Avis Alexander
Funeral services for Avis Alexander, age 95, of Gravity, who died Thursday, August 9, 2000 at the Montgomery County Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa, were held Saturday, August 12, at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor John Clark officiating. Interment was held in the Washington Cemeteryin Gravity. Memorials can be directed to the Stanton Care Center. Avis Alexander was born October 27, 1904 in Mount Ayr, Iowa, the daughter of Russell H. Morey and Belle Smith Morey. Avis grew up in the Clearfield area graduating from the Clearfield High School in 1924, she then attended one year of Teacher College in Shenandoah. Avis taught school for a couple of years at a country school outside of Clearfield, returning home to help care for her family. On December 6, 1935 she was united in marriage to Malvern Alexander in Clearfield. After their marriage Avis and Malvern lived on a farm five miles northwest of Gravity. She moved into Gravity after her husband's death in 1973, living there until 1996 when she moved to the Stanton Care Facility. Avis was a very active member of the Gravity Christian Church and was involved in various church circles and local clubs, including the P.T.A. She was a well-known supporter of her children's activities as they were growing up. She also enjoyed gardening, quilting, sewing, and canning the produce from her garden. Avis was an excellent baker who baked bread every other day! The couple enjoyed their life on the farm and she was known as a "true farmer's wife" to others. In 1947 when her husband and several of their children had polio, she ran the family farm while they were in the hospital. Avis is survived by her four sons, Fred Alexander and wife Diane of Etowah, Tenn; Roger Alexander and wife Norma Jean of Haiti; Willis Alexander and wife Joyce of Colorado Springs, Colo; and Lyle Alexander and wife Judy of Gravity; two daughters, Carol Lee and husband Martin of Clive, Ia; and Lois Pratt and husband Tom of Red Oak, Ia; twenty-eight grandchildren and fifty-three great grandchildren. Preceding Avis in death are her husband Malvern in 1973; her parents Russell and Belle; a son Charles; four brothers, Harry, Gene, Dwight, and Russell Morey; and a sister, Bernice Beatty.

Robert Elvin Allen
Robert Elvin Allen, age 66, was born January 12, 1934, at Braddyville, Iowa, to Floyd and Neva (Hiles) Allen. He died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, January 15, 2000, at Clarinda Regional Health Center. On August 15, 1953 he was married to Millie Hudson. Mr.Allen had worked for Page County and recently retired from Eaton Corporation. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He loved his horses, dogs and sweets. Survivors include his wife, Millie; children Debra Ann Jackson and her husband Todd of Plattsmouth, Nebr., Mary Jane Elmore and her husband Dean of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Cory Elvin Allen of Bedford; grandchildren Inna Renee, Jennifer Lea and her husband Todd, Jacen Adren; great grandchildren David Allen and Bradley James; brothers Merlin Allen and his wife Opal of Cameron, Missouri, and Donnis Allen of Pickering, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Buddy Dean Allen. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, January 19, 2000, at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel with Loren Daly of the Siam Church of Christ officiating. Burial was at Braddyville Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to a memorial fund established in his name.

Rosa Anderson
Rosa R. Anderson, age 77, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, since 1958, died February 11, 2000, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Council Bluffs. She was a registered nurse for 30 years at Jennie Edmundson Hospital and area hospitals. Rosa was born in Callao, Peru. She received four years of college education. She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and the Council Bluffs Senior Center. She was married for thirty-nine years to William R. Anderson who preceded her in death in 1991. She is survived by sons Mark, Jon, and Scot, all of Council Bluffs, Iowa; three grandchildren; sisters Genoveva Bahomonde, Lima, Peru, and Judith Zavala, Provo, Utah; brothers, Ernesto Rios, Lima, Peru, and Alberto Rios, Lima, Peru; and numerous other relatives. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 15, at Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Heath officiating. Burial was Tuesday, February 15, at Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials are directed to the Council Bluffs Senior Center of American Cancer Society.

