Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
LELA MILDRED WILSON
Lela was born in Essex, Iowa, July 24, 1905 to William Franklin Foreman and Ethel May Hale. At the time of her birth the family was already started with Goldie Pierce. After Lela's birth, the family grew with five more children, Nellie Ruth Cummings, Orville Foreman, Clyde Foreman, Leona May and Gladys Levaughn Swoboda. All have preceded Lela in death.
The family farmed near Eagleville, Missouri.
Lela's mother passed away in 1917 and with the youngest of the family being almost two years old, the older daughters and her father helped raise the family on their own and with help from other family members. William never remarried. A lot of hardships were experienced during those years that included their house burning to the ground, and the family had to spend one winter in a large tent before another house was found.
Lela married John V. Kneedler on April 21, 1920. They made their home in the Ringgold county area, and born to this union were three sons, Keith and Russell Kneedler, deceased, and Larry Kneedler of Des Moines, Iowa, surviving; and five daughters, Leola Mae George and Donella Noftsger, both deceased, and surviving are Viola Lewis and Sharon Sandstrom, both of Des Moines, and Mary Guidry of New Llano, Louisiana.
On March 14, 1950 Lela married Marvin H. Wilson and they moved to Des Moines where Marvin J. Wilson was born to this union.
She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin H. Wilson.
Lela was a lifelong member of the Kellerton Christian Church and a member of the Northside Senior Citizens Center. Her interests included crocheting and gardening.
Lela died May 3, 2001, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines of heart ailment.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 5, 2001 at Hamilton's Near Highland Memory Gardens, Des Moines. Graveside services were held Saturday, May 5, 2001 at Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kellerton Christian Church.
EVELYN PAULINE CREVELING
Evelyn Pauline Creveling was born October 7, 1924 to Florence (Mes-singer) and Nicholas Greimann at the family farm in Athens township, near Kellerton, Iowa. She attended the area rural schools and graduated from Ellston high school in 1943.
After graduating, Pauline worked in the principal's office of the Ellston school.
On November 11, 1944 Pauline married Lawrence Creveling in Corning, Iowa. Since it was a holiday, they had quite a time getting a license and finding someone to perform the ceremony. They were privileged to celebrate 50 years of married life with a family and friends celebration in 1994. She and Lawrence were blessed with three daughters, Patricia Ann, Mary Elaine, and Sharon Sue, and one son, Larry Lawrence.
Pauline worked as a cook at Faye's in Ellston and at the Sandwich Shop in Mount Ayr. She also did wall papering for many people. For 11 years she worked construction jobs with her husband, Mug. Pauline loved children and for several years did child care in her home, until her health no longer permitted her to do so.
She loved the outdoors, gardening, and fishing. She died Sunday, May 6, 2001 in the yard of her home.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister who died in infancy, a sister-in-law, Rosella Greimann, and a brother-in-law, Paul Weeda.
She is survived by her husband Mug, whom she lovingly cared for; her children, Pat (Jesse) Martinez of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary (Dave) Williamson of Sherwood, Arkansas, Larry (Peggy) Creveling of Griswold, and Sharon (Marvin) Kessler, of Lorimor, Iowa; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Max Greimann of Kellerton and Roe (Donna) Greimann of Mount Ayr; and a sister Darlene Weeda of Lorimor.
There are also numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will greatly miss her presence.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 9, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Joyce Smith officiating. Kevin and Tammy Creveling were the musicians. Casket bearers were Danny Webb, Ed Reasoner, Lyle Greimann, Raymond Reasoner, Ronnie Creveling and Kevin Creveling.
Pauline was laid to rest in the Ellston Cemetery, Ellston.
VERNADENE NICHOLS GABRIEL
Vernadene Nichols Gabriel, oldest child of Vern and Hazel Nichols, was born March 8, 1914, and departed this life May 11, 2001 at Creston Nursing and Rehab Center at the age of 87.
Vernadene was born in Ringgold county, Iowa and was educated in the Shannon City school, graduating in 1932. She went to Des Moines where she was employed first as a domestic and later as a secretary. She then moved to Tuscon, Arizona and was employed as a secretary. After a few years, Vernadene migrated to Los Angeles, California and worked at the Los Angeles Stock Exchange until retiring in the mid 1970s.
On October 30, 1954 Vernadene married Howard Steve Gabriel, and they made their home in Chatsworth, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. They were both members of the Canoga Park Lutheran Church for many yers.
