Denise Marlene Morris
Denise Marlene Morris, daughter of Victor and Beverly Van Scoy Smith, was born Nov. 2, 1957, in Osceola and died of brain cancer Aug. 3, 2002, at the Afton Care Center. She had been ill for 1-1/2 years and was 44.
She married Frank Morris on May 17, 1995, in Bethany, Mo. She had lived in Clarke and Decatur Counties and had attended school in Osceola and Leon. She graduated from Clarke Community High School.
Mrs. Morris liked helping people and loved animals and small children. She especially liked taking walks, fishing and just being outdoors.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1999; a brother, David in 1999; her father in July of 2002; grandparents, Milo and Ida Smith and Lyle and Marie Van Scoy.
Mrs. Morris is survived by her mother, two sisters, Diane Loney and her husband, Tom Loney, of Weldon and Donna Irving and her husband, Rick Irving, of Woodburn; a brother, Duane Smith and his wife, Tena Smith, of Woodburn; a sister-in-law, Sue Smith of Bedford; nine nieces; three nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.
A graveside service was held on Aug. 7 at Bethel Chapel Cemetery in Clarke County, the Rev. Neville Clayton of Osceola officiating.
Casket bearers were Brian Irving, Rick Irving, Rick Irving Jr., Duane Smith, Tom Loney and Travis Wright.
Kale Funeral Home of Osceola was in charge of arrangements.
Martha Mc Hone
Martha McHone, 56, of Ames died of ovarian cancer July 31, 2002, at Mary Greeley Medical Center there. The body was cremated, and a memorial gathering was held Aug. 2 at Gilbert Lutheran Church in Gilbert. Entombment of the cremains will be at Gilbert Cemetery Columbarium.
Mrs. McHone was born in Osceola and had lived in Lorimor before moving to Ames in 1958. She was an auditor with the Iowa State University Campus Organization and a member of Team Crank Bicycle Club, Ames Area Running Club and Gilbert Athletic Boosters. She was state chairwoman of the Iowa Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and active with the March of Dimes.
Mrs. McHone is survived by her husband, Larry McHone; a son Nicholas McHone of Stoughton, Wis.; two daughters, Shannon Von Wies of Boxford, Mass. and Molly McHone of Virginia Beach, Va.; four grandchildren; her mother, Lorene Busick of Osceola; two sisters, Myrna Cornelison of Hagerman, Idaho and Mary Fitch of Las Vegas; and a brother, Marvin Busick of Kansas City, Mo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gilbert Education Foundation, Gilbert Lutheran Church or the Martha Yuvonne McHone Memorial Fund for a memorial to be established at a later date.
Adams Funeral Home of Ames was in charge of arrangements.
Mildred L. Gilbert
Mildred L. Gilbert, 83, of Des Moines, died of heart failure July 30, 2002, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services were Aug. 3 at the Southtown Funeral Home in Des Moines. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr.
Mrs. Gilbert was born in rural Decatur County. She lived in the Murray and Osceola area from 1963 to 1978 and then moved to Des Moines.
Mrs. Gilbert had been a manager of the Shoe Warehouse and worked for the Foster Grandparent Program.
She was a member of the Community of Christ Church.
Mrs. Gilbert enjoyed collecting dolls and bells.
In addition to her husband, Arthur in 1988, she was preceded in death by her parents, Christina and George Brenizer; two brothers, Cleo and Wayne Brenizer; a daughter, Joyce Gilbert and two grandchildren, Penny McCaulley and Allen Gilbert.
Mrs. Gilbert is survived by her five sons, Arthur Gilbert and Larry Gilbert of Des Moines, Roger Gilbert of Osceoela, Steven Gilbert of Weldon and David Gilbert of Murray and five daughters, Sharon Phipps and Virginia McCaulley of Des Moines, Barbara Meislahn of Pleasant Hill, Linda Gilbert of Altoona and Janet Garett of Osceola.
Survivors also include 32 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Booth of Council Bluffs and Goldie Martin of Davis City.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Community of Christ Church or Boy’s Town.
Arrangements were made by Southtown Funeral Home in Des Moines.
Caryl Grant Dachenbach
Caryl Grant Dachenbach, son of Truman Grant “Pete” and Lois Wilma Storm Dachenbach, was born July 9, 1947, in Sutherland, Neb. and died Aug. 1, 2002, of cancer at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was 55.
He grew up in the Humeston area. He liked to fish, hunt, do woodworking, and spend time with his friends and co-workers at ADL I at Swine Graphics.
He married Terre Ann Moore on July 19, 1980. The couple became the parents of two children, Jefferson Grant and Katie Renee. They were his pride and joy and he was proud of their accomplishments.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a special brother-in-law, Curt Moore.
