Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
STEVEN DEAN GRAHAM
Steve Graham of Diagonal, Iowa, died Monday, February 14, 2000 on his farm. He had farmed in the Diagonal and Benton communities for his entire life.
Steve was born the oldest of two children on March 27, 1955 to Donald Dean Graham and Ruby Belle (Bowen) Graham, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Diagonal high school in 1973. Aside from his passion for farming Steve was very prominent on the tractor pull circuit for several years, and found time for his other interests including hunting and trapping.
On June 3, 1978 Steve married his long time sweetheart, Jerri Lynn (Taylor) Graham. They have three children: Jessica Lynn Graham, age 16, Daniel Lee Graham, age 14, and Benjamin Taylor Graham, age 11. Steve is survived on his parents' side by his sister Cynthia Colleen (Graham) Schlapia and her husband Robert Schlapia along with their three children: Amanda and husband Jason Heck, Amy and Adam.
Steve is survived in Jerri's side of the family by his mother-in-law Sandra Taylor, whose husband John Wallace Taylor preceded him in death; and his sister-in-law Bobbi Jean (Taylor) Coppola, her husband Joe and their four children: Joe III, Tony, Cary and Kyle. He is also survived by his other sister-in law Jackie Ann (Taylor) Bohn, her husband Steven and their son Jackson. Steve will also be remembered by his many uncles, aunts and cousins.
The funeral service was held Thursday, February 17, 2000 at United Church of Diagonal. The service was conducted by Reverend Pam Farren and the music was provided by Dr. Collus Lawhead, Kathy Nelson and Judy Newton. Casket bearers were Gary Sobotka, Gary Klejch, John Parrish, Rob Graham, Curt Turner and Joe Routh.
A luncheon was provided at the Diagonal Community Center following the service.
Steve was laid to rest in the Benton Cemetery, Benton.
A memorial has been established in the name of Steve Graham.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
BERNADINE E. PIEPER
Funeral Mass for Sister Bernadine E. Pieper CHM, 81, of Davenport, Iowa will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 25, 2000, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 24 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport. A rosary service will be recited at 4 p.m. at the Church and a Vigil Service will be recited at 7 p.m. at the Church.
Halligan McCabe De Vries Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sister died Sunday, February 20, 2000 at St. Anthony Care Center, Rock Island, Illinois.
Bernadine Elizabeth Pieper was born February 21, 1918 in Mount Hammil, Iowa to Frank William and Mary (Nichting) Pieper.
She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary September 8, 1938 and made her Final Profession August 15, 1944.
She attended St. John high school, Houghton, Iowa and Ottumwa Heights College, Ottumwa, Iowa. She received her B.S. from Marycrest/Ambrose College, Davenport, her M.S. from St. Louis University and her PhD in zoology and botany from the University of Iowa. She took her post graduate work at Penn State, Michigan University, University of Michigan, University of Colorado and the University of Iowa.
Sister was a teacher at St. Mary's School, Ottumwa and taught biology and math at Marycrest College. She was assistant dean at Marycrest College, President of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary from 1966 to 1976, president, Ottumwa Heights College, Ottumwa from 1977-1979, executive secretary North Central Region American Friend Service Committee from 1979 to 1986, pastoral associate, Leon, Iowa and Prison Ministry and Rainbow Literacy Center volunteer, Canton, Mississippi.
Memorials may be made to CHM Retirement Fund or Our Lady of the Praire Retreat C/O CHM.
Survivors include her brother, James Pieper, Houghton, and sisters, Frances Caslavka, Fort Madison, Iowa, Lucille (Mrs. Robert) Merschman, St. Paul,Iowa and Ruth (Mrs. Paul) Holtkamp, Hillsboro, Iowa.
LAVINIA RUTH BAILEY
Lavinia Ruth Combs Staton Bailey was born May 9, 1905 in Allendale, Missouri to Soleman L. and Nettie Mosbarger Combs. She departed this life February 24, 2000 at the Clcarview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa at the age of 94 years. She attended school in Allendale and in Grant City, Missouri after her family moved there.
She was united in marriage to Guy Staton March 5, 1925 in St. Joseph, Missouri. To this union one daughter was born, Eloise Shaw, of Mount Ayr. Guy Staton preceded her in death on July 15, 1965.
Lavinia was a 50 year member of the Redding Methodist Church and Redding Ladies U.M.W.
In November 1971, she married Archie Bailey at College Springs Methodist Church. They spent their winters in Texas and summers in their home in Redding, Iowa.
After Archie's death in October 1989, she moved to Mount Ayr to an apartment. After her eyesight failed her she entered the Clearview Nursing Home, Mount Ayr in 1995.
Those preceding her in death were her parents; five sisters: Ottie and Hazel Combs, Deva Wilson, Donnell Boyd and Mabel Link; three brothers: Ralph, Lewis and Lester Combs; a son-in-law Homer Shaw; and both husbands, Guy Staton and Archie Bailey.
