Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 

[BRANAN, GARY GORDON]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, December24, 1959, p. 6
OBITUARY- GARY GORDON BRANAN
Funeral services for Gary Branan were held on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1959 at 2:00 p. m. at the Advent Christian Church with the Rev. E. T Bodwell officiating. Pallbearers were Kirk Jamison, Roger Shepherd, Howard Weiner, Barton Kemery, Dennis Christie, Tom Nisely, Larry Brannan, Larry Lines. Flower bearers were Mrs. Lavonna Lines and Mrs. Lucile Sierp.

Mrs. Frances Gray accompanied Mrs. Carolyn Harris in the following selections, "God Understands" and "Beyond the Sunset."

Concluding service and interment was in the Guss cemetery.

Gary Gordon Branan, son of J [ohn] Wilbur and Wilma Ethel Branan, was born Dec. 4, 1943 in Pueblo, Colorado and departed this life at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Dec. 14, 1959 following an accident. He had attained the age of sixteen years and ten days.

When he was six months old he came to Villisca with his parents and Villisca has since been his home.

Gary started to school in Villisca and was a sophomore at the time of his death. He was an unusually bright   boy   and to know him was to love him. His sunny disposition won him many friends. He   was   interested   in sports in school, and was active in football and basketball, and was a Hi-Y member the past two years. He was Teen Haven Council secretary for Teen Haven; Student Council member in his 7th year. He lettered in football, basketball and track in his 7th and 8th grade. Football co-captain   in his   8th   grade.   Co-captain in basketball and football in freshman and sophomore years.

He has served two years as class president and was an honor roll student in Villisca High School.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his parents, J   Wilbur and Wilma Branan, his brother, James Dale and sister Linda Joyce, his grandfather, S. T. Van Ausdale; his grandfather and grandmother, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Branan and a great grandmother, Mrs. Viola Branan. Several uncles and aunts survive him, as well as cousins and a large circle of friends, which includes his girl friend, Diana Peterson.

 

[BRANAN, KYLE VALJEAN]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, January 23, 1975, p. 4
KYLE VALJEAN BRANAN - Kyle Valjean Branan, son of Gilbert and Edith Branan, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, on June 24, 1935. He passed away January 16, 1975 at Douglas County Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, Omaha being his home for the past 6 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Debbie of Red Oak, Iowa, Cheryl of Corning, Iowa. One sister Verla Mae Sweeney of Mermet, Calif and one brother, Carrol of Villisca, Iowa.

Services were held in Omaha, Nebraska on January 18, 1975 at 10:00 a.m. with graveside services in the Guss Cemetery at 2.30 p.m. Arrangements were by Sutphen Funeral Home.

 

[CLAYTON, JOHN JENNINGS]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, March 9, 1978, p. 5
JOHN CLAYTON - John Clayton, a resident of Taylor County, Iowa, for 72 years and had lived in Villisca, Iowa the past 11 years, passed away at the Good Samaritan Care Center February 28, 1978 at the age of 83 years and six months.

Jonithan [Jonathan] Jennings, the son of John Randolph and Mary Etta Manley Clayton was born August 28, 1834 in Siam, Iowa. He was educated in the Siam School and grew up in that vicinity. On January 15, 1917 he was united in marriage to Florence Campbell in Clarinda, Iowa. They moved to a farm in the Guss, Iowa vicinity where they lived over 50 years. On January 15, 1978 they observed their 61st wedding anniversary. To this union were born two sons and two daughters, Carroll Leo and Max Dwane, both preceding their father in death, Mrs. Clyde Jones (Naomi) of Red Oak, Iowa and Mrs. James Neal (Donna) of Villisca, Iowa. Jean Osborn, now Mrs. Carl Gray, was taken into their home at the age of three and raised as their own, now of Turlock, Ca. He leaves eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, also one brother Virgil, living in Hepburn, Iowa.

He farmed in Taylor County, also worked in the coalmines for a number of years; after retiring he worked five years at the Mental Health Institute. In 1967 he moved to Villisca. In 1974 he suffered a stroke, paralyzing his right side, losing the use of his right arm and hand. He leaves his devoted wife, Florence, who has cared for him these past four years, two daughters, Naomi and Donna, grandchildren, many nephews and nieces and many friends.

Funeral Services were held March 3, 1978 at the Sutphen Funeral home with Reverend Dennis Neal in charge. Two selections were rendered on the organ, "How Great Thou Art" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by Mrs. Quincy Dunn. Casket Bearers were his six grandsons: David Clayton, Stephen Neal, Terry Sellers, Russel Clayton, Douglas Jones, Richard Culver. Flower bearers - Mrs. Dennis Neal and Mrs. Bob Neal, Registry - Mrs. Warren Miller. Interment at Guss Cemetery, Guss, Iowa.

 

[CLAYTON, MAX DWAINE]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, August 11, 1977, p. 11
MAX DWAINE CLAYTON
Max Dwaine Clayton, son of John Clayton and Florence Campbell Clayton, was born January 4, 1920, at New Market in Taylor County, Iowa. He passed away at his home in Red Oak, Iowa, on August 4, 1977 after a lengthy illness.

He was married to Geraldine Weseen in Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 5, 1941, and to this union was born one son, David.

Max moved from Taylor County to Villisca at age 17. During World War II he served his country in the armed forces from 1942 to 1945. Upon returning from service he located in Red Oak.

Max was affiliated with the Christian Church and was a member of American Legion Post #67 at Red Oak.

For a number of years he was a joint owner of the Clayton-Swanson Locker. He later was a truck driver Farmers Mercantile, Bloom-Lindgren and Nease Oil of Red Oak.

Survivors, in addition to his son David of Red Oak, and his parents, John and Florence Clayton of Villisca, include two sisters, Naomi (Mrs Clyde Jones) of Red Oak, and Donna (Mrs James Neal) of Villisca; a cousin, Jean (Mrs Carl Gray) of Turlock, California who was raised in the John Clayton home. One brother, Carroll, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at the Nelson-Boylan Funeral Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 6th with Rev. Dennis Neal officiating. Pallbearers were Alden Slater, Kenneth Speed, Russell Clayton, Clyde Jones, James Neal, and Doug Jones. Music was provided by Mr Larry Mannasmith, organist with the selections "How Great Thou Art" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer". Graveside Military Rites were held at Detatchment 1, Co. A, Villisca, Iowa. Flag holders were Wayne Butt and Rex Holmes, and the Bugler being Brian Schumacher. Interment was in the Guss Cemetery, Taylor County, Iowa.

 

[DAVIES, LEWIES LEE JOE]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Monday, December 9, 1985, [p. 1]
Nodaway man charged in Saturday shooting death
Stanley Allen Schenck, 60, of rural Nodaway, Ia, was charged with murder in the first degree in connection with the Dec. 7, 1985 shooting death of Lewies Lee Joe Davies, 39, of the Guss area.