Mr. Dachenbach is survived by his children Jeff and Katie Dachenbach and their mother, Terre Dachenbach, all of Humeston; two sisters, Barbara Surfus and her husband, J. R. Surfus, of Oskaloosa and Gladys Runner of Des Moines; a brother, Larry Dachenbach and his wife, Carolyn Dachenbach, of Van Meter; other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held at the Slade-O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon on Aug. 5 with Kristi Gwinn officiating. A committal service of the cremains was at Bob and Nancy Moore’s timber near Garden Grove.
A memorial fund has been established by the family.
Lucille Mae Blake
Lucille Mae Blake, daughter of Marble W. Hart and Bessie O. Swainey Hart, was born Jan. 12, 1912, in Lucas County and died Aug. 1, 2002, at the Osceola Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Osceola. She was 90.
She attended school in Derby and Chariton and graduated from Chariton High School with the class of 1930.
Mrs. Blake taught in the Warren Center School in Lucas County for four years. Following her career as a teacher she was a homemaker and worked part-time as the Osceola City Clerk.
She married Milam W. Blake on June 24, 1935, at Forsythe, Mo. and the couple became the parents of three children, Diana, Susan and John.
Mrs. Blake was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the P.E.O. Sisterhood, was active in the Girl Scout program and the P.T. A. when her children were young. She was one of the founders of the Girl Scouts in Osceola and worked to establish the Girl Scout House on Washington Street.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four brothers, Claude, Albert, Homer and Forest Hart and a sister, Ruth Farris.
She is survived by her two daughters, Diana Blake of Waverly and Susan Blake Reinoso and her husband, Sergio Reinoso, of Temuco, Chile; a son, John Blake and his wife, Edda Tula Blake, of Plano, Texas; three grandsons, Andres Reinoso and his wife, Marcella Reinoso, of Santiago, Chile, Daniel Reinoso of Temuco, and Roberto Reinoso, who is attending Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky.; a granddaughter, Mariana Reinoso of Temuco; a great-granddaughter, Martina Reinoso of Santiago; a cousin Bernice Goode of Lacona; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.
A funeral service and interment was held at the Chariton Cemetery in Chariton Monday, the Rev. L. Duane Churchman of Osceola officiating. Vocalist, Emil Rinderspacher, sang How Great Thou Art.
Casket bearers were Steve Squier, Doug Stearns, Lonnie Reynolds, David Twombley, Don Reasoner and Gary Hembry. Honorary casket bearers were Dan Cline, Bob Horton, Robert Collins, Edward Selsor and Ron Kluender.
Kale Funeral Home of Osceola was in charge of arrangements.
Wanda Craft
Wanda Helena Craft, daughter of Judson J. and Leila Carlotta Ford Kane, was born Dec. 21, 1913, in Clarke County near Hopeville and died Aug. 4. 2003, at Dabb Guest Home in Leon.
She graduated from Murray High School and received her teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls.
She married Leonard Leeps in April 1937 and they became the parents of two sons. She later married Albert Dick “Doc” Craft in Chariton. She lived all of her life in the Murray and Osceola area.
Mrs. Craft taught school for a few years and worked for Clarke County Social Services for 30 years and retired in 1978 as director.
She attended the First Christian Church in Osceola and was a member of the Clarke County Retired Teachers Association and had been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Mrs. Craft loved gardening and was known for her flower garden. She learned to crochet after she retired.
Mrs. Craft was preceded in death by her parents; first and second husbands; an infant brother; two stepdaughters, Sylvia Mullen and Zelma Ewoldsen.
She is survived by her two sons, Gilbert Leeps of Osceola and Charles Leeps of Shreveport, La.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Cleo Garrison of Murray; two daughters-in-law, Faye Leeps of Murray and Ann Leeps of Bossier City, La.; two stepchildren, Olaf Craft and his wife, Alberta Craft of Vinton and Morris Mullen of Marshalltown.
Funeral services for Mrs. Craft are at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 8 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, the Rev. Marvin Garrison, her nephew from Sayre, Okla. officiating. Musical selections will be In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross.
Casket bearers will be her grandsons, Brian Leeps, Alan Leeps, Ed Leeps and Tom Leeps. Burial of the cremains will be Saturday.
Open visitation will be after 9 a.m. today (Thursday) with the family present to greet friends from 7 to 8 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola.
Bill Ellet
Former Osceola Junior High School principal, Bill G. Ellet, 78, of Ames died July 24, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. Services were July 28 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ame. Burial was in the Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Mr. Ellet, the son of Grier and Irene Booth Ellet, was born July 25, 1924, in Bagley. He earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Drake University in 1949, and his master’s degree in school administration from Drake University in 1953. He did his post-graduate work at Iowa State University. He married Kari Kinne on July 24, 1972, in Michigan.
