Taylor County, Iowa obituaries transcribed by Pat O'Dell - genpat@netins.net
006Dorothy Irene (Thompson) Keith was born October 14, 1919 on a farm south of Bedford, Iowa. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Troy and Cora (Parks) Thompson. She spent her elementary school years in a nearby country school, and then lived with her maternal grandparents in Bedford to be within walking distance of Bedford High School, graduating in 1936. Throughout her school years, Dorothy was an active 4-H member and won many awards, including “Most Beautiful Complexion.”

Following high school graduation, and teacher preparation, Dorothy taught elementary school at Ross #3 Country School. With her first paychecks she proudly purchased one of her prized possessions, a gold Bulova watch.

Dorothy taught for a few years while her high school sweetheart, James Keith, moved to Kansas City to follow his dream as a commercial artist and continue his “Bobby Bear” cartoon for the Kansas City Journal. But a year later, missing the love of his life, and yearning for the farm, James returned to Bedford, became engaged to Dorothy in 1939 and married April 20, 1940.

Dorothy and James farmed south of Bedford for the next several years. During these years they purchased their first farm and three children were born. They enjoyed their family summer vacations—always west—Seattle, Rocky Mountains, the Black Hills, California. Weekends included the “Saturday Night 500 Club” with friends. Dorothy and James were active in the Church of Christ where she loved to sing with a lovely soprano voice. She had a passion for reading and learning and always followed her weekly shopping in town with visits to the public library.

Sadly, in 1957, her youngest daughter, Jana, passed away at the age of 18 months. This was a significant milestone that led to a lifestyle change for Dorothy and James. In 1958, they built a new home in Bedford on North Street—James doing almost all the labor. Dorothy began working at Thompson’s on Main Street, and shortly thereafter enrolled at Northwest Missouri State College. She and her best friend, Margaret Huelskamp, commuted a few times a week to Maryville, Missouri, to achieve their dreams of graduating from college. And that she did, with honors, in 1964.

During these years, Dorothy and James satisfied their entrepreneurial spirits and love for the West by spending summers in Estes Park where Dorothy worked at a western clothing retail store and James was a carpenter.

After graduating from college, Dorothy taught home economics for a year in Des Moines, Iowa, then landed the job of Page & Fremont County Home Economist. She and James bought a farm just east of Clarinda on Highway 71 and they began their plans to build a new home and a new life in Clarinda, Iowa.

Dorothy and James became vital and highly respected members of the Clarinda and Page/Fremont County communities. Dorothy achieved many honors in her field of work. She also supported James with his farming efforts and shared in his accomplishments, such as the State President Distinguished Pioneer Champions Club award for superior corn production. Her contributions to 4-H, the Page County Fair and the state fair are memorable.

After 15 years as Page/Fremont County Home Economist, Dorothy retired. James retired gradually over the next few years. During these retired years, Dorothy and James made many contributions to their community, actively supported their two adult children and had some fun.

Dorothy was a valuable member of PEO and other community organizations, belonged to several bridge groups and continued to be an avid reader. She and James made many improvements to their showcase home on 20th Street, designed by their architect son—none of which she loved more than her rose garden along the back patio. They were active members in the First Christian Church, gourmet club, and contributed significantly to the development of the Nodaway Valley Historical Museum. They travelled extensively with friends in the U.S. and abroad, and found great pleasure in visits to Denver and the Rocky Mountains where they snow skied with their children and grandchildren. Several years into their retirement they discovered Arizona and spent several enjoyable winter months in its sunshine. They had a very rich life with beloved friends and family.

In December, 1999, Dorothy lost James. Despite this great blow and several significant health episodes, Dorothy maintained a good life in her home in Clarinda. She enjoyed her coffee klatches with friends, her bridge, her church circle and other activities.

In 2004 Dorothy moved to Sioux City to be closer to family. She continued to find joy in her card games, though they now were on the computer, her reading and her contact with family and friends.

Dorothy passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at the Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City, Iowa. She is preceded in death by James, her husband of 59 years; her daughter, Jana; her daughter-in-law, Caye Cross Keith; and her parents and sisters.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Kenneth Keith and wife Judy from Dakota Dunes, S.D.; daughter, Joyce Gietl and husband Jerry from Denver, CO; four grandchildren and their six children: Lisa Sudtelgte and husband Tim from Cypress, TX, Braden Keith and fiancé Becca from Sioux City, IA, Erik Smith and wife Lisa from Denver, CO, Stephanie Langer and husband Mark from Stamford, CT. She is also survived by four step-grandchildren, Jenni and Jay Gietl, and Chris and Pat Fox and their six children.