Evelyn Badger
Evelyn Marie Badger, daughter of Byron and Freda Baumgarten Badger, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, June 11, 1916. Her earthly life ended July 8, 2000 in Tucson, Arizona. Preceding her in death were her parents and her sister, Lois H. Jamison. At age seven Evelyn moved with her family to the rural community of College Springs, Iowa, her father's boy hood home. Evelyn became deeply involved in church, school and community. Her interests were many, her spirit undaunted. She sang in her church choirs, taught Sunday School classes and held a leadership rolls in youth groups. She accompanied her father as a soloist and also the gospel quartet in which he sang. She earned her BA degree at Northwest Missouri University. She did her graduate studies at the University of Arizona, there received her Master of Education degree. Her teaching career began in a rural school in Page County, Iowa. Before coming to Arizona she taught four years in Horace Mann School in Maryville, Missouri. Thirty-seven years of her life was devoted to teaching in the Tucson Unified District. As a member of the St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, Evelyn moderated the Women's Gathering and the Parish Life Committee, served as an Elder and volunteered countless hours in service programs. Evelyn was a member of Lambda Chapter, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, P.E.O. Chapter AX and the Pima County, Arizona, and National Retired Teachers' Association. Surviving relatives are her brother-in-law Glen Jamison, Coin, Iowa; her niece Glenda (Bob) McCoy of Lee's Summit, Missouri; their children and grandchildren; John McCoy and Andrea (Michael) Roberts, Micayla and Dylan, Dallas, Texas; nephew Dale (Geri) Jamison, Tucson, Arizona; their children and grandchildren, Allen (Linda) Jamison, Ashley and Alex, Navarre, Florida, Pamela (Randy) Shrull, Karlie and Kelly, Wichita Falls, Texas, Diane (Donald) Brennan, Wichita Falls, Texas. Memorial services were held at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, Tucson, July 13, 2000.

Mildred G. Barnes
Mildred G. Barnes, the daughter of Clifton E. and Elizabeth S. Munsell Hayden, was born May 30, 1915 in Springfield, Massachusetts and died June 21, 2000 at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa, at the age of 85 years and 21 days. She was baptized at the Park Memorial Baptist Church in Springfield, Mass. She attended school in Springfield, Mass., graduating from Commerce High School with the high school Class of 1932. Mildred then worked for the Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Company as a secretary. On May 30, 1940 she was united in marriage to Fred W. Barnes at the Park Memorial Baptist Church in Springfield, Mass. They moved to Shambaugh, Iowa, in 1953. They owned and operated the Shambaugh Process and Locker for several years. Mildred then helped Fred when he became an over-the-road tire salesman. They lived in Villisca for a short time then moved to the Friendship Village in Audubon in 1988. Mildred became a resident of the Friendship Home in March 1990. Fred died December 8, 1993. Mildred always enjoyed helping and doing things for others. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon. Preceding her in death in addition to her husband were her daughter, Patricia W. Long, and her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Suzanne Barnes of Audubon; her granddaughters: Linda E. Borton, Melissa A. Long and Teresa L. Barnes of Denison, Iowa; and her great granddaughter, Laura E. Lieser. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Rogers of West Palm Beach, Florida; sisters-in-law, Roseine Barnes of Guthrie Center, Iowa, and Helen Aitken of Long Meadow, Mass; her son-in-law, Lowell E. Long of Villisca, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial services were conducted by Jane Jensen, pastor of the Audubon First Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, June 24, 2000 at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon. As per her request, Mildred's body was donated to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Rollie Dale Blake
Rollie Dale Blake, age 47, of New Market, Iowa, formerly of New Hartford, Iowa, died Thursday, July 6, 2000, near Canon City, Colorado, during a whitewater rafting tour. He was born September 25, 1952, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Harold and Kathleen Kothenbeutel. He married Cyndi Wilson of Cedar Falls and was later divorced. Rollie graduated from New Hartford High School in 1971. He served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1983 and was employed at NSK Corporation in Clarinda, Iowa, from 1983 until his death. His family and friends know him as reliable, communicates well with others, knowledgeable, excellent worker, dependable, able to adjust and handle a variety of situations, organized, a leader and respected by his fellow team workers. He is survived by his two sons, Justin Blake and his wife Denise of Clarinda, Iowa, and Brandon Blake and his wife Vivianna of Orsago, Italy; grandchildren Dakota and Hayley Blake; parents Harold and Kathleen Kothenbeutel of Bedford, Iowa; five brothers, Carl Blake of New Market, Iowa, Truman Blake of Wasilla, Alaska, Buzz Blake of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Augie Blake of Homer, Alaska, Jim Kothenbeutel of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; five sisters, Kay Weedman of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Esther Desjardins of Las Vegas, Nevada, Pam Garbes of Mapleton, Minn., Vicky Emery of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Cindy Dralle of Olewein, Iowa; and his loving companion Candis Fast of Villisca, Iowa. Mr. Blake was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Carl and Angie Harris. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 11, at Hillside Missionary Church, Clarinda, with burial at the Clarinda Cemetery. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Ann Brown
Patricia Ann Brown, 67, of Wheatridge, Colorado, formerly of Clarinda, Iowa, died Tuesday, August 8, 2000 at Wheatridge Manor, Wheatridge, Colorado. Funeral services were held Monday, August 14, 2000 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with Rev. Walden Paige officiating. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Clarinda. A memorial will be established. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Pat was born September 11, 1932, in Shambaugh, Iowa, to Clinton Dee Weaver and Florence Gorrell Weaver. She was united in marriage March 30, 1956 to William Harold Brown who preceded her in death May 20, 1985. Pat was a registered nurse and was employed at the Mental Health Institute for several years. Survivors include daughters, Martha Colleen McChesney of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Janice Allene Fischer and husband Robert of Denver, Colorado; Susan Eileen Stogdill and husband Craig of Grand River, Iowa; Karen Joleen Meyer of Grand River, Iowa; eight grandchildren and sister, Madge Burritt of Bloomberg, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson, two sisters, Gwen Anderson, Hazel Jean Trippy, and one brother in infancy.

