Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
EVELYN ODSON
Evelyn Odson, of Villisca, died February 23, 2007 at Villisca Good Samaritan Center.
Evelyn was born November 22, 1915, Douglas Township, Adams County, Iowa to Henry Martin and Julia (Anderson) Peterson.
She was married November 22, 1934 to Elmo Edward Odson. To their union three children were born - daughters: Marilyn and Janice. In later years they also made a home for 3 grandchilren: Matt, Terri & Mark Johnston.
Evelyn attend Corning High School. She was a member of the Strand Church, Strand Ladies Aid and spent Wednesdays at the church quilting to help prepare for the yearly church bazaar. She enjoyed neighborhood get-togethers, playing cards, having parties for weddings, showers and birthdays, flowers & bird watching. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed trips with both family and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband in 1992; brother, Harold Peterson; Son-in-law, Herbert Phillis Brothers-in-law: Paul (Mildred) Odson, Marvin (Mary) Odson, and Merle (Lola) Odson.
She is survived by daughters Marilyn (Jerry) Barnard, Corning, IA, Sherry (Roger) Stanbaugh, Hemet, CA, and Janice Phillis, Villisca, IA. Brother-in-law, Glen (Dorothy) Odson, Corning, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 13 great, great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family Funeral Service in Corning, Iowa with Rev. John Swenson officiating. Burial was at Stand Cemetery in Adams County.
Memorials may be made in memory of Evelyn Odson. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com
RUTH IRENE PRATT
Ruth Irene Pratt was born October 26, 1920 in Valley Township, Page County, Iowa, to Lewis Early "Lou" Reed and Neva Belle (Ashmore) Reed. Ruth entered into rest Monday, February 19, 2007 at Red Oak Good Samaritan Center, Red Oak, Iowa, at the age of 86.
Ruth was born east of Hepburn where she grew up. She attended school at VanDevender rural school then Clarinda High School taking Normal Training and two summers at Maryville College. Ruth taught Johnson School in Douglas Township, one year in Valley Township and one year at Kendrick in Taylor County. She then moved to Omaha and worked at the Burlington Bus Depot where she met Keith Pratt. They were married February 28, 1943 and went to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he was stationed in the Service. They moved to Lincoln, Nebraska then Council Bluffs, Iowa after the War. In 1951 they bought a farm and returned to Taylor County where they raised their family. Keith and Ruth moved into New Market in 1968 after their farm house burnt. Ruth was active in the Church of Christ in New Market, a member of several local clubs, belonged to the Retired Professional Ladies, 4 & 8 Club, active in ladies' groups at church, and volunteering her time to area seniors. She was a member of the Loyal Sisters of the Church of Christ in New Market. In 1970, at the age of 50, Ruth returned to Iowa Western Community College and earned her LPN degree. She worked fifteen years at Bethesda Care Center and the Clarinda Municipal Hospital.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith; brothers Roland and Keith Reed; and sisters, Helen Reed and Mildred Enarson.
She is survived by her children: Thomas Keith Pratt and wife Lois of Red Oak, Iowa, Phillip Reed Pratt and wife Sharon of Omaha, Nebraska, Timothy Allen Pratt and wife Christie of Lee Summit, Missouri, Bruce Lou Pratt and wife Sandy of St. Joseph, Missouri, Terry Roy Pratt and wife Jean of Dearborn, Missouri, Kenneth Andrew Pratt and wife Paula of Platte City, Missouri, Cynthia Ann Moore and husband Chris of Clarinda, Iowa; twenty-one grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Darrell and Dorris Pratt of Red Oak, Iowa; and sister Dorothy Motsinger, Villisca, Iowa.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 23, 2007 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with Rev. Russ Clark and Rev. Loren Daly officiating. Interment was at Memory Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to New Market Church of Christ, New Market Fire & Rescue, or Clarinda Ambulance. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
AUDREY M. RIGGLE
Audrey M. Riggle, age 85, of Red Oak, Iowa passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Care Center after a long illness with Alzheimers. Audrey May Riggle was born April 30, 1921 in Buxton 19, Iowa the daughter of Fred Wesley and Rose May (McCan) Swinscoe. She spent most of her younger years in the Chariton, Iowa area. Audrey was united in marriage to Fred Riggle on July 9, 1949 in Corning, Iowa. Audrey and Fred lived in the Morton's Mill and Grant area since 1956. They moved into Red Oak in 1975. Over the years, Audrey worked as a Dietary Cook for Vista Gardens and cooked at McDonalds until her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Fred Riggle in 1988; son Fredrick James Riggle in 1960 at the age of 17; daughter: Sherry Dee Reineke in 1997 at age 47; Christan Nathan in 1953 at age 6 months;
brother-in-law: Charles Riggle in 1995; and sister: Margaret Riggle in 2004.
