Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
DON ALLEN NEWTON
Don Allen Newton was born August 9, 1948 at Winterset, Iowa. He was the son of Artie and Shirley Searls Newton. Don died unexpectedly in an accidental drowning at Three Mile Lake near Afton, Iowa on June 5, 1999.
Don lived in several towns in Iowa and he served in the U.S. Navy from April 27, 1967 until his discharge on April 15, 1968. He lived in Iowa City, Iowa from 1981 until moving to Kellerton, Iowa in 1994.
Don was united in marriage to Kathy M. Eggers on May 30, 1995 at Lamoni, Iowa.
Don worked construction. He helped Roy Fifer in the building of homes and he helped Billy Fifer move homes. He took pride in his work and enjoyed the many challenges. Don was a dedicated husband and father. He enjoyed water sports such as swimming, skiing and tubing. He was an avid mushroom hunter, and he enjoyed working and playing in the snow.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and his father-in-law Lloyd "Blondie" Eggers.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife and companion of many years Kathy Newton of Kellerton, their son born April 19, 1996, Chance Allen Newton, a son Chad Newton of Coralville, Iowa, a daughter Dawn Dunker of Truman, Minnesota, two step-daughters Crystal and Heather Eggers of Kellerton, a brother Larry Newton and his wife Barb of Grand Junction, Iowa and his mother-in-law Cluresa Eggers of Coralville, Iowa as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends.
Memorial services were at the United Methodist Church of Kellerton on Friday, June 18, 1999 with Pastor Wendi Gillan officiating. Mrs. Weldon Meadows was the organist. Honorary pallbearers were Mark Comer, Ryan Barton, Roy Fifer, Elmer Bradley, Rodney Smith and Robert Kibbe, Jr.
Interment was in the New Hope Cemetery, Lorimor, Iowa.
Military graveside rites were given by V. F. W. Post #1797 of Creston, Iowa.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
LELA PAULINE (DAVIS) PETERSON
Lela Pauline (Davis) Peterson, age 77, of Grand River, Iowa passed away on June 16, 1999 at Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Lela was born on August 10, 1921 in Union county, Iowa to Elmer C. Davis and Della Ames Davis. She received her education in Thayer, Iowa.
On April 13, 1943 she was united in marriage with Charles LeRoy Peterson in St. Joseph, Missouri. Two children were born to this union, Waunita and Wayne.
Lela was a homemaker and care giver to many people in their own homes. She lived 53 years in the Hopeville, Iowa area. She attended the Hopeville United Methodist Church.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1998; a sister, Edna Welling; two brothers, Murel and Orie Davis and two grandchildren, Micheal Dean and Donald LeRoy.
Those left to cherish her memory Lela was a homemaker and care giver to many people in their own homes. She lived 53 years in the Hopeville, Iowa area. She attended the Hopeville United Methodist Church.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1998; a sister, Edna Welling; two brothers, Murel and Orie Davis and two grandchildren, Micheal Dean and Donald LeRoy.
Those left to cherish her memory Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Waunita Emory and husband Dean of Winterset andWayne Peterson and wife Karen of Grand River; three grandchildren: Nancy White and husband Steve of Marion, Brian Peterson and wife Jenny of Osceola and Susan Mercado and husband Julian of Fort Hood, Texas; one great-grandchild, Allison; two great-stepgrandchildren, Jamie and Jerica; a sister, Lila Peterson and husband John of Osceola; and a brother, Carl Davis and wife Ruby of Thayer.
Funeral services were held on June 19, 1999 at the Hopeville United Methodist Church in Hopeville with Rev. Dwayne Henrichs of Thayer officiating. Interment was in Hopeville Cemetery in Hopeville.
Memorials may be made to the Hopeville Ladies Aid. Kale Funeral Home of Osceola was in charge of the arrangements.
AVERY GUY SHELDEN
Avery Guy Shelden was born April 4, 1930 in Beaconsfield, Iowa and passed away on June 3, 1999 in Santa Ana, California after suffering from a stroke. He was the son of Guy and Alma Shelden.
