Skinner, Merrill Dean - Merrill Dean Skinner was born October 8, 1933 in Shenandoah, Page County, Iowa, the son of William David and Edith Marie (Boone) Skinner. He was the youngest of three siblings. He passed away on Wednesday morning, September 26, 2007 at the Shenandoah Medical Center in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Merrill attended school in Shenandoah and worked in the fields of Lake’s and Mount Arbor Nurseries, a Grocery Store and the Page Theatre. He received a Certificate of Graduation from Moving Picture Theatre Management Institute in 1949. Following graduation from Shenandoah High School in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and reported to Lackland AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas for Basic Training. He then went to Lake Charles, Louisiana. In May of 1952 he was assigned to Lowry AFB, Colorado for Armament Systems Fundamentals and Camera Repair Course and was then a camera repairman on a RB-36 with twenty four cameras. In May of 1953, Merrill was transferred to Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, TDY to Nousseur AFB, French Morocco and Carswell AFB, Texas. In December of 1954, Merrill was called home on an emergency leave due to the serious illness of his father. At that time he had less than six months of active duty left, and he was transferred to Offut AFB, Nebraska. He was then assigned to a Reserve Component to complete eight years of required military service and received an Honorable Discharge in July of 1959.

Merrill was united in marriage to Marvel Jo Ann Lorimor on December 23, 1954, which was the 25th wedding anniversary of the grooms parents. They were married in Red Oak, Iowa, with the groom’s uncle, Rev. H.G. Boone officiating. The groom’s father was terminal with cancer and it was his last wish to see them married. His father passed six months after the wedding. To this union a son was born, David Edward Skinner.

Merrill helped his mother with the Taxi Business until she discontinued the service and moved to Colorado to be near her daughter. He operated a Standard Service Station for a short time and then went to Colorado to seek employment, but returned to Shenandoah to take a Civil Service Test for the United States Postal Service. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1957 and was unable to work for a period of time. He worked for the City Street Department in Shenandoah until he received an appointment with the Postal Service. Merrill retired on December 30, 1988 as Superintendent of Postal Operations, after 32 years of service.

Merrill was a member of the United Methodist Church and served on many Commissions and was an usher for 46 years. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 88 in Shenandoah. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his son David. When David was in school, Merrill would accompany the team to out of town meets. He did some paint by number pictures and spent much time on the computer. He enjoyed gospel music, especially the Gaither Groups. Merrill continued to be in declining health and in October 2005 he was in renal failure requiring dialysis three days a week. At this time, he had to give up most of his activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Alice Mae Thomason; a sister-in-law, Lillian Skinner and a niece, Pamela Dobbs. Survivors include his wife, Marvel of Shenandoah; his son, David and his wife Vickie of Shenandoah; a brother, Willard Skinner of Omaha, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Roy Thomasonof Shenandoah; two nieces, Sue Regnerus and her husband Jack of Shenandoah and Kathy Looper and her husband Chad of Shenandoah; a nephew, Robert Thomason of South Dakota; three step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 1, 2007 at the United Methodist Church in Shenandoah with Rev. James Gubser officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery with military rites accorded by the American Legion Post #88 of Shenandoah. Family visitation was held Sunday evening at Selby-Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. To leave online remembrances and condolences with the family, go to www.selbykirsch.com. The Selby-Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements.

Sloan, Kenneth Atherton - Kenneth Atherton Sloan was born February 22, 1924 in Blanchard, Iowa to Oral “Shoney” Sloan and Lula Atherton Sloan. He passed away late Friday afternoon March 7, 2008 at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Kenneth attended country elementary school at Chicken Bristle School located south of Blanchard. He graduated with the class of 1942 from Blanchard High School. Kenneth farmed and raised livestock in the Blanchard area and northwest Missouri after high school.

On April 18, 1955, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Harlan at the United Methodist Church in Westboro, Missouri. He and Phyllis continued to farm in the Blanchard area until he retired in the late 1980’s. Phyllis continued to work in Shenandoah until the spring of 2004. Kenneth and Phyllis enjoyed living in Blanchard. After Phyllis’ death, Kenneth moved to Gardenview Care Center in October 2006 where many new friendships began.

