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

Anderson, Raymond Lee -

Funeral Services for Ray Anderson, age 77 of Bedford who died Friday, December 8,

2006 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Monday, December 11, 2006

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

Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be directed to the Nazarene

Church Building Fund. Memories can be shared with the family on our web site at

www.ritchiefuneraihprne.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the

Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Raymond Lee Anderson was born December 24, 1928 in Cuba, Kansas the son of

Edward Anderson and Frieda (Gilmore) Anderson. He grew up in Cuba, Kansas attending

rural schools and then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to work, later settling in Omaha. He

met Marian Eggers and they dated for one month and were united in marriage. In 1952,

Ray was drafted into the United States Army. Upon his discharge, the couple

purchased a farm and moved to the Glenwood area. Ray continued farming and

trucking for his brother's business Anderson Excavating. In 1975, the family moved

to a farm southeast of Bedford. In 1988, Marian passed away and in August of 1990,

Ray was united in marriage to Nancy Coulter.

Ray was a member of the Gravity Church of the Nazarene where he enjoyed

attending Sunday services each week. Ray loved to farm, he simply enjoyed

everything about his farming operation. He enjoyed country music and went to the

Towncreek Oprey in Stanberry, Missouri and also to Ravenwood every Friday

night. Together he and Nancy would enjoy traveling to Branson, Missouri every year

to attend shows. The couple enjoyed spending time together, traveling to Hawaii

and Cabo San Lucas and even Alaska!

Left to cherish Ray's memory are his wife Nancy Anderson of Bedford; two

sons, David Anderson of Bedford; and Tim Anderson and wife Vicky of Urbandale;

a step-son, James Reed of Davenport; three stepdaughters, Nancy Ingalls and

husband Larry of College Springs; Judy Tate of Colona, Illinois; and Linda Meirhaeghe

and husband Joe of Orion, Illinois; a brother Virgil Anderson and wife Virginia of

Council Bluffs; a sister Patty Jones and husband Leroy of Chester, Nebraska; eleven

grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Preceding Ray in death are his parents, Ed and Frieda Anderson; his first wife,

Marian in 1988; and two brothers, Millard and Keith Anderson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 13, 2006

 

Bell, Delpha -

Our beloved mother, Delpha Bell, one month shy of age 102, born Feb. 12, 1905,

died January 11, 2007. Born in Taylor County, Iowa, resident of Green Valley, AZ

for 15 years. Predeceased by husband of almost 70 years, Martin Elwood Bell, son Gary

and her sisters, Gladys and Sylvia. Survived by sons, Ronald Dean and Martin

Doyle of Green Valley, and Gerald Duane (Constance) of Minnesota and Green Valley.

Also survived by grandsons, Kirk and Scott, (Crystal), 4 step-grandchildren, 3 great

grandsons, 10 step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Delpha was a loving, compassionate, positive and hard working person. She

was very intelligent and believed strongly in education. She was born and raised on a

farm near Lenox in southwestern Iowa. She and her sister, Sylvia, went to high

school by horse and buggy. She taught in a one room school before marrying. After

moving to Des Moines in 1946, she worked as a school cook, a seamstress and did clerical

work for Look Magazine. She was active in her church and the Eastern Star where she

was Worthy Matron. She and her husband moved to Santa Rosa and then Vacaville, CA

in 1981 and to Green Valley in 1991 where she lived with Ron and Doyle.

Delpha contributed her extraordinary longevity to walking. A private service in

Green Valley is pending. A graveside service will be held later at the Clearfield, Iowa

cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested payable to Lenox, IA Public

Schools for a new playground. Donations may be sent to Ron Bell, 2783 S. Placita Rustica,

Green Valley, AZ 85614.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 24, 2007

 

Brinker, Thelma G Brown -

Thelma G Brown Brinker, age 83, of Pemberville, OH passed away on Thursday

evening, November 23, 2006 at Otterbein-Portage Valley Retirement Village,

Pemberville, OH. She was born February 15, 1923 in Witty, MO to, Virgil and Mary

(Doran) Brown. Thelma graduated from Lenox High School, and taught at Clearfield

Iowa Grade School. Thelma obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Bowling Green

State University and her Master's Degree from Easter Michigan University. She

was employed for 29 years at Lake Local School District as a 4th and 5th grade

teacher.

Thelma was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Luckey, OH, women of the

church and Esther Circle. Other memberships include the National and Ohio Education

Association, Wood County Retired Teachers, Luckey Senior Citizens, Oregon AARP,

Luckey Farm Council, Pemberville Farm Council, Mental Culture Club of Pemberville

and Pemberville Historical Society. Thelma was an avid gardener and over the years

has won many awards at both the Pemberville Free Fair and Wood County Fair for her

table arrangements.