On January 1, 1950 he was united in marriage to Clara Ruth Greimann.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Ruth, five children, 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, a sister Alice Keplinger and a brother Ellis and a host of relatives and friends.
He was laid to rest in Rose Hill Memorial Park in Whittier, California on June 7, 1999. Officiating was Reverend Keith Ackman. Pallbearers were the grandsons.
Saddleback Chapel of Tustin, California was in charge of services.
Sandra Huerta wrote and read the following tribute to her grandpa.
"On my seventh grade paper we had to write about the most inspiring person. I chose my Grandpa because he's caring, funny, smart and tricky. He always looked out for everybody he could. I hope God is taking extra good care of Grandpa; he deserves all of it and so much more. He'll live in our hearts forever and ever and his soul will carry on and on to guide our way. He inspired me and everybody he met to do better. Thank you Grandpa for everything. We love and miss you so much."
LOWENE "LEE" STAIGER
Lowene "Lee" Staiger, a 40-year resident of Merced county, CA died April 17, 1999 in a Fresno Hospital at the age of 73.
Lee was born December 14, 1925 in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She lived in the Kellerton, Iowa area for many years where she and her husband, Howard Pollard, ran the Kellerton Grocery. In 1959 she and her family moved to Merced, CA. After her retirement from Merced County Welfare Department, she managed the Bellevue Mobile Park in Atwater, CA. She enjoyed reading, gardening and traveling with the Sacramento Singles RV Club.
Those preceding her in death were her parents and her husband, Howard Pollard.
Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Laura Warner and her husband Lowell and Deanna Mellow and her husband, Ron, all of Merced; four grandchildren: Tim Warner, Tom Warner and Heath Mellow of Merced and Christine Royal of Chowchilla; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Roberta Strangland of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Glen Sissel of Kellerton.
A memorial service was held at Evergreen Memorial Park on Saturday, May 1 with Pastor Jody Kranz of the United Methodist Church in Merced officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.
ERNEST PAUL SCHMIDT
Ernest Paul Schmidt, son of Andrew and Irene (Schwartz) Schmidt, was born October 24, 1923 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from High School in West Allis, Wisconsin in 1941.
When World War II broke out, Ernie enlisted in the US Navy Air, serving in the South Pacific and Japan from 1941 through 1945. He was wounded in duty and returned to Milwaukee where he joined his father in retail and repair shoe business, which was known as the Schmidt's Shoe Store in West Allis, Wisconsin.
He furthered his education by attending orthopedic college in Chicago, Illinois learning to make prescription shoes for Veterans Administration Hospital, Woods, Wisconsin. Ernie was united in marriage to Frankie LeVan in 1946. To this union was born three daughters: Janet Beth, Martha Ann, and Laurie Jean.
He was raised Catholic and later attended the Community Methodist Church in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. He obtained his real estate license and joined Cooper Communities in Horse Shoe Bend, Arkansas, later joining Fairfield Communities Inc. in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas where he continued to sell real estate until retirement.
On October 24, 1978 he was joined together in wedlock to Venita Shirlene (Kirby) Sobotka at Indian Rock Cave, Fairfield Bay, Arkansas. In 1985 Venita and Ernie engaged in the barbecue restaurant business in Edgemont and later Hot Springs until 1996. Ernie was a member of several civic organizations, as well as the Disabled American Veterans Association and Hot Springs VFW Post 2278. They had enjoyed retirement in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
After a courageous battle with cancer in the McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ernie passed away at Towbin Health CareVA Medical Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas on Father's Day, Sunday, June 20, 1999.
Ernie was preceeded in death by his mother and father.