As any farmer Kenneth watched the seasons change from planting to harvest and never ceased to be amazed at all the new technology after he became a spectator to the business. He and Phyllis loved animals and no dog was ever turned away from their door. Needless to say they had many “favorite” pets over the years. Casey, a long hair Chihuahua was Kenneth’s constant companion after Phyllis’ death. True to his Irish roots, Kenneth loved to talk and especially to share recollections about the early years of growing up in Blanchard.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Phyllis of 49 years. He is survived by his brother Keith and his wife Helen of Blanchard, nieces Kathy Sloan Balster and husband Kennon of Blanchard, Kelly Sloan Lundgren and husband Gerard of Omaha, Nebraska, and 2 great nieces, Jessica Sloan Lundgren, and Jordan Paige Lundgren and fiancé John Harvey all of Omaha.

Memorial Services were held from the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah, Iowa on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Scripture reading was by Kelly Sloan Lundgren. Special songs selected for the service were “Everyone Loves Somebody Some Time” and “You Raise Me Up.” The Eulogy was given by Kathy Sloan Balster. Inurnment was in Blanchard Cemetery in Blanchard, Iowa. Memorials in Kenneth’s name are being directed to the Humane Society.

Smiley, Marjorie B. Searl - Marjorie, second daughter of Blanch (Arnold) Searl and Charles Searl was born on June 11, 1921 at Coin, Iowa. She passed away on August 29, 2009 at 88 years of age. She was one of six children, three boys and three girls. She grew up in Coin, Iowa and loved that town. She was willing to do anything to help the progress of Coin and designed the Centennial Medallion. Coin was a small town, but it had all the freedom for any family and they felt safe and secure in Coin.
Marjorie attended grade school, junior high, and high school in Coin and graduated with the Class of 1939. Her sixth grade teacher, Frances Cadwell Hayner, used her love of the Lord in her classroom and from that point on Marjorie was a faithful follower of the Lord. She enjoyed sports and was on the high school basketball team for four years. Later in life she followed every one of her children’s sports events. She was a cheerleader and lent her musical talents wherever they were needed.
On November 4, 1939 she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Smiley of rural Coin and to this union were born four children; William Gene, Cheryl Colleen and twins, Donald Lee and Dennis Dee.
Marjorie became an expert seamstress and took training at Ames, IA to teach tailoring in Page County. She sang in a trio for the Methodist Church for 40 years with Lois Jean Braymen and Virginia Henderson, who have both gone to meet our Heavenly Father. She was also a soloist and sang for over 1,000 funerals.
Marjorie inherited talents of sign painting and drawing from her father and grandfather Searl. When a teenager, she drew paper dolls for all of the children in Coin and later in life she drew them for her daughter and neighborhood children. She decorated goose and ostrich eggs and was selected to show her eggs at the Governor’s Recreational Workshop in Des Moines. She loved to be around people, always giving of herself and wanting to help others. The most important thing in her life was loving the Lord and praising him in song. She loved her family dearly. In her love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she was like a “mother hen” wanting to draw them all under her wing.
Bill Smiley passed away on June 21, 1977 and in 1986 Marjorie moved to a home on West Street in Shenandoah. With the onset of health problems, she moved to Forest Park Manor in 1996 and enjoyed many friends there. With deteriorating health, she moved to Garden View Care Center in the fall of 2008.
She leaves behind her four children; Gene Smiley and his wife Carol of Waukesha, WI; Cheryl Mankle and husband Richard of Billings, MT; Donald Smiley of Lincoln, NE; and Dennis Smiley also of Lincoln, NE; ten grandchildren; Chris Mankle, Todd Mankle, Leta Mankle Lintern, Sara Smiley-Robbins, Kristina Smiley Cross, Scott Smiley, Mandi Smiley, Zachary Smiley, Shelby Smiley, and Hannah Smiley; fourteen great-grandchildren; Samantha Johnson, Chase Hickey, Eamon Mankle, Liam Mankle, Grace Mankle, Cade Mankle, Sydney Moore, Bayley Moore, Dylan Smiley, Este Smiley, Tatum Smiley, Gwen Smiley, Sofia Lintern, and Nolan Lintern; and a sister Wanda Finlay. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Charles, Richard, and Marion (also known as Bob) and a sister Frances.

