Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
BEVERLY JANE WHITMORE
Beverly Jane Whitmore was born September 6, 1921 to Rolley and Maude Bailey in Diagonal, Iowa. She passed from this life on August 22, 2001 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
When Jane was five the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where they lived for a short time. The family then moved to Clearfield, Iowa where she attended school. She graduated from high school in 1940. For a short time Jane worked in Ephrata, Washington and lived with her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Wado Bush. After a time she returned to Iowa and attended AIB business school in Des Moines, after which she worked for Standard Oil Company. She didn't enjoy living in the city so her dad, Rolley, asked her to return to Clearfield and work for him at State Savings Bank.
Jane and Burton Paul Whitmore were united in marriage on May 23, 1946. She was preceded in death by three infant children; her husband, Burton Paul; parents Rolley and Maude Bailey; a sister Margaret Bush; and brothers M.Z. and Dick Bailey.
She is survived by three sisters, Lorraine Roode of Camas, Washington, Bernadine Cooper of Denton, Texas and Charlene Marsh of Aransas Pass, Texas and many nieces and nephews.
Jane was very involved in various church activities of the United Methodist Church of Clearfield. She loved helping people and also volunteered at the meal site for senior citizens where she became the site manager. She also held an office in he Iowa Aging Coalition.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 24, 2001, at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield, Iowa with Rev. Len Garrison officiating. The organist was Maralene Longfellow with "The Lord's Prayer" and "Hymn of Promise" as musical selections.
Casket bearers were Bob Bailey, Rodney Straight, Mark Herring, Paul Roger Whitmore, Max Whitmore and Dave Driskell.
Beverly was laid to rest in the Clearfield Cemetery at Clearfield, Iowa.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
WINNIE FITZGERALD
Winnie Fitzgerald, 91, of Lenox, Iowa died Thursday, November 22, 2001, at the Lenox Care Center, Lenox.
She was born March 29, 1910, in Ringgold county, Iowa near Mount Ayr, the daughter of Ann Wheatley and Joseph Miller. She graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1926.
On April 23, 1932 she was united in marriage to Orville Edwin (Pete) Fitzgerald at Grant City, Missouri. Over the years they lived in Mount Ayr, Gravity, Sharpsburg, Grand River, Lenox and Corning, Iowa. Winnie worked as a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband Orville; daughter Barbara Joan Cordell; infant grandson Dennis Cordell; four sisters, Gladys, Fern, Bernice and Mary; and two brothers, Roy and Lee.
Survivors include son Richard (Jean) Fitzgerald of Corning; brother Robert (Ardith) Miller of Jackson, California; sister Marie Jeter of Bedford, Iowa; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, November 25, 2001, at Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family Funeral Service in Lenox with Reverend Tim Maxa of the Presbyterian Church of Lenox officiating.
Winnie was laid to rest in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.
Memorials may be made to Camp Sunnyside, Des Moines.
GENE ROY LARSON
Gene Roy Larson, the only beloved son of Roy Lester Larson and Minnie May Baker Larson, was born September 17, 1924, in their home in Knowlton, Iowa. He departed this life in the Clearview Nursing Home of Mount Ayr, Iowa at the age of 77 on November 18, 2001, after a sudden illness.
Gene lived in Knowlton, Creston and Des Moines, Iowa with his parents and they returned to farming in the Knowlton area until 1942. They then moved to the Mount Ayr area present farming operation which continues today.
Gene was united in marriage to his loving wife, Anna Margaret Hogue, on August 12, 1945, in the Wishard Chapel Church of which they belonged to for several years. They were the first couple married at the church.
To this union was born three children: Kathleen Annette Larson Blunck and twin sons, Thomas Russell and John Roy Larson.
Gene was a very generous and caring person to his children and grandchildren and was so proud of all their accomplishments. He loved life and loved to watch things grow and produce.
His church was a very important part of his life. He was a very dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr. He served the church in many capacities as an usher, Sunday school teacher, of which he has had perfect attendance for many years, a deacon, and he assisted wherever needed. Many remember the time he put a song book on the seat before they knew it and sat on it.
He was a special person who loved farming with his father and his sons. Gardening was a joy to him and he loved sharing his melons and sweet corn with many. If his friends found a filled bag with garden things, they knew Gene had been there.
Many remember Gene for his great sense of humor and always telling little poems and stories and pulling funny tricks. Many enjoyed just standing and having a great visit with Gene.
He told his three-month-old great-grandson, Brett Swaney, about the five little squirrelies up in a tree while being videoed on Halloween evening. It was that way with all his children and grandchildren that he told all the stories and poems.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Ann of 56 years, daughter Kathleen and husband Bill Blunck, and sons, Tom and wife Debra and John and wife Diana, all of Mount Ayr; six grandchildren: Annette (Blunck) Swaney and husband Jason of Bedford, Iowa, Traci (Larson) Knoll and husband Will of St. Charles, Iowa, Bill Blunck of Scotts-dale, Arizona, Angela Riggs of Ames, Iowa, Hans and Logan Larson of Mount Ayr; and one great-grandson, Brett William Swaney, of Bedford.