Vernadene was an accomplished seamstress and loved to make fashionable garments. She was very involved in the Chatsworth Women's Club holding many offices. She assisted Howard with his teaching career, cared for their many beautiful flowers and shrubs, and took in stray cats giving them loving care. Aunt Dene, as she was called by her nephew and nieces, was greatly interested in all of her family members in Iowa and visited often.
When her husband passed away Vernadene was unable to maintain her independent living so she moved to the nursing home in Creston in 1997.
Survivors include sister-in-law Charlene Nichols of Creston; nephew Charles Nichols of Lakewood, Colorado; nieces Merry Ann Swank of Creston and Nancy Willey of Mount Ayr, Iowa; great-nephew Matt Swank; great-niece Jennifer Cline; and several close cousins.
Preceding her in death were her husband Howard; parents, Vern and Hazel; brother Franklin; and young sister Mildred.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at Oakland Cemetery, Shannon City with Reverend Merlin Wilkins officiating.
Memorials will be forwarded to the Christian Church in Tingley.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of arrangements.
RUTH E. HARRIS
Ruth E. Harris was born April 29, 1922 in Kellerton, Iowa to Ray W. and Alma (Mathes) Coffman. Ruth passed away on May 12, 2001 at Westview Acres Care Center in Leon, Iowa at the age of 79 years.
Ruth grew up at Kellerton and graduated from Kellerton high school. On May 5, 1938, she was united in marriage to Herbert "Junior" Harris at Stanberry, Missouri. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage and to this union three children were born: Barbara, Jim and Nancy.
Ruth and Junior moved their family to the farm west of Grand River, Iowa in 1942 and this remained her home until moving to Terrace Park Assisted Care Living in Leon one month ago.
Ruth was a farm wife and she owned and operated Y-Wire Kennels in Grand River for many years. She enjoyed playing bingo, fishing and traveling which included trips to Las Vegas, the Southwest and a tour of Europe several years ago.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Junior on March 9, 1999; and her daughter Barbara Ann, in infancy.
Left to mourn her passing are her children, Jim Harris and wife Mary of Grand River and Nancy Williams and husband Don of Des Moines, Iowa; three granddaughters, Rita Martin and husband Brian of LeClaire, Iowa, Valerie Norman and husband Lonnie of Eagleville, Missouri and Debra Carl and husband Matt of Ankeny, Iowa; six great-grandchildren Elizabeth Martin, Lance Norman, James Carl, Bradley Martin, Wyatt Carl and Cory Norman and wife Mandy; one brother Dale Coffman and wife Lucille of Wichita, KS; as well as many nieces, nephews and a host of good friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Mary Trullinger and Margaret Bickers. Casket bearers were Lonnie Norman, Brian Martin, Dwayne Peppmeier, Matt Carl, Cory Norman and Raymond Peppmeier. Honorary pallbearers were Duane Daughton, Wayne Kelley and Albert Hewlett.
Ruth was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton.
MERNA M. SEATON
Merna M. Seaton, who sometimes spelled her name Myrna, was the second daughter of Robert F. "Bert" Morss and Gussie E. (Ryan) Morss. She was born on September 22, 1918, on a farm one and a half miles west of Ellston, Ringold county, Iowa, and departed this life on April 21, 2001 in Austin, Texas at the age of 82 years, six months and 29 days.
She attended the Ellston school through the second grade. When the family moved to a farm southwest of Mount Ayr and east of Delphos, Iowa, she attended the Old Crown Point rural school through the eighth grade and then graduated from the Mount Ayr high school with the class of 1936. This was a very close-knit class who always kept in touch over the years. Merna attended their every-five-year reunions as long as possible.
She taught rural schools near Ellston and Tingley for three years. She always thought of Ringogld county as home and cherished her many friends and her cousins here.
On November 30, 1941, Merna married Clay Seaton of the Redding-Delphos vicinity. Not long after her marriage, her husband was inducted into the military service during World War II and she was able to be with him for most of the three years he was in the Army. Though this conflict was fraught with tragedy for so many and for the world, this enabled her to see much of the United States that she might not have seen otherwise. She always remembered and remarked on the scenes and experiences she had encountered in Miami, Miami Beach, New York City and Long Island. Later, she and Clay were able to travel to many other parts of the United States and this was one of their most enjoyable activities.
After World War II, Merna and Clay established their home in Des Moines, Iowa, where they lived until 1982. She was employed in Des Moines for three and a half years, most of this time at an insurance company.