Survivors include her daughter: Shelia Wilcoxon and husband Delbert of Grant, Iowa; grandson: Nathan Wilcoxon and wife Kelly of Red Oak, Iowa; granddaughter: Kimberly Gross and husband John of Red Oak, Iowa; great grandchildren: Bryan Nathan Gross of Red Oak, Iowa; and Spencer Fred Lee Wilcoxon of Red Oak, Iowa; sisters: Emma Nussbaum and husband Orval of Chariton, Iowa; and Imogene Boothe and husband Dwaine of Chariton, Iowa; 5 nieces; 3 nephews; and several great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel with Pastor Gerald Wiser officiating. Burial will be in the Grant, Iowa Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 7-8 PM Friday, February 23, 2007 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Morton's Mill Church or the Grant United Methodist Church.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
DON WILLIAMS
Don A. Williams died peacefully at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames on February 18, 2007. At Don's request, no funeral will be held, but the family is planning a memorial open house at a later date. Memorials will be used to continue a scholarship previously established in his wife Sherryl's name at Villisca High School for students entering those professions dedicated to the care of others.
Don was born on November 30, 1938, to Paul and Pauline Williams of Villisca, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University where he was a member of Farm House Fraternity. While at Iowa State, he met Sherryl Stevenson. They were married on December 17, 1960, and then went to farm in Villisca where they resided for many years. More recently, Sherryl and Don divided their time between homes in Villisca and Ames to enjoy their grandchildren and their many activities.
He is survived by his son Tom and family of Villisca (wife Cindy, daughters Michelle and Renee); daughter Cynthia Feller and family of Ames (husband John, children Andrew, Ben and Jessica); son Rod Getting and family of Lincoln, NE (wife Mary, sons Travis and Braden); brother Robert and wife Kathy (Clarinda, IA); brother David and wife Corrine (Villisca, IA); and brother John and wife Janet (Stockton, CA). He is also survived by 1 great-grandson (son of Travis), as well as 18 nieces and nephews stretching from Florida to California and numerous great- nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Sherryl, infant grandson Kyle (Tom and Cindy), and both his parents.
Don will be remembered for his dedication to education as shown by his many years of service on both the Villisca School Board and Iowa Association of School Boards, where he served one term as president. Don served as a director on many boards over the years, including the Page County Fair Board, Page County Pork Producers, and the Iowa Civil Liberties Union. He also had a long-term interest in land stewardship and conservation. But most importantly, Don was a treasured father, grandfather, and a trusted friend who will be deeply missed by many.
Condolences may be sent to his children as follows: Tom Williams, 2876 102nd St., Villisca, IA 50864; Cynthia Feller, 3017 Diamond St., Ames, IA 50010 and Rod Getting, 2010 N. 62nd St., Lincoln, NE 68505
Genevieve Andrew
Genevieve Wanetia Pendergraft was born in Douglas Township, Page County, Iowa September 2, 1918, the daughter of Rena (Hamilton) and Cleveland M. Pendergraft. They moved to Hepburn, Iowa when she was a small child. Genevieve attended Hepburn school and Clarinda High School.
She married Maynard Andrew December 25, 1940. The couple lived on a farm southeast of Villisca until 1973 when they moved to Villisca.
Genevieve was a clerk at Lines Central Market, Honeyman Drug, City Variety, and the dietary department at Villisca Good Samaritan. She retired from Villisca Good Samaritan Center in 1981.
She entered into rest Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Villisca Good Samaritan Center, Villisca, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband Maynard in 1995, and sister-in-law Garnet Pendergraft..
Genevieve is survived by her brother Ronald L. Pendergraft and wife Judith of Mesa, Arizona, three nephews, one niece, several cousins, and many friends.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22, 2007 at Wolfe Funeral Home, Villisca, with intermenty at Villisca Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Villisca Fire & Rescue or Villisca Library. Wolfe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
MARVEL GRACE NEEDHAM
Marvel Grace (Brown) Needham, daughter of Albert and Daisy (Friman) Brown, was born September 10, 1917, in Turner County, South Dakota. At age 89, she passed away June 23, 2007, at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa. Visitation withe the family present will be Tuesday, June 26th from 6 to 8:00 P.M. at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 2:00 P.M at Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca, Iowa.
