Mattes, Mary Louise Trivelpiece -
Memorial services for Mary Mattes, age 90 of Bedford who died Thursday,
December 21, 2006 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center were held Wednesday,
December 27, 20Q6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment
of ashes was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. In lieu of flowers the
family requests memorials be given in Mary's name. Memories can be shared with
the family on our web site at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Mary Louise (Trivelpiece) Mattes was born September 23, 1916 in Frontier
County, Nebraska the daughter of Charles Draper Trivelpiece and Edna (Adams)
Trivelpiece. She grew up in the Nebraska City area, moving to the Riverton area
where she attended rural schools. She attended Normal Training Classes at Thomas
Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs while working as a housekeeper. Her
mother's health caused her to move back to Hamburg where she graduated from high
school. In the summer she attended Peru State College and UNI. She returned to the
Hamburg area where she taught at area schools. She met Adolph Mattes through a
church youth group, and they corresponded with each other during World War II
when he returned from the war, the courtship started and the couple were united
in marriage oh June 30, 1946 in Hamburg.
The couple farmed south of Sidney until they had an opportunity to be near
Adolph's brother to farm, so they moved to Taylor County where they rented Irvie
Cade's farm, later they moved to the Mercer Center area. They purchased a farm and
moved just outside of Bedford in February of 1960. Together Adolph and Mary enjoyed
the lifestyle that living on a farm provided them to raise their children.
In 1988, Adolph passed away. Mary continued to stay on the family farm for
another year before moving into the Bedford Community.
Mary was a member of the United Methodist Church for many years where she was
active with the UMW. She had also been a member of the Republican Women; Farm
Bureau and several neighborhood clubs. Mary was always very in tune with political
events and current news. Education had always been very important to her and
she enjoyed being a part of her children and grandchildren's lives. Always an active
person, Mary kept herself busy in the community and with her family. She had a
very close relationship with her sister Eulalie Hodde and her sister-in-law, Marie
Richards.
Left to cherish Mary's memory are her three children, Karen Mattes of Bedford;
Deb Houchin and husband Norm of Gravity; and Stan Mattes and wife Joan of
Bedford; a sister-in-law Mildred Trivelpiece of California; five grandchildren
and one great-grandchild; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Preceding Mary in death are her parents; her loving husband Adolph; three
brothers, Don, Leo and Joe Trivelpiece; and five sisters, Esther Carr, Vivian Leslie,
Margaret Beasley, Eulalie Hodde and Cleo Bowen.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 3, 2007
Miller, Wilma Wyleen Peterman -
Wilma Wyleen (Peterman) Miller was born September 24, 1919 to Jacob Elmo
Peterman and Jessie G. (Thompson) Peterman in rural Page County, Iowa. She
attended rural schools through the eighth grade and attended high school in New
Market, Iowa, where she graduated in 1937. After graduating from high school,
she taught in rural schools. Wyleen was married to Charles Irvin Miller July 24,
1939. To this loving union were born two children, Brenda Joyce and James Irvin.
Wyleen and Irvin lived primarily in the Guss and New Market area and farmed for
several years. They were long-time members of the New Market Methodist
Church and were very active in serving our Lord and their fellow man. After
farming, they owned and operated a Wayne feed store in New Market for over
twenty years. Wyleen was always active helping on the farm and working in the feed
store. She was knowledgeable in all areas of farming. When in the feed store, she knew
what the feed requirements were for each kind of livestock, what antibiotics might be
required, and could answer any questions a customer might have. Farmers who needed
help in the hayfield would call Wyleen and she would have a list of young men who were
available. Wyleen and Irvin also provided part time employment for a lot of high
school kids. Miller Feed and Milling was one of the top ten in volume for Wayne feed
dealers. There was never a job Wyleen would hesitate to do, whether it was shingling a
house, painting, papering, moving bales of hay, unloading feed or whatever. One of the
employees at the feed store stated Wyleen would never ask them to do anything she
wouldn't do herself. She was always willing to help anyone, whether it be financially or
giving of her time. The Millers always showed concern for people by sending flowers and
taking food in times of need. They spent many happy hours square dancing. Christmas at
the Miller's was something that the children and grandchildren will never forget,
with the generous gifts they gave, as well as all of the delicious food. I'm sure
everyone remembers the Christmas letters with pictures of family and friends. Wyleen
did a lot of knitting in her spare time and gave away many sweaters, coats, mitten,
scarves, afghans, and other knitted creations.
Wyleen is survived by her children, Brenda Williams and husband Don, Clarinda, IA;
Jim Miller and wife Connie, Truro, IA: sister, Violet Smith, Gilbert, AZ; sisters-in-law
Thelma Slump, Pueblo, CO; Elaine Polk, Abilene, TX; and Betty Cooper and husband
John, Bullhead City, AZ. She is also survived by four grandchildren and eight great
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant sister, brother
Jacob Elmo Peterman Jr., two infant granddaughters, and great grandson.
