Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
HARRY K (HK) LORIMOR
Harry K Lorimor was born at home north of Mount Ayr, Iowa on April 16, 1930 to Harold and Ruth Rogers Lorimor.
HK, as he was known to family and friends, grew up north of Mount Ayr and graduated from Mount Ayr high school. He attended college and was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1951. He served his country until his discharge in 1953.
HK was united in marriage to Shirley M. Lewis on May 17, 1957 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The family lived on the farm until moving to Creston, Iowa in 1978.
HK really enjoyed farming and raising cattle. He attended auctions whenever he could and liked finding a good deal. He was a member of the Creston Presbyterian Church, Ringgold County Cattleman Association and the Ringgold County Farm Bureau.
HK went to live at Clearview Home in Mount Ayr in 1996. He loved the visits by his children and grandchildren. He passed away on March 30, 2001 at Clearview Home.
HK was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley on December 21, 1996; a daughter Melinda Sue Lorimor; and a sister Mary Louise Hill.
Left to mourn his passing are his children, Robert Lorimor of Bangkok, Thailand, Ruth McGee and her husband Bruce of Ankeny, Iowa, and Steven Lorimor and his wife Jeanette of St. Joseph, Missouri; three grandchildren, Amy McGee, David McGee and Nicholas Lorimor; one sister Vivian Rigg and her husband Ralph of Dayton, Ohio; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 3, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Peter Brantner officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Mary Trullinger and Margaret Bickers. Casket bearers were Robert Lorimor, Bruce McGee, James McCreary, Steven Lorimor, Greg Springer and Ed McCreary.
Military rites were given by Ringgold Post #172 American Legion.
HK was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
LEONARD VERNON O'NEAL
Leonard Vernon O'Neal, son of Lewis and Jennie O'Neal, was born August 27, 1907, near Bogard, Missouri. He died March 26, 2001, in the Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Leonard married Ruby Davenport on December 13, 1926. To this union was born six children: Helen, Marian, twins Alan and Anne, Jon and an infant daughter who died at birth.
Leonard was a lifelong farmer, a career he enjoyed and in which he was still actively involved until the time of his death. He farmed in Missouri and Kansas before moving to a farm near Arispe, Iowa in 1934. In 1938, Leonard moved his family to a farm in the Tingley vicinity, and moved again in 1943 to their farm east of Tingley. He took great pride in his farm, and the quality of livestock and crops that he produced. In his later years, he concentrated on keeping his lawn neatly mowed and tending to a large garden.
Leonard was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. After his wife's death, he continued their practice of remembering birthdays of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren with a card and gift. Having a close family was important to Leonard, and he showered them with his love.
Leonard became a member of the Tingley Christian Church after moving to the Tingley vicinity and remained a member until his death.
Survivors include three daughters, Helen (husband Donald) Weeda of Tingley, Marian O'Neal of Denver, Colorado, and Anne (husband John) Holland of Seguin, Texas; a son Alan (wife Juliann) of Redfield, Iowa; and seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Jean O'Neal, and a brother-in-law, Curtis Davenport.
Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, parents, four brothers, an infant daughter, a son, two grandsons and one great-grandson.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 29, 2001 at the Christian Church in Tingley with Reverends Eydie Stephens, Merlin Wilkins and Bruce Trussell officiating. Eloise Brown was the organist. Casket bearers were David Bliss, Thomas Holland, Larry Hunt, Alan O'Neal, Scott O'Neal and Patrick Weeda.
Leonard was laid to rest in the Tingley Cemetery, Tingley.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
FIDELIA MAE YOUNG
Fidelia Mae Young was born July 11, 1916 at Green county, Iowa to Edmond and Blanche Mae Young.
Mae went to school and lived at the Glenwood State school until adulthood. She lived at Creston and Oskaloosa, Iowa before moving to Mount Ayr several years ago. The staff and residents at the Health Care Center in Mount Ayr were her extended family and she appreciated their love. Mae was associated with the Assembly of God Church.
Mae passed away at the Health Care Center in Mount Ayr on March 28, 2001.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Harold and Thomas Young.
Mae is survived by four nieces: Alberta Cordell and her husband Doyle of Athelstan, Iowa, Darlene Adams of Denver, Colorado, Mary Ann Goff of Afton, Iowa and Shirley Goff of Lenox, Iowa; two nephews, Ralph Goff of Creston, Iowa and Fred Young, Sr. of California.
Graveside services were held Saturday, March 31, 2001 at Graceland Cemetery Chapel, Creston with Reverend Jim McCutchan officiating.
