Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
DEAN ARTHUR (SCOTTY) BONEBRAKE
Dean Arthur (Scotty) Bonebrake was born January 30, 1915 to John Wesley and Lucile Morgan at Missouri Valley, Iowa, and departed this life May 16, 2000.
Scotty graduated from Lacona high school in 1930 and attended college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for three years before returning to Iowa.
Scotty and Vena Padgitt were united in marriage July 9, 1935 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. To this union were born three daughters and one son.
Leaving those to cherish his memory are: his wife Vena; son Sigmund Bonebrake and his wife Sue of Delhi, Iowa; daughters, Lanaya Cessna of Blue Springs, Missouri, Ladonna Harmon and her husband Rocky of Blue Springs and Olivia Ethington and her husband Jim of Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and a multitude of friends throughout the state of Iowa.
Scotty purchased a farm near Kellerton, Iowa June 4, 1966 where he resided until the time of his death. He started farming his land in 1970 and retired in 1987. Farming was something he had always wanted to do but knew absolutely nothing about. He often said his neighbors, some relatives and friends helped him learn and received a lot of entertainment in watching his efforts.
Before farming he contracted and constructed industrial, commercial and residentail buildings in the Kansas City, Missouri area. Besides his visits with his family and playing cribbage with them or anyone else who would, farming was the thing he enjoyed most in his life.
Scotty was a member of Topaz Masonic Lodge #438 in Kellerton, Kellerton Order of Eastern Star, York Rite Masonic bodies in Leon, South Central Shrine Club in Mount Ayr, Za Ga Zig Shrine in Des Moines and the International Order of Odd Fellows in Kellerton.
Arrangements were handled by Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr for cremation.
The family requests all donations in honor of Scotty be made to: Green Valley Hospice, c/o Greater Community Hospital, Creston.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2000 at 10 a.m. in the Kellerton Community Center (old Kellerton gymnasium).
MARJORIE I. PALMER
Marjorie I. Palmer, 77, of Clear Lake, Iowa, died May 22, 2000 at North Iowa Mercy Health Center in Mason City, Iowa.
Marjorie, the eldest of eight children born to Roy and Pearl (Allen) Dady, was born at Kellerton, Iowa on June 30, 1922. She grew up at Kellerton and graduated high school from there in 1940. She was united in marriage to R. Archie Palmer in 1940 and they lived in Mount Ayr, Iowa where they raised three sons and two daughters.
Marjorie was a member of the First Christian Church of Mount Ayr where she served as elder, board chair and teacher. She was an active volunteer with the Red Cross for many years and a member of the local chapter of the Business and Professional Women's Organization.
After raising their children in Mount Ayr, Marjorie and Archie relocated to Des Moines where she worshipped and taught Sunday school at Highland Park Christian Church. Marjorie worked for many years in the retail sales business and contributed countless hours as a volunteer to the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines.
In 1985, Marjorie moved to Clear Lake. She was active in the Clear Lake Christian Church as a teacher and worked in retail sales until the time of her death.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Pearl Dady; her husband Archie; two sons, Richard and Martin; a sister Jan; and one brother Junior.
Marjorie is survived by her eldest son Robert Palmer of Decatur, Illinois; her two daughters, Louise Donald of Pleasant Hill, Iowa and Gerrie Palmer of Charlotte, North Carolina; six grandsons, one granddaughter and five great-grandchildren; three brothers: Richard, Roger and Jerry; and three sisters: Arlene, Eunice and Joyce.
Funeral services were on Friday, May 26 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Larry Squier and Reverend John Brillo officiating. Musicians were Ginny Eighmy and Dr. Collus Lawhead. Casket bearers were Mathew Donald, Adam Donald, Sidney Palmer, Brian Palmer, Wayne Copeland and Kelly Main.
Marjorie was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
BARBARA KAY (PUTNEY) WEAVER
Barbara K. Weaver was born in Kellerton, Iowa on October 30, 1937 to Olie and Mildred (Mosier) Putney. She had two brothers, Walter and John Putney, who welcomed her home. She died of cancer at age 62 on May 22, 2000 at her daughter's home in Des Moines, Iowa.
She was married to Dorman E. Weaver in 1956 and has lived in Carlisle, Iowa since 1971. She was a homemaker and a member of Evergreen Church of Christ.
