Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Brett Jeffrey Smith
Brett Jeffrey Smith, 19 of Solon, died Monday, April 16, 2012, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Celebration of Life Services were held Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Solon. Visitation was Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church. Brosh Chapel in Solon is handling arrangements.
Brett was born Nov. 12, 1992, in Iowa City, the son of Jeff and Carmen (Steckly) Smith. Brett died on his dad's birthday which was quite an honor to his dad. He graduated from Solon High School in 2011. He is a wonderful young man who seemed to touch so many people. He brought together our families, our community and surrounding communities. He fought to the end, never giving up. He really loved life, he had lots of plans, with friends and family. Brett's favorite things to do were HUNT turkey, deer and mushrooms, ride the ranger or 4 wheeler, going on vacation to Chetek, Wis., and hanging out with his friends. He got the last word... every time.
Brett is survived by his parents; Jeff and Carmen; sisters, Katie Smith and Becca Smith; grandfather Vernon Smith and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Maxine Smith, Dale and Dorothy Steckly, uncle Doug Steckly, cousins Merrick Ham, Kaitlyn Behr and his special humor mentor "uncle" Bruce Zenisek.
The family requests no flowers or plants; memorials will be directed to Solon Trapshooting Team, 7th Floor Leukemia at UIHC and the Solon Parks and Recreation Department.
Helen Chittick
Helen "Jean" Chittick, 87, died Saturday, April 7, 2012, at the Solon Nursing Care Center in Solon. Visitation was held April 12, and family graveside services will be held at the South English Cemetery at a later date.
Jean Chittick was born on Sept. 23, 1924, in South English, to Elmer and Velda (Niess) Evans. She graduated from South English High School and married Lester Chittick on June 28, 1943, in Missouri. Jean had many vocations during her lifetime such as truck driving and clerking at a grocery store while living her first 40-plus years of her life in South English. Later in Sigourney, she was a bank teller and Keokuk County treasury clerk until her retirement. Jean loved to camp, fish and travel with her husband of 57 years. In the last few years she enjoyed life with a very special and caring friend, Sy O'Rielly. She will be mostly remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She became a resident of the Solon Nursing Care Center in Sept. 2008.
Jean is survived by her son, Tom (Mary) Chittick of Atkins; daughter, Ann (Charlie) Malina of Morristown, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Jeff (Holly) Chittick, Jay (Dawn) Chittick, Brian (Amy) Ingram and Shelley Dunn; and great-grandchildren, Greg, Jenna, Taylor and Dane Chittick, Jordan, Alexa and Cecilia Ingram, McKenna Crumbaugh and Quinn Dunn.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester in Oct. 2000; and a dear companion, Sy O'Reilly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial in Jean's name or to Hospice of Mercy (Cedar Rapids).
Ronald Durr
Ronald E. Durr, 96, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at West Ridge Care Center, Cedar Rapids. Private family services will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Local survivors include his son, Steve (Linda) Durr, and grandsons, David (Salina) Durr and Eric (Julie) Durr, all of Solon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lottie Durr; his wife, Agnes; two brothers and two sisters.
Julie Heskett
Julie Renee (Horn) Heskett, 54, of Solon, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Survivors include her four children, William Heskett and Brandon Heskett of Anamosa, Celeste (Galen) Alexander of Cedar Rapids and Cassondra Flecksing of Phoenix, Ariz.; mother, Beverly Horn of Drakesville; father, Wally (Phyllis) Horn of Cedar Rapids; brother, Greg (Catherine) Horn of Phoenix; and two nephews, Tristan and Tyler.
Julie was born May 4, 1957, in Bloomfield. She graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1975 and earned her nursing degree from Kirkwood Community College. Julie had worked for Rockwell Collins, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the Solon Nursing Home.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
William Leidich
William J. Leidich, 87, of Solon, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Services were held April 14 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Solon.
Bill was born Nov. 4, 1924, in Solon, the son of Oscar and Martha (De Vault) Leidich. He married Bernice Mackey on Feb. 21, 1946, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Bill and Bee farmed in the Sandy Beach area for many years, retiring in 2006.
He loved playing cards, fishing and hunting. He was Johnson County Cattleman of the Year in 1990. Bill was a member of the Sons of American Legion in Solon, the Eagles, a 50-plus year member of Johnson County Cattlemen, serving as director from 1983-1992, Farm Bureau, Eastern Iowa Insurance, serving as a director, as well as trustee for Big Grove Township.
Bill is survived by his wife, Bee of Solon; his nieces and nephews; as well as many great friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to Johnson County Cattlemen's Association or to Solon American Legion.
Lottie Louvar
Lottie Louvar, 94, died Sunday, April 8, 2012, at Living Center East. Services were held April 12 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. Glenn Hunt presiding. Burial followed in Czech National Cemetery.
Lottie was born Sept. 14, 1917, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Pecina) Hekl. She married Frank Louvar on Feb. 25, 1936. He died March 26, 1975. Lottie worked for the Cedar Rapids School System for many years as a cashier in the school cafeteria. She was a member of Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Local survivors include her daughter, Joan (Henry) Moses of Ely.
Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.
Kathryn Morgan
Kathryn Morgan died at the age of 98 at the Solon Care Center, Solon, on Saturday, April 7, 2012.
She was born at Webster, on Dec. 29, 1913, the daughter of Marvel and Lucille (Richardson) Mather. She married William G. Morgan on Sept. 21, 1933, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua. According to her wishes, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Sorden Cemetery, Webster.
Kathryn was an elementary teacher in schools in Iowa and Keokuk counties. She was a member of the Federated Women's Club, Order of the Eastern Star, Webster Consolidated School Board, Keokuk County Historical Society and the Webster United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, playing cards, loved music and their family pets.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen, (Clay) Dawson of Long Grove, and Karen Moline of Marengo; son, Alan (Jolyn) Morgan of North Liberty; three grandchildren, Andrea Morgan, David Moline and Anne Dawson; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Kathryn Moline
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; sister, Ferne Terpkosh; and grandson, Eric Moline.
Memorials may be made to the Webster United Methodist Church, Webster.
Kelly Ransom
Kelly Ann Ransom, 48, of Solon, died Sunday, April 8, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, from a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Funeral Mass was held April 12 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with burial following in Shueyville Cemetery.
Kelly was born June 15, 1963, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Robert and Janet (Jones) Glenn. She graduated from Washington High School in 1981. She married Shawn Ransom on April 27, 1985, in Cedar Rapids. Kelly was a long-term employee at Linn County Child Support. She also worked with Ross Laboratories for many years. Kelly was an active golfer and enjoyed the water. She was a volunteer at the Wesley House free lunch program in Iowa City, as well as being an active member of St. Mary's Parish in Solon. Her faith was very instrumental in her life, being a true servant of God. She found joy in supporting others and her family.
Kelly is survived by her husband, Shawn Ransom; her children, Ryan Ransom of Solon, Megan Ransom of Solon, and Bailey Ransom of Ames; her dad, Robert Glenn (Nancy Thomason) of Amana; her brothers, Shawn (Marsha) Glenn of Ottumwa, Shane Glenn of Ottumwa, and Blain (Janet) Glenn of North Liberty; and her sister, Shannon (Don) Fadeley of West Virginia; and her faithful companion, Allie.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Glenn; and a brother, Jeffrey Glenn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.
