| 001
Funeral services for Frank "Bud" Wetmore, 92 of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Clarinda and Bedford, Iowa, who entered into peace Thursday, April 19, 2011 at Bryan LGH East Medical Clinic, Lincoln, Nebraska, will be held 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m. at the funeral home in Bedford. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery with military rites by John F. Hardin American Legion Post 164, Bedford, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Fairview Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.
Frank L. Wetmore, Jr. (Bud), 92, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Clarinda, Iowa and a longtime resident of Bedford, Iowa, died on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Bryan LGH East Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. Bud was born on November 22, 1919 to Frank and Edith (Mawhinney) in Bedford, Iowa. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1937 and attended mortuary school in Kansas City. He married Lucille Wolverton on June 19, 1938. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy on June 22, 1944 and served in World War II as a Pharmacist's Mate.
Bud and Lucille lived in Bedford and raised three sons. Bud was a businessman and owned the Wetmore Funeral Home and Dad & Lad Clothing Store in Bedford. He was involved in many community activities such as the Masonic Lodge, the ZaGaZig Shrine, the Bedford Lions Club, the American Legion and the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department. He sold the funeral home in 1959 and said "when his friends became his customers, it was time to move on". They also lived in Poplar Bluff, Missouri before they retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas. He continued to be involved in many organizations in each community. After 63 years of marriage, Lucille died on January 7, 2001. In 2003, Bud moved to Clarinda, Iowa where he married Gwendolyn Trumbo Prather. They had known each other since being in Bedford High School together. Their two families have been intertwined for over 70 years as friends. In October of 2011, Bud and Gwen moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Bud loved to play bridge and cribbage. He was always an avid bird hunter and golfer and had six Holes-in-One and a Double Eagle.
Bud is survived by his wife, Gwen of Lincoln, Nebraska; son, Frank of Bellevue, Idaho; son, Daniel (Cindy) of Mission, Kansas; son, Victor (Sue) of Tucson, Arizona; step-daughter, Joyce (Judson) Douglas of Lincoln, Nebraska; step-son, David (Vicki) Trumbo of Lafayette, Colorado. There are five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; three step grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren and many friends |
| 002
Sherman (Bill) Fay Coleman, 91, of Gravity, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at the Ringgold County Hospital, Mount Ayr, Iowa. At his request, a private family burial will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa.
The sixth of ten children, Bill was born on May 12, 1920, to Lew and Lola May (Gray) Coleman in rural Nodaway County, Missouri.
Bill helped on the family farm and worked various odd jobs throughout his teenage years. He was working in the stockyards in Des Moines, Iowa, when Pearl Harbor was bombed. He came home to join the Army on April 24, 1942, and served as a radar operator in the Signal Corps during WW II. He was honorably discharged on December 12, 1945.
Bill married Helen McMillin on December 31, 1948, in Grant City, Missouri, and to this union, one son, Kevin, was born. After farming in rural Hopkins for nine years, Bill and Helen moved north of Gravity in the spring of 1958 to start the family farm. In 1970, they moved into Gravity, though Bill continued to farm with Kevin, and later, his grandson, Kile, as long as his health allowed. Bill was a member of the Gravity Fire Department and the Gravity American Legion.
Farming was his life, but Bill also enjoyed "kicking up his heels" on Saturday night at the Starlight with Helen, taking trips to Las Vegas with good friends Rick and Linda Nicholson, and spending time with his family. He always looked forward to holiday and birthday celebrations when all of the family would be there.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Floyd (Skinny), Robert (Bob), and Raymond, and sisters Ruth (Max) Morrison and Dorothy Kellogg.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen, Gravity, IA; his son, Kevin and daughter-in-law, Cindy, Gravity, IA; his grandchildren Deeanna (Jeff) Leporte, Earlham, IA, Denise Coleman (Levi Hensley), Bedford, IA, Kristin (Brian) Sheffield, Earlham, IA and Kile Coleman, Gravity, IA; his great-grandchildren Andrew, Jerod, and Tara Leporte, Brett and Ben Hill and Kody Coleman, Landon and Cale Sheffield, and Kase Coleman; his brother Russ (Vivian) Coleman, Grant City, MO; sisters Mary Brand, Ravenwood, MO and Betty (Ron) Hardee, Belton, MO; brothers-in-law Raymond Morrison, Maryville, MO and Paul (Jo) McMillin, Council Bluffs, IA; sisters-in-law Doris Coleman, Maryville, MO, Wilma McGraw, Essex, IA, Linda (Tom) Anderson, Essex, IA , Anna Mae McMillin, Bedford, IA , Kathy Supinger, Bedford, IA, and many nieces and nephews.
Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.
|
010Funeral services for Kathryn Lee, age 94, of Clarinda, who entered into peace Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the Eiler House, Clarinda, were held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda with Reverend Beckie Linn Gregory officiating. Visitation with the family was held 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial was held in the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda. Memorials may be directed to Nodaway Free Clinic. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.
Kathryn Lucille Lee was born September 17, 1917, at Clarinda to Bruce and Wilma June (Linebaugh) Carr. She grew up in Clarinda and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1935. Kate and Chester Lee were united in marriage August 20, 1936 in Atchison, Kan. They were blessed with four children, Karen, Deanna, Leeland Martin, and Melanie.
Kate was a life long resident of Clarinda and a member of the First Christian Church for over fifty years. She was also an active member for over fifty years of the Order of Eastern Star. She was assistant mother advisor for Rainbow girls. Kate had many interests; her passion was quilting and collecting Hummel figurines. She also enjoyed rooster figurines, traveling, shopping, gardening and reading. She took great pride in her family and enjoyed their accomplishments.
Preceding Kate in death were her parents; husband, Chester Lee; daughter, Karen Merle Lee; brother, Leeland Merle Carr.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Deanna Lyon of Schleswig, Iowa; son, Martin Lee and wife Carol of Bonita Springs, Fla.; daughter, Melanie Sump and husband Darrel of Clarinda, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Valerie Wise and husband Steve of Lancaster, Pa.; Jana Lyon of Omaha, Neb.; Tina Berg and husband Brad of West Des Moines, Iowa; Dr. Michael S. Lee and wife Kristin of Johnston, Iowa; Stacy Berringer and husband James of Lincoln, Neb.; Wendy Schoen and husband Jason of Blue Springs, Mo.; Capt. Scott Montgomery and wife Karrie of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; fifteen great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Phillip Lee of Long Beach, Calif.; nieces, nephews and many friends.
Kate will be missed by her family and friends but her memory will live on in their hearts. May God grant comfort and peace to those who mourn her passing |
013Funeral services for Zach Churchill, age 32, of Bedford, who died Monday, May 7, 2012 at his parent's home were held Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the New Life Missionary Church. Visitation were held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford on Friday from 12:00 noon until 4:00 PM; on Saturday from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM with the family greeting friends from 4-6. Interment were held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Instead of flowers memorials may be directed to Greater Regional Hospice. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Zachary Lee Churchill was born September 8, 1979, in Corning, Iowa the son of Monte D. Churchill and Ronda Jean (Matheny) Churchill. He grew up attending school in Bedford, graduating with the Class of 1998. During his high school years, Zach enjoyed participating in football and wrestling. After high school graduation, he attended NIACC in Mason City for a year. He then went to work for Federal Mogul in Maryville, Missouri for five years. Zach always had a passion for cooking and wanted to attend culinary school, so in 2005, he went to New York to attend The French Culinary Institute. While in New York he worked for De Gustibus at Macy's and The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA.) He then moved to Kansas City where he worked at Pacific Grill and later the Peppercorn Duck Club at the Hyatt Regency. He also worked at the Zebra Room in the Aladdin Hotel. Zach accepted the opportunity to move to Orlando, Florida to work for the General Manager from the Aladdin Hotel. He lived in Orlando for four years with the last two spent being the Executive Chef at Coco Keys Resort which he helped open.