The funeral services were held Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr with Pastor Carmen Zeitler officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett on organ and piano and Carol Ann McCreary and Barbie Belzer singing "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace" and "Heavenly Sunshine."
Casket bearers were grandsons, Bill Blunck, Hans Larson and Logan Larson, nephew Jim McCreary, cousin Mark Triggs and church friend, Fred Shields.
Family and visitation night was held Tuesday evening, November 20, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr.
Gene was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
ELLIS JUNIOR MAUDLIN
Ellis Junior Maudlin was born in Allendale, Missouri on July 7, 1935, to parents, Wilber Ellis and Josephine (Fletchall) Maudlin. Living on a small Missouri farm, Ellis was a happy and curious little boy who learned to appreciate and name trees, birds, plants and rocks. Josephine and Wilber doted on their only son and taught him to love family.
His curiosity and eagerness to learn made his school days pleasant in Worth county, Missouri. He graduated from high school in 1953. After graduation, he worked as a warehouse foreman in St. Joseph, Missouri. He had dreams of having a good life and shared it with his parents.
Through mutual friends he met Lucy Dailey. With very little money but lots of love and big dreams, these two young people married on June 5, 1955. They lived in St. Joseph and had daughter, Julia, on September 2, 1957.
Wanting to be nearer to the family and longing for the happy, wholesome qualities that country life could afford their young family, they moved to Mount Ayr, Iowa and began farming with Lucy's mother and father, Florence and Clarence Dailey. Their second daughter, Joyce Lynnette, was born on October 25, 1958.
Together the family shared their lives with friends and family of Ringgold county. Ellis and Lucy lived on their family farm on the hill. Creating a loving home for their daughters, they opened their arms and the doors of the home to so many. Welcoming friends and family to good food and fun was their way.
Ellis did all that he could to provide well for his wife and family. He took pride in bountiful crops and working with his hands. Ellis was a jack-of-all-trades: farming, carpentry, mechanics and more. These talents were shared with all who needed them--community and church.
Ellis and his family were active and saw to Wishard Chapel's needs. The same went for neighbors who needed help getting in crops, friends who needed support, kids who needed a father-figure or friends who needed a joke or story.
Ellis believed in the American dream and a strong work ethic. He wanted the best for his wife and daughters and supported them in their educational endeavors. Their dreams were his dreams. Their accomplishments were celebrated with them.
On December 9, 1986, Ellis and Lucy rejoiced in the birth of their granddaughter, Julianne Lynae Hulley. He affectionately showed her love from a strong, gentle man. Watching her talk, walk and play were a delight for him.
Ellis battled diabetes and cancer with the same gentle strength with which he lived. He believed that work and activity would keep him going. He died quietly in his home, surrounded by his family, on Friday night, November 23, 2001.
Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Josephine (Fletchall) Maudlin.
Survivors include his wife, Lucy, of Rock Port, Missouri; daughters, Julia Hulley of Jefferson City, Missouri and Joyce Maudlin of Willard, Missouri; and one granddaughter, Julianne Hulley of Jefferson City, Missouri.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 26, 2001, at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri with Reverend Jeff Flagg officiating.
Ellis was laid to rest in the Marshalltown Cemetery near Mount Ayr.
SYLVA ANN MOFFET
Sylva Moffet, daughter of Konrad and Johanna (Boening) Schneider, was born July 10, 1905 at Boyne City, Michigan.
Sylva graduated from high school and on August 6, 1928, she was united in marriage to Dr. Thomas I. Moffet at Boyne City. They lived the rest of their lives in Mount Ayr, Iowa where Sylva assisted her husband in a medical practice. Dr. Moffet passed away on November 11, 1954.
Sylva was a member of the First Christian Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was an active bowler for many years and enjoyed going on VIC trips with her friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers, Herbert, Artho and Floyd Schneider; and a sister Goldie Whiteford.
Survivors include three nieces, Marjorie Stanhope and her husband Walter of Charlevaix, Michigan, Helen Isaman and her husband Kenneth of Gaylord, Michigan and Ann Doty of Grayling, Michigan; several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, November 23, 2001, at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with Reverend John Brillo officiating. Musicians were Justin Akers and Judy Cunning. Casket bearers were Max McGehee, Dan Cunning, Hugh Terwilliger, Bernard Crawford, Jay Watson and Bill Armstrong.
Sylva was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
CLYDE EVERETT RINEHART
Clyde Rinehart, son of Ira and Pearl (Montgomery) Rinehart, was born November 23, 1903, at home near Allendale, Missouri.
Clyde was united in marriage to Jewell Lorraine Whited on December 24, 1924 at Grant City, Missouri. They would later celebrate 75 years of marriage.
