Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
DEAN MILLARD JACKSON
Dean Millard Jackson was born November 7, 1919 to Millard Fillmore Jackson and Alice Jeanette First Jackson. He was a lifelong resident of Ringgold county, Iowa in Kellerton and Mount Ayr. Dean graduated from Kellerton high school in 1936.
On June 1, 1941, he married Ruby Rosalee Goldner in Maryville, Missouri. Dean and Ruby were married for 40 years. They had five children. Ruby died in 1981.
On September 10, 1942, Dean was inducted into the Army serving as one of the Merrill's Marauders in Burma during World War II. In one incident they were rescued from behind enemy lines on Easter Sunday, 1944, surviving two weeks with only one canteen of water each.
During his lifetime, Dean served on the Grand Valley Community school board, Hawkeye Bank and Trust board, Ringgold County Hospital board, a 50-plus year member of Topaz Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star, Lions Club and many others. He farmed north of Kellerton for 40 years and successfully sold Harvestores for 11 years. He was awarded many sales and agricultural honors.
Dean married Esther Blunck on October 19, 1984 in Kellerton and they resided in Mount Ayr for the last 11 years. Dean thoroughly enjoyed gardening, yard work and walking in Mount Ayr.
He is survived by his wife Esther of Mount Ayr; his children: Dick and Camille Jackson of Kellerton, Joy and Alan Stout of Newton, Iowa, June and Bob Boles of Jackson, Minnesota, Donna and Dave Mooney of Marion, Iowa and Larry Blunck of Mount Ayr; his grandchildren: Racinda and Dave Godbold of Windsor, Colorado, Jeff Stout of Denver, Colorado, Randy Jackson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Jenny and Gabe Swersie of Orange City, Iowa, Crystal Boles of Lubbock, Texas, Jonathan Stout of Newton, Alex Boles of Jackson, Minnesota, Denise Mooney of Marion and his great-granddaughter Abigail Swersie of Orange City.
He is also survived by a sister Ruth and Jim Turner of Wichita, Kansas; brother Herbert and Vivian Jackson of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Alice Jackson; his wife Ruby; twin son Donald; grandson Aaron Boles; and great-grandson Joshua Swersie.
Services were held Friday, April 28, 2000 at the United Methodist Church in Kellerton with Pastor Rick Hawkins officiating. Louise Meadows was the organist. Casket bearers were Racinda Godbold, Jeff Stout, Jennifer Swersie, Crystal Boles, Randy Jackson, Jonathan Stout, Alex Boles and Denise Mooney. Honorary pallbearers were Leroy Blessman, Ralph Johnson, Glen Sissell, Nick Campbell, Jim Overholtzer, Kenneth Johnson and Kenneth Driftmier.
Dean was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton. Military graveside rites were conducted by Kellerton Post #676 American Legion.
From his experience in the service, Dean always was very thankful for all the many extra years he was able to enjoy. He dearly loved his family and really enjoyed his many friends. He was a wonderful example of what a father and loved one should be. Dean died April 25, 2000.
He may have been rescued Easter Sunday, 1944, but has been air lifted to a greater freedom at Eastertime, 2000.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
CHRISTINE EGLY KEPHART
Mrs. Christine Egly Kephart, age 72, of Des Moines, Iowa, died Sunday, April 30, 2000 at the Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines.
Mrs. Kephart was born in Kellerton, Iowa. She worked as a secretary for Colby Interests and as a comptroller for Blacks Furniture, living in Des Moines for 40 years.
She was a member of the First Christian Church, past city president of PTA, Master Gardener Association and Friends of Franklin Library. She also enjoyed her family, friends and flowers.
Survivors include husband Jerry Kephart of Des Moines; and two sons, Steve Kephart of Mount Ayr, Iowa and David Kephart of Los Angeles, California.
Services were held Wednesday, May 3, 2000 at First Christian Church in Des Moines.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Brooks Funeral Care of Clive, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.