Schenck was arraigned before a Montgomery County Magistrate early Sunday morning and was being held in the Montgomery County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond as of this Monday morning, Montgomery County Sheriffs officials said.

The body of Davies was found by emergency personnel at about 11:35 pm last Saturday near his pickup on the south side of Villisca's business square, near the American Legion, sheriffs officials told the Herald Journal this Monday. Emergency personnel were responding to a call for assistance at the time they found the body.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Department, it is believed that Davies died of a gunshot wound. An autopsy was to be performed at the State Medical Examiner's office in Des Moines this Monday.

The investigation of the murder was conducted by the Villisca Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, according to the sheriffs department.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR Lewies Davies, 39, of the Guss area will be at 1:30 pm this Thursday at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, with Rev. Fred Malone officiating.

Mr. Davies died Dec. 7, 1985 in the evening at Villisca.

He was born Dec. 5, 1946, at Clarinda, the son of E. [dward] B. [reeze] and Lucille Johnson Davies.

He was a farmer and Vietnam veteran.

He is survived by his mother, Lucille Davies, of Guss, and brothers and sisters, Violet Hill, Stockton, Ca; Leo E. Davies, Ted E. Davies and Bonnie Davies, all of the Guss area. There are 21 nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in Guss cemetery.

 

[DICKOVER, HAZEL FLORENCE MCFARLING]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, April 26, 1962, p. 7
HAZEL F.  DICKOVER - Funeral services for Hazel Florence Dickover were held on Monday April 23, at 2:30 p. m., from the Sutphen Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul C. Ellis officiating. Pallbearers included Wesley Walters, Walter Maxwell, Evan Andrew, Dale Stroud, Ray Stamps, and Gilbert Branan. Music was by Mrs. Carolyn Harris accompanied by Mrs. Mabel Dunn. Concluding service and interment was at the   Guss   Cemetery.

Hazel Florence Dickover was born June 17, 1893 at Guss, Ia. Her early childhood was spent in Guss where she attended school. When she was 16 she moved to the Villisca community and later attended business college in Omaha.

September 1924 she was united in marriage to Lee Roy Dickover. They made their home in Chicago before moving to Ashland, Nebraska in 1930. They were in business in Ashland until recent years.

She was active in community affairs until failing health confined her to her home a few years ago. She passed away at Wahoo, Nebraska on April 19, 1962.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, her mother, Mrs. Maggie Dunn, of Villisca, Ia.; and a cousin Irene McClelland of Nodaway, Ia. Also a host of friends in the Ashland community.

 

[DICKOVER, HAZEL FLORENCE MCFARLING]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, May 3, 1962, p. 3
GUSS – Mrs. Roy Dickover of Ashland, Nebraska passed away at a hospital in Wahoo, Nebraska April 19th following a lingering illness. She will be remembered here as Hazel McFarling, daughter of John and Maggie Dunn. She grew to womanhood on a farm a mile west of Guss. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Sutphen Funeral home in Villisca. Pallbearers were Wesley Walters, Ray Stamps, Dale Stroud, Walter Maxwell, Evan Andrew and Gilbert Branan. Clergyman was Rev. Paul C. Ellis of Villisca. Burial was in the Guss cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Roy, her aged mother Mrs. Maggie Dunn, a cousin Ray McFarlin[g], a stepsister Mrs. Irene McClelland of Guss and a stepbrother Orville Dunn of Pennsylvania.

 

[FIRKINS, CHARLES ERNEST]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Thursday, April 9, 1959, p. 2
CHARLES ERNEST FIRKINS.
Charles Ernest Firkins was born May 7, 1875 near Galesburg, Ill. and died on April 1, 1959 at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 24 days.

His parents moved to Taylor County, Iowa when he was a small child where he lived and farmed near Iveyville, Ia. until 1944, when on account of ill health he moved to Coming, Ia.

He had two sisters: Mrs. Eva Crowell of Clarinda, Iowa and Mrs. Alta Heniger of College Springs, Iowa, two brothers: George of Lenox and Clifford of Camas, Washington. Two brothers John and Everett preceded him in death.

In 1908 he was married to Mabel Duer and to this union were born two children.

He is survived by his wife and two children, Dorothy Curtis of Tucumcari, New Mexico and Melvin of Hoyt Lakes, Minn., 4 grandchildren, one great granddaughter, many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was a good husband and father, a person who never complained and a good neighbor. One thing he took particular delight in reading his Bible, which was his constant companion and comfort.

Funeral services were held from the Roland Funeral Home in Corning, Sunday, April 5, 1959, at 2 pm, conducted toy Rev. Brown Garlock.

Vocal music was rendered by Mrs. Eva Elmore and Mrs. Blanche Lund, accompanied by Miss Vida Jackson.

Pallbearers were Dean Firkins, Wayne Firkins, Wilbur Hess, Boyd Firkins, Kelly Hess and Paul Firkins.

Flower bearers were Mrs. Wilma Gill and Mrs. Elsie Stroud.

Burial was in the Guss Cemetery.

 

[FIRKINS, CHARLES ERNEST]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Monday, April 13, 1959, p. 8
College Springs, April 10 – Brother Died
Charley Firkins died at a nursing home at Corning and burial was in Guss Cemetery on Sunday. Mr. Firkins was a brother of Mrs. Merle Crowell and Mrs. Dale Heninger.

 

[FIRKINS, CHARLES MELVIN]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, January 11, 1979, p. 7
CHARLES MELVIN FIRKINS
Charles Melvin Firkins, the son of Charles E. and Mabel Duer Firkins, was born on August 18, 1914 in Taylor County, Iowa and died on December 31, 1978 at his home in Embarris [Embarrass], Minnesota at the age of 64 years, 4 months, and 13 days.

His childhood was spent on a farm south of Corning where he attended the Ivyville Church with his family. After his graduation from the Corning High School, he worked for the Great Western Sugar Company in Colorado.

On December 24, 1939 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth McDougal in Bird City, Kansas. Two children were born to bless this union. Following their marriage, Melvin and Elizabeth moved to a farm at Nodaway, Iowa. They were charter members of the N.F.O. and farmed and raised cattle and hogs until 1957.

At this time they moved to Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota where he was employed at the Erie Mining Company until he retired last year after working there for 21 years.

Melvin is survived by his wife Elizabeth; his daughter Elizabeth Mae Hansen and her husband, Dick of Minneapolis, Minn.; his son, Charles M. Firkins of Aurora, Minn.; two granddaughters, Sharon and Sally Firkins; one sister, Mrs Earl (Dorothy) Curtis of Tucumcari, New Mexico; one nephew, four nieces and many other relatives.

Services were held Friday, January 5, 1979 at the Larkin-Roland Funeral Home with Reverend Ray Thompson officiating.