Zach enjoyed the outdoors when he was young by camping, fishing and hunting with family and friends. He liked collecting guns and knives. While in Kansas City he developed a passion for Harley Davidson Motorcycles. He was happy to be able to ride all year long while living in Florida. Zach was always a 'free spirit' possessing an independent nature. He was never satisfied with his culinary efforts and was always pushing himself to develop new skills to make things better. He could take leftovers and turn them into a gourmet meal with no effort at all! Zach insisted that his whole family visit him and do the attractions in Orlando during the summer of 2011. Adysen and Lilyen were thrilled to go to Florida to visit Uncle Zach and see "Princesses." The last two years, Zach has valiantly battled cancer, returning home to Bedford one month ago to live with his family.
Left to cherish the memories of this wonderful son, brother, grandson and friend are his parents, Monte and Ronda Churchill of Bedford; his brother, Cody Churchill and wife Elizabeth and their girls, Adysen and Lilyen and new son, Eli Zachary of Grimes, Iowa; paternal grandparents, Bill and Florine Churchill of Bedford; maternal grandmother, Cathy Sixkiller of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; and a step-grandmother, Marilyn Beck of Lenox, Iowa; along with many, many friends and co-workers.
Preceding Zach in death is his grandfather, Joe Matheny; and a step-grandfather, Dean Sixkiller.
Zach will be missed by his entire family and many friends. We will hold the memories of his free spirit, wit and wisdom as a wonderful gift of encourament to each of us. He will live on in our hearts forever |
015Funeral services for Kelly Cordell, age 69, of Blockton, who died Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until service time with the family greeting friends. Interment will be held in the Athelstan Cemetery. Memorials can be given in his name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Colen Kelly Cordell was born, one of seven children to John Willie Cordell and Juanita Mary (Rusco) Cordell on April 19, 1943 in Athelstan, Iowa. Kelly was a life-long resident of Athelstan where he grew up attending school. He also enjoyed dancing, fishing and cookouts. He was close to his family and enjoyed them being an active part of his life, always placing a lot of trust in them. Kelly lived a simple life. He enjoyed animals and the outdoors and always looked forward to going places.
Survivors include his sister, Erma Pauline Young of Athelstan; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Kelly in death were his parents, John and Juanita Cordell; three brothers, Doyle, Gene and Leonard Cordell; and two sisters, Colleen Fleetwood and Geraldine Young.
May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Kelly's passing
|
017Funeral services for Pauline Miller, age 89, of Lenox, who passed away on Monday, April 30, 2012 at Blackhawk Assisted Living in Spring Hill, Kansas. Services will be held Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held Thursday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Pauline's name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
Pauline LaVon Miller, was born near Conway, Taylor County, Iowa on September 18, 1922, the daughter of John Andrew Hargin and Allice Susan (Chaney) Hargin. She was the oldest of two daughters born to John and Alice. At the age of 13, Pauline lost her mother and had to take on many of the household duties. She started school at a country school and later transferred to town and graduated from Lenox Community School. Pauline loved going to school, going to Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa after high school. After two years at Parsons she was able to get a teaching certificate and start teaching. While at Parsons, Pauline met her first husband Bruce Arnold McKern. This union resulted in her only child, Lana LaVon (McKern) Ramsdell. She lost Bruce during WWII. Moving back to Lenox she started teaching in the Lenox school system. Pauline stayed at the Lenox Hotel while teaching and met second husband Lyle (Pete) Miller, who had a business across the street from the hotel. After her marriage to Pete she returned to college attending Drake University in Des Moines weekends and summers until she obtained her Bachelors in Education. Once again, after ten years of marriage she lost another husband. Being widowed twice she decided she would stay single. She continued taking classes here and there over the years with almost enough credit to get her Masters. Pauline started teaching 5th grade in Lenox and when she retired she was teaching High School English and College Prep classes. Going to Europe with students, family, and friends was one of her favorite times...having gone 18-20 times.
Pauline was active in many outside organizations and clubs; DAR, Delta Kappa Gamma, American Legion Auxiliary, church circle, Eastern Star and several clubs.