In addition to his time in Osceola from 1949 to 1952 he worked as an elementary and middle school teacher in Dallas Center from 1947 to 1949, as principal for Louise Crawford Elementary School in Ames from 1952 to 1962, as supervising principal of Abbie B. Sawyer Elementary School in Ames from 1962 to to 1983,and supervising principal for Kate Mitchell Elementary school from 1983 to 1986.
He worked as supervisor of student teachers at Iowa State University from 1986 to the present. He was a life member of the National Association of Elementary Principals and Executive Board member of the association from 1970 to 1973. He was also a member of the Association of Teacher Educators. He was active in many education groups, serving as presiding officer, group discussion leader, coordinator, moderator and consultant for annual meetings of the National Association of Elementary School Principals between 1962 and 1986. He served the national association on six evaluation teams, on its nominating committee and its evaluation committee. He was a member of the executive board of the Iowa Association of Elementary School Principals from 1959 to 1972 and chaired its professional relations and nominating committees and was its membership chairman. He served as president of the Iowa State Education Association’s central district from 1962 to 1964 and president of the Ames Elementary Principals Association in 1960-61 and 1967-68, the Ames School Administrators Association in 1966-67 and the Ames Education Association in 1959-60. He published articles in Midland Schools and Iowa Elementary Principal.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Ellet.
He is survived by his wife Kari of Ames; one daughter, Jennifer Huegel of West Des Moines; two sons Tim Ellet of Ames and Tom Ellett of San Diego, Calif.; a sister, Kathy Kennedy of Ames; two grandchildren, Mary and Lindy Ellet of Ames.
Alfred Miller
Alfred B. Miller of Ankeny, son of Joseph and Ethel Wilson Miller was born March 11, 1932, in Osceola and died July 31, 2003, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. He was 71.
He graduated from LeRoy High School and married Charlotte Bartlett on August 17, 1952. They became the parents of four children, Lorretta, Kathy, Chuck and Corey.
Mr. Miller served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He was a dairy farm worker and worked for Dee Zee Manufacturing for 23 years. After retiring from Dee Zee he worked part time for the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Ankeny.
He was a member of the Ankeny Baptist Church and enjoyed gardening, reading, sports and his grandchildren.
Mr. Miller was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers-in-law, Harold DeLong, Dewayne Erickson and Bill Hall.
He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Lorretta Kirk and her husband, Rick Kirk, of Morrison, Colo. and Kathy Townsley of Ankeny; two sons, Chuck Miller and his wife, Kathy Miller, of McAllen, Texas and Corey Miller of St. Charles, Ill.; three sisters, Virginia Erickson of Grimes, Lois Hall of Indianola and Ruth Audlehelm and her husband, Paul Audlehelm, of Osceola.; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were at Arnolds Highland Park Funeral Home in Des Moines. Burial of the cremains will be at a later date in the Humeston Cemetery.
Florine Smalley
Florine Mae “Flo” Smalley of rural North Liberty, died at her home July 6, 2003 following a four-month battle with incurable abdominal cancer. She was 68.
She was born May 11, 1935, in Garden City, the eldest of three children to Verna and Roy Borton. She graduated from Milford Township High School in 1952 where she was active in organizations and athletics. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1956. After a number of years caring for her family she returned to Iowa State to earn her master’s degree in counseling in 1967. She taught at Walnut, Coralville and West of Iowa City high schools and was a counselor at a junior high school in Coralville. She retired from the Iowa City Community School District in 1996. She was both a coach and official for girls softball, basketball, volleyball and track at the junior high level.
She was active in professional organizations, Optimists, Order of Eastern Star, Omicron Nu Honorary Society, Iowa City Sports Booster Club and was a member of the Coralville United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Merrill, a native of New Virginia; four children, David and wife, Vickie Smalley of Florence, Miss., Lowell Smalley of Pueblo, Colo., Gregory and wife Mary Smalley of Iowa City and Diana Smalley of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; granddaughters, Dominique Brett of Arlington, Texas, First Lieutenant Sandra Wangen, serving in Iraq; grandsons, Brandon and Ryan Smalley of Iowa City; brother, Arthur and his wife, Donna Borton of Nevada; sister, Jurine Borton Moore of Mount Vernon, eight nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held July 10, 2003, at the Coralville United Methodist Church.
Ina White
Ina Pauline White, daughter of Jasper Pierson and Minnie Sanford Pierson, was born Dec. 25, 1915, in Osceola and died July 31, 2003, at the Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. She was 87.
She received her education in the Ward Schools No. 7 in Clarke County. She married Raymond O. White on Dec. 22, 1940, in Des Moines and they became the parents of a son, Eugene.