Music was by Erma Fuller, organist and Carolyn Engel, soloist. Musical selections were "Rock of Ages" and "The Old Rugged Cross".

Casket bearers     were     Harry Fehrle, Herman Fehrle, Wilford McFee, Paul Oxley, Robert W. Brown, James Walter.

Honorary casket bearers were Paul Northup, Arthur Palmer, Ralph Harvey, Jim Gill, Paul Firkins, Dean Firkins, Wilbur Hess, Clifford Groff, Glea Lacox, Dale Stroud, Leslie Hess, and Wayne Firkins.

Interment was in the Guss Cemetery, Guss, Iowa.

 

[FIRKINS, MABEL AMY DUER]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, October 13, 1960, p. 7
GUSS, Oct 11 – Mrs Mabel Firkins, a long time resident of this community died early Friday at the Shady Lawn Nursing Home in Villisca. She had been in poor health for some time but her death came quite unexpected. Funeral service was held Sunday at 3 p m in the Roland Funeral Home at Corning with burial in the Guss cemetery. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs Earl Curtis of Tucumcari, N Mex; a son, Melvin, of Minnesota; and four grandchildren. Her husband, Charlie, preceded her in death in April 1959.

 

[FIRKINS, MABEL AMY DUER]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Thursday, October 13, 1960, p. 3
MRS. MABEL FIRKINS - Annie Mabel Duer was born in Taylor county to Harry and Rachele Duer on June 12, 1885 and passed away on October 7, 1940 in Villisca at the age of 75 years, 3 months and 25 days.

On January 15, 1908 she was united in marriage to Charles Ernest Firkins and to this union two children were born, Dorothy Curtis of Tucumcari, New Mexico and Melvin Firkins of Hoyt Lakes, Minn.

She resided on a farm in Taylor County until 1945. Due to ill health she left the farm and resided in the Villisca Nursing Home until her death.

Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Clint Firkins, Mrs. Will Rogers and Mrs. John Hess, four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband on April 1, 1959.

Mrs. Firkins attended the Corning Methodist church and was active in one of the Circle units of the Woman's society of Christian service.

Services were held Sunday, Oct. 9, 1960 at 3 p. m. from the Roland Funeral Home in Corning, Iowa with Rev. Brown Garlock officiating.

Music was by Mrs. Esther Roland, Mrs. Eva Elmore and Mrs Vida Jackson. Pallbearers were Wilbur Hess, Leslie Hess, Dean Firkins, Wayne Firkins, Boyd Firkins and Paul Firkins. Interment was in Guss cemetery.

 

[FIRKINS, MABEL AMY DUER]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, October 20, 1960, p. 9
GUSS – Friends of the community were sorry to hear of the news of the death of Mrs. Mabel Firkins, who passed away early Friday morning at the Shady Lawn Nursing home. Although she had been in poor health for some time, her death came quite unexpected. Funeral services were held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Roland Funeral home in Corning, with interment in the Guss cemetery. Mabel had spent almost her entire life in this community.

 

[FIRKINS, PAUL EUGENE]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Thursday, February 26, 1998, p. 2
Paul Eugene Firkins, 94, Villisca, was born to Thomas Clinton and Elizabeth (Duer) Firkins on Nov. 8, 1903, in Nodaway Township. He died Feb. 10, 1998.

He attended Mt. Pleasant and Holt Township rural schools in Taylor County. He joined the Ivyville Church when he was a child then later the Guss Maple Grove Church near their farm. He was married to Frieda Fern Freuk [Freuck] on June 3, 1925, at the Nodaway parsonage with the Rev. Paul Hicks of the Guss church performing the ceremony. They farmed in Nodaway Township.

In 1934 he helped organize the Guss Belgian Colt Club and also belonged to the Percheron Horse Association. In 1988 Paul was honored by the association as the oldest living member. In 1959 he went to work at the Clarinda Mental Health Institute. They retired in 1973 and moved to Villisca. He was active in the Villisca Congregate Meal Site and was a member of the Guss Cemetery Board and the Villisca United Methodist Church Men. In 1985 he received the Good Neighbor Award from the Knights of AkSarBen.

Mr. Firkins was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Wayne, Dean, Boyd. Don and Burton and a grandson. He is survived by his wife; daughter Bonnie Marie (husband Bill) Garey of Villisca; sister Gladys Palmer of Corning; sisters-in-law Crystal Firkins of Corning and Thelma Firkins of Greenfield; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and Glenna Mae Robinson of Villisca; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 13 at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca with the Rev. Clark Finehout officiating. Burial was In the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss. Pallbearers were Bryan Schrader, Doug Peterson, Randy Garey, Doug Maxwell, Allan Garey and Ron Jockimsen.

 

[FREUCK, ESTELLA ARMINTA "STELLA" WELCH]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, May 10, 1979, p. 9
STELLA A FREUCK - Stella A. Freuck, eldest child of a family of five, born to Arthur Denmore and Eliza Bycroft Welch, on December 16, 1880 in Adams County, died at the age of 98 years, four months at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa.

She was married to Henry Christopher Freuck on August 2, 1899 in Adams Co., Iowa. Her husband preceded her in death on April 19, 1944. They lived on a farm in Taylor County all of their married life. She remained on the farm after his death until 1964 when she moved to Corning, Iowa. In 1975 she came to Villisca to live.

She was a member of the Maple Grove Guss United Methodist Church for over seventy-five years.

She was the mother of five daughters, one whom preceded her in death, Ethel Van Alstine. She leaves four daughters, Mrs Earl Horton of Omaha, Nebr.; Mrs Paul Firkins of Villisca, Ia.; Mrs Paul Spencer of Booneville, Miss.; and Mrs Harold Robinson of Villisca. They also raised one grandson, Robert Dean Woods. She also leaves nine grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren and eleven great, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held Wednesday, May 2, 1979 at the Sutphen Funeral Home in Villisca with Reverend Clair Kerns officiating.

Flower bearers were Mrs Paul Mitchell and Mrs Gerald Maxwell. Music was provided by Mrs Quincy Dunn. Musical selections were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "The Lord's Prayer". Mrs Bill Dunn was in charge of the registry.

Casket bearers were Paul Mitchell, Venzil Peterson, Gerald Maxwell, Don Robinson, Ed Naven, and Darrell Schrader.    .

Interment was in the Guss Cemetery, Guss, Iowa.

Arrangements were provided by Sutphen Funeral Home of Villisca, Iowa.

 

[FREUCK, HENRY CHRISTOPHER]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, April 20, 1944, p. 8
Henry Freuck, 67, Dies; Funeral Will Be Held Saturday
Henry Freuck, resident of this community many years, died Wednesday at 8:15 a. m. at his home eleven miles southeast of Villisca after illness of several months. He was born in Taylor County, Iowa, June 21, 1876, and was 67 years old at his death.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p. m. in the Methodist church at Guss, conducted by the Rev. H. B. Kishpaugh of Nodaway. Burial will be in the Guss cemetery.