One of Ernie's many gifts was to interact well with people. His ability to become a Golden Gloves boxing champion, race car driver and great fisherman showed his strong interest in sports and nature.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Venita of Hot Springs, Arkansas; his daughters, Janet Knier and Martha Rutkowski of Marietta, Georgia and Laurie Corbin of Kennesaw, Georgia; three stepchildren, Connie Cooper, and husband, Dennis of Bedford, Iowa, Karen Schaefer and husband, Michael of Maloy, Iowa, and Duane Sobotka and wife Robin of Edgemont, Arkansas; six grandsons, James, Greenwald and wife Melanie of Muskego, Wisconsin, Robert Green-wald of West Allis, Wisconsin and Mark Greenwald of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Brian Rutkowski of Atlanta, Georgia, PFC Eric Lindemann of Havelock, North Carolina and Jonathan Corbin of Kennesaw, Georgia; 10 stepgrandchildren, Jackie Cooper-Bennett and husband Peter of Divizes, Wilshire, England, Wendy Poore and husband Matthew of Schaumburg, Illinois, Darcie Cooper of Des Moines, Iowa, Devan Cooper of Bedford, Iowa, Jennifer Bell and husband William of Colfax, Iowa, Billy Schaefer and wife, Susan of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Timothy Schaefer of Diagonal, Iowa, Harmony Delapaz of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Adam Delapaz of Edgemont, Arkansas and Nicole Williams and husband Justin of Clarinda, Iowa; four great-grandchildren, Jesse Greenwald and Ashley Greenwald of Muskego, Wisconsin, Nicholas Anderson of Eagle, Wisconsin and Jacob Roseland of Delafield, Wisconsin; five stepgreat-grandchildren, Breia Bell and Mallory Bell of Colfax, Iowa, Danielle Poore and Kirsten Poore of Schaumburg, Illinois and Dashavia Sanders of Hot Springs, Arkansas; his brother Ralph Schmidt and wife Marilyn of Marietta, Georgia; as well as nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Funeral services were at the Christian Church in Clearfield, Iowa on Thursday, June 24, 1999 with Reverend Eydie Stephens officiating. Maralene Longfellow and Judy Cunning provided music. Casketbearers were James Greenwald, Robert Greenwald, Mark Greenwald, Brian Rutkowski, Eric Lindemann and Jonathan Corbin.
Interment was in the Diagonal Cemetery, Diagonal. Military graveside rites were given by V. F. W. Post #1797, Creston, Iowa.
HOWARD SIMPSON
Howard Simpson, 82, died peacefully on June 27, 1999, surrounded by his wife Billie and members of his family.
Howard was born April 3, 1917 in Tingley, Iowa. He served with distinction in World War II and was awarded the Silver Star for heroism following his actions during a battle near Sicily.
Burial arrangements are being handled by El Camino Mortuary, Mira Mesa, California. The funeral service will be held at the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2.
BONITA NADINE DEVRIES
Bonita "Bonnie" Nadine DeVries, age 78, of Sioux City, Iowa passed away on July 2, 1999 in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Memorial services were held on Tuesday, July 6 at the Christy-Smith Funeral Home in Sioux City, Iowa with intermenty in the La Platte Cemetery in La Platte, Nebraska on July 6, 1999.
Bonnie was born on January 23, 1921 at Van Wert, Iowa to John West and Bertha Brammer West. She was raised in the Kellerton area and graduated from Kellerton High School. Bonnie was united in marriage to Arthur H. DeVries in Kansas City, Kansas in 1946. They moved to La Platte, Nebraska in 1959 and lived there until 1971 when they moved to Sioux City, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her huband, Arthur; two sisters, JoAnn Gorman and Mildred Nichols; and three brothers, Clifford West, Gerald West and Melbern West.
Those left to cherish her memory are two sons, Ron and wife Diane Reynolds of Omaha, Nebraska and Danny and wife Jan DeVries of Papillion, Nebraska; a daughter, Sharon and husband Ed Thomas of Hagerstown, Maryland; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a special friend, Alvin Kasel of Sioux City; and nieces, nephes and other relatives and friends.