As she aged, she became more and more interested in genealogy. She had traced her fathers roots back through several generations and enjoyed discussing with anyone willing to listen. She belonged to several groups and organizations involving genealogy.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Hargin, her sister Geraldine, both husbands, Bruce McKern and Lyle Miller. Survivors: daughter Lana LaVon McKern Ramsdell, Spring Hill, Kansas; grandkids: Janine Gilbert, Irving, Texax; Dayla Ciba, Coconut Creek, Florida; Michaela Ramsdell, Spring Hill, Kansas; Brad Ramsdell, Paola, Kansas. Several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
A special thank you to Good Shepherd hospice nurses that sat with Pauline her last days.
Although Pauline will be greatly missed, her love and inspiration will live on through her family |
018Lola Clem Huss Perdew was born March 27, 1919 near Gravity in Taylor County, Iowa to Nancy Jane Firkins Huss and Lewis Huss. She graduated from Gravity High School in 1936. On June 23, 1937 she was united in marriage to Howard Perdew in Bedford, Iowa. To this union was born one son, Monte Carol. The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1987.
Lola had been living at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center for 7 years where she received good care. Lola was blessed to have good friends. She was a member of the Friendship Club which she really enjoyed. Lola was a homemaker, mother and wife. She was of the Christian faith. Some of Lola’s favorite things were ice cream, fried chicken and popcorn.
She will be missed by the girls at Bedford Nursing and her good friend, Margaret Lucas, and a host of others.
She was preceded in death by son, Monte Carol, her husband, her parents, and two brothers Calvin and Charles Huss, and two sisters, Vada McColm and Mildred Moore.
Lola is survived by two nieces and one nephew: Lewis McColm, Joreen Cole, and Joyce Jones.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford with Rev. Joe Ledbetter of Faith Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. There is open visitation Tuesday and Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Bedford is in charge of arrangements. www.EFC.cc
|
021Verla L. Easter was born April 18, 1918 in New Market, Iowa to Merrill and Edna (Thompson) Peterman. She departed this life April 25, 2012 at the Pine View Manor in Stanberry, Missouri at the age of 94 years.
Verla graduated from High School and worked as a sales clerk at Montgomery Ward for many years. She was united in marriage to Clifford D. Easter. They were the parents of two daughters, Sharon and Marilyn.
Verla was preceded in death by her husband Clifford, daughter Sharon, parents Merrill and Edna, sister Pearl Pershin, brothers, Dale, Kenneth, Dennis, and Floyd Peterman.
She is survived by her daughter Marilyn and husband Bob Tibbetts of Grant City, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren, one brother Ray Peterman, Bedford, Iowa. Verla will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Graveside Services and Interment were 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Old Memory Cemetery in New Market, Iowa, under the direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri. Rev. Len Green officiated |
024Mable Leona Stewart, age 89, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Bedford Nursing Home. She was born April 25, 1922 in Hopkins, Missouri, to Burt and Lula (Shelton) Blackney.
Mable attended Hopkins school and graduated in 1940. She married Kenneth Stewart in Grant City, Missouri on November 28, 1940. Mable spent the first few years of married life being a farm wife where they farmed in Athelston and then Gravity. They later moved to Bedford, bought the Main Street Café which Mable managed for 21 years, making the Café known for the broasted chicken and homemade onion rings. After 21 years they sold the Main Street and Mable then worked at the Clarinda Mental Health Institute for several years before retiring.
She is survived by her daughter, Sonnie Rusco of Bedford, granddaughter Deidre and husband Jeff Savala of Bedford, Iowa, sisters-in-law Isabel Blackney of Maryville, MO, Austie Lindley of Spring Valley, California, and Goldie and husband Ray Hasenjaeger of Edina, Minnesota, nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, and brothers Bud and Ed Blackney.
