Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
BEATRICE I. MCGINNIS
Beatrice I. McGinnis was born June 4, 1911, at Newton, Iowa to William and Hazel (Eaton) Stam. She passed away on November 17, 1999, in Omaha, Nebraska.
On January 21, 1939, she was united in marriage to Lester J. McGinnis. They lived in Jasper County, Iowa and Baxter, Iowa. Lester died on September 12, 1969 and Beatrice moved to Mount Ayr, Iowa in 1973 to be near her son and his family.
Beatrice always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was always actively involved in church functions. She created many heirlooms by quilting, crocheting and knitting over the years. She also did a lot of sewing, crafts and scrapbooks.
Beatrice was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Church and a prayer group at Heritage Park Apartments. She was a former member of the Bethany United Church of Christ in Baxter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lester; a brother Kenneth Martin; and three sisters, Lucille Shafer, Zola Martin and Lorraine, at birth.
Survivors include her son Walter McGinnis and his wife Beverly of Mount Ayr; granddaughters, Kim McGinnis and Karla McGinnis and her husband Carl Taylor all of Omaha, Nebraska; a sister Roselin Enderton of Davenport, Iowa; two brothers, Lawrence Stam of Weldon, Iowa and Lesley Martin of Colfax, Iowa; nieces, nephews and many good friends.
Graveside services were at the Newton Union Cemetery, Newton, on Saturday, November 20, 1999 with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
HELEN LUCILLE ROUDYBUSH
Helen Lucille Lyddon Roudybush was born January 12, 1922, on a farm two miles south and three quarters of a mile west of Clearfield, Iowa on the old Hardin place, to her parents Lee Ellsworth "Elizie" Lyddon and Hazel Grace Lyddon. Born also to this union was her dear sister, Hilda M. Lyddon Darst.
Helen attended country schools and graduated as salutatorian from Clearfield high school in 1938. She was raised in the Methodist Church, continued her membership in the church, and was a member of Women's circles throughout her life.
On January 14,1939, Helen was united in marriage to John Earl Roudybush. To this union were born four children, Betty Joyce, Cheryl Deanna, Gary Ellsworth and Bonnie Lynne. Helen and Earl raised these children in the Clearfield and Mount Ayr, Iowa areas where she was a wonderful mother and wife, and was known for her cooking and helpfulness. They lived for about 50 years on a farm in the "Lesonville" area east of Mount Ayr, until retirement, at which time Earl and Helen moved into Mount Ayr.
Helen struggled through Parkinson's Disease for about 18 years. She passed away at Mount Ayr Health Care Center on November 16,1999, at the age of 77 years, 10 months and four days.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Betty, sisters-in-law, Ruth Roudybush and Ruth Haley. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Earl; daughter, Deanna Campbell of Decatur, Iowa; son, Gary and wife Kris of Mount Ayr; daughter, Bonnie and husband Mike Shimer of Bedford, Iowa; sister, Hilda and husband James Darst of Clearfield; brother-in-law Burl Roudybush and families of Muscatine; brother-in-law Harry Haley and families of Afton; grandchildren, Brian, Julie and Kevin Roudybush of Mount Ayr, Neil Shimer of Des Moines, and Jaclyn Shimer of Bedford; and several aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were at the United Methodist Church of Mount Ayr on Friday, November 19, 1999 with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. Musicians were Debbie Cannon, Mary Webb and Margaret Bickers. Casketbearers were Brian Roudybush, Kevin Roudybush, Neil Shimer, Jerry Haley, R. B. Davenport and Raymond Hensley. Honorary pallbearers were Julie Roudybush and Jaclyn Shimer.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
JOSEPH HUBERT THOMPSON
Joseph Hubert Thompson was born April 18, 1917 at Republic, Michigan, Marquette county to Dellitte and Elva Maude Atwood Thompson. Joe passed away on November 10, 1999 at the Lamoni Nursing Center in Lamoni, Iowa.