WALTER EDWIN OWENS
Walter "Walkie" Edwin Owens was born in eastern Iowa on a farm close to Oakland Mills, Iowa on October 12, 1913 to Ernest Miller and Ethel Mullin Owens. Within a few years, Miller and three other brothers moved to western Iowa where Walter grew up on a farm two and one-half miles east of Clearfield. When Walter was a boy on the farm a neighbor, Shorty Williamson, gave Walter the nickname "Walkie". It stuck and he was known as Walkie his whole life.
Walkie rode a horse those two and one-half miles to school and later would drive a horse and buggy with his older sister and brother; Gladys Owens Levi and Lester Owens. Walkie played violin and cornet in the orchestra and band and also sang in the chorus and male quartets. He was also in sports activities including football and basketball.
Walkie graduated from Clearfield High School in 1933.
During the Depression Walkie worked as a farm laborer and traveled to northern Iowa to harvest crops and to shuck corn. He then worked at the Frank Bye service station. On December 24, 1937 Walkie was united in marriage with Joan Wiley in Clarinda, Iowa. To this union were born four children; Deanne Joyce, Ernest Wiley, who died after one day, Judith Ann and Walter Wiley.
In 1939 Walkie became a partner with Faye (Rip) Van Winkle in Van Winkle and Owens Hogbuyers. Through the years his partners changed along with the name of the business - 1st Central Livestock with Spud Van Winkle and lastly Creston Transportation with Kenny Calvin. Walkie was in business for 50 years total, retiring at the age of 75 years.
Walkie was a charter member of the Clearfield Lions Club established in 1953. He was also a member of the Clearfield Business Club, American Legion Woodside Post #97, a World War II veteran having served in the U. S. Army and a member of the Clearfield United Methodist Church.
His hobbies were playing pitch and dancing to big band music.
Walkie Owens left this life to enter the next on June 25, 1999 at Clearview Home at the age of 85. Walkie was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Ernest Wiley Owens; a brother, Lester Owens; and a sister, Gladys Levi.
Left behind to celebrate his life are his wife Joan; his son Will of Chesterfield, Virginia; two daughters, Deanne and husband Leon Tibben of Andover, Minnesota and Judy Owens of Boulder, Colorado; four grandchildren: Kristen Frost-Tibben, Jennifer Tibben-Lembke, Lisa Starr and Paul Owens; one great-granddaughter, Grace Johanna Tibben-Lembke and many friends.
Funeral services were held on June 29, 1999 at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield with Rev. Alan Rusk and Rev. Phillip Henderson officiating. Music was provided by Roberta Lockhart, Jennifer Tibben-Lembke and Judy Owens.
Casketbearers were Lisa Starr, Jennifer Tibben-Lembke, Kristen Frost-Tibben, Richard Schultz, John Starr, Ron Tibben-Lembke, Paul Owens, Richard Mackey and Wayne Wilson. Honorary pallbearers were Paul Brown, Bob McMath, Robert Thompson, Marvin Boyer, Vernon Straight, J.B. Routh, Dale Juergens, Maurice Hanson and Glen Larsen.
Military graveside rites were provided by the Woodside Post #97 American Legion. Interment was in the Clearfield Cemetery at Clearfield, Iowa.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
WINNIE GREENE
Winnie Morgan was born December 21, 1909 to Birdean and Louise Morgan of Ellston, Iowa. On January 18, 1931 she married Lowell Greene and to this union two children were born, Carralou Greene Hanson and Gary Lee Greene. In 1945 Winnie and her family lived in Mount Ayr, Iowa. In 1964 they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Lowell was an insurance salesman.
In 1968 they moved to Creston where Winnie lived until her death on June 15, 1999. Winnie was 89 years of age.
Reverend Tom Woodin officiated at her service.
Preceding her in death were her husband, three sisters and three brothers, one great-grandson, one great-granddaughter, one great-great-grandson.
She is survived by son Gary Lee Greene, daughter Carralou Hanson, one daughter-in-law, granddaughter Michelle Price and grandson Gary Lee Greene, Jr., great-granddaughters Jenny Hanson and Tracy Hanson, great-great granddaughter Taylor Price and lots of nieces and nephews.