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa. Rev. Matthew Novotny will officiate. Family visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Fairview Cemetery Fund. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, is in charge of arrangements |
026Inez Huntsman, 93, entered into peace April 19, 2012 at Gold Country Health Center, Placerville, Ca. Services were held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa Sat. April 28. Visitation 10:00 A.M., Service 11:00 A.M. Pastor Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Internment will follow at Old Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. A luncheon was served at the New Market Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Methodist Church of New Market or a cancer charity of choice. Memories can be shared via Ritchie Funeral Home web site, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.
Inez Geraldine Huntsman was born Feb. 27, 1919 in Gravity, Iowa; the daughter of Clarence A. Robinson and Clara M. (Neville) Robinson. She attended Cottage Grove Country School and Gravity High School.
Inez married Jan. 25, 1939 Leonard L. Huntsman and moved with him to California. The first few years of their marriage was spent on the American River panning for gold. She moved with her in-laws to Central California and worked packing fruit while Leonard was away during WWII. After the war they settled in the Placerville area, where Leonard logged and Inez became a loving mother to two children. She was known for her baking and sewing skills as well as volunteering for PTA functions, Girl Scout, Boy Scout activities and any room mother duties.
She remained in the Placerville area until 1976 when she and Leonard returned to Iowa to care for her mother-in-law. They stayed busy gardening. Inez canned her fruit and vegetables. They also took their produce to the farmer's market in Bedford.
Inez was active in the Methodist Church of New Market until Leonard's failing health kept her close to home. She cared for him until his passing in 2008. Shortly thereafter she moved to Placerville, Ca to be closer to her daughter. For the next two years she stayed active, making new friends and as through out her life, being a good neighbor, with the welcome mat out, a smile on her face and something sweet to eat on a plate, she welcomed all.
Inez is survived by a daughter, Janet Ramos, son-in-law, Reve Ramos; half brother, Oren Robinson; grandchildren, Jason Huntsman and wife Danielle, Nathan Huntsman, Heidi Graham, Travis Ramos, Amber Ramos and husband Patrick Schafer; great grandchildren, Daniel and Brian Mullen, Alyson, Grace & William Graham, Jessica and Matthew Huntsman, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding Inez in death, her parents; husband, Leonard Huntsman; son, Dale Huntsman; brother Edwin Robinson; brothers-in-laws, Donald, Lloyd and Dick Huntsman; Sisters-in-laws, Madylene Huntsman, Eula Crew, Joan Robinson, and Linda Robinson; great grandson Timothy Graham |
027Kathryn Marie (Moore) Higgins was born September 10, 1934 in Gravity, Iowa; the only daughter to Chauncy Vane and Verla Marie (Utter) Moore. Kathryn grew up in the Gravity area and graduated from Gravity High School. She married James Larry Higgins in 1960 in Clarinda, Iowa. This union was blessed with seven children: Sharon, David, Kathy, D.D., Bonnie, Steve and Stacey.
Kathryn’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. During the earlier years, having an extremely modest income, this included family vacations for her, Larry and their seven children each summer to visit and stay, visit and play games with other family members. Even with very limited funds, she always found ways to make each trip seem like an adventure making it something that each child looked forward to every summer. As the family grew older and larger, this expanded to holiday gatherings for the children and grandchildren to attend. There was nothing like the annual Christmas Eve soup and sandwich gathering at her house that always reminded you how important family was to her. At every family gathering, Kathryn always basked in the midst of all the continual conversation and activity. Most of all, she loved watching her children’s families grow and expand into grandchildren and then great grandchildren, always spending as much time as she could with those who lived nearby and then keeping up as much as she possibly could with those who lived away from her. She truly had a very special place in her heart for each and every grandchild and great grandchild!
In addition to spending quality time with her family, Kathryn had several other interests as well. First of all, she had a love for country music. This began by enjoying the considerable music talent of her husband Larry and then expanded into her weekend ritual of attending music shows. She loved following her favorite local musician Mike Duley “Doolittle” and listening to him play. So much so, that she would even sometimes plan her family events around her music show schedules. In many ways, her music show friends that she made over the years are a true extension of her family. Even in her future absence from upcoming shows, Kathryn will shout straight from heaven, “Doolittle, play on!”