She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 28, 2006 at Eickemeyer Funeral
Chapel in Clarinda with Pastors Dan Wiebeseik and Bob Smith officiating. Burial
was at Memory Cemetery, New Market. Memorial fund is being established.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 3, 2007
Pine, Mabel Gripp -
Funeral services for Mabel Pine, age 99 of Creston, formerly of Kent were held
Saturday, December 23, 2006 at Stringtown Community Church. Pastor Dan Good
officiated the service. Burial took place in the Hopeville, Cemetery in Hopeville,
Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Stringtown Community Church, Pleasant
Valley Church, Lenox Community Schools and/or Lenox Library. Coen Beaty
Pearson Family Funeral Service of Lenox was in charge of arrangements.
Mabel Pine was born June 11, 1907 at Pleasant Township in Union County, Iowa
near Thayer the daughter of Delbert Dudley Gripp and Grace Etta Shaw. She
graduated from Thayer High School in 1924 and then attended Drake University
for two years. On December 25, 1931 she was united in marriage to Alan L.
Pine in Galesburg, IL.
Mabel lived in the Kent area most of her life. She was a rural school teacher
and also taught in Diagonal, Lenox and Murray. Mabel also taught as a substitute
teacher in Lenox for many years. Mabel and Alan farmed west of Kent for
many years.
She was a long time member of the Stringtown Community Church, very active
in the church and community. Mabel was the church organist for many years and
served on many boards, quilted and taught Sunday School. Mabel was a member of
the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mabel is survived by niece Sandra Harris, Creston; nephews Fred (Robin) Maharry,
Alta, IA, Grady Maharry, Lenox, IA, Robert Walker, Brush, CO and several great
nieces, and nephews and other relatives.
She is preceded in death by her husband Alan in 1978; sister, Lucille Maharry; brother,
William Gripp; sister-in-law Helen; nephew Dr. Dan Harris; and her niece Mary Walker.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 27, 2006
Risser, Mary Garland Swaim -
Mary Garland Risser was born September 25, 1920 to Floyd and Laneta (Coleman)
Swaim in Taylor County, south of Bedford, Iowa. She attended county school and
high school in Bedford, Iowa. Mary taught the same country school she attended
as a child.
On July 5, 1939 she was united in marriage to Leland Dean Risser at Plattsmouth,
Nebraska. They started farming south of Bedford, Iowa. In 1945 they left the
farm when Dean was inducted in the Navy. Mary went with Dean and lived in Kenasha,
Wisconsin, while Dean was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base. On his discharge
they returned to Bedford and later to Diagonal where they were in the hatchery business.
Later her husband, Dean worked as a postal carrier out of Diagonal Post Office and
Mary was a substitute.
When her husband, Dean passed away she began working as a cook at the Diagonal
School. She worked there for 18 years. She also helped in the concession stand at
the school for a number of years.
She was a Past Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge of Diagonal; a 50 year member
of the Eastern Star and a 50 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary of
Diagonal. She held most of the offices in the Auxiliary. For 15 years she worked
for the March of Dimes.
Mary had two sons, Robert Ronnie, November 20, 1941 who died at birth and
Robert Joe born June 24, 1951.
Proceeded in death by her parents, her brother, Joe Swaim, wife Irene, and one
nephew, Marvin Swaim.
She is survived by her son Robert Joe and wife, Kay of Murray, Iowa and two
grandchildren, Courtney of Oak Island, North Carolina and granddaughter, Lori and
husband Kevin Pitz of Farley, Iowa.
Services were held Saturday, December 16, 2006 at the United Church of
Diagonal in Diagonal, Iowa, with burial at Hopkins Cemetery in Hopkins, Missouri.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 3, 2007
Sturm, Cleo Leon -
Private graveside family services for Cleo Sturm, age 87, of the Clearfield/Lenox
area, who died Friday, December 15, 2006 at Clearview Home in Clearfield were held
Monday, December 18, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox
with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250. Public
visitation was held Sunday at the Ritchie Funeral Home from 4 to 8 with the
family greeting friends from 7 to 8- Memorials can be directed to the Lenox
American Legion. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at
www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the
Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
Cleo Leon Sturm was born December 18, 1918, on a farm near Sharpsburg, Iowa the
son of Arthur Sturm and Ethel May (Leonard) Sturm. He grew up attending school in
Sharpsburg, graduating with the Class of 1936. After graduation he went to work
for the Sheridan Egg & Cream Company. On April 5, 1941, he was united in marriage
to Alfreda Reynolds in Albany, Missouri. In 1944, Cleo joined the United States Navy
serving in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II. After his discharge, he
returned home to farm. The couple purchased a farm between Lenox and Clearfield
in the early 1950's. Cleo also worked as a part-time United States Postal Carrier
for over thirty years. In March of 1981 they sold their farm equipment and moved
to Lenox where Cleo worked full-time as a mail carrier for few years.
His wife Alfreda passed away in 1986. Declining health forced Cleo to enter the Lenox
Care Center in January in 2004 moving to the Clearview Home in 2005.