Smith, Betty Jean Baker - Betty Smith, formerly of New Market, died on December 30, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. She was 87 years old. Betty Jean Baker was born April 6, 1921 in Des Moines, Iowa. She married Silas Smith on August 24, 1943 and they were married 61 years until his passing on September 13, 2004. Silas was born and raised in New Market.
Betty is survived by her four children: Kay Hilt and Michael Smith of Spokane, Wash., Jeffrey Smith of Glendale, Ariz., Joni Smith of Bennett, Colo.; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on January 27, 2009 in Strasburg, Colorado, which is where Betty lived for the past 5 years in an assisted living facility. Memorials may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America

Smith, Irene Daisy Berringer - Irene Daisy (Berringer) Smith, age 92, of Coin, Iowa passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at her home near Coin, Iowa. Irene Daisy Berringer was born March 4, 1917 near Clarinda, Iowa the daughter of Clyola Clyde and Minnie Maude "Daisy" (Larson) Berringer and was the fourth child of a family of six children.

She was united in marriage to Harrison "Harry" Geroidson Smith on September 15, 1934 in Shenandoah, Iowa. This union was blessed with five children: James I., Marvin C., Galen C., Ilene J., and Arlene J. Irene accepted Jesus as her Savior as a teenager, and she and her husband blessed their children with great memories of a loving, Christian home.

Family and friends were always welcome around her table, for her greatest joy was taking care of others. Irene enjoyed crocheting, dressing dolls, and yard, garden, and farm work. Her husband's favorite compliment was that they were a team that always pulled together so they could go a long way.

Irene's favorite hymn was "What A Friend We Have in Jesus": "What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and grief to bear, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer." This was sung at her services by Jean Nelson with Carol Walters playing the piano. Ilene Miller and Arlene La Follette will sing "If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again" with Gary La Follette on the guitar. Irene was a prayer warrior for the safety, health, and salvation of her children and grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Alfred, Myrl, and Verlin; sisters: May and Gladys; husband: Harry Smith in 1988; and two sons: James in 1936 and Marvin in 2001.

Survivors include her children: Galen Smith of Bentonville, Arkansas; Ilene Miller of Red Oak, Iowa; and Arlene La Follette and husband Gary of Blue Grass, Iowa; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at the Grace Baptist Church in Red Oak, Iowa with Pastor Gary Walters officiating. Visitation with the family was held from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

Memorials are suggested to the Grace Baptist Church. Attending the guest register at services were: Delaina Flynt, Lori Lynn Hinkle, and Kelsey Bentz. Pallbearers were: Galen, Darren and Brenton Smith, Jerry Miller, Tim Bentz, and Ken La Follette. Honorary Pallbearers were: Dean Weiss, Roger Cox, Steve Armstrong, Jan Christensen, Hobart Gant, and Gary La Follette. Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak is in charge of arrangements.

Smith, Jack Lewis - Jack Lewis Smith was born on August 1, 1927 in Riverton, Iowa, the son of Warren E. and Opal E. (Lewis) Smith. Jack entered into eternal peace on November 2, 2009 at Elm Heights Care Center following a brave battle with cancer.
Jack’s early years were spent in the Shenandoah area. Jack attended the Shenandoah Schools and graduated from Shenandoah High School. On June 12, 1946 Jack joined the United States Air Force and served his country as a Sergeant in Korea and Japan during WWII. He was later honorably discharged on November 19, 1947.
On June 14, 1986 Jack was united in marriage to Dorothy Kuper in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The couple made their home in Shenandoah.
Jack owned and operated Smith Standard in Shenandoah for some 47 years. He later worked at Hallett Materials and for Jay Drug until his retirement. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, the American Legion Post #88, and the First United Methodist Church. Some of his interests included spending time with his grandchildren, wife, and dog “Bitsy”. He also had a passion for watching college football, with the Iowa Hawkeye’s being his favorite team. Jack was also known around town for his sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his son Mark Smith, infant daughter Terri Lea Smith, his parents, a sister Joyce, and brothers John Rex, and Warren, Jr.
Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife Dorothy; children, Janet Larabee and husband Craig of Lincoln, NE, Robin Petty and husband Scott of Washington, IA, Gary Cooper and wife Anne of Arlington, SD, and Carol Cooper of Grand Island, NE; grandchildren Tim Smith and wife Traci of Shenandoah, IA, Brian Smith and wife Maggie of Blair, NE, Jacque Buller and husband Ryan, Melissa Krouse and husband Jeremy, Kari Larabee, Scott Larabee all of Lincoln, NE, Jessica Howell and husband T.J. of Washington, IA, Caitlinn Petty of Tennessee, Sara Cooper of Lincoln, NE, Joey Cooper of Kansas City, MO, and Cory Cooper of Lake Norden, SD; great-grandchildren Colton Smith, Hallie Buller, Emily Krouse, and 2 additional on the way.
Jack had many friends and was loved by all who knew him. He had a second family with the employees at Jay Drug. He will be greatly missed.


Memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Medical Center Hospice, Elm Heights Care Center, or The American Legion Post #88.

Smith, Kenneth Eugene - Kenneth Eugene Smith, age 68, the son of Charlie W. and Della E. (White) Smith was born November 21, 1937, at Sidney, Iowa, and passed away October 27, 2006, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Growing up in the Sidney, Tabor, Thurman, Iowa, and Watson, Missouri areas, Kenny received his education by attending Tabor Elementary, Star Country School at Watson, Grandview Country School, and Sidney Elementary graduating from Sidney High School in 1955.
On April 11, 1957, Kenny was united in marriage to Dora Ogden, formerly from Sidney, and to this marriage Janet, Kenny, Jr., twins, Ronald and Donald, and Elizabeth were born. After their marriage they lived in Carolina Beach, North Carolina and various other places as he served in the military.
For twenty years from June 1955 to August 1975, Kenny served his country in the United States Air Force as a missile technician and pilot, retiring as a Master Sergeant. After his retirement from the Air Force he worked at Electro Gas in Syracuse, Nebraska, from 1975 to 1983 and then American Meter Company in Nebraska City, Nebraska, from 1983 to 2000.
Kenny was a member of First Baptist Church in Tarkio, Missouri, and American Legion Post #416 in Blanchard, Iowa. He was known for his craftsmanship in wood working, enjoyed his days of flying, and had a love for horses.
Preceding Kenny in death were his parents; infant twin sons, Donald and Ronald Smith; and his brothers, Grant, Donald and Wendell Smith.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Dora Smith of Northboro, Iowa; daughter, Janet Orme and husband, Rusty, of Northboro; son, Kenneth Smith, Jr. and wife, Charlita, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and daughter, Elizabeth Schomerus and husband, Kevin, of Nebraska City. Also surviving are three sisters, Evelyn Whipple and husband, James of Clarinda, Iowa, Ila Gray of Nebraska City, Darlene Wampler and husband, Donald, of Nebraska City; a brother, Russell Smith and wife, Marietta, of Des Moines, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Steven Orme, Kristin Edwards and husband Troy, Garrett and Jessica Schomerus, and Alexandra, Nicholas and Serena Smith; a great granddaughter, Sydney Edward; and sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Smith of Rosalee, Nebraska, and Sherry Smith of Sidney, Iowa; plus other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. A reception with family and friends will follow at the Northboro Community Center.

Union Grove Cemetery, Northboro, Iowa.

Smith, Nellie Marie Reed - Nellie Marie Reed Smith, daughter of Walter and Martha (Hobson) Reed, was born on January 16, 1912, on a farm north of Shenandoah, Iowa. She passed away on Friday, April 4, 2008, at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah at the age of 96.

At a young age, the family moved to a farm near Randolph, Iowa. Her early years were spent in the Randolph area where she attended country school at Fairview and Spring Valley. In 1931, the family moved to Shenandoah where Nellie did housework and baby sitting for many years. In 1943, she married and moved to Missouri for three months before moving back to Shenandoah. Nellie worked for McClellands store for 11 years. Following that she worked for Ed Pulley and Wally Morrell at Standard Typewriter for almost 17 years before retiring. After her so-called retirement she did more housework and cared for two children, Ann and Tommy McDonough. Then she stayed home and cared for her mother until her death. Her brother, Harold “Jake”, and she later lived in the house where they helped one another. Nell was the one who kept track of remembering all the birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates of the family. She was also the one who kept track of where everyone lived. Nell never had children of her own but she loved children and they loved her. Nell was a good person who was interested in family, friends and her “children”. On November 11, 1999, Nell entered Garden View where she lived to help those who needed help and company. She was a very caring person.

