tribute to the Lock family on our web

page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted

to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Glen Ivan Lock, the son of John Edward and Nellie Mae Sullivan Lock, was born

December 4, 1916 in Adams County. They moved to Taylor County shortly afterwards,

Glen attended first grade in Lenox, later moving with his parents and younger brother,

Kenneth, to Gravity. He was united in marriage to Wilma May Fudge on June 4, 1934.

Glen was a licensed barber, and he and his father operated a shop in Gravity. In

1936 they moved to Chadron, Nebraska. Glen worked as a night clerk at the Elaine Hotel.

He later got a job working for an elevator. Their daughter, Glenna Mae, was born there

May 23, 1937. They moved back to Gravity in 1938. Glen worked on a bridge crew for

three years. A son, Lee Roy (Buzz), was born March 3, 1940 in Gravity. He later went

to work for Taylor County, running a maintainer. In 1942 the family moved to Cedar

Rapids, Iowa where Glen was employed at Quaker Oats. On August 6, of that year a son,

Larry Lynn, was born. Glen went into the Armed Services in World War II in July of

1945. After serving 17 months he returned to Gravity. A son, Stephen Edward, was

born September 16, 1948 at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Their youngest son, Dennis

Wilbur, was born March 26, 1952 at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Iowa.

Besides barbering, Glen operated a filling station and a pool hall They also helped Ed

and Nellie run the New Era Cafe. Glen also worked as a bus driver for the Gravity

school for ten years. In 1970 he went to work on the construction of the power

plants at Brownsville, Nebraska and Nebraska City, Nebraska, staying there until

his retirement.

After retirement he went to work as a groundskeeper at the Lake of Three Fires

in Bedford. Glen really enjoyed the outdoors.

Left to cherish his memories are Glenna Mae Weed of Bedford, Iowa; Larry Lock

of Clearfield, Iowa; Denny and wife; Myra of Bedford, Iowa; Brother-in-law Kenneth

Fudge of Creston, and sister-in-law Marjorie Lock of Clarinda. Seventeen grandchildren,

thirty-four great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, a niece and nephew

and several step grandchildren.

Preceding Glen in death were his parents Josh Edward and Nellie; Lock; his wife

Wilma; a brother Kenneth; two sons, Lee Roy (Buzz) and Stephen (Steve), a

granddaughter Marla Mae Weed; a son-in-law Maryen Weed; a sister-in-law Bernice Fudge,

and a great granddaughter Ashley Nally.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 3, 2006

Martin, Willis Everett -

Willis Everett Martin, 87, passed away on April 15, 2006 at Fontanelle's Good

Samaritan Center, his home for the past year. His many health problems

gradually caused his body to shut down.

Willis was born on February 13, 1919, at his home in Adair County, Iowa, to

parents William Claude Martin and Grace Ilo (Perry) Martin. He was one of

five children and was preceded in death by both parents, infant sister, Ina

Grace, brother, Max, and sister, Marcia Jean Cornell.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; brother, Leon, from Greenfield;

all four of his children Vicky Garrett (Roger) from Des Moines;

Bill Martin (Connie) from Greenfield; Denise Martin from Pleasant Hill;

Jeanine Montgomery (Ed) from Maitland, Mo.; eight grandchildren,

Jeff (Patty), Marty (Kris), and Scott (Beth) Garrett; Jason Martin and

Amanda Reese; Joah Hogan (Meagan); Sonya and Janina Hargin; and 14

great grandchildren.

Memorial services were held Saturday, April 22 at the United Methodist

Church in Greenfield. Military interment was in the Greenfield Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 26, 2006

Martindale, Lola Gertrude Cheese -

Lola Gertrude Martindale, age 93, of Maryville, MO., (formerly of Clarinda, IA.)

died March 24, 2006, at Village Care Center, Maryville.

She was born June 26, 1912 in Denver, CO., the daughter of Harry and Florence

(Rupf) Cheese.

She was a 1930 graduate of Lenox High School, Lenox, IA. Mrs. Martindale received

an RN degree from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Des Moines, IA.

She married James Dale Martindale, February 9, 1936, in Lenox, IA.

Lola was a nurse at the State Hospital in Clarinda, IA for 35 years and taught classes

for other nurses while there.