Mrs. White and her husband lived most of their life in Clarke County. They retired in 1977 and moved to Chariton to live. The couple enjoyed traveling. She was a homemaker all of her life and a member of the First Christian Church in Osceola.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, in 1993; a sister, Priscilla Veach and a brother, Roy Pierson.
Mrs. White is survived by her son, Eugene White of Osceola; several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. White were at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, the Rev. Neville Clayton of Osceola officiating. the organist was Anne Johnson and musical selections were Amazing Grace and We Are Going Down the Valley.
Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery at Osceola.
Beverly Wiffler
Beverly June Wiffler, the daughter of Bill and Naomi Hugel, was born June 26, 1929, in Osceola and died at Intrust Hospice Taylor House in Des Moines. She was 82.
She graduated from Osceola High School in 1946. She was active in school activities from marching band to editor of the school paper. Her mother owned and operated the Lunch Box and her father was a partner in a barber shop.
Mrs. Wiffler’s favorite past times were crocheting, reading and cooking, especially holiday candy. She also enjoyed being with her grandchildren.
She retired as chief telephone operator at the Des Moines Register.
Mrs. Wiffler was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and two sons and a grandson.
She is survived by two daughters, Penelope Moneyhun of Des Moines and Rebecca Denning of Cummings; a son, Dan Gracey of Ankeny; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister Marjorie Smock of Des Moines.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW 9th, Des Moines.
Mary H. Kirby
Mary Harriet Kirby, daughter of George Alva and Lizzie Kirk Simmerman, was born June 1, 1911, in Murray and died Sept. 23, 2003, at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry. She was 92.
She graduated from Murray High School in 1928 and attended Drake University. She married Howard Vernon Kirby on Jan. 17, 1931, in Indianola and they became the parents of three daughters, Joyce, Janis and Susan.
Mr. and Mrs. Kirby lived in the Murray area and she was a teacher in the Truro and Interstate 35 Schools until she retired in 1973. Following her husband’s death in 1974, Mrs. Kirby sold the farm and moved to Truro and helped Denis and Sandra Kale at Kale Funeral Home before moving to Osceola in 1976. She moved to the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home six years ago.
Mrs. Kirby was a member of the First Christian Church in Osceola.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Aubrey, Robert, George and David Simmerman; four sisters, Nellie Housh, Helen Spellerberg, Gladys Drew and Bessie Burnett.
Mrs. Kirby is survived by her three daughters, Joyce Roberts and her husband, Warren Joe Roberts of Rippey, Janis Dorman and her husband, Jim Dorman, of Casa Grande, Ariz., and Susan Cronin and her husband, Mike Cronin, of Riverside; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Arlene Simmerman and Genevieve Simmerman, both of Murray; other relatives and friends.
Services for Mrs. Kirby were Sept. 27 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Charles Compton of Perry officiating. Organist Belva White accompanied Emil Rinderspacher as he sang His Eye Is On the Sparrow and Amazing Grace and the congregation as they sang How Great Thou Art.
Casket bearers were her grandsons, Brent Dorman, Craig Dorman, Kevin Dorman, Scott Roberts, Rod Magerkurth, and Patrick Cronin. Honorary bearers were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Katie Cronin, Kerry Cronin, Kelly Dorman, Danielle Dorman, Jamie Dorman, Debra Magerkurth, Joricia Schneider, Lara Schneider, Dennis Dorman, Joseph Dorman, Matt Roberts, Grant Magerkurth, Ben Magerkurth and Dan Magerkurth.
Interment was in Union Cemetery in rural Clarke County.
Walter Miller
Walter James Miller, oldest child of Phillip Andrew and Nellie Mae Boles Miller, was born May 2, 1923, in Decatur County and died Sept. 25, 2003, in Mount Ayr.
He attended the Woodard and Brick country schools in rural Decatur County through eighth grade. After completing his schooling he started farming north of Grand River with his uncles, Everett Lowell and Orel Dale Boles. During this time he met Marjorie Eileen Jackson of Kellerton, a teacher at the Foland School. They were married June 10, 1945, at the Methodist Church in Osceola and became the parents of four children.
Mr. Miller continued farming in northern Decatur County when the family moved onto the Walter and Susie Boles family farm in 1954. While working the family farm and farming with with Orel Boles he also worked for Center Milk of Creston, the Rural Electric Cooperative and Miller Manufacturing, both in Osceola, as a bus driver for the Grand Valley School District and the Grand River Mutual Telephone Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller sold the farm in 1971 and moved to Kellerton where he lived until his death. He worked as janitor for Grand Valley High School and began his own carpentry business that he continued until he was limited by poor health.