VERNADETTE GENEVIEVE LANTZ
Vernadette G. Lantz was born August 2, 1906 in Kankakee, Illinois. She was the oldest daughter of Valentine Claude and Ida (Moose) Lantz. She departed this earthly life April 27, 2000 at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center where she had been a resident since it was built 25 years ago. Earlier she had resided at the Sunny Slope Nursing Home north of Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Vernadette came to Iowa with her parents and siblings when she was around 12 years old. They moved south of Mount Ayr. She graduated in 1927 from Mount Ayr high school. After high school she worked at various jobs and as a nanny in the Chicago, Illinois area. After returning to Iowa she served as a telephone operator in Beaconsfield until the dial telephones were put in. After retiring from the telephone office she worked in other peoples' homes taking care of them. When her health didn't permit this any longer she entered the Sunny Slope Nursing Home north of Mount Ayr.
When Joe Gross built the Mount Ayr Health Care Center she moved there where she remained until her death. At the nursing home she was always a willing helper to the other residents. She was an avid knitter and crocheter, giving her handiwork to her family and friends.
She loved her family and friends and always enjoyed visitors.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Ida and Claude Lantz; her sisters, Maxine Smith and Darlene Emig and husband Gerald Emig; brothers Vernon (Bud) and his wife Vera Lantz and Floyd Lantz; and two great-nephews.
Left to mourn her passing are nieces, nephews, numerous friends and her loving family at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center. They will cherish their memories of the good times in the past with her.
Services were held Saturday, April 29, 2000 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. Mary Trullinger and Margaret Bickers provided music. Casket bearers were Rex Walters, Eugene McAlexander, Jerold Adams, Jim Smith, Kenneth McAlexander and Raymond Jones. Honorary pallbearers were L. W. Joe Gross and Robert Hinz.
Vernadette was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
GAROLD W. MILLER
Garold W. Miller, 82, of St. Joseph, Missouri, died Friday, March 31, 2000 at his home.
Mr. Miller was a switchman for the Burlington Northern Railroad, retiring after 35 years of service in 1977.
Born June 6, 1917, in New Market, Iowa, he moved to St. Joseph from Mount Ayr, Iowa in 1942.
Mr. Miller was a member of Savannah Avenue Baptist Church, St. Joseph, and United Transportation Union Local No. 259.
On February 21, 1937, he married Esther L. Bagley in Mount Ayr. She survives of the home.
Mr. Miller was preceded in death by a son Richard M.; his parents, John and Maima; a brother Harold B.; and an infant sister Vivian O.
Other survivors include a son Craig of Huntington Beach, California; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, April 3, 2000 at Gladden-Stamey Chapel, St. Joseph, MO.
Mr. Miller was laid to rest in the Ashland Cemetery, St. Joseph.
BESSIE STANLEY JOHNSON
Bessie Emmaline Stanley was born in Athens township, Ringgold county, Iowa on February 12, 1912, to Herbert and Della (Tedrow) Stanley. She died on May 11, 2000 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 88 years, two months and 29 days.
Bessie was raised in Ringgold county. She attended Salem county school and graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1930. She completed Normal training after high school then taught at a country school for one year.
Bessie was married to Wayne R. Johnson on March 9, 1933, at the Methodist parsonage in Grant City, Missouri. To this union were born two sons, Lloyd and Glenn. Bessie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Wayne and Bessie farmed in the Salem area until January, 1944 when they moved to Caledonia, Iowa where they farmed for 34 years. Bessie was the Sunday school secretary at the Salem Methodist Church for a few years. In October 1978, they moved into Mount Ayr where she resided until her death.
Bessie could always be found working on a quilt and crocheting. She made numerous quilts of various patterns over the years. A special treasure that she gave to her family was the 13 double wedding ring quilts she made for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always enjoyed spending time with her family and all the wonderful memories she has left behind will be cherished forever.
Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Johnson; her parents, Herbert and Della Stanley; two brothers, James and Earl; and two sisters, Gladys and baby Dolly.
Bessie is survived by her two sons, Lloyd and wife Muriel of Mount Ayr and Glenn and wife Kathryn Ruth of Emporia, Kansas; four granddaughters: Melanie and husband Jim McElvogue of Perry, Iowa, Judith and husband Darrell Henning of Des Moines, Linda and husband Harold Ness, Jr. of El Paso, Texas and Tammy and husband Curtis Plowman of Wichita, Kansas; seven great-grandchildren, two stepgreat-grandchildren and three-stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
Bessie is also survived by one sister -in-law Arlene Stanley of Mount Ayr; two brothers-in-law, Duane (Doc) Johnson and wife Doris of Kellerton, Iowa and Gerald (Bill) Johnson of Wilder, Idaho; and a host of other family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. Music was provided by Debbie Cannon, Margaret Bickers and Mary Trullinger. Casket bearers were Robert Hinz, Theron Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Raymond Stanley, Jay Tull and Lee Brand. Honorary pallbearers were Clarence Wilson, Kenneth Driftmier, Jim Overholtzer, Clyde Summers, Carroll Johnson and Bob Childers.