Casketbearers were Kim and Rick Hanson (grandsons), great-grandsons K. C. and Brandon Hanson and Tyler Hanson and a friend Phil Price.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
VALNETTA MENDENHALL CRAFT
Val was born January 24, 1917 at Hatfield, MO and she entered into rest July 23, 1999.
Services were at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, Oakdale, California on July 27, 1999 conducted by Lance Stowe. Music was furnished by his wife. Pallbearers were Ken Thiel, Robert Morris, Bob Curtright, Mark Munion, Jim Mendenhall and Brad Mendenhall.
Interment was at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
Val is survived by two daughters, Linda and husband Ken, and Patty and husband Robert Morris; four granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ivan Mendenhall of Oakdale, California and Elvis Mendenhall of Prescott, Arizona; and one sister Loris Sheridan of Lenox, Iowa.
Preceding her in death were her husband, A. L. (Red) Craft; her parents, Halard and Edna Mendenhall; and brother Vic.
Val attended country schools and the school in Maloy, Iowa. She went to Maryville, MO for college and worked in cafes in Mount Ayr, Iowa until her marriage to A. L. Craft in 1938. They moved to Oakdale, CA the next day and she lived there 61 years until her death. She was a homemaker all her life and loved to cook for family and friends. She liked a good game of bridge and golf.
JOHN H. CRAFT
John Houston Craft, 85, of Oakdale, California died Thursday, July 29, 1999 at his home.
Mr. Craft was born January 21, 1914. A native of Iowa, he lived in the Mount Ayr and Delphos area before moving to California. He lived in Oakdale, California 45 years. He was an operating engineer with Guy F. Atkinson construction company for 40 years; he belonged to Operating Engineers Union Local 3.
He is survived by his wife, Lucille Craft of Oakdale, California; children, Electa Craft of Oakdale, California, Judy Yost and Lou Ann Bennett, both of Modesto, California and Jeanie Emery of Morgan Hill, California; sister, Belva Corll of Kellerton, Iowa; and eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were brothers, Tommy Craft and Alpha Craft, and sister Electa Craft, all of California.
A funeral was conducted on Saturday, July 31 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel conducted by Reverend Bill Zigler.
Interment was at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
Oakdale-Riverbank Memorial Chapels of Oakdale, California was in charge of the arrangements.
LOREN EVERETT "ZEB" INNIS
Zeb was born on January 25, 1928, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of James Reuben and Martha Crisan Koger Innis.
He was raised and educated in the Grinnell area. During the end of World War II, he served with the United States Army.
On June 30, 1950, he was united in marriage to Lucille Dayton in Grinnell. The couple made their home in Grinnell where he worked with the Miracle Recreation Corporation. In 1979, the couple moved to Kellerton, Iowa, where he served as plant manager for the Mount Ayr location of Miracle Recreation. He retired in 1986. He was a 50-year member of the Malcom American Legion and Grinnell Eagles Lodge, and attended the Northside Friends Church in Grinnell.
Zeb was the type of man who went out of his way to help others, helping friends, neighbors and even strangers with everyday chores. He loved the outdoors and working with his hands. The couple enjoyed raising calves and rabbits and he was always proud of his sweet corn and tomato crops. He was especially fond of gardening, flowers, watching birds, and he enjoyed camping and fishing trips throughout the country from coast to coast.
His wife, Lucille, of Kellerton; two brothers, Floyd Innis of Grinnell and Virgil Innis of Newburg; one sister, Helen Johnson of Eagle Grove; and one very special dog, Penny, survive him.
Zeb died on Monday, August 2, 1999, at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa. He was 71 years of age and was preceded in death by his parents, James and Martha; two brothers, Raymond and Clarence; one sister, Rayve Van Draska; and nephew, Leonard Vanderveer.