She is survived by three daughters: Cynthia Knouf, Mary Ellen Gallentine and Penny Weaver; and one son Dorman E. Weaver, Jr., all of Des Moines; a brother Walter Marion Putney of Kellerton; nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. She was preceeded in death by her two parents, Olie and Mildred Putney; her husband and two grandchildren; a sister Margaret; and brother John.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 26, 2000 in Des Moines and she was buried at Middle River Friends Cemetery in Carlisle.
WARNER E. ZERAN
Warner E. Zeran was born November 2, 1910 in Waterloo, Iowa to John and Nellie (Urie) Zeran. He was graduated from Newton high school in 1928. On March 18, 1935 he married Clarice Mowalt at Newton, Iowa; she preceded him in death. On May 10, 1991, he married Viola E. Richardson at Bedford, Iowa.
He was employed as a machinist for John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa for 38 years before retiring in 1973. Warner lived in Waterloo before moving to Bedford 27 years ago. He was a member of Central Christian Church in Waterloo and attended the Clearfield Christian Church. He was also a member of Noble Lodge #458 AF & AM and Eastern Star Cornelia Chapter 524, both in Clearfield. He served on the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 1985 and 1986.
Warner was preceded in death by his first wife Clarice; his parents, John and Nellie Zeran; and his brother Raymond Zeran.
Survivors include his wife Viola of Bedford; two daughters, Evonne (husband Dr. Kenneth) Jennett of Bedford and Joan (husband Richard) Bothun of Albert Lea, Minnesota; a stepson Kyle (wife Mary) Richardson of Austin, Texas; a stepdaughter-in-law Diane Richardson of Lena, Illinois; three sisters: Hermoine Kelson of Russellville, Missouri, Darlene Shotwell of Ogdon and Juanita Watson of Oak View, California; four grandchildren: David (wife Sandy) of Creston, Iowa, Gary (wife Cindy) of Ottumwa, Iowa, Ron (wife Terri) of Osceola, Iowa and Steve (wife Chantelle) of Blockton, Iowa; three stepgrandchildren: Chad of Lawrence, Kansas and Todd and Brent of Lena, Illinois.
Warner is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Tim, Andy, Sarah, Kyle, Jacob, Brian, Heidi, Kevin, Maggie and Mitchell.
Services were held on Friday, May 26, 2000 at the Christian Church in Clearfield with Reverend Eydie Stephens officiating. Musicians were Jean Huffman, Becky Nelson and Mary Ellen Spurrier. Casket bearers were Dave Jennett, Gary Jennett, Ron Jenett, Steve Jennett, Virgil Bolinger and Fred Wilson.
Masonic rites were given by Noble Lodge #458, Clearfield.
Warner was laid to rest in the Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield.
LAURA LUCILE BENSON
Laura Lucile Benson, daughter of Dellitt and Elva Maude (Atwood) Thompson, was born on March 1, 1915 at home in Liberty township, Ringgold county, north of Mount Ayr, Iowa, and died on December 27, 1999 at the age of 84 years, nine months and 26 days.
Her childhood was spent in and around Mount Ayr except for a short period of time when the family moved to Republic, Michigan. She attended the Mount Ayr school district and graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1932.
On January 21, 1933, she was united in marriage to Wayne Benson at Grant City, Missouri. They had three children: Dale Wayne, Darryl Dean and Shirley Ann Benson. They established their first home at Diagonal after living the first year with his parents. Two years later they moved to Liberty township where they lived and farmed for 39 years. She worked the fields and raised livestock right beside her husband for the duration of their life on the farm.
On March 1, 1975, they moved into Mount Ayr where she continued to live until entering the nursing home.
Lucile did cleaning for various people, including Lawhead Dental firm and Iowa Southern for many years. She also did sewing for many years.
Lucile and Wayne celebrated 50 years of marriage. Wayne Benson died on December 21, 1983. In May of 1985, she met Lloyd Reynard, her special friend from Creston, Iowa, and they celebrated a 14 year friendship and loving relationship and he stood by her and cared for her during her failing health.
Lucile was a member of the First Christian Church of Mount Ayr and loved her work for the church. She loved her family and lived life to the fullest. Her great passions were sewing and dancing. Her loss will be felt by many. Lucile made her first dress at the age of seven and sewed until two days before entering the nursing home. She made several wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses and figurines; her pillow case dolls are probably in every state as she made hundreds.