Willard E. Brown
Willard E. Brown, age 64, of Pisgah, Iowa, died Tuesday, February 15, 2000, at Community Memorial Hospital from injuries of an automobile accident. Will was born July 28, 1935 near New Market, Iowa, to Jesse and Opal (Cunning) Brown. Will graduated from New Market High School. He then served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge he attended Clarinda Junior College where he attained his teaching degree. On June 19, 1960, he married Jayne Barrett in Clarinda. The couple moved to Pisgah and Will began teaching at West Harrison in the fall of 1960. They moved to New Market where Will taught and later became the principal at South Page. The family then moved back to the West Harrison School District. Will continued his education receiving his Bachelor Degree from Dana College and his Masters Degree from Northwest Missouri State College. He has taught science, sociology, and currently was teaching junior high math and high school geography. He has coached most of the different sports and currently was assistant coach for high school girls basketball, junior high girls basketball, junior high football and junior high boys track. He was an official for many years. Will was a member of the Pisgah RLDS Church and the ISEA. Will was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Annette Lynn in November of 1972. Survivors include his wife of more than 39 years, Jayne of Pisgah; four children, Meredith and husband Roger Jenson of Little Sioux, Missy and husband Brett Olsen of Lusby, Maryland, Kevin Brown and wife Michelle of Council Bluffs, and Jeffrey Brown of Pisgah; six grandchildren; and one sister, Eva and her husband Eldon Fine of New Market, Iowa. Funeral services were held 10 a..m. Saturday, February 19 at West Harrison High School in Mondamin with burial in Clarinda Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Clarinda, on Saturday from 3-4 p.m. with a prayer service held at 4 p.m. The committal service at the Clarinda Cemeterywill follow the prayer service. A memorial fund is being established. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Clarinda, is handling local arrangements.