Marvel's early years were spent in Turner County, South Dakota, later moving with her family to the rural Villisca area. She could speak from personal experience of the hardships of farm life during the depression. As was common for young girls then, she worked as a hired girl for the Tyler and the MacIntosh families. It was during those years that she met and married Marion Needham on December 6, 1938, in Red Oak, Iowa. They later became the parents of two daughters, Shirley Jean and DyAnn June. Together, Marvel and Marion devoted their lives to their family and business, Needham Garage and Blacksmith Shop, which served the Villisca area for thirty-seven years.
Over the course of her lifetime, Marvel enjoyed giving selflessly to church and community organizations including Blue Birds and Campfire Girls, Band Mothers, PTA, Christian Women's Club, Election Board, Community Blood Drives, Advent Christian Church and Evening Circle. Marvel loved contributing to community and organizational projects, especially when they involved cooking or baking. During the 1950's and 60's, she baked, decorated, and delivered wedding and anniversary cakes, birthday cakes, cookies, rolls and other goodies as requested for many area celebrations. She sewed clothing and costumes for her children as well as other children in the community, loved to embroider, crochet, piece quilts, refinish furniture, and redecorate. Her book keeping skills were an integral part of the business. Marvel?s many gifts, enhanced by precision and creativity, will certainly be missed nearly as much as the quiet kindness she extended to all.
Marvel is preceded in death by her husband Marion, parents and brother Russell.
She is survived by her daughters Shirley and husband Curt Frey of Oskaloosa, DyAnn and husband Charles Richards of Red Oak, grandchildren Debra Wheeler and husband Shawn of Fort Scott, Kansas, SSG Daniel Webster and wife Ina of Radcliffe, Kentucky, Heidi and husband James Frey of Salem, Massachussetts, great-grandson Luke Wheeler and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorials are for the Advent Christian Church and the Villisca EMS.
DONALD EUGENE MEANS
Darwin Earl and Esther Margaret (Windom) Means were proud to announce the birth of their first child, Donald Eugene, on April 9, 1924, in Adams County, Iowa. Don was one of four children.
In 1927 the Means family purchased and moved to a farm near Tenville in Washington Township, Montgomery County, Iowa.
Don attended Hazel Dell Country School. He graduated from Villisca, Iowa Schools in 1941. As a youth, Don was active in 4-H and FFA. Villisca's FFA Chapter began in December, 1939. Donald was a charter member & vice president that year.
On July 1, 1944, Don was united in marriage to Elvera Belle Stoneking in Red Oak, Iowa. To this union, four children were born; Carol Sue, Stanley Dean, Norma Jean, and Linda Kay.
Don was a life long farmer in the Tenville area. He was known for his ruler straight, weedless crop rows. Don took great pride in a well-maintained farmstead and in his machinery. In 1958, Don's family received the honor of being selected as WOW TV's Farm Family of the Week. Don was active in Farm Bureau and served as a 4-H leader and school board member. He was a member of the Villisca United Methodist Church & Methodist Men's group. Don was a past member of the Athletic Booster Club. He enjoyed attending his children's school and 4-H activities. Each new generation to the family brought a special delight to Don's life.
In 1982 Don and Elvera moved to Villisca. He continued to farm until his health forced him to retire in 1998. In December of 2002, Don became a resident of the Villisca Good Samaritan Care Center. Don was a highly respected farmer and his love of farming never ceased. At his death, Don and Velma Betts Bradley had been married for 19 years.
Don was preceded in death by daughter Linda in 1972, mother in 1982, father in 1986, wife, Elvera in 1986, great granddaughter Kaitlyn Cecilia Gay in 1993, and brother Max in 2005. Also preceding Don in death were three sisters-in-law and nine brothers-in-law.
Don is survived by wife Velma and children Carol Gilleland, Stanley D. and wife Stacy, Norma Garland and husband Phil, all of Villisca. Other survivors are seven grandchildren; Troy & wife Jenny, Donna & husband Brian, Perrie and wife Michelle, David and wife Ronda, Patrick and special friend Brenda, Brian & wife Tinelle, and Amber; 11 great grandchildren, three step children Roland Bradley and wife Nancy of Town Country, Missouri, Patricia Baack and husband Dudley of Bloomfield, Nebraska, and Curtis Bradley and wife Denise of Corning, Iowa. six step grandchildren; Matt, Nate & wife Brooke, Mikaela, Jeff, Tim, and Crystal. and one step great grandchild. A brother Leland and wife Jean of Fresno, California, sister Florence Martin of Thurmont, Maryland, sister-in-law Pat Means of Villisca, other family members and many friends. Don will be missed by all.
Donald died at the age of 83 on Father's Day, June 17, 2007, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 A.M. on June 20, 2007, at the Villisca United Methodist Church with Pastor Gordon Scott officiating. Burial was in Arlington Cemetery which overlooks the Means family farm. Wolfe Funeral Home of Villisca, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.