She was a big walker until she lost her health. She was a volunteer at the Ringgold County Hospital, she volunteered at the blood bank and she helped serve the Lenton breakfast for 18 years. She volunteered at the Clearview Home helping with bingo for 15 years. She helped raise money for the present church by serving meals at the Iowa State Fair to the workers for 10 years, getting up at 4:00 a.m., going to the fair, making and serving meals and returning back to Mount Ayr anywhere from 10:00 p.m. to midnight to get up and do it again.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Benson; her son-in-law Corwin Ingram; her parents, Elva and Dellitt Thompson; a baby sister Hilda Thompson; two brothers, Alvan Thompson and Joe Thompson; and a sister Eleanor Campbell.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her special friend Lloyd Reynard of Creston; sons, Dale Wayne Benson and wife Barbara of Davenport, Iowa and Darryl Dean Benson and wife Mary of Springfield, Ohio; daughter Shirley Ann Ingram of Perry, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Randy Ingram and wife Kathy of Las Vegas, Nevada, Becky Schultze of Perry, Debra Ingram of West Des Moines, Iowa, Penny Phillips of Davenport, Lori Martin of Davenport, LaDonna Posten of Davenport and Darryl Benson, Jr. of Mediapolis, Iowa; seven great-grandchildren, Brittany, Taryn and Lexi Schultze of Perry, Neal Edward and Ashley Phillips of Davenport, Anthony and Kristen Dowell of Davenport; one sister Phyllis Moore of Azusa, California; three sisters-in-law, Ollie Benson of Diagonal, Theola John of Omaha, Nebraska and Cleone Thompson of Mount Ayr; and other relatives and many, many friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 30, 1999 at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr with Reverend John Brillo and Reverend Doris Kinton officiating. Mrs. Malcolm Eighmy and Butch Chapin provided music. Casketbearers were JR Campbell, Bill Thompson, Phil Martin, Marvin Campbell, Larry Thompson and Charles Campbell. Honorary pallbearers were Mack McCall, Robert Keller, Barbara Walter, Lila Overholtzer, Edward Thompson, Cleone Thompson and Lawrence Kilgore.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
CURTIS ALAN HOLMES
Curtis Alan Holmes was born May 17, 1959, at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa, and departed this life on December 20, 1999, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Curtis was born to Amy Ruth and Wilson Homes and grew up in Kellerton, Iowa with his brothers John Holmes and baby-brother Rodney Eugene Holmes. He also spent much of his young life in rural Mount Ayr with his sister Kathryn, her husband Edwin (whom he called Dad), grandpa and grandma Still, Douglas, Ronche and Gregory Still.
Curtis worked in Des Moines training guard dogs for Blanket Security in 1979 until becoming ill. While Curtis was in the hospital in Des Moines, he met the love of his life and soulmate, Martina Morgan (whom he lovingly called "Toddy"). With sincere dedication, Curtis devoted his life to Toddy and Christina Marie ("Marie").
Curtis enjoyed all of nature and especially hunting with his family and friends. Some of his most memorable hunting experiences were with his brothers and "Friget, Bach and Triple J." He was never too busy to stop and have a few laughs and some serious debate. He loved his dogs and became a breeder of German wirehair terriers. Curtis served 10 years on the Kellerton volunteer fire department until his health no longer permitted.
The highlights of his life were his nephews, Chad and Travis Holmes, and his three grandsons, Shawn, David and Shelby. His admiration was obvious to anyone who would look at his wallet with its twenty-some pictures.
He was preceded in death by his father Wilson Henry Holmes, and his mother Amy Ruth Holmes. His mom passed from this earth less than one month ago, and Curtis is with his mom, catching up on all of the Kellerton gossip at this time.
Left to cherish his memories are: loving spouse and mate Martina Holmes of Kellerton; daughter Christina Holmes of Des Moines; son-in-law David Keller, Jr., and grandsons, Shawn, David and Shelby of Kellerton; sisters, Kathryn Still and Janet Holmes of Springfield, Missouri; and brothers, David Holmes and family of Oakton, Virginia, John Holmes and family of Ringgold county and Rodney Holmes and family of Kellerton. Others whom Curtis knew as brothers were Douglas and Ronche Still and families of Mount Ayr, and Greg Still and family of Creston.