In 1950, they welcomed into their home their only child, daughter Camille. At this time, Merna became a full-time and loving housewife and mother. She later became interested in family history and genealogy and conducted an extensive correspondence with her and her husband's relatives. Together they compiled an extensive body of information on their respective genealogical lines.
In 1982, Merna and Clay moved to Austin, Texas to be near their daughter Camille, and since 1989, they have made their home with her. On November 19, 1998, Merna and Clay were privileged to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary.
At the time of her death she was a member of the Austin Genealogical Society, The Morse Society and of the Northwest Hills United Methodist Church.
Merna was preceded in death by her husband; one sister Mildred Sherry of Mackay, Idaho; and a nephew Robert Layton.
Survivors include her daughter Camille Seaton of Austin, Texas; one sister Marie Kimball of Des Moines; one niece, three nephews and several cousins.
A graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa on May 25, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. conducted by Pastor Bob Pinkerton. In lieu of flowers, the family request the memorial donations be made to Mari Humbert, treasurer of the Delphos Baptist Church, RR 1 Box 20, Redding, Iowa 50860. Donations will go towards upkeep and continuing services.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
JAMES H. SUPINGER
James H. Supinger was born on February 23, 1913 in Ringgold county, Iowa to Benjamin H. and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Supinger. He departed this life on May 12, 2001 at his home in Grant City, Missouri at the age of 88.
On September 22, 1934, James married Sarah Edith Thompson. She preceded him in death on April 8, 1991.
James was a lifelong resident and farmer in Worth county, Missouri. He was an avid domino player and could be found almost every day at the Senior Center in Grant City. He loved music and enjoyed playing several instruments. Although he could not read music he played the banjo, guitar, piano and harmonica in his earlier years. Some of his favorite musicians were Box Car Willie, Hank Williams Sr., Hank Snow and Little Jimmie Dickens.
James enjoyed family gatherings and was always ready for a game of cards or dominoes. He also enjoyed going to auctions to find a bargain. Whether for himself, his children, or his grandchildren, there was never a need for household items that he couldn't fulfill. His main goal in life was to provide well for his children.
Also preceding James in death were two sons, John Allen and James Lee Supinger; his parents; and one brother Roy Supinger.
He is survived by his children: Richard and wife Betty Supinger of Grant City, Missouri, Shirley and husband Bob Lager of Grant City, Ruth and husband Jim Brand of Mount Ayr, Robert and wife Sharon Supinger of Grant City and Charles and wife Julie Supinger of Grant City; daughter-in-law Kathy Supinger of Bedford, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. James was also survived by his faithful companion Muffy.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City. Dr. Victor Bollinger officiated. Interment was in the Honey Grove Cemetery near Grant City.
VINCENT WESLEY HERROLD
Vincent W. Herrold was born October 21, 1922 at Chillicothe, Missouri to John and Diana (Long) Herrold. Vincent passed away at his home northwest of Diagonal, Iowa on June 2, 2000 at the age of 77 years.
Vincent lived his life on a farm where he loved to work the land and tend to his cattle. He enjoyed his Allis Chalmers tractors and had recently gone to John Deere.
Vincent was united in marriage to Retha Conley on September 22, 1982 at his sister Ruth's home in Gravity, Iowa.
Vincent was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Homer, John, Jr. and Leo, whom was killed in World War II; a sister Lula May Claybaker; a brother-in-law Cecil Smith; and a sister-in-law Margery Pruitt.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Retha; one brother, Hubert Herrold of Diagonal; one sister Ruth Dideriksen and her husband Chris of Gravity; two brothers-in-law Don Conley and his wife Pauline of Kansas City, Missouri and Ron Conley and his wife Betty of Mount Ayr, Iowa; three sisters-in-law Helen Herrold of Oregon, Margaret Herrold of Tucson, Arizona and Vesta Smith of Mount Ayr, as well as many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 6, 2000 at the Christian Church in Clearfield, Iowa with Reverend Eydie Stephens officiating. Musicians were Judy Newton and Shelly Mason. Casket bearers were Jack Taylor, Jim Taylor, Chris Eaton, Richard Taylor, Shon Berry and Gary Sobotka. Honorary pallbearers were Roger McCay, Ed Fletcher, Delbert Routh, Ed Johnston, Trent Johnston, Hal Dean Veatch, Claire Newton and Charles Fletcher.
Vincent was laid to rest in the Knowlton Cemetery, Diagonal.