Mr. Miller enjoyed the outdoors. His favorite times were pheasant and coon hunting and fishing trips to Canada with friends. He also loved his four-legged companions, especially a border collie, Tippy and a Brittany spaniel, Lady. Later in his life, he enjoyed doing woodworking projects for friends and family and working in his flower and vegetable gardens.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Mr. Miller is survived by his four children, Katheryn Scoville and her husband, Dennis Scoville, of Ozark, Mo., Carol Andreas and her husband, Earl Andreas, of West Des Moines and James Miller of Westwood, Kan. and Rex Miller of Kellerton; two grandchildren, Paul Scoville of Columbia, Mo.and Sheri Denise Scoville of Grandview, Mo.; two great -grandchildren.
Other survivors include two sisters, Loretta Fae Duff and her husband, Hubert Duff, of Van Wert and Annetta Mae Wayman and her husband, Larry Wayman, of Indianola; three stepgrandchildren, Andrea Caliger and Scott Andreas both of Ankeny and Brian Andreas of Clive; great-stepgrandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
No services will be held. Interment will be in the Munyon Cemetery near Grand River.
Memorial contributions can be sent in his name to the American Heart Association.
Wilson-Watson and Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of arrangements.
Carl Hilterbrand
Carl Leo Hilterbrand, son of Oliver James and Eva May Osgood Hilterbrand, was born on Dec. 24, 1907, in Clarke County and died Nov. 27, 2003, at Westview Acres in Leon. He was 95.
He attended Weldon schools through the eighth grade. He married Zelma Dietrick on July 2, 1938, in Bethany, Mo.
Mr. Hilterbrand was a farmer. He lived on a farm near Grand River for 26 years; he also lived in Leon for many years. After he retired from farming in 1970 he repaired small engines and had a delivery business for Avon products.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife in 1993; sister, Lottie Carter; half-brother, Clarence Hilterbrand and brothers, Floyd, Hugh, Harley, Foster and Everett Hilterbrand.
He is survived by a stepdaughter, Bernice Switzer of Osceola; nieces and nephews in Iowa, Oregon and Australia.
Graveside services and burial for Mr. Hilterbrand were Dec. 2 in Maple Hill Cemetery, the Rev. Phil Coe officiating.
Kale Funeral Homes of Osceola and Truro were in charge of arrangements.
Merrill Spellerberg
Merrill Dean Spellerberg, son of Oscar Fields Spellerberg and Helen Corene Simmerman Spellerberg, was born Oct. 17, 1940, on the family farm in Clarke County and died Dec. 1, 2003, at the Madison County Hospital in Winterset. He was 63.
He graduated from Truro High School. He had lived and worked on the family farm for most of his life. He enjoyed farming, spending time outdoors, hunting and going to antique auctions.
He was a member of the Lorimor Masonic Lodge. He had worked for New Virginia Seed and Grain and for the City of Lorimor for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donny Spellerberg and a sister, Edna Parker.
Mr. Spellerberg is survived by his son, Michael Spellerberg and his wife, Susan Spellerberg, of Cedar Rapids; longtime companion, Cindy Garrett of Peru; stepdaughters, Angela Holtry and her husband, Jamie Holtry and Rachel Miller and her husband, Erick Miller, all of Peru; seven grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Spellerberg of Cedar Rapids, Jesse, Quentin and Montana Holtry and Wyatt and Cheyenne Miller, all of Peru; nieces Cathie Collins of St. Charles and Cindy Stanford of Osceola; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.
A visitation of remembrance was Dec. 3 from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Peru United Methodist Church.
Honorary bearers were Jamie Holtry, Eric Miller, Ryan Spellerberg, Pete Sanford, Cory Sanford, Dave Sears, Jeff Kirk and Ryan Kirk.
His cremains will be scattered on the family farm.
Milan Welker
Milan Lorraine Welker, son of Lester Ray and Ethel L. Moffitt Welker, was born Feb. 18, 1913, in Clarke County and died Nov. 26, 2003, of complications of Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsey at the Clarke County Hospital Extended Care Unit He was 90.
He was a lifetime resident of Clarke County. He attended school in Murray where he graduated in 1930. He married Marie Pauline Wetzel on Feb. 18, 1934, in Union County. The couple became the parents of twins, Dwaine and Delores.
Mr. Welker was fortunate enough to love his lifetime work of being a farmer. He truly loved the land, raising horses and tending his cattle along with the help of Mrs. Welker and their son, Dwaine. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Milan became a member of the First Baptist Church in Murray at an early age and was a member of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Posse and the Clarke County Conservation Board.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Martin Gayle in 1981; two brothers-in-law, Dwight Browning and William G. Gonseth; two nephews, William Gonseth and Leo Gonseth.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years; son, Dwaine Welker and his wife, Anne Welker, of Murray; daughter, Delores Robins and her husband, Gary Robins, of Murray; three grandchildren, Rick Robins, Christie Robins and Raydean Robins, all of Murray; three great-grandchildren, Trevor, Kelsey and Ryan Robins, all of Murray; two sisters, Mildred Gonseth of Jefferson City, Mo. and Margaret Browning of Rockford, Ill.; two stepgrandchildren, Kenny Webb of Osceola and Becky Rodgers of Williamstown, Mo.; six stepgreat-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Marty Burgus and the Rev. John Tunnicliff officiating. Organist was Pennie Gonseth. Terry Smith was vocalist. Musical selections were Precious Memories and How Great Thou Art.