Funeral services for Dorothy will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the First Christian Church in Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will follow the service at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday evening from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Clarinda. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Siouxland, 4300 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City, Iowa 51104.

Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
018Dale Maynard Anderson, formerly of Martelle, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Kingswood Senior Living Community, Kansas City, MO, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Dale was born February 27, 1928, to J.J. and Hilda Anderson, on a farm near New Market, Iowa. He graduated from New Market High School in 1945. After high school, he graduated from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, in 1951 with a Commerce Degree, and a 2nd Lt. Commission from the U.S. Army ROTC program. Dale then served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 10 years.
On June 17, 1951, he married Doris Evelyn Andrew. They began farming with his parents northeast of New Market. In 1960, he and Doris moved from the farm and began Dale’s 32 year career in banking. He initially worked at the First National Bank, Logan, Iowa, and then moved to Martelle, Iowa in 1963, where he was the manager and then President of the Farmers Savings Bank until his retirement in 1992. Doris worked with Dale at the Martelle bank for many years. Dale was also a real estate broker, appraiser, and insurance agent serving the Martelle community.
Dale was very active in the Martelle community, including being a 48 year member of the Martelle United Methodist Church, serving as Martelle City treasurer, numerous years on the board of the Anamosa Community Hospital and member of the Masons, Knights of Pythias, and Martelle Volunteer Fire Department. In 1972 he served as the Chairman for the Martelle Centennial Celebration, at which over 10,000 people attended the 3 day event, including Governor Robert Ray, Senator John Culver, and numerous other state and local officials.
After retirement, Dale and Doris continued their love of travel, including making several trips to Sweden where he located his family ancestral records, played golf at St. Andrews, Scotland, visited numerous European countries, and experienced the Holy Land.
Throughout his adult life, Dale was a proud alumni and passionate supporter of the Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball teams; including attending all home games and following the Hawks to tournaments in Alaska, Hawaii, and games at all Big Ten schools. He maintained his season football tickets for 45 consecutive years and loved to talk about the days the Hawks were able to beat those Cyclones.
Dale was preceded in death by his wife Doris in 2009, parents, brothers Duane and Ronald Anderson, sisters-in-law Helen and Ethel Anderson, and brother-in-law Wayne Kerr. He is survived by his sisters Lois (Kenneth) Garrett, Clarinda, IA, and Elynor Kerr, Leesburg, VA; children, Denean (Mark) Smith of De Pere, WI, and Dean (Marcia) Anderson of Overland Park, KS; granddaughters Kristin and Sarah Smith and Katie Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dale’s family appreciates all the care and support provided by the staff of Kingswood Senior Living Community. Memorials may be directed to the Martelle United Methodist Church, Anamosa Regional Hospital, City of Martelle Senior Center, Kingswood Spiritual Care Program, or charity of your choice.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa; followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11th. Internment will be at Memory Cemetery, New Market.
020Our treasured Evelyn Ruth (Geer) Hixson left this life, but never our hearts on February 22, 2012. "Evie" was born on March 30, 1935 to Eddie and Alma Geer in New Market, Iowa. She married Lowell Deane Hixson on September 29, 1951. Together they had four children: Carolyn, Darrell, Ed and Richard. Later in life she was joined with the love of her life, Marvin Clark. Marvin and his two children, Steve Clark and Lisa Tiedt forever joined our family.

Evie had many talents and interests. She never failed to make us laugh and was unusually lucky at card games. Coloring Easter eggs with grandkids and great-grandkids was always a favorite activity. Other things she enjoyed were: bingo, bowling, dinner with friends, late night phone calls, dancing, practical jokes, shoes, reading, shopping, food and traveling.

Evelyn was proceeded in death by: Louise Lawger (Sister), Eddie and Alma Geer (Father and Mother), Lisa Tiedt (Step-daughter) and Steve Clark (Step-son).

She leaves behind: Marvin Clark and Molly (cherished dog), Irene Lewis (Sister), Carolyn Hixson, Darrell Hixson, Ed Hixson, Richard Hixson (Children), Eleven Grandchildren, Eleven Great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, many family and dear friends.