Funeral services were Thursday, August 5, 1999 at Smith Funeral Home, Grinnell with Reverend John Epperson of the Christian Church in Grinnell officiating. Kyle Szary, Mary Jo Seaton and Carol Clendenen provided music. Casketbearers were Dick Clark, Sr., Larry Hill, Terry Munyon, Tom Giles, Kyle Montgomery and Dan Straight. Honorary bearers were Jim Brown, Paul Green, Laird Latham, John Montgomery, Bob Criswell, Rod Kelley, Jerry McGinnis and Shirl Puls.
Interment was in the Hazelwood Cemetery, Grinnell with singing by Mary Jo Seaton and Carol Clendenen and military rites by Malcom American Legion Color Guard.
MAXINE GRACE STETZLER
Maxine Grace Stetzler was born March 5, 1910 to William Fred Stetzler and Carrie Belle (Eckley) Stetzler at their farm home near Kellerton, Iowa. She died September 21, 1999 at Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa at the age of 89 years, six months and 16 days.
Maxine attended country school with her three sisters and brother near their home and graduated from Kellerton high school in 1928.
She graduated from Simpson College in 1932 with a degree in public education and planned to teach, but teaching jobs were scarce during the Depression. She returned for a short time to Kellerton with her mother and gave piano lessons and then went to Kansas City where she gave piano and voice lessons at Jenkins Music Company. Later she had her own music studio and also gave lessons from her home.
In 1938 her mother came to live with her and she cared for her for 17 years.
Always interested in bettering herself, she attended University of Kansas and received her masters degree in music.
She married Ted Hall in 1952 and they lived at Lutie, Missouri where she taught piano and voice at College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri, and when they moved to St. Charles, Missouri she taught English and music in the public high school.
Upon returning to Kansas City to live she resumed classes from her home and also graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in counseling. She retired from Pleasant Green high school, Kansas City, Kansas as an educational counselor in June of 1993.
She cared for her invalid sister, Vesta, for 17 years.
Maxine accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young girl at Kellerton Methodist Church and wherever she went, her church membership went with her. She found joy in serving her Lord in many ways including singing in or directing choirs, playing the organ or piano and even writing Christmas cantatas for their use.
She published a book of poems, "A Trilogy of Verse" and several works of poetry and music which are copyrighted.
She was an active member of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc. and had recently received the Topeka Sunflower Award in a composition contest sponsored by this organization. Her winning entry was a musical selection, "In Defense of Roses."
She was a past president of Kansas City Musical Club, past secretary of Bel Canto, was an over 50 year member of Mu Phi Epsilon and was president of Moment Musical where she made many dear friends. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge.
Left to moum her passing are five nephews, Donald Poore of Kellerton, Iowa, Duane Poore of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Raymond Bentch of Graham, North Carolina, Russell Bentch of Grain Valley, Missouri and Allan Stetzler of Independence, Missouri; two nieces, Darlene Morgan of Mount Ayr and Ellen Bozick of Sunrise Beach, Missouri; and a host of grand nieces and grand nephews plus many friends.
Services were at the United Methodist Church in Kellerton on Friday, September 24, 1999 with Pastor Rick Hawkins officiating. Musicians were Louise Meadows, Pam Poore and Cindy Stephens and casketbearers were Doug Poore, Clint Poore, Ron Morgan, Ken Stephens, Neil Morgan and Gary Wiechmann.
Interment was in the Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
HELEN MARTIN KAESTNER
Helen Gertrude Kaestner of Lamoni, Iowa, the daughter of Abner William and Alice R. (Higdon) Martin, was born on October 24, 1912 at Davis City, Iowa. She died on July 14, 1999 at the Stout Home in Davis City at the age of 87 years.
On December 31, 1931 she was married to Reuben Miller Kaestner in Bethany, Missouri. One son, Park, blessed this union.
The couple farmed in the Davis City and Lamoni area.
Helen loved her family, friends and church. She enjoyed baking bread and cookies and sharing them. Those who knew her will miss her piano playing and her vivacious personality.
She was a member of the Garden Club, Amigos Club, Tuesday Federated Club and a 50 year member of Eastern Star #29 in Kellerton, Iowa. Helen was also a town mother for Graceland College.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Abner and Alice, and husband Reuben on January 28, 1991.