Casket bearers were Rick Robins, Trevor Robins, Christie Robins, Kelsey Robins, Raydean Robins, and Ryan Robins. Interment was in the Murray Cemetery.
Claudine Westbrook
Claudine Roberta Westbrook, daughter of Roy LeeRoy and Elizabeth “Bessie” Viertz Davenport, was born July 15, 1917, in Clarke County and died Nov. 29, 2003, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. She was 86.
She attended school in Woodburn through 11th grade and graduated from Osceola High School with a normal training certificate. She married Floran J. “Bud” Westbrook in March of 1935 in Missouri. The couple became the parents of two children.
Mrs. Westbrook lived most of her adult life in Des Moines. She worked as a printing supervisor at National Handcraft. She attended St. Johns Catholic Church in Des Moines.
Mrs. Westbrook enjoyed helping older folks and friends over the years and even after she retired. She touched many lives. She always said the prettiest thing in her life was knee-high cornfields in June with a slight breeze flowing over it.
She was a devoted grandmother. Some of her favorite times were boating with her grandchildren and sleigh riding on the hills of Waveland golf course when they were smaller. She also enjoyed camping, boating and fishing and trips on Amtrak. She also had fun times with her nieces and nephews. She loved Osceola and Woodburn and all their affairs; she especially liked the musicals in Woodburn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1995; brothers, Merle, Hallie, Kenneth and Lowell Keith Davenport; sisters-in-law, Ella and Wilma Davenport; sisters, Erma Danner and Josephine O’Neall.
Mrs. Westbrook is survived by her son, Dan Westbrook and his wife, Sheryal Westbrook, of Pleasant Hill; daughter, Sandra Strait and her husband, Bill Strait, of Urbandale; a brother, Cecil Davenport and his wife, Jean Davenport, of Osceola; three grandchildren, Doug Westbrook of Huxley, Stefanie Kline of Prior Lake, Minn. and Scott Strait of Des Moines; six great-grandchildren, Jeremy Westbrook of Pleasant Hill; Jennifer Fales of Ames, Erin Westbrook of Colo, Manne and Patrick Strait of Des Moines and Nicole Klein of Prior Lake, Minn.; other relatives and friends.
Services for Mrs. Westbrook were Dec. 3 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, the Rev. Lyle Peters officiating.
Casket bearers were Scott Strait, Scott Fales, Manne Strait, Ryan Terrones, Patrick Strait, Greg Davenport, Doug Westbrook and Brad Davenport. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery at Osceola.
Lyle Williams
Lyle D. Williams, 74, died Nov. 27, 2003, at his home in Medora. Funeral services were Dec. 1 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial was in the New Virginia Cemetery.
The son of Gorham and Pauline Williams, he was born at his parent’s home in Jefferson Heights. He attended the Warren County rural school during his elementary years and graduated from Indianola High School.
He served in the U.S. Army in the 1950s. Following his father’s death he took over the management of his father’s excavation business where he continued to be self-employed for more than 50 years.
He was a member of the Medora United Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, flying kites, camping, boating and fishing, NASCAR and Sprint car racing.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Williams, of Medora; three sons, Mike Williams and his wife, Murt Williams, of Altoona, Tim Williams and his wife, Paula Williams, of Indianola and Bruce Williams of Des Moines; nine grandchildren; a great-grandchild; six sisters, Leota Broyles of Osceola, Maxine McAnich of Carlisle, Betty Broyles and her husband, Dale Broyles of Indianola, Bernadine Cotton and her husband, Charles Cotton, of Des Moines, Mary Driver of Phoenix, Ariz. and Marjorie Nordgren and her husband, Clyde Nordgren of Beavercreek, Ore.; and his brother-in-law, Rod Condon of Knoxville, Tenn.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, an infant brother, William and a sister, Jeanette Williams Condon.
Shawn Conroy
Shawn Michael Conroy, son of Guy and Debby Conroy, was born May 12, 1987, in Crete, Neb. and died April 1, 2004, at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. He was 16.
Shawn had lived in Norwalk for the past six years. He was a member of the junior class at Norwalk High School. Before moving to Norwalk he lived in Des Moines.