 

[FREUCK, HENRY CHRISTOPHER]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, April 27, 1944, p. 4
Hold Rites for Henry Freuck Who Died at Farm Home
Henry C. Freuck, a resident of Taylor county all of the 67 years of his life, died Wednesday of last week at his home eleven miles southeast of Villisca after illness of several years. He was confined to his bed during the last three months of his life.

Henry Christopher Freuck, son of Frederick and Anna Freuck, was born in Taylor county June 21, 1876. He was married Aug. 2, 1899, to Stella A. Welch and they established their home at once on the farm where he died.

To them were born five daughters. They are Mrs. Earl Horton, Omaha, Neb; Mrs Roe Van Alstine, Camas, Wash.; Mrs. Paul Firkins, Villisca; Mrs. Frank Hyde, Shawnee, Okla; and Mrs. Harold Robinson, Villisca. A grandson, Robert Dean, was adopted and reared in the Freuck home.

Besides his wife and daughters, Mr. Freuck leaves seven grandchildren, a brother, William of Nodaway, three sisters, Mrs. Mary Bycroft of Corning, Mrs. Ira Fine of Hopkins, Mo., and Mrs. Clara Burnett of Greely, Colo.

Mr. Freuck joined the Methodist church at Guss during his young manhood and was an active member. He served as a trustee for the last several years.

Funeral services were held at the Guss church Saturday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. H. B. Kishpaugh of Nodaway. The singing was by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs Kishpaugh, and the pallbearers were Elmer Rupert, Edgar Hampel, Ted McCoy, Floyd Bush, Charles Larson and O. Thompson, and burial was in the Guss cemetery.

Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Earl Horton and daughter of Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Roe VanAlstine and daughter of Camas, Wash., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hyde and family of Shawnee, Okla., Mr. and Mrs. Ira Fine and sons and Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Alexander of Hopkins, Mo.

 

[GALLAGHER, ELLA MELISSA KNOPP]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, November 3, 1949, p. 8
SERVICES THURSDAY FOR MRS GALLAGHER
Mother of Mrs Veryl Watts Dies at Hospital Monday P M
Funeral services were held this Thursday afternoon at Hornick, Iowa, for Mrs Ella Melissa Gallagher, 84, who died at the Clarinda municipal   hospital Monday afternoon.

Mrs Gallagher had lived for the last year at the home of her daughter and husband, Mr and Mrs Veryl F Watts, near Hepburn.  The remains were transported by Loren Davison of the    Walker   Funeral home to Hornick Wednesday for the funeral and burial Thursday. Interment   was   in     the     Hawley Springs    cemetery    in    Woodbury County.

 

[GALLAGHER, ELLA MELISSA KNOPP]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, November 17, 1949, p. 20
Ella M Gallagher – Ella Melissa Knopp, daughter of David and Mary Knopp, was born in Wayne County, Ill., January 2, 1865 and died after an illness of four days at the Municipal hospital in Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 31, 1949, at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 29 days.

In the fall of 1887 she came by covered wagon with her parents, from Wayne County, Ill, settling in the North Grove vicinity southeast of Villisca. On April 14th, 1888, she was united in marriage to John Francis Gallagher of Jeffersonville, Ill., at Corning, Iowa. The first 12 years of their married life was spent in Logan County, Ill. In 1900 they moved to the present home at Hornick, Iowa. To this union six children were born: four sons and two daughters: George of Omaha, Neb; Fred, Johnnie and Roy of Hornick, Iowa; Mrs Ella Rhoades of Independence, Iowa, and Mrs. Marie Watts of Hepburn, Iowa.

Mr Gallagher preceded her in death Oct 23, 1935. Besides her children, she leaves to mourn her loss 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Mrs Gallagher was one of a family of seven children and all preceded her in death.

She was in good health until June 21, 1946, when she fell at her home and broke her hip. For the past year she had been at the home of her daughter, Mrs Marie Watts of Hepburn.

Services were held at the Methodist church at 2 p m Thursday, Nov 3 at Hornick, with Rev Lane in charge. Burial was in Holly Springs cemetery. Music was by Mr and Mrs Keith Haddock, Mr and Mrs Bruce Haddock, and Miss Jean Forney. The casket bearers were Albert Kirsch, Ralph Woods, Orville Forney, Ed Rose, Henry Hanner and Elie Oboyle.

 

[GROFF, JOSEPH FRANKLIN]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, June 18, 1953, p. 12
JOSEPH  FRANKLIN GROFF
Joseph Franklin Groff, son of John and Katheryn Groff, was born Sept. 27, 1874, near Corning in Adams county, Iowa, and departed from this life June 11, 1953, in a nursing home at Corning at the age of 78 years, after an illness of nearly three years.

He was married Jan. 4, 1899, to Lena E. [lizabeth] Spring, and to this union were born four children. They are John of Gravity, Violet Rock, Grace Hendrickson and Clifton, all of Nodaway. Mr. and Mrs. Groff celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 4, 1949.

Mr. Groff was a member of the Nodaway Methodist church and was faithful in attendance until his health failed. His entire life was spent In Adams and Taylor counties. He and Mrs. Groff lived on a farm near Iveyville until Dec. 1935, when they moved to Lenox, where they lived until 1942 and then moved to Nodaway.

Mr. Groff was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lena, two brothers and three sisters.

He leaves his four children, two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, two great granddaughters, a brother John of Clarinda, a sister Minnie Bycroft of Lenox and a sister Emma of Great Falls, Mont.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist church at Nodaway Sunday, June 14 at 2 p. m., conducted by the Rev. James Wilkins. The singing was by Mrs. Harold Everett and Mrs. Raymond Dismuks, accompanied by Mrs. Carl Johnson. Flower ladies were Mrs. Emmet Miller and Mrs. Glen Wallace and the pallbearers were Harold Gill, Henry Bycroft, Melvin Firkins, Chas. Curtis, Don Winger and Joe Rubin. Burial was in the Guss cemetery.

 

[GROFF, LENA ELIZABETH SPRING]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, April 24, 1952, p. 9
MRS. JOE GROFF - Mrs. Joe Groff of Nodaway died at the Clarinda Municipal hospital Wednesday, April 16, at 5 a. m. She suffered a stroke Tuesday afternoon while working in her garden.

Lena Elizabeth Spring was born April 16, 1874, in Adams county, Iowa, just west of Stringtown and died on her 78th birthday. She was the oldest of five children born to Gottlich and Elizabeth Spring.

She was united in marriage to Joseph Groff on January 4, 1899, and to this union were born four children: John of Gravity, Violet Rock, Grace Hendrickson and Clifton, all of Nodaway. Mr. and Mrs. Groff celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Jan. 4, 1949.