He was united in marriage to Elsie Cleone Johnson on October 23, 1937 in Grant City, Missouri. The couple was privileged to share 62 years together. This marriage was blessed with four children.
Joe's great-grandparents were some of the early homesteaders of Ringgold county, Iowa. Joe's family moved to 802 East Jefferson in Mount Ayr, Iowa when he was two years old. He was a resident of that address at the time of his passing. His father passed away when Joe was seven. His love of hunting and fishing started at an early age to help supplement the family income and table.
He graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1934 and joined up with the three "C" camp during the depression. He worked for Bill Finch at his produce, cream and egg station, and later the family moved to Tingley, Iowa where they owned and operated their own produce station. During the war the family moved south of Shannon City, Iowa to help his father-in-law with the farm while the older brothers-in-law were in the service. Later they purchased a farm near High Point Church.
In 1947 for Joe's health, they moved to Arizona and then on to California. In 1950 they returned to Mount Ayr working for Bill Finch in the produce station and later for the Mount Ayr Dairy. In 1957 they moved to Marshalltown, Iowa where he drove a semi-truck for South West truck lines for two years. They then returned to Mount Ayr and bought the dairy and operated it as Thompson's Ringgold Dairy.
After selling the dairy in 1965 he returned to his first love of farming, eventually moving onto the farm near Blackmore Corner. While on the farm he continued to drive a semi-truck hauling livestock for the Henry Brothers and Easterly Nelson.
He retired in 1977 moving to the old home site in Mount Ayr. During the retirement years he enjoyed thewinter trips west and south. Joe and Cleone both enjoyed his new hobby, rock hunting and making jewelry with newfound friends, Dale and Gladys Fortney. The meal sites at Tingley and Mount Ayr held a special place in his heart because of the activities and the special fellowship with many friends, neighbors and new acquaintances.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dellitte and Elva Thompson; his brother Alvin Dellitte Thompson; and sisters, Hilda Arlene Thompson and Eleanor Marie Campbell.
He is survived by his wife Elsie Cleone Johnson Thompson; sisters, Laura Lucille Benson of Mount Ayr and Phyllis Leora Moore of Azusa, California; children, Donald Edwin of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Jo Anne and husband Herman Boots of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Larry Dean and wife Leta Arlene of Cumberland, Iowa, William Albert (Bill) and wife Jeanne Louise of Frederick, Colorado; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and a host of friends.
One of his greatest joys during his children's visits home was to be woken up by the grandkids piling in their bed for hugs, kisses and tickles.
Funeral services were at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Saturday, November 13, 1999 with Reverend Jeff Flagg officiating. Nancy Sackett, Mary Webb and Margaret Bickers provided music. Casketbearers were Richard Johnson, Douglas Johnson, Jerry Johnson, Rodney Been, Steven Been and Gary Hartsook. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Johnson, Jim Johnson, Ed Defenbaugh, Bill Miller, William French, Pat Rice, Dale Black, Larry Ford, Donald Huff, Forrest Shields, Leo Morgan and Richard Derscheid.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
DONALD EUGENE WICKER
Donald Eugene Wicker was born October 17, 1929 in Malvern, Iowa to Alfred Ray and Recie (Lair) Wicker. When Donald was eight the family moved to Kellerton, Iowa.
He was united in marriage to Alice Marie Laird on September 30, 1947. They were privileged to spend fifty-two years together. This union was blessed with four daughters.