Mary Lucille Brownlee
Mary Lucille Brownlee was born January 3, 1912 in a log cabin in Greene County, Tennessee. She was the oldest child of Benjamin Harrison Miller and Luna Oleva Sutherland Miller. She passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2000, at Integrated Health Services, Clarinda, Iowa, where she had been a resident since 1996. She attended Olive Branch elementary school as a child and Clarinda High School. She had a special talent for music and played the piano for the school chorus. On October 26, 1929, she married Glenn Naze Brownlee, three days before the Great Depression began. Mary Lucille was a farm wife and later worked as a cook at the Clarinda Mental Health Institute until her retirement. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Villisca, Iowa. She is survived by three children: Lois Brown of Denver, Colorado, Mrs. Doris Driftmier and son-in-law Darrel Driftmier of Clarinda, Iowa, Stan Brownlee and daughter-in-law Becky of Villisca, Iowa, son-in-law Don Dickmeyer of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; a sister Thelma Elizabeth Manning and husband Ray of Roanoke, Virginia; sister-in-law Dorothy Malmberg of Red Oak, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn Brownlee, daughter, Patricia Ann Brownlee Dickmeyer, and brother, Carl Miller. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 1, 2000, at the First Presbyterian Church, Villisca, Iowa, with the Rev. Sandra Wainwright officiating. Burial was in North Page Cemetery, rural Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials are directed to the North Page Cemetery. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Henry E. (Hank) Brunk
Hank Brunk, 85, of College Springs, Iowa, passed away Friday morning, May 19, 2000 at the Village Care Center in Maryville, Missouri, where he was residing. Hank was born June 25, 1915 in Missouri, the son of Harry E. and Ruby (Hoyt) Brunk. He was married to Mary Cates and she preceded him in death on December 17, 1998. Hank has worked as an electrician and also as a truck driver for the U.S. Postal Service. Survivors include his children: daughter, Ruby Joyce Hames of Lancaster, California, Judith Peterson and husband Don of Lancaster, California, Linda Clark and husband Charles of Lancaster, California; sons, Henry Edwin Brunk and wife Mary Sue of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Erin J. Brunk of Lancaster, California; eighteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren; stepchildren Kathy Winkler and husband Bob of Tacoma, Washington, son Walter Russ and wife Nelcy of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, Beth Nissen of Red Oak, Iowa; two brothers, Murrell Bruck of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Wayne Brunk of St. Joseph, Missouri. Hank was preceded in death by his parents and wife Mary in 1998. Services were held Wednesday, May 24, at the Maple Hill Cemetery, College Springs, with memorials directed to the College Springs Fire and Rescue. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Alice May Carlson
Alice Carlson, 94, of Clarinda, Iowa, died Friday, January 21, 2000, at Elm Heights Care Center, Shenandoah, Iowa, where she had been a resident for the past 8 years. Alice was born November 27, 1905, in the Elmo-Tarkio Missouri area, to Charles and Rose Barnard Cozad. She was united in marriage to Milo Browning, later married Edgar A. Carlson, who preceded her in death in 1974. Alice was a member of the Clarinda Methodist Church and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years. Survivors include children, Glen Browning and wife Hazel of Deepwater, Missouri; Joan Hamilton of Clearmont, Missouri; Larry Carlson and wife Esther of Blanchard, Iowa; nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, step-son Robert Carlson and wife Grace of Clearmont, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Jane Cozad of Clarinda and Ruth Cozad of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Edgar Carlson, son, Richard Browning, grandson Kurt Hamilton, brothers, Ben Cozad, Edsen (Bill) Cozad, Charles (Wick) Cozad, sister, Blanche Nally, Helen Horn, and step-children, Mildred Spangler, Tama Livengood, and Margaret Carlson. Funeral services were held Monday, January 24, 2000, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Madden officiating. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery. A memorial will be established.