Mrs. Groff [was] a member of the Methodist church and was faithful in attendance. She was a member of the W. S. C. S., the W. C. T. U., the Prayer Band and the Nodaway Womans Relief Corps. Her entire life was spent in Adams and Taylor counties. She and her husband lived on a farm near Iveyville until December 1935, when they moved to Lenox, Ia., where they lived till 1942 and then moved to Nodaway.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, one sister, Mrs. Mary Guss, three brothers, John, Jake and Fred. She leaves four children, two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, two great granddaughters, one half brother, Raymond of Nodaway.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Nodaway Friday, April 18, at 2 p. m., conducted by the Rev. C. M Rowe. Music was furnished by Mrs. Harold Everett and Mrs. Raymond Dismukes, accompanied by Mrs. Casey Johnson. Flower ladies were Mrs. George Swartz, Mrs. Emmett Miller and Mrs. Elmer Simpson and pallbearers were Hull Bowman, Albert Orme, Ben Baker, Fred Carothers, Frank Arnott and Julius March. Burial was in Guss cemetery. Sutphen funeral service in charge.

Those attending from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Howard Spring, Madrid; Mrs. Max Drenan, Tucson, Ariz., T. Sgt. and Mrs. Benny L. Dunkin and daughter, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Wendel Groff, Fairfield, Ia.

 

[HARRISON, HELEN ELIZABETH BRANAN]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, August 4, 1966, p. 2
HELEN ELIZABETH HARRISON - Helen Elizabeth Harrison, daughter   of   Gilbert   and   Edith   Branan was born on January 5, 1920, near Guss.   She   grew   up   in   the   Guss community and was a graduate of the   Villisca   high   school   in   1937. After graduation she went to Pueblo, Colo, where   she had   employment. In 1938 she was married to Clayton   Harrison.   To   their   marriage two sons were born, Danny Gilbert of Pueblo, Colo, and Terry D   who is in the Navy stationed at Adak in the Aleutian Islands.  She is   also   survived   by   two   granddaughters, Leslie and Andi Jo; her parents, Mr.    and    Mrs.    Gilbert Branan; three    brothers, Carrol, Wilbur and Valjean; and a sister, Mrs Verla Pedigo of Los Angeles, Calif. She passed away July 19 at the Kaiser   Foundation   hospital   in Los   Angeles, following   a   thirteen-week   illness.   She   had   been   employed in the office of the United Customs Office in Los Angeles for the past four years.

Pallbearers were Edward Navin, Charles Huss, Lowell Oxley, Alvin Mitchell, Wilbur Johnson and Gerald Maxwell. Flower bearers were Mrs. Alvin Mitchell, Mrs Harold Walters and Mrs Don Winger. Mrs Wilma Gill and Mrs Mildred Moore were in charge of the funeral register. Organ music was furnished by Mrs Carolyn Young of Clarinda. Concluding service was at the Guss cemetery. The Rev George White officiated at the service. Sutphen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

[

 

[HELLER, LOYD CHARLES]
Clarinda Herald Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, January 27, 1972, p. 12
Friday funeral for Loyd Heller
Loyd C Heller, 82, died Wednesday morning at Hand Community Hospital in Shenandoah where he had been admitted two hours earlier.

He had been a patient at Good Samaritan Rest Home at Villisca for the past eight months. Before that he had lived at Shenandoah and Essex where he had been employed at the Essex elevator.

He was born Nov 1, 1889, near Hawleyville, the son of John and Cora Charter Heller. In his earlier years he was employed in the mines at Clarinda.

He is survived by six children: Mrs George Boyer of Concord, Cal; Mrs Mae Borwick of Irvine, Cal; Lloyd Heller jr of Salinas; Cal; Mrs Lucille Snodgrass of Clarinda; Mrs Doris Rogers of Bell, Cal, and Jack Heller of Northridge, Cal.

Brothers and sisters are Mrs Grace Annan of Riverton, Wyo; Mrs Frank (Rose) Maltsberger of Cameron, Mo; Doug Heller of Burlington Jet, Mo, Fred Heller of Riverton, Wyo, and Mrs Burl (Mary) Hutchison of Coming.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 pm, Friday at Walker Funeral Home with Rev M Francis Hubbel officiating. Aletha Hutchings will be organist. Casket bearers will be Ray Stamps, Merrill Heller, Gene Heller, Ronnie Heller, Don Hutchison, and Melvin Royer.

Burial will be in the Gust Cemetery north of New Market.

 

[HESS, LUCINDA JANE GREENWAY]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, March 20, 1947, p. 5
LUCINDA   HESS - Lucinda Hess, formerly of this vicinity, died Saturday in Clarinda at the age of 72 years. She was born in   Montgomery County Jan. 4, 1875.

The body was brought to the Sutphen funeral home where it remained until the time of the funeral, which was held Wednesday 11 a. m. at the Guss Methodist church.

The Rev. Carl Stiefel of Nodaway was in   charge of the services and interment was in the Guss cemetery.

The music was by Martin Taylor, Harry Andrew    and    Clifton Clement with Mrs. Harry Andrew as accompanist and     those    in charge of the flowers were Mrs. Thad Cooney and    Mrs.    Walter Kendrick. The   pallbearers were Francis Murphy, Gene Murphy, Walter Greenway, Lynn Hess, Able Greenway and Leslie Hess.

 

[HESS, LUCINDA JANE GREENWAY]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, March 27, 1947, p. 8
MRS. LUCINDA HESS - Funeral services for Mrs Lucinda Hess, former resident of the Guss vicinity who died March 15 at Clarinda were held Wednesday of last week at Guss, conducted by the Rev. Carl Stiefel of Nodaway The body was brought to the Sutphen funeral home where it rested until the funeral hour.

The singing was by Martin Taylor, Harry Andrew and Clifton Clement, with Mrs. Harry Andrew as accompanist, and those in charge of the flowers were Mrs. Thad Cooney and Mrs. Walter Kendrick. The pallbearers were Francis Murphy, Gene Murphy, Walter Greenway, Able Greenway, Lynn Hess and Leslie Hess, and interment was in the Guss cemetery

Mrs   Lucinda Jane Hess, daughter of Hamilton and Lucinda Jane Greenway, was born on a farm in Montgomery county, Iowa northeast of Villisca on Jan. 4, 1874 and was 73 years old at the time of her death.

Oh Feb 2, 1889, she was married to Louis Oscar Hess at Brooks, Iowa. Her husband died 12 years ago.

Mrs Hess was a member of the Maple Grove Methodist church of Guss. She spent her entire life in Iowa.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Claude Wallahan of Richland Wash., two grandchildren, Lowell C Wallahan of Omaha, Neb., and Pauline H. Harper of Richland, Wash., also two half brothers, Jule and Charles Bean, and a number of nephews and nieces.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband, were her mother and father, four brothers, three half sisters and two half-brothers.