Bessie was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
FRANK P. CLARKE
Frank P. Clarke was born March 29, 1904 on a farm near St. Charles, Iowa in Madison County. He was the son of Charles and Margaret Brown Clarke. Frank passed away on May, 3 2000 at the Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa at the age of 96 years.
Frank grew up on the farm and after graduating from high school, he went on to and completed business college in Des Moines.
On December 24, 1931, he was united in marriage to Ruth E. Pettit and to this union two sons were born. They lived in Chicago, Illinois for a short time before moving to Mount Ayr around 1942. Frank had an insurance agency and sold insurance for many years. He also had a farm near Diagonal, Iowa and even though he did not farm it himself, he enjoyed being connected to the land as in his youth.
Frank was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Faith Lodge #172, A.F. & A.M. in Mount Ayr and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine in Des Moines.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret Clarke; his wife Ruth on December 3, 1981; a sister Agnes Crawford; and four brothers, William, John, Charles and Willis Clarke.
Left to mourn his passing are his sons, Robert J. and life partner Eric Tankesley of California, Missouri and W. Thomas and his wife Jean of Savannah, Georgia; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Colin, Margaret Grady, Christian Clarke and Andrea Bailey; five great-grandchildren, Kate Colin, Sierra Grady, Clarke Evans, Abigail Clarke and Kendall Clarke; as well as nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends.
Services were held Saturday, May 6, 2000 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with Reverend Peter Brantner officiating. Mary Trullinger and Margaret Bickers provided music. Casket bearers were William French, Gerold Willey, Laurance Bishop, Joe Jackson, Jim Pedersen and Dan Cunning.
Masonic rites were given by Faith Lodge #172 A.F. & A.M., L.W. Joe Gross.
Frank was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
FARESTA ONETA MINNICK
Faresta Oneta Hanks, daughter of William and Nettie (Lamb) Hanks was born on a farm south of Mount Ayr in Ringgold County, Iowa on April 5, 1910 and she passed away at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center on May 2, 2000 at the age of 90 years.
She was united in marriage on December 10, 1926 to Emmel (Zeke) E. Minnick. To this union two children were born.
Throughout her life, Faresta's greatest love was spending time with her family. During her working years, she met and made many wonderful friends. She lived a few years in Mercer, Missouri but returned to her hometown of Kellerton, to the Sunnyview Apartments, where she lived until moving to the Mount Ayr Health Care Center in January.
Leaving to mourn her passing are her daughter and son-in-law Naomi and Mike Been of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter-in-law Darlene Minnick Overholser of Kellerton; granddaughter Melody Been of West Des Moines; grandson Edward A. Minnick and his wife Colleen and two great-granddaughters, Kylee and Nicole Minnick, all of Kellerton; other relatives and a host of friends.
Faresta was preceded in death by her parents, William and Nettie Hanks, her husband Emmel; son Edward E. Minnick; and two brothers, Floyd and John Hanks.
Although Faresta is absent from our presence, she has left us a living memorial of her love, loyalty and compassion.
Services were held on Thursday, May 4, 2000 at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with Reverend Terry Roberts officiating. Nancy Sackett, Mary Trullinger and Margaret Bickers provided music. Casket bearers were Kenny Clymer, Wayne George, John Worthington, Sam Merrill, Howard Brown and Jerold Adams.
Faresta was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton.
Graveside service for Clay W. Seaton
Graveside services for intermenty for Clay Webster Seaton, who passed away June 24, 1999 in Austin, Texas, will be held Thursday, May 25, 2000 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be held at the family plot in Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa by the Pastor Diana Holland.
Clay is survived by his wife Myrna; daughter Camille Seaton; and cousin Mari Humbert. In lieu of flowers it was Clay's wish that any donations be sent to Mari Humbert, RR1 Box 20, Redding IA 50860. Mari is the treasurer for the Baptist Church in Delphos. Donations will be going for the restoration of the Baptist Church.