Many will remember Curtis for his laugh, his adoration of children, his love of animals and his ability to tell those tall tales that made you laugh longer and harder each time that you heard them. We will all miss his smile and those group hugs that were so much a part of our family.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 23, 1999 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home with Reverend Jeff Flagg officiating. Casketbearers were Brad Still, Doug Frost, Mike Stark, LeRoy Morse, Billy Stark and Mr. Fridget Roe. Honorary pallbearers were Barry Schuster, Marion Stark, Jamie Reetze, Barry Jackson, Bobby Branchcomb, Brian Pointdexter, Melvin Doolittle and Jimmy Juergens.
Interment was in the Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton.
MERRILL VERNON PERRY
Merrill Vernon Perry was born on April 7, 1932, in the guest bedroom at the family farm seven miles northwest of Prescott, Iowa, the fourth of six sons of James Olin and Eva Laurene Perry. He was baptized at the Carl Methodist Church where he later became a member. His lifelong love of music began at this church with a revival led by the original Blackwood Brothers Quartet. It was at that time that he accepted Jesus as his Saviour.
He attended country school--Carl #5 in Adams county--grades one through seven and Plainview school for the eighth grade. His freshman year was spent in Corning with brother Clair who was a senior. The remaining three years, he attended the Prescott Consolidated school where he received his high school diploma. Merrill attended Tarkio College, Tarkio, Missouri, earning a bachelor of arts in music in 1953.
In 1952, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Hulett and from this union two children were born, Lenora Elise in 1953 and David Mark in 1957. Merrill spent two years in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. Later he taught three years in the Conway Consolidated school where his duties consisted of music K-12, high school English, assistant coach, substitute bus driver, assistant janitor and principal pro tem.
He then went to the Maxwell Community school for three years, teaching high school and junior high music. While at Maxwell, he earned his masters degree in music education from Drake University. In the summer of 1961, Merrill and his family moved to Mount Ayr, Iowa where he developed a very successful band program. He was known as the "Old Band Man" even when he was young. His bands earned numerous first place awards in concert and marching band areas, with his students earning dozens of first place honors in solo and ensemble competition. Several of his students earned the honor of performing in the Iowa All State Band and Chorus, including his daughter Lesa. He was one of the first band directors in Iowa to start a jazz band.
On August 1, 1970, Merrill and Susan Avitt were united in marriage. They had been introduced by a former student, Phyllis Bastow Harover. This merger brought together two families: Lesa 17, Mike 14, Dave 13 and Mark 12. An interesting time was had by all. In 1980 Merrill and Susan were given an opportunity to raise their two oldest grandchildren, Caleb and Cody Couts. Both have now graduated from high school, Caleb in 1991 and Cody in 1993.
In 1984 Merrill resigned from the Mount Ayr Community schools after 29 years of teaching. He then became an insurance agent for Farm Bureau for nine and one half years until poor health forced him to retire. After retirement he began a hobby of making lamps from old musical instruments.
Merrill was always active in community affairs, serving two terms as city councilman and one term as mayor. He was active in many organizations during the 38 years he lived in Mount Ayr, including the Lions Club, American Legion, Sheriff's Posse, Masons, Ringgold Singers and Methodist Men. He was also an original member of the Jolly Boys Club.
Merrill was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. This was one of the things that kept him in Ringgold county.
Through his work with Farm Bureau, Merrill earned trips for he and Susan to Vienna, Austria, the Caribbean and Florida.
Merrill is survived by his wife Susan; a daughter Lesa Nuri of Oskaloosa; a son David and wife Lisa of Maryville, Missouri; two stepsons, Mike Avitt of Des Moines and Mark Avitt of Lewisville, Texas; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Jay and wife Beth of Creston, Doyle and wife Marilyn of St. Louis, Missouri and Russell and wife Starla of Richmond, Virginia; and a sister-in-law Joyce Perry of Sharpsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eva Perry; two brothers, Eugene and Clair; and his first wife Mary Lou.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 31, 1999 at the United Methodist Church in Mount Ayr with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. Prelude music was 1968 and 1971 recorded performances of the Mount Ayr high school band. Special music, "We've A Story To Tell," was by the choir and postlude music was from The Canadian Brass. Casketbearers were Daryl Holden, John Newton, Dennis Sychra, Donald Dailey, Fred Stark and Dan Day.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr. Military graveside rites were given by Ringgold Post #172 American Legion.
Memorials have been established to the Mount Ayr Public Library and Mount Ayr Band Boosters.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