If not music shows, then it was NASCAR. If she wasn’t attending races in Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa, she was either watching NASCAR on TV or recording a race to watch later. A voracious Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fan throughout his entire career, Kathryn remained a loyal fan of NASCAR right up until she took her very last breath. She even participated in a NASCAR Fantasy league each week and placed her very last picks this past Saturday. Even more amazing, only three (3) weeks prior to Saturday, immediately after her initial recovery from a near death experience, she specifically insisted, while still in ICU, that the doctors wait on performing a test so that she could finish watching the NASCAR race that was on TV. May NASCAR nation fly the checkered flag at half-mast in her honor! Kathryn never met a stranger and always enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people. Whether it was when she was working in one of her former clerical and /or secretarial jobs or whether she was volunteering somewhere within the community of Bedford, Kathryn was always quick with a smile and a warm comment. She really felt strong about her community and often said, “People need to believe in Bedford”.
Finally, Kathryn was always one with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Ever the prankster and practical joker right up until her passing, she was always gracious to those who pranked her only because it provided her with the opportunity to find an even better way to get them back. You never knew when the next prank was coming nor in what form. You did, however, know that it was definitely coming. Kathryn always loved to both hear and tell a good joke and most of all, she loved to laugh. A visit to her house would almost always immediately make one smile. Whether it was caused by taking in her large collection of “smiley faces” which matched her own smile or surveying her vast collection of “hippos” which could bring a smile to anyone, you couldn’t help but leave her presence in a better frame of mind. For family members, it became a yearly Christmas or Birthday gift ritual to try and find the most original or unique “smiley face” or “hippo” to add to her collection. Friends and family alike were very blessed to have had the past few weeks to spend some quality time with Kathryn and share in that special sense of humor. It will definitely be missed.
Kathryn passed away unexpectedly at the age of seventy-seven at the Alegent Health Hospital in Corning, Iowa on June 4, 2012. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Larry and two brothers: Robert and Ronnie.
Surviving Kathryn are her children: Sharon (Larry) Burns of Canon City, CO, David (Nancy) Higgins of Gravity, IA, Kathy (Ralph) of La Vergne, TN, D.D. Higgins (Sue) of Trenton, NJ, Bonnie (Mike) Scroggie of Afton, IA, Steve Higgins of Bedford, IA and Stacey (Jim) Payne of Bedford, IA; grandchildren: Jason Burns, Justin Burns, Joshua Burns (fiancé Regina), Joel (Angie) Burns, Michelle Higgins, Terry Higgins, MaLinda (Terry) McLeod, Amy (Scott) Haner, Angie (Jeff) Pruet, Max (Mandi) Knauss, Angela Higgins, Amanda Higgins, Sarah (Cody) Hudson, George Scroggie, Amanda (Patrick) Utz, Caycie (Justin) Fidler, Kim (Tim) Zavala, Mindy (Chad) Vogel and Ryan Payne; great grandchildren: Dedric, Archer, Nikolai, Oscar, Abby, Connor, Cody, Kyle, Austin, Kaitlyn, Alex, Isabella, Ever, Jadon, Aaron, Camden, Isabelle, Kyra, Future Baby James, Bailee, Ella, Alex, Conner, Ava, and Jaelee; Goddaughter Jackie Zadina.
Funeral services for Kathryn will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford with burial to follow in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford. Memorials are suggested to the family of Kathryn Higgins.
Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Bedford is in charge of arrangements |
030Celebration of Life services for Michael Leighton, age 40, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into peace Sunday, May 20 at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, were be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 24, at the Church of Christ, New Market, Iowa with Russ Clark and Loren Daly officiating. Visitation with the family was held 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church prior to the service. Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market. Memorials may be given in Michael's name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda.
Michael Scott Leighton was born March 24, 1972, in Wheatridge, Colorado, and passed away Sunday, May 20, at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. His parents are Mary Helen Keller and the late Robert Glenn Leighton. His father passed away when Mike was three years old, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather, the late Lyle Eldon Combs.