Survivors are her son Park Kaestner and wife Anita of Independence, Missouri; three granchildren, Richard Kaestner and wife Denise of Bates City, Missouri, Jeff Kaestner and wife Ginger of Lee's Summit, Missouri and Joy Lynn Kaestner of Raytown, Missouri; six great-grandchildren, David, Stephanie, Angela, Alisha, Kristin and Michael; stepgreat-granddaughter Maxie; sisters-in-law, Erma Martin and Beulah Kaestner; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at the Lamoni R. L. D. S. Church in Lamoni on Saturday, July 17, 1999 with Larry Oiler and Peggy Henson officiating.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Lamoni.
Arrangements were made through Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home of Leon and Lamoni.
ALICE MAE KEPLINGER
Alice (Defenbaugh) Keplinger, 80, of Mount Ayr, Iowa died Tuesday, July 13, 1999, at the Pine View Manor in Stanberry, MO following a brief illness.
Alice was born on a farm north of Kellerton, Iowa to Guy and Alma Dady Shelden the 23rd day of May, 1919. She joined the Beaconsfield Methodist Church in October of 1932 and graduated from Beaconsfield Consolidated high school in the spring of 1936. Alice lived at Heritage Manor in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Alice married C. L. "Ted" Defenbaugh May 14, 1938 a the Diagonal Methodist Parsonage. Ted died in November of 1967. In June of 1974 Alice married Harold Keplinger. Harold died in December of 1989. She retired from the Continental Telephone Company of Iowa when she moved to the farm.
She is survived by four sons and three daughters, SuJo (husband Robert) Schifferdecker of Springfield, Oregon, Karen (husband James) O'Grady of Scottsdale, Arizona, Ronald (wife Debbie) Defenbaugh of Stanberry, Missouri, Iris (husband James) Graybeal of Phoenix, Arizona, Rick (wife Kay) Defenbaugh of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Guy (wife Jacque) Defenbaugh of Savannah, Missouri and Ed (wife Kathy) Defenbaugh of Tarkio, Missouri; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a brother Ellis (wife Helen) Shelden of Marion, Iowa.
Services were at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr on Saturday, July 17, 1999 with Pastor Sandy Mercer officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Aaron Defenbaugh, Melissa Defenbaugh, Shaun Defenbaugh and Nate Defenbaugh. Casketbearers were Steve Roe, Dan Roe, Brenda Weeda, Curt Stringham, Steve Mitchell and Rick Stull.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
MYRNA KETTLE
Myrna Mae Kettle, age 61 of Blockton, died Tuesday, July 13, 1999 at Greater Community Hospital in Creston.
Myrna was born October 25, 1937, in Weldon, Iowa, the daughter of Theodore Oracle Driskill and Opal Bertha Kindred. Myrna grew up attending school in Leon, graduating in 1957. She then moved to Des Moines where she worked for Banker's Life. On August 23, 1959 she was united in marriage to Duane Kettle at the Leon United Methodist Church.
Duane and Myrna lived in Massachusetts and California prior to settling in Blockton once Duane got out of the service. In 1965 Duane was killed in an accident leaving Myrna to raise their two sons, Robert and Allen. She loved supporting them in all of their activities, and had a special relationship with her daughter-in-law Dana. She enjoyed working outdoors, with a special fondness for gardening.
For over 30 years Myrna worked as the deputy treasurer for Taylor county and had enjoyed the many contacts she made throughout her years at the courthouse. She had been a long time member of the Blockton United Methodist Church until its closing, and had been active in the Republican Women and various bridge clubs.
Myrna recently retired after more than 30 years at the courthouse.
Myrna is survived by her two sons, Robert of Altoona and Allen and wife Dana of Shawnee, Kansas; her mother-in-law Marie Kettle of Blockton; a sister Marilyn Clymens of Chattanooga, Tennessee; two nieces and three nephews.