Earl Eric Carlson
Earl Carlson, 81, of Westboro, Mo., died Saturday, April 1, 2000, at the Fairfax Community Hospital, Fairfax, Mo., after a brief illness. Earl was born May 14, 1918, in Raymond, Nebr., to Frederick and Annie Fairchild Carlson. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. December 26, 1958, he was united in marriage to Louise M. Stotts who survives. He was a farmer in the Westboro area. Survivors include his wife Louise of the home; daughters, Linda Jean Carlson of Westboro, Mo., and Brenda Merriett; two sons from a previous marriage, Earl Eric Carlson, Jr., of California, Mo., and James Lee Carlson of Urbandale, Iowa; grandchildren Shelly Stephson, Jeff Carlson, Erin Carlson, Kendall Carlson; four great grandchildren; brother, Warren Carlson of Sterling, Colo.; sisters, Sigurd Brush of Longview, Washington, and Ruth Benz of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, Jack, Herman, Sture, two sisters, Olga Newman and Nora Ogorzolka. Memorial services were held Tuesday, April 4, 2000 at the First Baptist Church, Tarkio, Missouri, with Pastor Glenn Scott officiating. Burial was in the Center Grove Cemeterynear Westboro. Memorials may be directed to a College Education Fund or to the Tarkio Nutrition Center, Tarkio. Barr-Merrick Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Sara Ann Carmichael
Sara Ann Carmichael, 58, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away at her home in Clarinda, Iowa, Thursday, April 20, 2000. Sara was born November 29, 1941, near Shambaugh, Iowa, to Walter Burton and Anna Isabell Pierce Scott. She was a graduate of New Market High School. February 14, 1987, she was united in marriage at the First Christian Church, Clarinda, to Larry Carmichael, who survives. Sara was a clerical accounting assistant at the Lisle Corporation since 1979. Bicycling, gardening, and cooking were among her many interests and she was a member of the Trees Forever committee and Quilting Guild. One of Sara's favorite pastimes was being with her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband Larry of the home; son, Chuck Dunn and wife Shelly of Clearmont, Missouri; daughter, DeAna Marriott and husband Mike of Braddyville, Iowa; step-daughter, Conice Smith and husband Monnie of Gravity, Iowa; step-son, Nathan Carmichael of Clarinda; step-daughter, Cameo Carmichael of Dubuque, Iowa; four grandchildren, Jeremy Dunn, Jayne Dunn, Jacob Marriott, Samantha Marriott; two step-grandchildren, Ambarlee Berringer, Trey Smith; mother, Anna Isabell Scott of Clarinda; four brothers, Walt Wm. Scott and wife Wanda of Red Oak, Iowa, James Scott and wife Jan of Stanton, Iowa, Dick Scott and wife Geraldine of Stanton, Iowa, Fred Scott and wife Lila of Bethany, Missouri; parents-in-law, Cliff and LaMead Carmichael of Clarinda. Preceding her in death were her father and a sister in infancy. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 22, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Clarinda, with Pastor Gary Jaeckle officiating. Burial was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, College Springs, Iowa. A memorial will be established. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Lloyd Leigh Carper
Lloyd Leigh Carper, 80, of Clarinda, Iowa, died Wednesday, January 19, 2000, at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa. Lloyd was born February 6, 1919, at Page Center, Iowa, to Walter George and Muzzette Montgomery Carper. Lloyd served in the United States Army during World War II. June 7, 1941, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hicks who preceded him in death April 11, 1976. Lloyd worked at M.H.I. one year and then worked for the Department of Transportation as foreman of road maintenance. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church, Clarinda. Survivors include children, Jerry Carper and wife Mary of Bloomington, Illinois, Jean Elaine Harrell and husband John of Des Moines, Iowa, James L. Carper of Topeka, Kansas; five grandchildren, four great grandchildren; brother, Dean Carper and wife Charlotte of Shenandoah, Iowa; sister, Myrtle Myrick of Garden Grove, California and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers, Harvey Carper, Merle Carper, Everett Carper and infant brother, Keith Carper. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 22, 2000, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Iske officiating. Burial was in Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Free Methodist Church.

Frances McKie Caskey
On Tuesday, June 20, 2000, Frances McKie Caskey, 94, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away. She was the beloved wife of the late Rev. Cloyd E. Caskey, mother of Jean Andrianoff of Penang, Malaysia, stepmother of Joseph M. Caskey of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Kenneth C. Caskey of North Carolina, and Carroll E. Caskey of Virginia. Survivors also include 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Services were held 11 a.m. at the Reformed Presbyterian Home, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Burial will be in the Blanchard Cemeteryat a later date. She has left her family and friends a legacy of unqualified love, affirmation and selflessness. Arrangements were by Simons Funeral Home, Inc. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, is in charge of local arrangements.

Marjorie Christensen
Marjorie Kling Christensen was born October 22, 1909 in Clarinda, Iowa, to Harry and Mabel Hardee Kling. She passed away on February 5, 2000 at the St. Joseph Hospital at New Hampton, Iowa, after a short illness. Marjorie was baptized in the Methodist Church in April 1920. She attended Clarinda Schools and later was a receptionist in a doctor's office, and also worked at the Berry Seed Company. She and C.E. Hermie Christensen were married on July 17, 1932. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Edwin L. and Larry A. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband in 1987, her parents and two brothers, Byron and Albert. She is survived by two sons, Edwin and wife Marilee of New Hampton, Iowa, and Larry and wife Marcia of Cresco, Iowa, one granddaughter Kim, four grandsons, Kail, Larry, Kent and Rick, one great granddaughter, and two great grandsons. She is also survived by one sister, Lucille Bredensteiner of Westboro, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery.