Thelma is survived by daughter Fareal (Jack) Gause of Holland, OH; sons, James

(Leslie) Brinker of Pemberville, OH, Carlton (Susan) Brinker of Luckey, OH; six

grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; sister, Wilma Brown Boswell of Lenox,

IA; sisters-in-law, Ellen Grace Brown of Prescott, IA; Berniece Brown of Lenox, IA;

Lillian Brown of Lenox, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Austin Brown of

Prescott, IA, Delman Brown of Lenox, IA, Darrel Brown of Lenox, IA and Roscoe

Brown of Lenox, IA; one sister, Lorene, who died in infancy.

Funeral Services were held November 28, 2006 at Grace Lutheran Church,

Luckey, OH. Officiating was Rev. Matthew March. Interment was in the

Pemberville Cemetery, Pemberville, OH.

Those wishing to give memorial contributions may wish to consider Grace

Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Online

condolences may be sent to the family at www.marshfurieralhomes.com.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 20, 2006

 

Garrett, Carl Jacob -

Carl Garrett of Yuba City, CA passed peacefully at his residence on Dec. 4, 2006;

four days shy of his 83rd birthday. He has gone to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ.

Born in Taylor County Iowa, 21 year-old Carl married Wanda Joslyn in 1945

after they "ran off" to Hiawatha Kansas-because they didn't have to wait 3 days

to get the license. Shortly after wards, the newlyweds moved to the Marysville

Yuba City area in Northern California where he spent most of the rest of his life.

He had a variety of occupations; he worked at the Midway Market in Marysville;

he owned a 7-11 Store in Yuba City; he created the Reno/Lake Tahoe District as a

district manager for Southland Corporation; he was a real estate broker in Reno;

and "in retirement" he worked at Warren's Market in Yuba City; He always loved

to hunt and fish and also became an avid golfer. Above all, he was a loving and

beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be sorely

missed by his family.

Survivors include Wanda Garrett, his loving wife of 61 years; sons Steven Garrett

and wife Linda of Reno and Craig Garrett and wife Heather of Yuba City; four

grandchildren: Jon Garrett of San Marcos, CA; Stephanie Davis of Gardnerville,

NV; Michael and Arielle Garrett of Yuba City, CA; and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charley and Pearl Garrett, who area

both buried in Gravity, Iowa, and his brother Carol Garrett. Carl donated his body

to the University of California at Davis School of Medicine.

Donations may be made to Faith Christian schools, PO Box 1690, Yuba City, CA,

95992 or Sutler-North Hospice, 826 Fourth Street, Marysville, CA 95901.

A private celebration of life is planned.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 13, 2006

 

Gay, Darold Dene -

Funeral services for Darold Gay, age 78 of Omaha, formerly of Bedford, who died

Monday, December 18, 2006  in Omaha, Nebraska were held Wednesday, December

20, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Reverend Jerry White

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

Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be

given in his name. Please leave a message of tribute to the Gay family on our web

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

to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Darold Dene Gay was born in Clarinda, Iowa on April 18, 1928, the twin son of

Sherman Gay and Clarbell (Bosley) Gay. He grew up attending school in Clarinda

and in November of 1950 he answered the call to serve his country serving in the Army

National Guard until he was honorably discharged in November of 1952. On

September 23, 1956, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Oxley. The couple just

celebrated their 50lh Wedding Anniversary.

Darold worked for the City of Clarinda and Berry's Seed Company. And while

living there he enjoyed roller skating, working part-time for the Roller Rink. Over the

years, he became a Champion Roller Skater, receiving many pins for his Championships.

The couple later moved to Omaha where he worked for St. Joseph Hospital for thirty

years as a custodian.

Left to cherish Darold's memory are his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara Gay of Omaha,

Neb.; Viva Brandon and husband Roy of Shenandoah; two sons, Robert Gay and wife Sherrie;

and Allen Gay and wife Terri, all of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren and great

grandchildren; a brother of Bettendorf, Iowa; and a sister Ruth of Oklahoma City;

along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Darold in death were his parents Sherman and Clarbell; a twin brother Harold

and other siblings.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 27, 2006

 

Kernen, Doris Pearl Stewart -

Funeral Services for Doris Kernen, age 88 of Bedford who died Wednesday, December 27,

2006 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines were held Saturday, December 30, 2006

at 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Bedford. Interment was held in the

Lexington Cemetery by the Lake of Three Fires north of Bedford. Memorials can be

given in her 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.

Doris Pearl (Stewart) Kernen was born August 13, 1918 in Taylor County, Iowa

the daughter of Franklin Cromwell Stewart and Nettie Centennial (Goff) Stewart.

Doris grew up in rural Taylor County living on various farms with her family and attended

rural schools. She was a cook at Terrel's Boarding Home and later for Lucille's

Restaurant; She met Glenn Kernen when he kept driving around picking her up on rainy

days. He had her schedule down pat. He always had a red apple waiting for her. She

knew then she was going to marry him. The couple was united in marriage on April 20,

1941 in Hiawatha, Kansas. To this loving union two children were born, Glenda Helen Kernen

and Stephen Carl Kernen. She and Glenn lived on the same farm south of the Lake of Three

Fires until 1978 when they moved to Bedford.