Those left to cherish her memory are one daughter Eloise Shaw of Mount Ayr; one grandson Jerry Shaw and wife Carol of Edwardsville, Illinois; two great-grandchildren, Heather Shaw of Montgomery, Alabama and Adam Shaw of Edwardsville, Illinois; one sister Madeline Fletchall of Grant City, Missouri; three step-children: Norma Sickels of Mount Ayr, Bessie Parker of Mount Ayr and Jack Bailey of Redding; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Services were held Saturday, February 26, 2000 at the United Methodist Church in Redding with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. Debbie Cannon and James Smith provided music. Casket bearers were Jerald Combs, Lyle Faris, Lewis L. Fletchall, Gaylan Combs, David Fletchall and Jerry Batson.
Lavinia was laid to rest in the Redding Cemetery, Redding.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
WINONA LEE BURCHETT
Winona Lee "Dutch" Burchett, the daughter of Bert and Jennie Halfhill Hoyt, was born November 8, 1930 in Graham, Missouri. She was a graduate of the Ravenwood Senior high school in Ravenwood, Missouri, class of 1948. Winona was employed by the Hy-Vee East Food Store in Newton, Iowa, retiring in 1993.
On September 5, 1953, Winona was united in marriage with Hubert Keith Burchett in Ottumwa, Iowa. She and Keith lived in Webster City, Brooklyn and Newton prior to moving to Monroe, Iowa. She enjoyed her horses, the outdoors, camping and dancing.
Death came to Winona at the age of 69, on Thursday, January 27, 2000 at her home in Monroe. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Jennie Hoyt; her two sons, Michael Keith Burchett on July 8, 1989 and Lonny Joe Burchett on December 22, 1991; two sisters, Gladys Cornell and Edith Kidney; and three brothers: Harold, Dwight and Kenneth Hoyt.
Those left to honor the memory of Winona include her husband Keith; two daughters, Vicky Hilpipre of Brooklyn, Iowa and Patricia Grayson of Newton; her 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a sister Norma Thompson of Great Barrington, Massachusetts; four brothers: Gerald Hoyt of Lemars, Missouri, Dale Hoyt of Lincoln, Nebraska, Galand Hoyt of Friendswood, Texas and Gary Kidney of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law Betty Powers of Kellerton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll "Lefty" Geist of Mount Ayr; aunt LaVon Thomas of Mount Ayr; and her many friends.
WILLIAM THOMAS CLAYTON
William "Bill" Clayton was born on November 3, 1931 at Clearfield, Iowa and departed this life on February 24, 2000 at Greater Community Hospital in Creston, Iowa. He was the son of Earl and Mary (Wise) Clayton.
He attended Ringgold county country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Clearfield high school in 1950.
He married Norma Jean Black on September 27, 1951. To this union three children were born: Karen, Connie and
Howard.
He was a farmer, worked for a telephone construction company and owned and operated his own ditch digging business until his retirement. He was also a school bus driver for 12 years.
He enjoyed going to the coffee shops, country music shows and visiting with his many friends.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Norma, of Clearfield; two daughters, Karen Sutton and husband Jim of Shenandoah, Iowa and Connie Anderson and husband Tom of Owensboro, Kentucky; one son, Howard Clayton and wife Carolyn of Hilliard, Ohio; one brother Bev Clayton and wife Margarete of Bella Vista, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, three stepgrand-children, six great-grandchildren, three stepgreat-grandchildren and two nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jim.
Services were held Monday, February 28, 2000 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Alan Rusk officiating. Jim George and Marvel Melvin provided music. Casket bearers were Dwayne Wahl, Harold Parker, Dale Campbell, Richard Longfellow, Laverne Adkisson and Donald Minnick.
He was laid to rest in the Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield.
HELEN JEAN HEGLAND
Helen Jean Hegland was born April 19, 1928 in Ringgold county, Iowa. She was the daughter of John M. and Frances (Smith) Wimer. Helen Jean died suddenly at her home in Des Moines, Iowa on February 23, 2000 at the age of 71 years.
Helen was married to Beverly Allan Hegland. Helen Jean moved to Des Moines in 1946 and she worked at FW Woolworth's, downtown Des Moines.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Howard Wimer; and sisters: Gladys Collins, Vera Wimer, Hazel Bear, Leona Wimer and Irene Crigler.
Helen Jean is survived by her children: Bill Hegland of West Des Moines, Kenneth Hegland and Sandra Luce both of Des Moines and Susan Wilkerson of Portland, Oregon; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Fletcher of Creston, Iowa and Ruth Saltzman; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Services were held on Saturday, February 26, 2000 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend John Brillo officiating. Casket bearers were Brian Hegland, Allan Heggs, Jim Pugh, Sean McCubbin, Jerry Wimer and Ed Fletcher.
She was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
ELBERTA RUTH CROSS
Elberta Ruth Cross was born the oldest of two children on December 9, 1912 to Walter A. and Carrie M. (Slattery) McKinstry in Clearfield, Iowa, both of whom preceded her in death. Valedictorian of her 1931 Clearfield high school class, she received a Normal Training Teachers diploma and taught two years in the first school house northeast of Clearfield, then four years in Benton. She also had two terms at State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
On October 26, 1937, she married Ames Russell Cross who had established a business in Mount Ayr, Iowa in 1936. They had three children: Ronald Eugene of Urbandale, Iowa, Mac Elbert of Mount Ayr and Walter Alvin also of Urbandale.