Edna M. Clark
Edna Matilda Hammer Clark, 91, of Shenandoah, formerly of Clarinda, passed away Monday morning, May 29, 2000 at the Villisca Good Samaritan Center where she had been a resident since February. Edna was born on February 12, 1909, in Montgomery County near Stanton, Iowa, to Johannes E. Johannison (name changed to John E. Hammer) and Anne Marie Lindell. She was baptized into the Swedish Methodist Church as a child. She spent many years on her grandfather John Lindell's farm near Essex. She graduated from Villisca High School with a Normal Training Certificate. She married Lee H. Clark of the Clarinda area July 7, 1927 and they spent many years in farming. Mrs. Clark spent a number of years teaching in rural schools in Page and Taylor counties and was also employed at Clarinda Mental Health Institute until she retired. Survivors include four children: Joyce Meyer of rural Clarinda, Iowa, Jay Clark and wife Donna of Villisca, Iowa, Birdice Lee Torgove of Denver, Colorado, and Barbara Des Jardien of the home. There are ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lee in 1995, four brothers, Vernon Hammer, George Hammer, Ernest Hammer and Louis Hammer and sister Myrtle Gildart. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 1, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with the Rev. Walden Paige officiating. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery. A memorial will be established. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

John (Fay) Clark
John (Fay) Clark, 84, of Villisca, Iowa, died Monday, July 3, 2000 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa, where he had been a patient since Wednesday, June 28. Fay was born May 2, 1916, in Hepburn, Iowa, the son of John and Hattie Birch Clark. He married Doris McNeal on August 31, 1942 in Maryville, Missouri. She preceded him in death on November 25, 1986. Fay had served in the Army during World War II. He worked in the coal mines from 1933-1942 and for Omaha Cold Storage. Then he, Lee and Ray operated the Clarks Garage after the war. Fay retired from the garage in 1992. Fay is survived by his son, John Clark, of Villisca, and daughter Marilyn Beedle and husband Doug of Villisca; four grandchildren Kimberly Clark Currin of Red Oak, Kyla Clark, Courtney Beedle, and Kevin Beedle, all of Villisca; and one great grandson, Logan Currin of Red Oak; and a sister-in-law, Hattie Clark of Villisca. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, two brothers, Lee and Ray, and one sister, Eva Wymore. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 6, at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca with Pastor Albert Baker officiating. Burial was in the Villisca Cemetery. Memorials are being established.

Creola Coral Clayton
Coral Clayton, age 87, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away Saturday evening, February 12, 2000, at Clarinda Regional Health Center where she had been a patient since Monday. Coral had resided at the Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, since October 1999. She was born November 14, 1912, in Clarinda to Lonnie and Tamar Peterman Thomas. Coral was a 1931 graduate of Clarinda High School. She was united in marriage in 1933 to Elden Clayton who preceded her in death July 4, 1966. While living in Council Bluffs she worked at Shaves Grocery Store as a checker. Survivors include daughters, Sharon Borden and husband Milo of Crescent, Iowa, Marvel Mayberry and husband Robert of Las Vegas, Nevada, son Richard Clayton and wife Carin of Los Angeles, California, five grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, sister Wanda Lea Jones and husband Rollie of Port Orchard, Washington, and sister-in-law Naomi Harris of Clarinda. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Roxa Woldruff, and one great grandson Ryan Payne. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 15, at the Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with Rev. John Clark officiating. Burial was in Clarinda Cemetery.

Lucile Combs
Lucile Combs, 94, of Clarinda, Iowa, formerly of New Market, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2000, at Goldenrod Manor where she had been a resident for 3 years. Lucile was born October 21, 1905, near Clarinda, Iowa, to Levi and Mary Ella Lister Good. She graduated from Amity High School in 1926. February 20, 1929, she was united in marriage to Dale Combs who preceded her in death November 5, 1991. Survivors include son, Dean Combs and wife Mickey of Bedford, Iowa, daughter, Iris Woods and husband Walter of Clarinda, Iowa, daughter, Judy Herzberg and husband Gerald of Clarinda, Iowa, 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, sister, Verla Heil of Clarinda, Iowa, sister-in-laws, Mary Good of Clarinda, Iowa, Orlene Marshall of Blue Springs, Missouri, Mildred Benard of California and Valera Abbott of Springfield, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 6 brothers, and 4 sisters. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 15, 2000, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Burial was in Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the New Market Methodist Church or Goldenrod Manor.