 

[HORTON, GENEVA ALICE FREUCK]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, March 30, 1989, p. 14
GENEVA ALICE HORTON
Funeral services for Geneva Alice Horton, 88, of Omaha, Ne., were held on March 21, 1989 at the Sutphen-Beaty Funeral Home in Villisca with the Rev. Walter Bailey officiating. Interment was in the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss.

Casket bearers were Allan Garey, David Miller, Jim Robinson, Andrew Miller, William Horton and Harold Robinson. Organist was by Larry E. Johnson.

Geneva Alice Horton, daughter of Henry and Stella Welch Freuck, was born September 8, 1900, in rural Taylor County and entered into rest at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Ne., on March 19, 1989.

She attended McMillan Rural School in Taylor County and graduated from Villisca High School with the class of 1921.

In 1922 Geneva was united in marriage to Earl A. Horton.

Until they moved to Omaha she worked, in Leader's Dry Goods Store in Villisca, both before and after her marriage. In Omaha, she worked in Burgess Department Store until the birth of her daughter. During the 1930's Geneva was a Girl Scout Leader and later worked for a number of years for Dr. Herbert Davis.

Following Earl's death, she was an interior decorator for Davidson's Furniture Store, and, after her retirement, she continued to work as a volunteer at both the Douglas County Hospital and the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, for which she received the American Red Cross Ten-year service award.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Geneva is survived by her daughter Betty Lou Horton of Bloomington, In.; four grandchildren, Rebecca Uchida of Evanston, II., Cynthia Miller of Seattle, Wa., David Miller of Boston, Ma., and Andrew Miller of Princeton, N.J.; one great-granddaughter, Emiko Elizabeth Uchida; three sisters and their husbands, Fern and Paul Firkins, and Harold and Glenna Mae Robinson, all of Villisca, and Fay and Paul Spencer of Booneville, Ms..

 

[HORTON, EARL EDGAR]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, September 10, 1959, p. 9
OBITUARY - EARL   E. NORTON
Earl E. Horton, 60, former Villisca resident, died Sept. 3, 1959 at Arkansas City, Kansas. Death was attributed to a heart attack. He was presently a resident of Omaha, where funeral services were held at 11-30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7 and concluding service and interment was at 3:00 p.m. at the Guss Cemetery.

He is survived by his widow, the former Geneva Froyd [Freuck] of Villisca, one daughter, Mrs. Betty Miller and three grandchildren of New Haven, Conn., three brothers, Leonard of Lincoln, Clarence of Texas and Felix of Villisca and three sisters, Mrs. John Hide of Norfolk, Mrs. Harry Wirth of Tabor and Mrs. Venzil Peterson.

Following the service, seventy relatives who attended the funeral were served lunch at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Venzil Peterson. Mrs. Harold Robinson assisted with the serving.

 

[KNOPP, DAVID]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Friday, January 7, 1927, p. 6
DAVID KNOPP - David Knopp, father of Phillip Knopp and Mrs. Geo. Carpenter of the vicinity of Nodaway, died Saturday night at 11 o'clock at the Geo. Carpenter home after a short illness. Two weeks before his death Mr. Knopp fell on the floor upstairs at his home and broke his left hip, and he never recovered from the shock of the accident.

He was born in West Virginia on April 12, 1834, and after some time spent in Ohio and Illinois he came to Taylor county, Iowa, where he was a pioneer settler. At the time of his death he was making his home in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Carpenter, and family. He is survived by two sons and three daughters, his wife having preceded him in death eighteen years ago.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Carpenter home, Rev. Ira A. Carney, pastor of the Christian church in Red Oak having charge of the service. The singing was by Miss Eva Arbuckle and Mrs. C. S. Martin, with Miss Louise Bunnell at the piano. Burial was in the Guss cemetery beside the wife of the deceased.

 

[KNOPP, MARY ANN ATKINSON]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Saturday, August 14, 1909, p. 7
Mrs. David Knopp died at her home near Nodaway on August 1, aged 71 years, 2 months and 3 days. Mary A. [nn] Atkinson was born in Trumbull County, O., May 28, 1838. She was married to David Knopp in 1857 and to this union were born seven children, two living near Nodaway, they being Mrs. Geo. Carpenter and P. L. Knopp, the balance of the children living in various parts of the country. All were present at the time of her death except Mrs. L. [eander] H.[owell] Greer [Green] of Spokane, Wash. Mr. and Mrs. Knopp came to Hancock county, Ill., in 1861 and in 1887 they moved to Nodaway. The funeral services were conducted at her late home by her pastor, Rev. C. A. Carlson. Interment in the Guss cemetery.

 

[KNOPP, PHILLIP CONVERSE]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, December 16, 1943, p. 4
Hold Rites Here For Phillip Knopp Who Died Saturday
Phillip Converse Knopp, 81, son of David Knopp, was born Oct 26, 1862, in Hancock county, Ill., and died Saturday in the St. Joseph hospital at Sioux City, Ia.

When a young man he came to Taylor county, Iowa, where he lived for several years. In 1910 he went to Glenwood, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming with his brother for several years, going from there to Wayne, Neb. He returned to Taylor County where he lived until August, 1942, when he went to Hornick, Ia., to make his home with a sister, Mrs. Ella Gallagher.

He was one of a family of seven children, three of whom have preceded him in death. They were Marietta Carpenter, Viola Stamps and an infant girl, Caroline. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs Virginia Green of Spokane, Wash, Mrs. Ella Gallagher of Hornick, Iowa, and a brother, Thomas J of Fleming, Colo. He leaves also several nieces and nephews and many friends He was never married.

Funeral services were held here Tuesday afternoon at the Wolfe funeral home, conducted by the Rev. E. M. Buehler. The pallbearers were Frank Arnott, Harry Cooney, Wade Burch, Clyde Sabin, Elver Lacox and W. H. Taylor. The singing was by Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Davie, with Mrs. Davie accompanying. Interment was in the Guss cemetery.

 

[MOORE, MILDRED FERN FISHER]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Thursday, February 24, 1938, p. 3
Obituary – Funeral services for Mrs. Harry Moore were held at the Methodist Church in Nodaway last Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. E. B. Stewart. Burial was in the Guss cemetery.

Quartette composed of Mrs. H. G. Everett, Mrs. Floyd Neill, Leon Rider and Martin Taylor sang three hymns, "The Old Rugged Cross," "Just Beyond the River," "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere." Mrs. C. N. Kennedy played the accompaniments.

Neighbors were pall bearers: Frank Arnott, Roy Northup, Russell Kernen, Veryl Watts, Leslie Carpenter, Elver Lacox.