Elberta accepted Christ at an early age in the Christian Church in Clearfield and had been a member of the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr for the past 55 years. As an active church member she taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school classes and had charge of wedding receptions in the church for over 10 years. In later years she taught Sunday school at Mount Ayr Health Care Center. She was a regular volunteer for the Blood Bank and assisted in cancer, multiple sclerosis and March of Dimes activities.
After their children were in school, Elberta was an active member in the family business on Highway 2, Cross Service & Garage and later Ames Cross Inc. (an IH truck and Willys dealership). She was a member of Business and Professional Women's Club, Women's Achievement Club, Modern Mothers (continuous from 1938), Evening Literature Club, PTA president, Band Booster officer and for the last several years president of Heritage Park Resident Organization where she last resided.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Ames; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Walter and Etta Cross; brother-in-law Ivan Cross; and sisters-in-law, Juanita McKinstry, Hazel Schlapia and Marge Cross.
Left to cherish her memory are sons: Ronald Cross of Urbandale, Mac Cross and wife Pam of Mount Ayr and Alvin Cross of Urbandale; grandchildren: Jeff (wife Paige) Cross, Scott (wife Kris) Cross, Jenifer (husband Dave) DeCarlo, Jody (husband David) Greene, Niky Cross and fiancé Scott Taylor, Lory (husband James) Stewart and Sara Cross; great-grandchildren: Ames, Ashton, Amelia, and Abigail Cross; Colby and Roni DeCarlo; and Ashlie and Shelbie Greene. Elberta is also survived by her brother Jim (Mac) McKinstry and his wife Blanche of Marshalltown, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Gene Cross and wife Martha of Kansas City, Missouri and Leroy Schlapia of Creston, Iowa and many special nieces and nephews.
Elberta passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2000 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines of cancer. She had lived in Mount Ayr for the past 63 years.
The funeral service was held Wednesday, March 1, 2000 at the First
Christian Church of Mount Ayr. The service was conducted by Reverend John Brillo and the music was provided by David Greene, Darla Greene and Kris Cross. Casket bearers were Jeff Cross, Scott Cross, Dave DeCarlo, James Stewart, David Greene and Scott Taylor.
Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. A memorial has been established in the name of Elberta Cross.
BERNICE PRUGH DUNFEE
Bernice Prugh Dunfee, daughter of William Carey and Alice Verbeck Prugh, was born in Grant City, Missouri on July 25, 1905, and passed away at her daughter's home in Muncie, Indiana, after a brief illness at the age of 94 years, seven months and nine days.
She received her education in the Grant City school system, graduating from high school in 1924. She then attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in Maryville, Missouri after which she taught for several years in a rural school in Worth county, Missouri.
She was married to Arch C. Dunfee of Denver, Missouri on December 25, 1925, and they were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on December 25, 1975. To this union were born three children: Phyllis Jean, who died in infancy, Bill A. Dunfee, who passed away in 1983, and Marianne Brown of Muncie, Indiana.
In addition to her roles as wife and mother, she assisted her husband in his work with the B. Prugh and Son Funeral Home beginning in 1928. As hostess she was a source of comfort to many people in their sorrow for over 70 years, 20 of which were spent in the funeral business in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Bernice accepted Jesus Christ as her own personal Saviour in a tent revival as a young girl and became a member of the Grant City Methodist Church. Upon her marriage, she transferred her membership to the Grant City Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and actively served wherever she was needed for her entire life.
She was active in civic affairs, including the nursing home auxiliary and the Grant City Alumni Association. She was a 50 year member of both Chapter BL of P. E. O. and the Order of Eastern Star. She was known in younger years for her work with ceramics and crafts and later for her beautiful afghans.
Surviving her are her daughter and son-in-law Marianne and Roland; daughter-in-law Betty Dunfee; eight grandchildren: Sharon Dunfee of Grant City, Missouri, Norman Dunfee of New York City, New York, Jacki Williamson of Comer, Georgia, Cynthia Dunfee of Kansas City, Missouri, Jennifer Sandberg of Muncie, Indiana, Bill Findley of Starkville, Mississippi, Neal Dunfee of Boulder, Colorado and Valeri Gicquel of Annecy, France; seven great-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandson; brother-in-law Bea Dunfee and wife Mabel; and other relatives and many friends.
Besides her two children, she was preceded in death by her husband; one grandchild Teddy Dunfee; her parents; two sisters, Emily Green and Isabelle Meyer; and one brother Benjamin Prugh.
Funeral services will be held at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri, Friday, March 10, 2000 at 1:30 p.m. The service will be conducted by Pastor Jim Sandberg and Reverend Robert McCutheon. Interment will be in the Grant City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Grant City Baptist Church or the Worth County Library.