Upon her request there will be no services. Her memory will be celebrated in our hearts. Evie's grace and love was and still is immeasurable
027Quentin Beemer, 92, of Creston died Sunday, March 18, 2011, at Crest Haven Care Centre, Creston, Iowa. Funeral services were held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Pearson Family Funeral Service, 809 W. Montgomery St., Creston. Jeff Thayer, Tim Vaughan, and Mindy Yule officiated. Interment was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Open visitation was from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Thursday morning. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in Quentin’s name to be decided at at later date. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
Quentin Beemer, the son of Judson Beemer and Ferne Nellie (Coy) Beemer, was born October 11, 1919 in Gravity, Iowa. Quentin entered into eternal rest on March 18, 2012, at the Crest Haven Care Centre, Creston, Iowa at the age of ninety-two years, five months, and seven days.
Quentin grew up in the Gravity area attending school, and graduated with the Class of 1938 from the Gravity High School. Quentin was united in marriage to Lorene Wilson on October 15, 1939, in Maryville, Missouri. To this loving union two sons and one daughter were born, Gary, Linda and Jerry.
Quentin heard the Gospel of God's truth to mankind in 1956, this acceptance of truth as it is in Jesus, started a relationship with God that became the most important thing in his life.
Left to cherish his memory are his three children: Gary Beemer and wife Judy of Creston; Linda Von Heeder and husband John of Texline, Texas; Jerry Beemer and wife Lydia of Queencreek, Arizona; a brother-in-law, Richard Wilson and wife Pauline of Bedford; and a sister-in-law, Rosie Pfander and husband Donald of Corning; eleven grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; along with several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Preceding Quentin in death are his wife, Lorene, and his parents, Judson and Ferne Beemer
028Mabel Pauline Smith, daughter of Henry & Myrtle (Bean) Kettle, was born October 30, 1914 at Edelstein, Illinois. As a young girl, the family moved to the Redding-Delphos, Iowa, eventually settling in the Blockton area. Mabel graduated from Blockton High School. She received her teacher's certificate and taught school for a few years. Mabel married Clayton L. Parman and together they owned & operated restaurants in Topeka, Kansas and Springfield, Missouri. Mabel operated Sky Ranch Drive-In in Springfield for many years. Mabel later married Joe Smith. She retired and returned to Blockton, Iowa in 1971 to care for her aging mother. Mabel would return to Springfield to live with her son for three years before moving into the Clearview Home in Clearfield, Iowa where she has lived the last two years.
Mabel passed away at Clearview Home on March 18, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren Clayton Wayne McPherson and Janet McPherson; siblings Byron & Dale Kettle, Marjorie Wilhite and Mildred Fuller.
Survivors include her children Clayton D. (Thelma) Parman of Springfield, MO and Claudine (Darrell) McPherson of Quality, KY; grandchildren Kathi Johnson and Wayne McPherson; sister Jean Haidsiak of Clearfield; other relatives and friends.
Mabel was cremated and a graveside service is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, March 31 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Clearfiled, Iowa
029Howard Edward Weller was born March 29, 1929 in Conway, Iowa, the son of William and Maude (Knott) Weller. He passed away on Friday evening, March 16, 2012 at Jennie Edmondson Hospital in Council Bluffs at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 16 days.
Howard grew up in Taylor County and graduated from Sharpsburg High School in 1948. He attended business school in Omaha, Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1950 – 1954. On January 4, 1953, Howard was united in marriage to Lavonne French at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. This union was blessed with three children, Bill, Bonnie and Nancy.
Howard worked for the City of Shenandoah in the Sanitation Department and after retiring he delivered medicine for Travis Pharmacy and most recently he was delivering medicine for Hy-Vee Pharmacy. Howard worked for the Spurrier Oil Company out of Clearfield running tank wagon service for many years and owned the Citi Services Gas Station in Sharpsburg. He also ran the Mobil Gas Station in Bedford as well as worked for the City of Bedford in the Sanitation Department before he and Lavonne moved to Shenandoah in 1976.
Howard was a 50 plus year member of the Masonic Lodge and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was an active member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Shenandoah and served on the board of Deacons. Howard volunteered as the city Santa Claus in Sharpsburg and Bedford when he and Lavonne lived in these communities. He loved sports and enjoyed watching and supporting the Shenandoah Mustangs and Fillies. He enjoyed having coffee with the Hy-Vee group each morning above all, he loved ice cream. Howard enjoyed country western and blue grass music. He and Lavonne were also active square dancers for many years – Howard loved to dance.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lavonne; his so, Bill Weller, daughter-in-law Connie Weller; sister, Mary Ellen Lewellen; brothers-in-law, JB, Bill and Paul French, and Dale Lewellen; sisters-in-law, Nadine and Fern French.