She was preceded in death by her husband, December 3, 1987; her parents; a sister,

Marion Shaw and two brothers, Ray and Hal Cheese.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Roland Barmann, Maryville, MO.;

three grandchildren: Tony and Avie Barmann, Scott City, KS., Susan and Mike Hartman,

Coralville, IA; Nick and Cherlyn Barmann, Maryville, MO; six great-grandchildren:

Ryan and Kent Barmann, Dana and Matthew Hartman, Dexter and Austin Barmann.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2006, at St, Gregory

Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville. Burial was at St, Mary's Cemetery, Maryville, MO.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 12, 2006

Matheny, Bernice Opal Yocum -

Funeral Services for Bernice Matheny, age 78 of Bedford who died Monday, March

20, 2006 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Friday, March 24,

2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in

the Platteville Cemetery. Memorials can be given in Bernice's name. Please leave

a message of tribute to the Matheny family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.

com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home

of Bedford.

Bernice Opal (Yocum) Matheny was born June 9, 1927, in Elmira, Nebraska the

daughter of Fred Yocum and Alice (Rittenhouse) Yocum. She grew up in the Elmira and

Taylor, Nebraska areas graduating from the Taylor High School with the Class of

1943. At the age of 16, during World War II, she worked at the Grand Island Ordinance

Plant making ammunition. During this time Bernice married and had two children.

She later met Paul Matheny playing shuffle board, and on November 14, 1952, the

couple were united in marriage in Clay Center, Nebraska.

Together they resided in Hastings, Nebraska and in 1957 the family moved to

California. In 1966, the moved to Clearfield, Iowa so Paul could help his father. Bernice

and Paul lived in Clearfield where they raised their family, moving to Bedford eight years

ago. In 2002, Bernice's health declined and she entered the Bedford Nursing & Rehab

Center where Paul lovingly visited her daily.

Bernice loved to dance and enjoyed teaching most of her kids to dance as well. She

and Paul did some square dancing, which Paul enjoyed but Bernice did not. She

always said she enjoyed music with 'a little more zip to it!' She loved all sports and was a

huge Nebraska fan from way back. Bernice had a very 'flesty' personality and a zest

for life. She loved being around people and was involved with her kids and their

friends, helping them with their problems and being involved in their lives. Bernice was a

'big hearted woman' who 'always had room for another' to help. Her family was everything

to her. She always seemed able to put other people's needs above her own, but was always

loving and supporting in all of their activities. Bernice attended the First Baptist Church in

Bedford and was a member of the Bedford American Legion Auxiliary.

Left to cherish Bernice's memory are her loving husband of 54 years, Paul Matheny of

Bedford; six children, Mike Crosier and wife Kathy of LeMoore, California; Patty Orndoff and

husband John of Maine; Joel Matheny and wife Marcia of Brighton, Colorado; Jim Matheny

and wife Sheila of Bedford; Jerolyn Weese and husband Mike of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and

Jeffery Matheny and Patty Wegner of Council Bluffs, Iowa; nineteen grandchildren; ten great

grandchildren and many friends.

Preceding Bernice in death are her parents Fred and Alice Yocum; a son Randy at

infancy; a son Jay Matheny in 1997; a brother, Stanley Yocum and a sister, Dorothy Van Diest.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 29, 2006

McConnell, Margaret Louise Parcher -

Funeral services for Margaret McConnell, age 84 of Corning, who died Saturday,

April 22, 2006, at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska were held Thursday,

April 27, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home in Corning with

Reverend Andy Rubenking officiating. Interment was held in the Nodaway

Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Alegent Health Center or Corning United

Methodist Church. Please leave a message of tribute to the McConnell family on our

web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were

entrusted to Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Margaret Louise (Parcher) McConnell was born April 9, 1922, in Nodaway, Iowa the

daughter of Charles Frederick Parcher and Beulah Bernice (Brown) Parcher. She grew

up in Adams and Montgomery counties attending school and graduating from the Corning

High School with the Class of 1940. After graduation, she moved with her family to

Cumberland, where she met Max McConnell. The couple was united in marriage on

February 23, 1941, in Cumberland. After their marriage Max, who was in the

National Guard, was sent to Louisiana for a year. After his return, they moved to Corning

where Margaret enjoyed staying at home to raise their two daughters Marsha and

Michele. When the girls were older, she went to work at the Farmer's Co-op Creamery for

a time before going to work at Rosary Hospital. She enjoyed her position at the hospital for

over 32 years, retiring in 1994.

In 1999, Max passed away.