Don and Alice spent most of their married life farming in the Kellerton area. Don was a member of the Kellerton Christian Church, serving as an elder the past two years.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Alice of Kellerton; daughters Nancy (Gary) Grose of Kellerton, Donna Deemer of Van Meter, IA, Marsha (Melvis) Jimmerson of Van Meter and Debra Long of Kellerton; thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; brother Alfred (Linda) of Des Moines, IA; nephew Ernest (Virginia) Smith, who was raised in the Wicker Home; sisters Ada (Clarence) Archer, Betty Ann (Eddie) Hines all of Des Moines; Doris (Sam) Scorpinitti of Acampo, CA; brothers-in-law Ted (Juanita) Laird of Beaconsfield, IA, Gene Laird of Woodward, IA, Donald (Helen) Laird of Kellerton, Dean (Dora) Shields of Mount Ayr, IA, Wayne (Mary Jane) Spriggs of Greenfield, IA; sisters-in-law Shirley (Ivan) Stephens of Clearfield, IA, Dorothy Wicker Orric of Missouri and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Alfred and Recie Wicker; in-laws Guy and Mildred Laird; sister Edna Shields, brother Ray; brothers-in-law Gerald Laird and Ralph Ogier; sisters-in-law Beverly Spriggs, Louise Ogier and Dorothy Laird; and son-in-law John Deemer.
Don devoted his life to his family, his love of farming, construction work, hunting, fishing, gardening and sharing his garden bounty will all his friends and neighbors.
Funeral services were held at Kellerton Christian Church on November 10, 1999. Officiating was Rev. Terry Roberts. Music was provided by Marie Murphy and Barton and Barbara Shields.
Casketbearers were Brian Deemer, Monte Jimmerson, Scott Deemer, Mark Jimmerson, Matt Deemer, Trevor Long and Daniel Long. Honorary pallbearers were Walter Miller, Bill Smith, Myron Ingram, Howard Brown and Russell Norris.
Interment was in Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton, IA. Services were by Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home.
MELVIN L. DRAEGER
Melvin L. Draeger, 83, of Mount Ayr, Iowa, a former Webster City, Iowa resident, died Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at his home.
Melvin Leonard Draeger, son of Albert and Pearl Welch Draeger, was born November 30, 1915 on a farm east of Clarion, Iowa. He was educated in Wright and Hamilton counties and graduated from Lincoln high school in Webster City. During World War II he served with the U. S. Army. He married Margaret Lukehart. He had been a plumber for over 50 years and because his work required him to move often, he had resided in Webster City and many other communities in Iowa, including Mount Ayr.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters and son-in-law, Janet and Ron McCutchen of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Joyce Draeger of Springfield, MO and Evelyn Ball of Des Moines; son and daugher-in-law Robert and Kathy Draeger of Webster City; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; brother Marvin Draeger of Webster City; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Glen Draeger; his parents, Albert and Pearl; a grandson Todd Draeger; and brother Raymond Draeger.
He was a member of the Plumber and Steam Fitters Local #33 of Des Moines.
Graveside services were held Monday, November 29, 1999 at the Cass Township Cemetery with Gerald Caquelin officiating.
Foster Funeral Home of Webster City was in charge of the arrangements.
AMY RUTH HOLMES
Amy Ruth Holmes was born on May 24, 1920 in Loveland, Colorado to Fred and Myrtle Dady. Three months after her birth, her mother became ill. Amy Ruth was sent to Kellerton, Iowa to be raised by her aunt and uncle, Jesse and Lavon Akers. Amy Ruth departed this life in the Ringgold County Hospital on November 23, 1999 at the age of 79 years.
Amy Ruth spent her entire life in Ringgold county. She graduated from Kellerton High School in 1937 and was married to Wilson H. Holmes on December 11, 1938. Amy Ruth was a wonderful mother to six children, David, Kathryn, Janet, John, Curtis and Rodney.
She was a member of the Kellerton Methodist church and had devoted her life to her family and friends. Amy Ruth was never too busy to lend a hand to someone who needed help or just to "lend an ear". She answered to many by different names: Mom Holmes, Grandma Ruthie, "Floobie", and will be missed so very much and remembered for her fun-loving and pleasant disposition.