Mae was laid to rest in the Graceland Cemetery, Creston.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
JERRY LEE JOHNSON
Jerry Lee Johnson, 42, of Massena, Iowa, formerly of Diagonal, Iowa, died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident April 4, 2001.
Mr. Johnson was born August 15, 1958, in Mount Ayr, Iowa to Perry Beymer and Donna Marie (Tindle) Johnson. He graduated from Red Oak high school in 1976. On June 4, 1977, he married Carole Jean Lombard in Red Oak, Iowa.
He was employed by Kraft Foods, Inc. at the time of his death.
Survivors include his wife Carole Johnson of Massena; his son Benjamin Johnson and special friend Dawn Wiese of Creston, Iowa; his parents Perry and Donna Marie Johnson of Creston; uncles, Elvin Johnson (wife Rebecca) of Arlington, Virginia, and Cecil Johnson of Red Oak; brothers, Joe Johnson of Creston, Jim (wife Elaine) Johnson of Dallas, Texas, Jay (wife Vicky) Johnson of Houston, Texas; one sister Jil (husband Frank) McMullen of Massena; mother-in-law Edna Lukehart of Red Oak; brothers-in-law, Robert (wife Myrna) Lombard, Charles (wife Linda) Lombard, George (wife Carolyn) Lombard, all of Red Oak, Mike Lombard and special friend Bonnie Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Rose (husband James) Sparr of Elliott, Iowa, Nancy (husband Robert) Swentor of Carter Lake, Iowa; stepbrothers-in-law Jerry (wife Karen) Lukehart of Bellevue, Nebraska, Randy Lukehart of Clarksville, Arkansas, Rick (wife Deb) Lukehart of Coburg, Iowa; several nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, one son Christopher Lee Johnson; grandparents, Neil and Olive Johnson and James and Sarah Tindle; brother Jack Johnson; sister Jan Overholser; nephew Richie Hagen; brothers-in-law James Lombard, Jr. and Joseph Lombard; sister-in-law Patricia Lombard; father-in-law James Lombard, Sr.; stepbrother-in-law Kenny Lukehart; stepsister-in-law Patti Ottens and stepfather-in-law Harry D. Lukehart.
Memorial services were held at United Church of Diagonal in Diagonal on Monday, April 9, 2001 with Reverend Pam Farren officiating. Judy Newton was the organist. Casket bearers were Mark Schlapia, Jim Routh, Tim Saville, Curt Eason, Eric Virtue, Danny Meek and Mike McCormack.
Mr. Johnson was laid to rest in the Bethel Cemetery, Diagonal.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
HELEN MARLER
Helen Marler, 76, of Danville, Iowa, formerly of Creston, Iowa died April 3, 2001 at the Danville Care Center.
Helen was born May 26, 1924 at Ellston, Iowa the daughter of Lucie Rachel Ball and Robert Michael O'Grady. She married Vern Marler on December 27, 1943 in Grand River, Iowa.
Helen taught school at Maloy and Ellston as well as being a farm wife. She worked as a librarian at Southwestern Community College and retired in 1984. She moved to Danville in October 2000.
Helen was a member of the Holy Spirit Parish and Cozy Campers.
Survivors include her husband Vern Marler of Danville; daughters, Jean (Dean) Stewart of Danville, Marilyn (Cecil) Stevenson of Chariton, Iowa and Janice Marler; son Bob (Kay) Marler of Des Moines; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 7, 2001 at Holy Spirit Church with Reverend Leonard Kenkel conducting the service. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in her name.
Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family Funeral Service of Creston was in charge of the arrangements.
DOROTHY IRENE NEWTON
Dorothy Irene Canfield (Stagner) Newton was born December 6, 1923 and died April 2, 2001.
She was the daughter of Clarence and Nathalien Snowden Canfield of Bates City, MO. Dorothy was given to Claude and Fern (aunt) Stagner at age of three weeks and was raised to young adulthood. She then lived with George and Mary Canfield until she married Junior Clyde Newton on March 5, 1940 at Bethany, Missouri.
Junior and Dorothy spent almost their entire marriage living on a farm north of Kellerton, Iowa.
Dorothy had several strokes and the miracle of this was that she still had physical abilities and enjoyed life until she suffered a heart attack at the Lamoni Care and Rehab Center. Dorothy and Minerva spent many visits there singing and they put up with Linda singing with them. Dorothy and Minerva had a special bond with their music.
Dorothy was a private person and minded her own business, however, as her children will attest, if she saw them do something wrong, even as adults, you would hear what she thought.