Margaret was a member of the Corning United Methodist Church. She was a devoted

daughter, wife and mother who always kept everything in its place. Always putting other

people's needs above her own, Margaret enjoyed caring for other people. She enjoyed

going for car rides and is one of the few women who truly enjoyed ironing! Margaret enjoyed

living in the Corning Community and spending time with her family was Always something

she looked forward to.

Left to cherish Margaret's memory are her two daughters, Marsha Rasmussen

and husband Frank of Ankeny; and Michele Andersen and husband Larry of

Kirkman; a brother, Dale Parcher and wife Dolores of Corning, six grandchildren and

eleven great-grandchildren.

Preceding Margaret in death were her parents Charles (Fred) and Beulah

Parcher; her husband Max McConnell in 1999; and a brother, Leroy Parcher.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday May 3, 2006

Moore, James Arthur -

Funeral Services for Arthur Moore, age 91 of Bedford who died Monday, April 17, 2006 at

Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning were held Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at

the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Ambulance. Please leave a message of tribute to the

Moore family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneral-home.com under Obituaries.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

James Arthur Moore was born July 30, 1914 on a farm five miles northwest of Maryville, Missouri

to Charles A. Moore and Nora Mabel (Lock) Moore. When he was three years old the family

moved to the High Prairie School District west of Bedford. He grew up there attending the

local schools. He worked for various farmers and spent one winter in the CC Camp in Shenandoah

and another six months in Clarinda. On August 8, 1938, he was united in marriage to Zorah

Jones in Bedford, Iowa. Together they rented a couple of farms before purchasing a farm three

miles east of the Lake of Three Fires. This was to be their home for 38 years. One of the

highlights of Arthur's early years was when he soloed in the Veronica Airplane at the Bedford

Airport.

After Arthur and Zorah sold the family farm they moved to 807 Illinois in Bedford where they

enjoyed several years of retirement before Art lost both legs due to aneurysms. One of their

neighbors was quoted on saying, "Arthur always made the best of a bad situation."

Left to cherish Arthur's memory are his loving wife of over 68 years, Zorah Moore of Bedford;

a daughter, Rebecca Mick and husband Roger of Bedford; a son, Richard J. Moore of Hopkins,

Missouri; and a daughter Ramona Parman and husband Gary of Whittemore, Iowa; grandchildren,

Rick and Verna Moore of Independence, Missouri; Lisha Moore of Trimble, Missouri; Larry and

Connie Mick of Omaha, Nebraska; Ty and Gary Lischer of Bedford; Quentin and Sharon Dalton

of Sharpsburg; Nicky and Rob Brammer of Clarinda and Trisha and Jared Mains of Greenfield;

four step grandchildren, one of the step-granddaughters is Sandi Lawson, who was raised with

the other grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; and

one great-great-granddaughter, a sister, Clarabelle Niven of Twin Falls, Idaho; arid a niece

Karen Graham and husband Bill of 100 Mile House, British Columbia, Canada.

Preceding Art in death were his parents, Charles and Nora Moore; a brother Kenneth Moore;

a daughter-in-law, Kathy Moore and a nephew Ramon Moore.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 26, 2006

Potts, Willis Ray -

Willis Ray Potts was born February 7, 1943 in Clarinda, Iowa. He passed away March

21, 2006 at Westridge Quality Care in Clarinda, Iowa. Willis graduated from New Market

High School. Willis loved working on the farm and his tractor. He looked forward to

his daily time with God and His Word. Willis also enjoyed attending church and going on

mission trips. He was known for his strong work ethic and enjoyed spending time with his

family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Wilma Potts and brother Keith

Edwin Potts. He is survived by brothers: Ronald Potts, Mount Holly, North Carolina;

Herman Potts, Glenwood, Iowa; Floyd Thomas Jr., Clarinda, Iowa; son Ryan

Potts, Braddyville, Iowa; daughters Tina Scroggie and husband Gary, New Market

and Kami Potts, Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren Catrina Carlson, Iowa City,

Iowa; Sasha Carlson, New Market, Iowa; Collette Carlson, New Market, Iowa;

Colton Potts, New Market, Iowa; Chay Potts, New Market, Iowa; other relatives

and friends.

Memorial services were held Saturday, March 25, 2006 at New Market Church of Christ

with Rev. Russ Clark officiating. A memorial fund is being established. Eickemeyer

Funeral Chapel of Clarinda was in charge of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 29, 2006