Preceding her in death are her husband Duane in 1965; her parents, Oracle and Bertha; her father-in-law Byron Kettle; and two sisters, Delores Burgess and Ruth Watson.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 16, 1999 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Scott Marcum officiating.
Interment was in the Rosehill Cemetery, Blockton.
Memorials can be given in her name. Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford made arrangements.
BURNELL OLIVER SOUTH
Burnell Oliver South was born June 4, 1910 at Massena, Iowa. He was the son of Anson and Bird (Waldren) South. He passed away on July 13, 1999 at his home in Sterling, Colorado at the age of 89 years, 1 month and 9 days.
Burnell grew up and attended school at Massena.
On December 12, 1933, he was united in marriage to Doris Jarvis at Atchison, Kansas. Burnell and Doris moved to the Maloy, Iowa area and started farming and raising a family. Robert "Bob" Burnell was born in 1934 and Larry Dee followed in 1937.
The family moved to Sioux City in 1940 and he worked at the Electrolux Office until it closed in 1942 due to World War II. They returned to the Maloy area where the twins, Jerry Lee and Jackie Dean, were born in 1942. Burnell farmed in southwest Iowa until 1949 when he sold the farm machinery and they moved to Loveland, Colorado where he bought his first farm and started raising turkeys.
In 1951, they returned to Iowa and farmed in the Nevada, Iowa area until moving to a farm near Ames, Iowa in 1955. In addition to farming, Burnell started selling tools for the Minnesota Tool Company and in the winters, they would go to Colorado to sell tools. Burnell was always one of the top three salesmen every month and he was presented an award for selling the most tools in one day. In 1976, they moved to a farm near Bedford, Iowa and continued selling tools for a few more years before retiring.Burnell and Doris began wintering in Texas in 1978 and in 1991 they spent their winter in Yuma, Arizona. In 1992, Burnell and Doris moved to Sterling, Colorado.
Burnell has been a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church since 1944.
Burnell was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Naomi Jennings and two brothers Wilbur and Merritt South.
Left to mourn his passing is his devoted wife of 65 years, Doris of Sterling, Colorado; four sons and their families, Bob South of Gravity, Iowa and his children Gayla, Gregg, Scott, Mike, Doug and Tim, Larry South and his wife Sherri of LaPorte, Colorado and their daughter Caprice, Jerry South of Bozeman, Montana and his children Sheila, Rick and Ty, Jack South and his wife Sandy of Sterling, Colorado and their children Amy, Jeff and Corey as well as 27 great grandchildren and one great-grandchild soon to be born.
Funeral services were held at Wilson-Watson & Armsrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa on Friday, July 16, 1999 with Pastor Jeff South officiating. Scott South gave a eulogy and Mrs. Malcolm Eighmy and John Allen provided music. Casketbearers were grandsons Gregg South, Mike South, Tim South, Rick South, Scott South, Doug South, Jeff South and Tyler South.
Interment was in the Redding Cemetery, Redding, Iowa.
CLEO SWEENEY
Cleo Seeeney, 90, of Claremont, South Dakota died Tuesday, June 22, 1999 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Cleo was born July 6, 1908 to James and Adeline (Scott) Sweeney in Harrison county, Missouri. As a young man he came to the Claremont, South Dakota area.
He married Iva Peterson on September 21, 1932, in Aberdeen. They farmed in the Claremont area. He also did carpentry work and painting in the area.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Claremont. He loved to fish and garden.
Survivors include one brother, Russell Sweeney of Mount Ayr, Iowa, and one sister, Velma Caldwell of Mount Ayr.
Cleo was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers and five sisters.
The funeral for Cleo was held Friday, June 25 in the United Methodist Church, Claremont with the Reverend Bill Duncan officiating. Casketbearers were Joe Braun, Marlyn Carlson, Charles Cooper, Edward Neff, Elwood Patterson, Dean Hanson and Don Vander Vorst.
Interment was in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen, South Dakota with Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton, South Dakota, in charge of arrangements.