Dorothy is survived by her "Beest Buddy" Benji; four chldren, AC Newton, Linda Joyce Smith and husband William, all of Kellerton, Ron Newton and wife Lenora of Ankeny, Iowa and Minerva Logan of rural Kellerton; four grandchildren: Tim Newton of Kellerton, Pamela Newton Taylor and husband Brent of Missouri, Tony and wife Angela of Des Moines, Iowa, Terry and wife Shelly of Des Moines, Betty Newton Bussy of Kansas City, Missouri. Dorothy loved her son-in-law William and her two daughters-in-law and was always concerned about them and their welfare.
She is also survived by eight great- grandchildren: Casey Laisella, Crystal, Lacy, Trevor, Leslie, Shelby and Kyle Newton and Kassandra Taylor; four sisters: Doris, Clara, Josephine and Florence of the Kansas City area; numerous nieces and nephews, Norman and Robert Newton of Leon, several cousins and one very special aunt, Mary Canfield Zimmerman of Carthage, Missouri who was always Momma's friend and aunt.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of almost 51 years; parents; brothers, Donald, Junior, Delbert and Herbert; sisters, Margaret, Jennette, Rosalee Marily and Mary Jane; and son-in-law Bill Logan.
Dorothy attended country school, Kellerton high school and graduated with honors from American Correspondence high school in 1961.
Dorothy had many interests as she loved to be outdoors with her pets. Collecting black walnuts to crack for Christmas money was especially one of Dorothy's enjoyments. Many knew her as the "Nut Lady." She loved picking blackberries and raspberries. All of Dorothy's children were taken to the berry patches. Dorothy canned many jars of vegetables; again her children helped. She switched to many other activities when she lost interest. She loved to collect cookbooks and many paperback books.
Dorothy lived two of the past three winters with her daughter Linda Joyce and husband Bill. Dorothy and Linda had many talks that helped make this an easier time of acceptance. Dorothy looked forward to springtime so she could go hunt mushrooms and asparagus.
Dorothy enjoyed playing the piano and played many hours. Her children remember being gotten up for school by her playing, the louder she played the closer to the time "you had better get up." She kept current on many topics and loved talking to people. Many times she went to auctions which she dearly loved just to talk to people she knew.
When Dorothy stayed with Linda and Bill they talked many times of many things but her daughter recalls she had three wishes which she expressed many times that she still wanted: 1) live until past the year 2000; 2) see a woman elected as president; 3) enjoy a trip to Hawaii when she won the lottery.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 4, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Diana Holland officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Mary Trullinger and Margaret Bickers. Pallbearers were grandsons Tony, Terry and Tim Newton, granddaughter Pamela Marie Newton Taylor, Brent Taylor and William Smith.
Dorothy was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton.
A memorial has been established in Dorothy's name.
MARY LOUISE RILEY
Mary Louise Riley, 54, of Lenox, Iowa, died April 5, 2001 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.
Mary was born August 28, 1946 in Creston, Iowa to Raymond and Pauline Culver Minnick. She was married to Jim Llewellyn in 1965 and to this marriage they had three children. On April 3, 1988 she married Dale Riley of Lenox where she lived until the time of her death.
She was preceded in death by her brother Larry Minnick in 1959 and a grandson Jamison Yearous in 1991.
Survivors include her husband Dale Riley of Lenox; her parents, Raymond and Pauline Minnick of Mount Ayr, Iowa; two daughters, Michele (husband Mark Thomas) and grandchildren Troy and Courtney Yearous of Zearing, Iowa, and Lesa Llewellyn and grandson Sean of Nevada, Iowa; and son Jamie Llewellyn of Ames, Iowa.
Also surviving are three stepdaughters, Lynda Riley of Urbandale, Iowa, Karyn (husband Kelly Johnson) and children Casey, Keegan and Claire of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, and Jo Anne (husband Mat McCoy) of Tillamook, Oregon; sister Elaine Morris and brother-in-law Eldon Morris of Perry, Iowa; nieces, Angie Hedberg of Bondurant, Iowa, Sheila (husband Kurt McMain) of Minburn, Iowa and Missy Morris of Perry.
Mary loved her family and friends and found great enjoyment in buying and refinishing antiques. She was loved and will be missed by us all.
Funeral services were held Sunday, April 8, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend William Gleason officiating. Musician for the service was Doug Greene. Casket bearers were Mark Thomas, Mark Riley, Bill Riley, Mike England, Mitch England and Mark England.
Mary was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