Doris was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church; and a charter member of

the victory Club. The Forever Young Club, playing pitch, bowling and golfing were other

interests. She was also a member of the Goodsam's Club; Bedford Saddle Club and

Square Dancing Club. Doris had a good voice and enjoyed singing. When she was young

she received a special scholarship to continue her music education, but she was

needed at home to care for her mother. This was very hard for Doris to turn down as

music was very important to her. Over the years she truly enjoyed being a farmer's wife

.... well .... actually she ran the farm and the Kernen Elevator while Glenn was busy with

the trucking business that went along with it. Together the couple worked side-by-side

for many years on everything they did. Doris also enjoyed tending to her gardens. She

was one of those people who said "everything had its place " and most often "everything

was in its place!" Over the years Doris enjoyed riding motorcycles, flying and boating with

Glenn. Their dancing was a wonderful part of their togetherness. They also enjoyed

listening to gospel, country western and their daughter's music.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Glenda Kernen of Des Moines; a daughter-in-law,

Donna Kernen of Bedford; three grandchildren, Todd Weir; Danny Kernen; and Justin Kernen

and wife Melissa; four great grandchildren, Lance and Lauren Kernen and James and

Michael Weir; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Doris in death are her parents; her loving husband Glenn in 2002; her

son Steve in 1998; two brothers David Alfred and William Stewart; and four

sisters, Ida Mae Sharp, Frances Belle King, Mattie Katherine Lee and Helen Stewart.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 3, 2007

 

Larson, Arthur David -

Arthur David Larson, son of David and Alice (Johnson) Larson, was born on August

4, 1920, in Carrington, North Dakota. He passed away on Monday, December 4, 2006,

at the Garden View Care Center Shenandoah, Iowa, following a brief illness at the

age of 86.

When Art was four years old, his father died and his family moved from North

Dakota to Farnhamville, Iowa, to be near Alice's parents. He attended school in

Farnhamville and graduated from Farnhamville High School in 1939. As a young

man, Art delivered large blocks of ice to local residents for their ice boxes. He

also delivered newspapers and drove a school bus. He later operated the Phillips

66 tank wagon and helped his brother Alex in his gas station.

On July 31, 1955, Art was united in marriage to Patti Sue Trullinger at the First

Christian church in Shenandoah. Following their marriage, they resided in Farnhamville

until they moved to Shenandoah in 1957, where he operated Larson's 66 Station.

Art and Pat and their two daughters, Pam and Penny, moved to Bedford, Iowa in

1968. Art worked at the Bedford Hy-Vee Store until his retirement in 1983. They

returned to Shenandoah, where he and Pat were active in the first Christian church.

Art was also a member of die Shenandoah Rotary Club and in recent years was made

an honorary member. He was also a member of the Bedford Masonic Lodge AF and

AM.

Art loved watching sports and cheered loudly for the Cubs, Bulls and Vikings. He

enjoyed gardening and fixing things. He also looked forward to his daily walk to the

Donut Stop. He dearly loved his grandchildren. He and Pat had fun taking Matt and

Steve on several vacations.

Preceding Art in death were his parents; brother Leonard; sister Emma; son-in-law

Mark Churchill; and mother and father-in-law, Roy and Nina Trullinger. Survivors

include his wife of 51 years. Pat of Shenandoah, IA: two daughters, Pam Hartstack

and her husband Dave of Clarinda, IA; and Penny Billings and her husband Kit of

Shenandoah, IA: five grandchildren, Matt Churchill, Steve Churchill, Beth Hartstack,

Joel Hartstack and Julia Billings; three brothers, Edd Larson of Forest City, IA;

and Alex and Leslie Larson, both of Farnhamville, IA; many nieces and nephews;

other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday,, December 7, 2006 at the First Christian

Church in Shenandoah. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials

are being directed to the Shenandoah First Christian Church or Alzheimer's

Association or to the Shenandoah Rotary Club Scholarship Fund.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 13, 2006

 

Malausky, Michal Matthew -

Micah Matthew Malausky, the son of Matt and Tara (Christensen) Malausky was

delivered stillborn on January 11, 2007 in the Cherokee Regional Medical Center,

Cherokee, Iowa.

Burial will be in Lenox, Iowa, at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at

www.greenwoodfuneral.com.

Survivors include his parents; grandparents, Lynn and Jan Christensen, of

Lenox, Iowa; Dave and Bev Malausky, of Manchester, Iowa; maternal

great-grandparents, Carol Lee and Ray Fisher, of Clearfield, Iowa; Wayne and

Rose Christensen, of Lenox, Iowa; fraternal great-grandmother, Esther Pleggenkuhle, of Sumner, Iowa.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 17, 2007

 

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