Shawn loved music and playing his guitar. He also enjoyed fishing and camping, skateboarding and spending time with his cousins, Alex and Chris. He was member of S.A.D.D., Students Against Drunk Drivers and the high school business organization. He was a member of the Catholic faith.
Shawn was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Wylla Burgus; aunt, Gweyn Rider and two cousins, Michael David Burgus and James Francis Hartman.
He is survived by his parents, Debby and Guy Conroy of Norwalk; a sister, Sarah Conroy of Des Moines, grandparents, Nedra Conroy of Des Moines and John Conroy and his wife, Joan Conroy, of Osceola; aunts and uncles, Dick and Delaine Gabel of San Antonio, Texas, Dayna Dove of Coralville, David and Karen Burgus of Osceola, Gayle and Mike Allen of Osceola, Stan and Glenda Gaumer of St. Marys, John and Gay Johnson of Indianola; many cousins and other relatives; and a host of friends.
A memorial service was held for Shawn Michael Conroy on April 5 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Marty Burgus officiating.
Honorary casket bearers were Chris Burgus, Matt Reynolds, Kyle Bobst, Joel Burke, Alex Gaumer, Ryan Schall, Pat Jones and John Baker.
Edna Davis
Edna Rozella Kent Davis, daughter of Albert Kent and Amelia Skinner Kent, was born Oct. 6, 1922, in Lucas County and died March 30, 2004, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She was 81.
She attended schools in Lucas and graduated from Lucas High School. She married Arden Leroy Davis on Jan. 11, 1945, in Riverside, Calif. and they became the parents of two sons. She lived in Clarke County all of her married life and worked for Clarke Community Schools for many years as a cook.
Mrs. Davis was a member of the Iowa Miniature Horse Association, an honorary member of the Chariton FFA and a member of both the Osceola and Murray Saddle Clubs. She loved all animals, especially horses and dogs, She enjoyed attending horse shows, horse sales and rodeos. She enjoyed quilting and cross stitch and attending all of her grandchildren’s sporting events.
Preceding Mrs. Davis in death were her parents; son, Gene Davis,in 1991; husband in 2001; brother, Melville Kent; five sisters, Ruth Ford, Zelia McLaughlin, Irene Goben Lowe, Georgina Butterfield and Lois Wills and two sisters-in-law, Alma Rees and Darlene Kearney.
She is survived by a son, Ed Davis, and his wife, Jane Davis, of Osceola; a daughter-in-law, Pam Davis of Chariton; three grandchildren, Michelle Brown and her husband Paul Brown, of Mount Vernon, N.Y. Martha Tompkins and her husband, Mike Tompkins, of Van Wert and Scott Davis of Des Moines; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Davis were April 3 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Rick Roberts and Pastor Gary Majavec officiating. Organist Pennie Gonseth accompanied Emil Rinderspacher as he sang One Day At a Time and Precious Memories.
Casket bearers were Gary Hembry, Doug Stearns, Travis Stevenson, Dick Bassett, Dean Chaney and Curt Stevenson. Honorary bearers were
Gene and Mary Ann Rumley, Charles and Eva Mae Shannon, Kathie and Leo Stevenson and Lyle Chaney. Interment was in Goshen Cemetery in rural Lucas County.
Gertrude Foland
Gertrude Louise Foland was born Sept. 27, 1914, at Stanwood and died April 3, 2004, at the Clearview Home in Mount Ayr. She was 89.
She was the oldest daughter of Harley W. and Alma Pearson-Grimes. She grew up in communities in northern Iowa and Colorado. She accepted Christ as her Savior in 1924 at the Methodist Church in Sheridan Lake, Colo. In 1932 she graduated from high school at Ellston. She taught in the rura Iowa schools of Ringgold and Linn counties and Waukee for eight years.
She married Roy Isaac Foland on June 22, 1940, in Indianola. A homemaker, she raised three sons, Harold, Glen and Kendall, in the farming community north of Grand River. She was an active member of the Hopeville Methodist Church where she attended services and taught Sunday School for several years.
Mrs. Foland was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
She is survived by her sons, Harold Foland and his wife, Linda Foland, of Osceola, Glen Foland and his wife, Janet Foland, of Fort Collins, Colo. and Kendall Foland and his wife, Cheryl Foland, of Plattsburg, Mo.; four grandchildren, Cherie and Stacey Foland of Osceola, Randy Foland of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Jenni Foland-Romero and her husband, Dan Foland-Romero, of Highland Ranch, Colo.; a great grandchild, Cameron Foland-Romero of Highland Ranch.
She is also survived by two sisters, Norma Flohra of Illinois and Edith Alman and her husband, Richard Alman, of Hendersonville, N.C. along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Foland were April 6 at the Hopeville United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dwayne Henrichs officiating. Pianist Pennie Gonseth played What a Friend We Have In Jesus and How Great Thou Art.