They farmed near Allendale until 1943 when he owned and operated a restaurant at Fairfax, Missouri. This continued to 1949 when he returned to farming near Mount Ayr, Iowa. On any given winter day, Clyde, on his 8M Ford with Mickie following, deadened trees, clearing timber for him to farm the next spring.
Clyde enjoyed playing cards, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Clyde and Jewell retired into Mount Ayr and he had been a resident of the Mount Ayr Health Care Center for the past few years.
Clyde died on November 22, 2001.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Jewell of 75 years on October 16, 2000; daughter-in-law Rosemary Rinehart; three grandchildren, two in infancy and Diane Farrell; three brothers, Vern, Lloyd and Bob Rinehart; and four sisters, Myrtle, Velma James, Dorsey Rinehart and Jeannette Miller.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Donald Rinehart of Chula Vista, California and Helen Umbarger and husband Raymond of Syracuse, Nebraska; two grandchildren, Patti Still and husband Mick of Mount Ayr and Dave Umbarger and wife Linda of Syracuse, Nebraska; six great-grandchildren: Mike Still and wife Alicia of Mount Ayr, Matt Still of Mount Ayr, Stephanie Marksz and husband David of Champlin, Minnesota, Julie Um-barger of Champlin, Minnesota, Brian Umbarger of Freemont, Nebraska and Brent Farrell of Creston, Iowa; three great-great-grandchildren, Teya and Carter Still and Alysa Marksz; four brothers, Claud of Mount Ayr, Homer and wife Lela of Redding, Iowa, Leland of Trimble, Missouri and Calvin and wife Leatrice of Creston; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 26, 2001, at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with Alan Smith and Virgil Howie officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett and Brian Umbarger. Casket bearers were Mick Still, Dave Umbarger, Mike Still, Matt Still, Hollis Rinehart and Bobby Rinehart.
Clyde was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
HELEN BRENIZER
Helen Mae Eakes Brenizer, daughter of Leonard Paul and Gertrude May (Lawrence) Eakes, was born July 12, 1917, and passed away November 26, 2001 at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa.
Helen was born and raised in the Iowa City area and attended school at Sharon Center, Iowa, graduating in May of 1936. In August of 2001 she attended the Sharon Center all-school reunion for her 65th class reunion.
On September 15, 1937 she was united in marriage to Wayne Brenizer at Washington, Iowa. They returned to Davis City, Iowa where they purchased their farm and raised their five children: Thelma Christina, Raymond Lee, Sandra Kay, Eldon Wayne and Rhonda Mae.
Helen was a loving, kind, quiet mother with her teasing and happy sense of humor, working alongside of her husband and children in the farm operation and Wayne's trucking operation. She was a good influence on her children, grandchildren and Thelma's foster children.
She was a cook at the Lamoni Sale Barn Cafe from 1962-1981, where she was well-known for her pie and rolls.
At the age of 42 she was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was a member of the Davis City congregation.
Helen enjoyed her large garden and flowers, never letting a weed grow, until suffering a stroke in 1993. She enjoyed her many visits and Sunday morning phone calls with her sister Aila Stoner and her daily visits with her sister-in-law Goldie Martin.
In June of 1997 to April of 1999 she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Thelma and husband Eugene Webb, and her special friend Thelma S. Webb, then returning to the family farm to live until her illness six weeks ago.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne in 1982; her parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Christy Brenizer; a grandson Raymond Wayne Webb; brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Gerry Eakes; brothers, Harley and Glenn Eakes; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Cleo and Opal Brenizer; and brothers-in-law, William Stoner, Wayne Booth, Arthur Gilbert and Vernon Martin.
She is survived by her five children: Thelma C. Webb and husband Eugene of Lamoni, Raymond Brenizer and wife Nancy of Leon, Sandra Shields and husband Ronnie of Ellston, Iowa, Eldon Brenizer and wife Dianna of Decatur and Rhonda Cook and husband Mark of Blythedale, Missouri; 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; sister Aila Stoner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; five sisters-in-law: Marguerite Eakes of Coralville, Iowa, Priscilla Eakes of Iowa City, Iowa, Goldie Martin of Davis City, Iowa, Mildred Gilbert of Des Moines, Iowa, and Lois Booth of Council Bluffs, Iowa; friend Gayle Brenizer of Independence, Missouri; a special friend Thelma S. Webb; and nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, November 29, 2001, at the Community of Christ Church in Lamoni with Rick and Ann Zieger officiating. Pianist was Jan DeBarthe and vocalist was Ann Zieger. Casket bearers were Andrew Cook, Ronnie Shields, Russell Shields, Eugene Webb, Matthew Webb and Michael Webb. Honorary bearers were Eldon "Buddy" Brenizer, Jr., Brent Brenizer and Nathan Brenizer.
Helen was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Lamoni.
Memorials may be given to the Decatur County Hospital, Leon.
Slade O'Donnell Funeral Home of Leon and Lamoni was in charge of the arrangements.