Preceding Nell in death were her husband James, parents; six brothers and sisters. Survivors include her sister, Gladys Covault and her husband Norman of Shenandoah, IA; one niece, Patricia Allen and her husband John of Avon Lake, OH; three nephews, James Wilson of Phoenix, AZ, David Wilson of San Diego, CA, and Dr. Marvin Belknap of Shenandoah, IA; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2008, at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Rick Sleyster. Musical selections were "How Great Thou Art" and "In The Garden". Casket bearers were Dr. Marvin Belknap, Henry Delong, Andy Henderson, Tom Henderson, Jerry Kellison, Doug McElroy and Robert Hilton. Interment was in the Farragut Cemetery. Memorials in Nellie's name are being directed to the Garden View Activities Fund or to the United Methodist Church. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Snow, Vernon L. = Jun 2003 = Oak Grove Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa.

Snowdall, Rachel W. Morris - Rachel W. (Morris) Snowdall was born June 20, 1921 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Ed Morris and Lola (Knisley) Morris. Rachel passed away September 30, 2007 at Golden Living Care Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska at the age of 86.

Rachel spent most of her life in the Shenandoah area. Rachel attended school through the eighth grade in Shenandoah. She married Joseph “Dean” Snowdall on January 22, 1946 in Troy, Kansas. Rachel and Dean were married for 35 years. The couple resided in the Coin, Northboro, and Shenandoah areas for most of their marriage, except for two years of their early marriage during which time they resided in Idaho.

Rachel was a housewife and member of the United Methodist Church. In her early married life she belonged to neighborhood church clubs. Later on she babysat for many families. Rachel loved to read, crochet, and garden. She made many afghans for friends and family. She was a member of the ladies VFW Auxiliary and the West Page Improvement Center. Her grandchildren were special people to her.

Rachel is preceded in death by her husband Dean Snowdall; parents, Ed and Lola Morris; two sisters, Louise Keene and Bertha Bolton; two infant children, Paul and Susan; and one grandchild, Ronald Dean. She is survived by three children; Cherrie D. Dawson of Shenandoah, Raymond A. Snowdall and significant other Suzette DeVos of Omaha, Nebraska and Jeanne L. Snowdall of Nebraska City, Nebraska; three grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; cousin, Vera Bierbaum and husband Norman; sister-in-law, Wava Aker; and many other nieces and nephews and friends.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. The Rev. Jim Gubser gave the words of comfort.

Snyder, Duane - Duane passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 in Council Bluffs,IA. In keeping with Mr. Snyder's wishes there will not be any services and his body has been cremated

Duane Harold Snyder was born Sept. 22, 1919 to John and Nellie (Copeland) Snyder. He died November 25, 2008, at the age of 89. He was a 1937 graduate of Clarinda High School.
Duane enlisted on December 10, 1941, three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In the Army Air Force, he was trained as an airplane mechanic, specifically for the maintenance of the B-26 Marauder. A tech sergeant, he was distinguished twice as a top crew chief in England, and, among other awards, he was also the recipient of the bronze battle star. He was featured in Popular Mechanics for his ability to arc weld on automobile engines. Mechanical and repair work was his lifelong passion.
Duane is remembered by his cousins, neighbors, and customers

Snyder, Margaret Mae Stifle - Celebration of Life services for Margaret Snyder, age 68, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at her home in Clarinda were held Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend John Clark officiating. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa.

Margaret Mae Snyder, age 68, passed away at home on March 16, 2010. Margaret was born on August 5, 1941 in Iowa City to Frank William and Molly (Urich) Stifle. Margaret grew up in Red Oak, Iowa and graduated from Red Oak High School in 1958. On September 12, 1958 Margaret married Frank Albert Snyder in Red Oak, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Tom and Kimbra.