Mildred Fern, daughter of Henry and Ellen Fisher, was born April 27, 1886 in Adams County, Iowa, and departed this life at her home four miles south of Nodaway, February 14, 1938, age 52 years, 9 months and 18 days. She was the third child in a family of nine children. Her eight brothers and sisters are all living.

October 4, 1904 she was united in marriage to Harry Hilton Moore at Corning, Iowa. To this union was born two children, Eva Ilene Heaton of Corning and Harold Laverne of Nodaway.

Mrs. Moore resided in Adams and Taylor counties. The last 23 years were spent on the home farm, south of Nodaway.

In early life she made her confession of Christ and united with the Church of Christ at Corning. For a number of years she has attended with her family the Methodist Church in Nodaway.

She was a kind loving wife and mother and had a large circle of friends. She leaves to mourn her loss her devoted husband, two children, three grandchildren, her mother, five sisters, three brothers and a host of friends.

 

[REYNOLDS, BERT SYLVESTER]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, September 25, 1986, p. 10
BERT S. REYNOLDS - Graveside services for Bert Sylvester Reynolds were held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 22, 1986, at Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss with the Reverend Al Hutchings officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery. Mr Reynolds was born June 24, 1896, at Prairie view, KS., and passed away Friday, September19, 1986 at Malvern, Ia. He was the son of Mr and Mrs Harry Reynolds. Bert was married to Minnie Weil in 1916, and she preceded him in death in 1933. He then married Mildred Hefley on June 24, 1938. She preceded him in death on October 28, 1982. Mr Reynolds had worked for the railroad, operated a tavern, and worked as a farmhand in the area. Survivors include his children, Leonard Reynolds of Oroville, Ca., and Ethelean Gray of El Paso, Tx.; step-children, Thelma Geier of Lakeville, Mn., Harold Fisher of Las Vegas, Nv., and Dorothy Cajkua of Hollywood, Ca.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Alberta Smith, one brother and one sister.

Wolfe Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

[REYNOLDS, MILDRED BERNIECE HEFLEY FISHER]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, November 4, 1982, p. 11
MILDRED REYNOLDS - Mildred Berniece Heffley Reynolds was born in Cool, Ia., on July 7, 1907, to John and Martha Jane Heffley and was reared in Indianola, Ia.

She married Lee Fisher, who preceded her in death in 1931. To this union four children were born: Thelma, Harold, Dorothy and Betty.

Mildred was united in marriage to Bert Reynolds on June 25, 1936.

Later she was employed at Union Carbide in Red Oak, Ia., for nine years.

She had been ill for several years and passed away on October 28, 1982, at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Ia.

Mildred is survived by her husband Bert; children, Thelma Gieir of Lakeville, Mn.; Harold Fisher, Las Vegas, Nv.; Dorothy Cashaka, Arleta, Ca.; Leonard Reynolds, Oroville, Ca.; Ethelean Gray, El Paso, Tx.; and Alberta Smith of Villisca; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Lee Fisher, parents, daughter Betty, and brother Harold Heffley.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 1, 1982, at the Wolfe Funeral Home, Villisca, Ia., with the Reverend Joe Tom Tate officiating.

Organist was Martin Hentsch and soloist was Audrea Higgins.

Casket bearers were Wayne Fast, Gary Refer, Darwin Smith, Ed Weiner, Marvin Peterson, and Dean Smith.

Final resting place was in Maple Grove Cemetery, Guss, Ia.

 

[REYNOLDS, MINNIE ELLEN WEIL]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Friday, December 1, 1933, p. 5
MRS. BERT REYNOLDS DIES IN IOWA CITY AFTER LONG ILLNESS
Mrs. Bert Reynolds, 39, died at 12:30 p. m. Monday in the University hospital in Iowa City following a second emergency operation to which she submitted Saturday night in an effort to save her life. Mrs. Reynolds had been a patient in the University hospital since the first of November and underwent a first operation there November 15.

Her body was brought to Atlantic by train Tuesday and was brought from there to Villisca in the Fessler & Sutphen funeral ambulance. Brief funeral services were held at 2.15 p. m. Wednesday in the Reynolds home here, followed by services at 2:30 p. m. in the local Advent Christian church which were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. G. A. Arthur.

Singing at the services was by a quartet composed of Mrs. Albert F. Davie, Miss Irma Strait, Harold Todd and H. C. Lindell. Pallbearers were Harold Peters, C. A. Penwell, Lewis Patton, Orson Figglns, A. M. Mitchell     and    James    Goodwin.

Burial was made in the Guss cemetery.

Minnie Ellen Weil was born February 20, 1894, in Taylor county, Iowa, a daughter of Charles and Lily Weil. She was united in marriage December 13, 1916, to Bert Reynolds, and to this union three children were born. Mrs. Reynolds has lived in this vicinity all her life.

She is survived by her husband, her three children, Leonard, Ethelean and Alberta, and by her mother and four brothers, who are: Matthew Weil of Gravity, Ia., Frank and Chester Weil of northwest of Villisca and Estel Well who resides with his mother southeast of Villisca.

Mrs. Reynolds was baptized and became a member of the Guss Methodist church. Several weeks ago she was voted into membership in the local Advent Christian church.

 

[RIDNOUR, JAMES]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, December 18, 1947, p. 10
Nodaway – Rufus Ridnour received word on Monday that his brother Jim Ridnour had passed away at 11 o'clock at his home near Guss from a heart attack.

 

[RIDNOUR, JAMES]
Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, January 1, 1948, p. 7
James Ridnour - James Ridnour, son of Benjamin and Susan Ridnour, was born in Page County, Iowa, Nov 7, 1877, and died at his home near New Market on Dec 15, 1947, at the age of 70 years, 1 month and 8 days.

He is survived by his wife Ellazan Ridnour, two daughters, Mildred Stalcup of Creston, and Opal McFarland of Clarinda, one son, Leland, at home, two sons-in-law, Carrol W Stalcup of Creston, and Guy McFarland of Clarinda, one sister, Mrs Harriett Hodge of Cincinnati, Ohio, two brothers, Fred, of Gravity, and Rufus, of Nodaway, Iowa, seven grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held in the Guss Methodist church at 2 p m Thursday, Dec 18, 1947, with Rev Clement M Rowe of the Nodaway Methodist church in charge. Music was by Rosa and Imogene Marsh who sang, "Sometime We'll Understand," "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere. " Pianist was Mrs Oscar Stalder. Casket bearers were Neely Ridnour, Wilbur and Cleave King and Glee, Glen and Jerome Mauderly. Burial was in the Guss cemetery.