Left to cherish her memories are: her brother, Verl (Bud) Dady and Neva of Casper Wyoming; a sister, Betty Krull and children; brother-in-law Howard Dugan and family of Napa, California; Harold Akers, whom she considered a brother, and family of Kellerton; her six children: David Franklin and Connie Holmes of Oakton, Virginia; Kathryn Lavon Still and Janet Pauline Holmes of Springfield, Missouri; John Wilson Holmes of Mount Ayr; Curtis Alan and Martina Holmes and Rodney Eugene and Debbie Holmes of Kellerton.
Her many grandchildren, the delight of her existence, were: Derek Franklin and Tina Holmes of Edina, Minnesota; Douglas Edwin and Gina Still and Ronche Ray and Katie Still of Mount Ayr; Gregory Leroy and Crystal Still of Creston; Colby Ryan and Tricia Holmes of Diagonal; Kimberly Ann McNabb and Johnathon David Holmes of Afton; Christina Marie Holmes of Des Moines; and Chad Eugene and Travis Royalan of Kellerton.
Great-grandbabies are Calob Maxwell, Lucas Edwin, Jordan Douglas and Taylor Alexandra Still, Cassandra Ruth, Jesse Ray and Jacob Michael Still of Mount Ayr; Bryce Gregory and Austin James Still of Creston; Katelyn Mary and Russell Ryan Holmes of Diagonal; and Shawn Curtis Holmes, David Wayne and Shelby Christopher Keller of Kellerton.
Amy Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Myrtle Dady, Jesse and Lavon Akers; a sister Mable Dugan; and her husband Wilson Holmes.
She touched many lives in special ways that each will know and continue to keep her memory alive. We all love her, miss her and there will be an empty place at the table and in our lives forever.
Funeral services were held at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa on Friday, November 26 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rick Hawkins officiating. Musical selection included "Just a Closer Walk With Thee."
Casketbearers were Monte Akers, Terry Munyon, Mike Stark, Randy Johnson, Brad Still and Bill Schuster.
Amy Ruth was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery at Kellerton, Iowa.
PEARL BERNIECE BAGLEY
Pearl Berniece Bagley, 81, died December 10, 1999, at the Integrated Health Services Care Facility in Mediapolis, Iowa. She was the oldest of seven children born to Lottie Florence (Boggs) and William Arthur Richman near Humeston, Iowa, on December 27, 1917.
After graduating from the Le Roy, Iowa high school in 1936, she married George W. Baker, Jr. on February 13,1938 in Lacona, Iowa. Most of their married life was spent farming in the Kellerton, Iowa area. They had a daughter and two sons. George passed away on June 11, 1980.
In 1983 she married Guy Bagley, and they lived in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Guy passed away on January 23,1996.
Much of her time was spent cooking and working in her flower garden. She was a cook at the Grand Valley school in Kellerton and a dietician at the Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr for over 30 years. She was also a former member of the United Methodist Church, the Order of Eastern Star Lodge and the Valentine Rebekah Lodge in Kellerton.
Berniece was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, one brother Elvyn, and two sisters, Mary and Frances.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, daughter,Wanda Jean and Michael Coppes of Yarmouth, Iowa, son Harold Eugene and Lois Baker of Keosauqua, Iowa, and son Henry George and Merna Baker of Kellerton; five grandchildren, Jamie, Tiffany, and Greggory of Keosauqua and Chelsea and Haley of Kellerton; one brother William of Thayer, Iowa and three sisters, Florence Deemer of Boone, Iowa, Virginia Davis of Puyallup, Washington, and Imogene Wagner of Pine River, Minnesota; one stepson, Robert Bagley of Martinez, California; and numerous stepgrandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Services were held at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr on December 15,1999 with Pastor Charles Hawkins officiating. Nancy Sackett was the organist and Brandi Collins, a great-niece sang. Casketbearers were Gene Richman, Rodney Baker, Rod Smith, Dick Jackson, Gene Reed, and Tom Giles.
Interment was in Maple Row Cemetery in Kellerton. Memorials have been established for the United Methodist Church of Kellerton and the Mount Ayr Regular Baptist Church.