Margaret was first employed by Kearney's, Clarinda. She then worked at General Telephone Company as an operator. After taking time off to raise her two children, she returned to work at Iowa Power for many years. She finished her career at the Clarinda Correctional Facility as a secretary for the doctor and nursing staff.

Some of Margaret's many favorite things were watching her children and grandchildren grow up and following their activities, reading history, cooking and collecting antique dishes.

Margaret is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Frank Snyder of Clarinda; son, Tom Snyder and daughter-in-law Linda (Peterson) of Clarinda; daughter, Kimbra (Stanek) and son-in-law Gary of Mokena, Ill.; her five grandchildren, Jessica, Erin, and Megan Snyder and Spencer and Erik Stanek. She is also survived by her brothers Bill (Diane) Stifle and John (Jane) Stifle of Minneapolis, Minn.; sister-in-law, Evelyn Wells (Roger) of Yorktown; brother-in-law, Dale Snyder of California and many nephews; nieces and friends.

Preceding Margaret in death were her parents, Frank and Molly and stepfather, Ted Fort; parents-in-law, Forrest and Lucille Snyder.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Spangler, Robert Clyde - Funeral services for Robert Spangler, age 88, of Clarinda, Iowa, who died Saturday, June 27, 2009 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Phil Jorgensen officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 29 at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Southwest Iowa Humane Society. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Robert Clyde Spangler was born December 22, 1920 in Nebraska Township, Page County, Iowa, to Clyde Spangler and Mabel (Gorman) Spangler. He grew up in the Clarinda area and was a graduate of Clarinda High School. Bob was a veteran serving in the United States Coast Guard 1942-1946 during World War II. He was united in marriage at Troy, Kansas, June 18, 1946, to LaVaughn Madden.

Bob was a letter carrier for the United States Postal service in the city of Clarinda for many years until his retirement. He was a member of the First Christian Church. Bob enjoyed reading books and was interested in cars. He was especially fond of their cats.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob is survived by his wife of sixty three years, LaVaughn Spangler of Clarinda; son, Kim Spangler and wife Pat of Pocahontas, Iowa; grandchildren, Ryan Spangler and wife Shelley of Omaha, Nebraska, Ruth Hitchcock and husband John of Laramie, Wyoming, Megan Spangler of Pocahontas, Iowa and Hannah Spangler of Wilmington, North Carolina and many friends.

Bob will be missed by his friends and family,
but the memories will remain in our hearts forever .
May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Bob’s passing.

Spath, Paul Wesley - Paul Wesley Spath, age 70, the son of Roy Franklin and Metta Marie (Hansen) Spath was born April 6, 1935, in Madrid, Nebraska, and passed away October 10, 2005, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Growing up on a grain and livestock farm near Elsie, Nebraska, Paul attended school in Elsie graduating from high school in 1953. He began helping his father farm at a very young age developing a great work ethic always giving 110% in anything he would do. He farmed until entering the U.S. Navy on January 14, 1955 until January 13, 1959. While in the Navy he was united in marriage to Sylvia Bluton and to this marriage came Paula, Dana, Kevin and Carrie. Later Paul was united in marriage to Sadie Holter on December 28, 1983, in Bloomsberg, Pennsylvania and was married for 22 years.
After his military service Paul returned to Elsie, Nebraska, where he farmed for a few years before moving to Stockton, California. There he was employed by Kill Pest Control Company. Paul later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he lived for 26 years. There he worked for A-1 Pest Control, Silvey Trucking, Passer Construction and also owned and operated Castle Builders Construction Company. After retiring, Paul often delivered and picked up cars for various auto dealers in the area. Paul and Sadie moved to Essex, Iowa, where they have made their home.
Preceding Paul in death were his parents. Survivors include his wife, Sadie Holter-Spath of Essex, Iowa; his children, Paula Spath of Utah, Dana Spath and wife, Linda, of Dandridge, Tennessee, Kevin Spath of Corryton, Tennessee, Carrie Dovenbarger and husband, Douglas of Knoxville, Tennessee; and a sister, Sandra Comer and husband, Larry, of Elsie, Nebraska. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Essex Cemetery, Essex, Iowa.