 

[STARKEY, ELIZABETH ANN FINLEY ROGERS]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Saturday, March 24, 1917, [p. 1]
BROUGHT HERE FOR   BURIAL
Mrs. Elizabeth Starkey Dies at Home of Son at New Kirk, Oklahoma, Sunday—Burial at Guss
The remains of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Starkey, a former resident of this vicinity, arrived in Villisca Tuesday evening and were taken at once to the home of her grandson, Chas. Rogers, southeast of Villisca. Funeral services were held from there the following day.

Elizabeth Ann Finley was born near Green Castle, Indiana, February 9, 1835, and died near New Kirk, Oklahoma, March 18, 1917. She was married to Wm N.[elson] Rogers, March 23, 1858. To this union was born one son, Wm. E.[dward] Rogers who preceded her in death a few years ago. She was married to A. [ndrew] J. [ackson] Starkey April 24, 1864. To this union were born two sons, S. A. Starkey of Meeteetse, Wyoming, and F. [inley] A. [rmstrong] Starkey, of New Kirk, Oklahoma, both of whom were with her at the time of her death. The deceased was 82 years, 1 month, and 9 days old at the time of death. Besides near relatives she leaves a wide circle of friends, having made friends wherever she went.

The funeral services were held from the home of Charlie Rogers at 2 p. m Wednesday, March 21, conducted by Rev. W. H. Doyle of Nodaway. Interment was made at the Guss cemetery.

 

[WALLAHAN, BERNICE MARIE "BETTY" ORSTAD]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, November 1, 1990, p. 14
BERNICE MARIE (BETTY) WALLAHAN
Funeral services for Bernice Marie (Betty) Wallahan, 72, of Ralston, NE, formerly of the Villisca area, were held October 31, 1990, at Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca with the Rev. Kevin Glesener officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss, IA.

Organist was Anabelle White. Pallbearers were Michael Lankton, Tim Moon, James Coach, Russell Orstad, Dean Orstad and Kenneth Gridley.

Bernice Marie, daughter of Porter and Emelia Johnson Orstad, was born November 23, 1917, in Adams County, IA, and died October 28, 1990, at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, NE.

Betty was married to Lowell Wallahan in February 1941, in Omaha, NE. They lived most of their life in Omaha.

Betty was a member of the Hanscom Park Methodist Church; the Legion Auxiliary; and many volunteer groups. She had worked as a nurse for 11 years at the Veterans' Hospital.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband; father Porter; and nephew Terry.

Survivors   include   her mother, Emelia Orstad, Villisca; a sister, Jean and her husband James, Ralston, NE; niece, Susan Moon, Council Bluffs; nephew, Michael Lankton, Omaha; and grand-niece and nephew, Willa and Cooper Moon.

Wolfe Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
[Note:  Marriage date on headstone is January 17, 1940.]

 

[WALLAHAN, LOWELL CLAUDE]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, May 20, 1982, p. 7
LOWELL CLAUDE WALLAHAN  - Funeral services for Lowell C. Wallahan were held at Crosby-Kunold Funeral Chapel, Omaha, Ne., on May 5, 1982. Mr Wallahan died May 2, 1982, after an extended period of failing health.

He was born in Taylor County, Ia., on June 16, 1913, the son of Claude and Vivian Wallahan, who preceded him in death. He is survived by wife Bernice and sister Pauline Harper, Richland, Wa.

Services were conducted by the Reverend Donald Bredthauer and organist was Arlene Rogers. Pallbearers were Herbert Beckler, Mathew   Kisicki, Joseph Lindquist, Dennis Olmstend, Richard Packard and Bruce Wallahan. Interment was in Brown Cemetery, Guss, Ia.

He was employed as National Transportation Clerk at the Union Pacific Railway Terminal in Council Bluffs, Ia., and later at the Omaha Post Office. He was a member of the Hanscom Park United Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion, a Master Mason and Noble of Tangier Temple.

 

[WYMORE, CHARLES ALBERT]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, December 31, 1942, p. 8
Hold Funeral Service For Charles A. Wymore
Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p. m. at the Guss Methodist church for Charles A. Wymore who died at his home near there early Saturday morning. The Rev. H.   B.   Kishpaugh of Nodaway was in charge and burial was in the Guss cemetery. The singers    were    Leon     Rider, Mrs. Charles   Everett, Mrs.   J.   R.   Dlsmukes and Martin Taylor accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Martin Taylor.  Mrs. Ted McCoy and Mrs. Wayne Rock were in charge of the flowers, and the pallbearers were Paul Wasson, Floyd Wasson, Arthur Wasson, Kenneth Wymore, Steven Wymore and John Rhamy. Charles   Albert Wymore, son of Melissa    and    Elza    Wymore, was horn In Mahaska county, Iowa, on June 3, 1867. When a small child he moved with his family to Page County where he grew to manhood. On April 9, 1902, he was married to Lettie Loghry, and to this union were born two children. In 1903 he moved to Taylor County where he resided until his death.

He is survived by his wife Lettie and his two children, Glen and Una, both at home; three sisters, Mrs. Eva Spiker, Phoenix, Ariz., Josie Wymore, Elmo, Mo., and Lottie Wymore of Stambaugh, Mich.; two, brothers, Will and Frank, Elmo, Mo.

He was a member of the Guss Methodist church.

 

[WYMORE, LETTIE FLORILLA LOGHRY]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, February 11, 1960, p. 6
OBITUARY - LETTIE WYMORE
Funeral services for Mrs. Lettie Wymore were held Saturday, Feb. 6, 1960 at 2:00 p. m at the Guss Methodist Church with the Rev. Verne Weigel officiating, Mrs. Verne Weigel accompanied Mrs. George Johnson in the following vocal selections "Shall We Gather at the River" and "When the Roll is called up Yonder." Pallbearers were Ray Stamps, Paul Richey, Wesley Walters, Evan Andrew, Henry Schrader and Edgar Hampel. Flower bearers were Mrs. Jim Stamps and Mrs. Ray Gould. Concluding service and interment was in   the   Guss   Cemetery   with the Wolfe Funeral Home in charge.

Bettie [Lettie] Florilla   Wymore, daughter of George E. and Nancy Loghry  (Lothery) was born August 4, 1886 in Page County, Iowa, near Hepburn   and    departed   this   life February 3, 1960 at the age of 73 years, 5 months   and 30   days   at the home of Paul Wasson, Villisca, Iowa.

She was united in marriage with Charles A. Wymore April 9, 1902.

To this union    was    born    two children, Una    F.   Wymore    and Glen.

She   grew   to   womanhood   and married in the Hepburn community, and in 1903 with her husband she moved    to the home    in    the Guss community where she lived until the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her   father, mother, husband and ten brothers and sisters.

She   is   survived   by   her   children, a   daughter-in-law   and   one grand child, Jimmy Wymore, also one   brother   Ralph   of   Papillion, Nebraska    and    six    sisters-in-law and     one   brother-in-law; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and a host of friends and neighbors.

She was a member of the Guss Methodist Church  at  the  time of her death.