Lee "Luke" Comer
Lee "Luke" Comer, son of Fred and Edna (Brooner) Comer was born July 16, 1927 in Talmadge, Iowa. He departed from this life at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 72 years, 11 months and 18 days on July 4, 2000. He grew up as a farm boy in South Central Iowa. He attended Kellerton High School until October 1945 when he served 18 months in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. After his discharge he worked for John Deere in Ankeny, Iowa, and Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, where he and Betty Kaster were united in marriage by Rev. Floyd Davidson. They made their home in Kellerton, Iowa, for most of the next 26 years and moved to Clarinda in 1979 where they resided until his death. Lee was self-employed and a general contractor until he retired. Lee enjoyed small game hunting and playing cribbage and pool with friends and family. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren. He was a volunteer fireman for the Kellerton Fire Department and was a member of the Mount Ayr American Legion. He loved reminiscing with old friends and family. Lee was baptized in the Christian Fair during his stay in the VA Hospital. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Larry, Clair, Joe and Elvyn in infancy; three sisters in infancy, Darlene, Alice and Edna; and his first grandson, Chase Comer. He is survived by his wife, Betty; six children, Reta (Chris) Hatfield of Shorewood, Illinois, Larry (Susan) of Grimes, Rhonda (Brian) Whitney of Cassville, Missouri, Lori (Toney) Wiele of Milo, Iowa, Terry (Lory) of Linden, Iowa, and Linda (Jim) Young of Clarinda; thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and many friends and family. He will truly be missed by all of us.

Eleanor K. Corken
Eleanor K. Corken, 81, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Burlington Junction, Mo., passed away July 6, 2000. She was born in Nodaway County, Missouri, January 2, 1919, to Merrill and Vesta Cox. She graduated from the Missouri Methodist School of Nursing in St. Joseph, Mo. She was a member of St. Philip's United Methodist Church for 33 years and a fifty year member of the Order of Eastern Star. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jerry Corken, daughters and son-in-laws, Sue and John Olmsted, Marcy and Cecil Lanter, and daughter Mary Beth Hollas and grandchildren Martin and Jason Olmsted, Molly Lanier, Dustin Cody, Bryce and Mackenzie Hollas. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 8, 2000 at St. Philip's United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Burial was in the Ohio Cemetery, Burlington Junction, July 10, 2000.

J. Ralph Cox
Ralph Cox, age 80, of New Market, Iowa, died Monday, July 10, 2000 at Bergan Mercy Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral services were held Friday, July 14, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with Loren Daly officiating. Burial was in the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Siam Church of Christ or to the New Market Fire and Rescue. Ralph was born December 22, 1919, in Taylor County, near Gravity, Iowa, to John G. Cox and Lola Kay Frey Cox. Ralph served in the United States Army during World War II. He was united in marriage August 3, 1941 to Beatrice McMahill who preceded him in death September 26, 1999. Ralph was a life long farmer in Taylor County. He was a member of the Siam Church of Christ. Survivors include son, Allen Cox of New Market, Iowa; grandson, Cavin Cox and wife Lenore of Lamoni, Iowa; granddaughter, Pamela Cox of Washington, North Carolina; granddaughter, Deanna Cox of Omaha, Nebraska; great granddaughters, Kristin and Katelyn Cox of Lamoni, Iowa; great granddaughter Krystal Spencer of Bedford, Iowa; daughter-in-law Barbara Cox of Shenandoah, Iowa; brother Wayne Cox and wife Phyllis of Bedford, Iowa; sister, Edna Ruth Pruitt of Blaine, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Dorothy Cox of Madrid, Iowa; and special friend, Mildred Davison of Bedford, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Beatrice, son Lyle, brothers James Howard and Gordon, sister Mildred Kapple, and infant brother, Elvin.