Casketbearers were Harold Foland, Glen Foland, Kendall Foland, Doug Hopkins, Harry Hopkins and Troy Updike. Honorary bearers were Randy Foland and Cameron Foland-Romero. Interment was in the Hopeville. Cemetery.
Lorena Wallace
Lorena Tucker Wallace, daughter of Mary Minor Tucker and Otis Tucker, was born March 30, 1916, in Stotesbury, Mo., and died April 5, 2004, at the Clarke County Hospital. She was 88.
She graduated from Stotesbury High School and Chillicothe Business College. She married Raymond Wallace on May 16, 1936, in Platte City, Mo. The couple became the parents of two children, Jim and Laurel.
Following their marriage, the newlyweds lived and worked in Kansas City. When he joined the Air Force they moved to Stockton, Calif., where he served as a flight instructor. Following a transfer to Forbes Air Force Base in Kansas, Raymond and Lorena and their young son, Jim, returned to the Midwest. They owned and operated a dry-cleaning business in Burlington, Kan. In 1952 they moved to a farm in the Murray area where they raised turkeys and crops. One year after their move, their daughter, Laurel was born.
Mrs. Wallace was an avid sports fan, especially basketball, probably as the result of her high school playing days in Missouri. She was active in politics and was elected Clarke County Recorder for two consecutive terms. She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church Women in Murray. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was an avid gardener and loved cooking. She was honored by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad in recognition of her volunteering to drive countless miles taking cancer patients to treatment.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 62 years, Raymond Wallace; and a brother, Jesse Tucker.
She is survived by her two children, Jim Wallace of Caldwell, Kan., Laurel Adair and her husband, Jim Adair, of Osceola; four granddaughters, Jennifer Adair of Osceola, Elizabeth Adair of Kansas City, Kan., Tammy Stevenson and her husband, Tim Stevenson, of Caldwell, Kan., Jody Binning and her husband, Brad Binning, of Grand River, four great-grandchildren, Cassie and Blake Binning and Trent and Trevor Stevenson, as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 7, at the Kale Funeral Home, the Rev. John Tunnicliff officiating. Organist Pennie Gonseth accompanied Lisa Jones who sang Mansion On A Hilltop, Take My Hand Precious Lord and Just a Closer Walk With Thee.
Burial was in the Murray Cemetery. Casket bearers were Brad Binning, Trent Stevenson, Blake Binning, Trevor Stevenson and Jim Adair. Honorary casket bearers were Tim Stevenson and Josh Portz.
BETTY MC MURPHY
Betty Roberta McMurphy, 72, of Garden Grove, daughter of William Warren and Mary Amanda "Mayme" Deets Beaman, was born July 26, 1927, in Hopeville and died April 3, 2000, as the result of injuries stustained in an automobile accident near Garden Grove.
A joint memorial service for Mr. and Mrs. McMurphy was held April 7 at Leon, the Rev. Terry Roberts officiating. Burial of the cremains was in Hopeville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Garden Grove Fire Department.
BOB MC MURPHY
Bobbie Dale "Bob" McMurphy, 67, of Garden Grove, son of Walter and Mathilda Kathryn "Tilly" Hofmeister McMurphy, was born Feb. 21, 1933, in Adair and died April 3, 2000, in an automobile accident in rural Garden Grove.
A joint memorial service for Mr. and Mrs. McMurphy was held April 7 at Leon, the Rev. Terry Roberts officiating. Burial of the cremains was in Hopeville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Garden Grove Fire Department.
HAZEL DICKEY OSGOOD
Hazel Florence Irene Dickey Osgood, daughter of William and Eliza DeMoss Pickett, was born Sept. 7, 1904, at Goldendale, Wash. and died April 6, 2000, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She was 95.
Private graveside services will be held in the Booneville Cemetery.
LOLA F. HUNT
Lola F. Cochran Hunt, daughter of Ben and Valetta Spencer Cochran, was born Oct. 10, 1918, in Jackson Township, Clarke County and died April 6, 2000, at Osceola Nursing and Rehab. She was 81.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hunt were April 10 at the United Methodist Church in Osceola, Pastor James Louk officiating. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.
Memorials may be made to the AlzheimerÕs Association, Mid-Iowa Chapter.
ALVIN ROBERT HAVARD
Alvin Robert Havard, son of Fred and Alta Mae Welker Havard, was born Jan. 31, 1910, near Hopeville and died Oct. 8, 2000, at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. He was 90.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Osceola United Methodist Church, the Rev. James Louk officiating. Interment was at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.
Memorials may be made to the Heifer Project International or the Osceola Masonic Lodge No. 77.