Survivors include his daugthers, Bonnie Allely and her husband Denny of Shenandoah, Iowa, Nancy Weller of Shenandoah, Iowa; four grandchildren, Billy Weller and his wife LaTisha of Dothan, Alabama, Matthew Weller of Enterprise, Alabama, Alisha Weller of Sioux City, Iowa, Brett Allely ofShenandoah, Iowa; two great grandchildren, Judson and Hampton Weller; a brother, Dean Weller and his wife Betty of Bedford, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Joanne Perdew and Elnora French of Bedford, Iowa; three brothers-in-law, Ed French and his wife Bethel of Bedford, Iowa, Roy Frenchand his wife Joyce of Hopkins, Missouri, Robert Perdew of Gravity, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Kirsch Fuenral Chapel in Shenandoah with Rev. Rick Sleyster officiating. Burial was in the Washington Cemetery at Gravity, Iowa with military honors accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Visitation with the family present was held on Tuesday evening, March 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service held at 6:30 p.m. A memorial fund was established in Howard’s name. To leave online remembrances or condolences, go to www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements
034Funeral services for Herby DeBolt, age 81, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at his residence rural Clarinda, Iowa, were held 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Reverend Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Visitation with the family was held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at the funeral home. Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa with military rites by American Legion Sergy Post 98 with taps by Bailey DeBolt.
Herby Walter DeBolt was born March 5, 1931, near Macedonia, Iowa, to Lester L. DeBolt and Mathilda (Kruse) DeBolt. He was the youngest of eleven brothers and sisters. Herby grew up attending rural schools and Corning High School. He was united in marriage to Lorraine Eighmy of Gravity, Iowa on March 24, 1953 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They were blessed with three sons, Curtis, Loren, and Alan.
He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as a Chief Switchboard Operator from November 1952 until honorably discharged in September 1954. Herb was a car and tractor mechanic most of his life. He worked for tractor implement dealerships in Clarinda and also leased and operated a service station in New Market for almost 15 years in a partnership with his wife and children. He also worked in construction as a caterpillar operator and during his tenure, Herb was a plumber. After retirement, Herb worked for a local fertilizer plant in Clarinda and also drove a food truck for the State of Iowa delivering food to the prison.
As a community leader, Herb was a member of the Methodist Church in New Market since 1964. He was on the City Council in New Market, a Legion member, and a leader and supporter of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America and was a member of New Market's Civic Club. He also promoted and helped with several town events.
In 1983, Herb and Lorraine moved from New Market to their current residence. Herb always wanted a little acreage where he could raise hogs and cattle. He loved fresh food from the garden and also enjoyed planting garden and giving to family, friends, and neighbors. He took a lot of pride in his place and it showed as every board was painted and the grass always mowed. The compliments have been ongoing.
Herb was a family man and loved his wife, kids, and grand kids. He's watched a ton of ball games watching his kids play, his grand kids play and also Alan's baseball teams he coached over the years. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting and fishing with his wife, kids and grandchildren. He loved music….from listening to live and recorded music and occasionally playing the harmonica in family Sunday gatherings.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roy (Juanita), Marion (Edith), Dale (Renee), Merle, Earl; sisters, Vera Viner (Ralph), Viola McVay (Bea); brothers-in-law, Robert Hicks, Ivan Eighmy (Dorothy); sisters-in-law, Mildred Goslin (Dick), Mary Eighmy.
Herb is survived by his wife, Lorraine and sons, Curtis DeBolt and wife Traci of Clarinda, Iowa, Loren L. DeBolt of Shenandoah, Iowa and Alan DeBolt and wife Belinda of Shenandoah, Iowa; four grandchildren, Erin and Austin DeBolt of Clarinda and Bailey and Blair DeBolt of Shenandoah; sister, Vivian Hicks of Stanton, Iowa; brothers, Lester DeBolt (Evelyn) of Red Oak, Iowa, Robert DeBolt (Marjorie) of Charles City, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Elmerna DeBolt of Carson, Washington, Marie Babcock of New Market, Iowa; brother-in-law, Earl Eighmy of Clarksville, Tennessee; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Herb will be greatly missed by his family and friends but his memory will live on in their hearts. May God grant comfort and peace to all who mourn his passing.