Cleo was a member of the Lenox Christian Church; the Noble Masonic Lodge A.F. &
A.M. of Clearfield; the Clearfield Lion's Club; the Parkinson American Legion
Post No. 250; he was a thirty year member of the National Rural Letter Carrier's
Association; and was also a member of the M.F.A. Cleo and Alfreda traveled for
several years after retirement spending time in the south during the winter. He also
enjoyed going to auctions, he often said "He had made so many good deals, he almost
went broke!"
Left to cherish Cleo's memory are his three sons, Dave of Greene, Iowa; Dale
of Fargo, North Dakota; and Duane and wife Reasa of Clarinda; a sister, Leona
Minnick and husband Homer of Kent; fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren;
along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Preceding Cleo in death are his parents; his wife Alfreda in 1986; a son Dennis
in 1978; a brother Orlo; and one great-grandson.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 27, 2006
Swartz, Eugene -
Funeral services for Eugene Swartz, age 88, of Lenox, who died Saturday, December
16, 2006, at the Clearview Home in Clearfield were held Tuesday, December
19, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. Interment with
military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 were held in the
North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed the Adams County 4-H
in memory of Gene & Ed Swartz. Please leave a message of tribute to the Swartz
family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements
were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
Eugene Swartz was the son of George Swartz and Cora (Riley) Swartz. He was
born on October 26, 1918, on the family farm in Grant Township, Adams County,
Iowa. He was still living an active life on the farm until he passed away from
complications of a stroke at the Clearview Home in Clearfield.
Gene attended rural school at Grant No. 6 through the eighth grade. He
graduated from Lenox High School with the Class of 1936 and then attended Iowa
State University for a year and a half, before returning to the family farm.
On October 19, 1943, he was united in marriage to Estella Cooper at
the Corning Methodist Parsonage. The couple felt closeness to God in their living
on the farm and being stewards of God's land. Two children were born to bless this
union, Edward and Florence.
Gene entered the United States Army in October of 1944, serving in the Infantry
of the Occupational Army in Japan. When he returned home, he was greeted by his
wife and their 15-month old son whom he had never seen. Gene and his family enjoyed
outdoor activities and the farm life. He was active with both children in 4-H, music and
encouraged them on other projects, such as the restoration of a Model-A Ford car.
Education for his children was very important to him with both Ed and Florence
graduating from Iowa State University.
Gene was a dedicated conservationist having served as a Soil Commissioner in
Adams County for many years. He and his father were among the earliest farmers to
have a 'farm plan' promoting soil and water conservation by implementing contour planting,
terracing, grass waterways and establishing watersheds on God's land. He was proud
to have helped in the planning and building of the Lake Icaria Recreation Area near
Corning. He also served as State President for the Iowa District Commissioners. He
was also active in the Backyard Flower Conservation Team; the Old Tyme Power Tractor
Club; a thirty-year member of the International Edsel Club of Iowa; a leader and supporter
of the 4-H Clubs and the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 in Lenox. Gene
was a great volunteer in the National Parks and Forest Bureau of Land Management,
Fish and Wildlife. He was also involved in the Heifer Project International offering many
new experiences and opportunities for the farmer retiree. He felt blessed to
have had faith in God without fear.
In 1985, Gene suggested to Estella they become fulltime RV'ers for a year to explore
the beautiful United States of America. The changing weather and scenery of the deserts,
mountaintops, canyons, plains and lakes. They also enjoyed backpacking and hiking.
These new experiences and style of living gave them a wonderful peace of mind.
What was to be a 'one year adventure' ended up lasting twelve and a half years!
Left to cherish Gene's memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Estella of Lenox;
daughter Florence Jackson and husband Les of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; grandson
Todd Jackson and wife Liz and their daughter Cassady of North Liberty, Iowa;
granddaughter Becky Sonmore and husband Scott and their sons Derek and
Dylan of Elaine, Minnesota.
Preceding Gene in death were his parents; a sister Ila Ramsey; and a son Edward.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 27, 2006
Williams, Kevin R -
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 20, 2007, at Coen-Beaty-Pearson
Family Funeral Home in Lenox, Iowa. Inurnment will be held at a later date at
Fairview Cemetery.
Kevin R. Williams, age 43 of Omaha, passed away January 16, 2007 at Clarkson
Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska due to complications from renal failure. Kevin graduated
from Benson High School, and attended UNO and UNL. He was a long time Husker fan.
He will be missed by many.
Kevin was preceded in death by Grandfathers, Melvin Williams and Ralph Starry and
Aunt Dorothy Stoaks.
He is survived by his parents, Bill and Nancy (Starry) Williams of Omaha,
Nebraska, formerly of Lenox and Creston, Iowa area; grandmothers, Bertha
Williams, Lenox, Iowa and Mary Starry, Creston, Iowa.
Also surviving are numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and very close friends.
Memorials may be left to the family of Kevin R. Williams.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 24, 2007 |