He began school at New Market Elementary School, and then attended schools in New Hampton, Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa, Crosby, Texas, Highlands, Texas, Mexia, Texas. He then returned to New Market in the seventh grade. He attended New Market School through his sophomore year, and then moved to Oregon where he graduated from Neah-Kah-Nie High School in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, in 1990.
He attended Clarinda Community College in 1991.
He worked for Luke Druivenga on a farm near Osceola before moving to Ames, Iowa, where he worked as framer, painter, carpenter and concrete worker. He also worked for Moehl Millwork in Ankeny, Iowa. He was a hard worker wherever he worked, and was a favorite with all his co-workers.
Mike was an avid fisherman, and fished every pond for miles around. He particularly loved salmon fishing with his parents while he lived in Oregon. He loved taking his nieces and nephews fishing. He spent as much time as he could; camping in Cook Creek in the mountains of Oregon.
Mike enjoyed all kinds of music, but more than anything in the world loved to play blues music on his Fender Stratocaster. He spent hours playing his guitar everywhere he lived, jamming with friends and family.
He loved playing pool and cards. He spent a lot of time playing cards with family members, including time with his nieces and nephews, teaching them pitch and peanuts.
Kids loved Mike, and he loved kids. His nieces and nephews always had a great time with Uncle Mike, no matter what they did together. His friends' children adored him, too.
Mike was predeceased by his father, Robert Glenn Leighton, stepfather Lyle Combs, his niece Bethany Leighton, his maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts and uncles, cousins Melanie Mulkins, Brad and Brenton Graham.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Combs of New Market, Iowa; his sister Lana Gotcher and husband Greg of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sister Joyce Carlson and husband Dave of College Springs, Iowa; his brother Alan Leighton and wife Elaine of Des Moines, Iowa; his brother Larry Leighton and wife Kay of Sun City West, Arizona; stepsister Susan Laddusaw and husband Gary of Washougal, Washington; stepbrother Wayne Combs of Nevada; nieces and nephews: Ian Carlson, wife Emily and son Dreyton; Jeremy Carlson, wife Tessa, sons Noah, Drew and Gavin, daughter Cadence; Traci Smith, husband Tim and son Colton; Rachael Gotcher; Zoe Leighton and Shelby Leighton; and six step-nieces and two step-nephews. He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Arlene King, Jack Keller and wife Mary Ann, Jeanie Graham and husband Roy, Anita Keller, Loleta Spring and husband Gary; Judy Sparks, Don Leighton, June Leighton, and many, many cousins.
Mike will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. His kindness and generosity to others will never be forgotten. Our memories from the last 40 years will remain in our hearts forever |
031Funeral Services for Lloyd L. Ambrose, age 81 who passed away Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center, Bedford, Iowa will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. The family will be in attendance an hour before the funeral. Interment will be at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Family. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Lloyd was born February 16, 1931 to Frank and Lena (Shields) Ambrose in Gravity, Iowa. He graduated from Gravity High School in 1949. After high school Lloyd joined the United States Air Force from November 1950 to November 1954.
On June 5, 1955, he was united in marriage to Aneita Barnes at Lenox, Iowa. They made their home in Kent, Iowa and later moved to Lenox and then Gravity, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Barbara, LaVerne and Pamela.
Lloyd worked for the Sheridan Egg Company in Lenox, Omar Bread Company in Corning, and as the Gravity night watchman. Thru his life Lloyd worked as a handyman for many people in the area. Lloyd enjoyed telling stories, playing cards at the Gravity Koffee Kup, trips to the casino, going to the horse races, square dancing in his younger years, hunting and fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren's school sporting events. He moved to Denison, Iowa in 2003, where he resided until April 2011, when he entered the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center, where he resided until his death.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Aneita, two sisters, Iola and Geraldine, three brothers, Gail, Wade and Jack.
Lloyd enjoyed his family very much. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Barbara and husband Ray O'Dell of Gravity, Iowa and granddaughter Kimberly of Des Moines and Tina and husband Patrick Hogan of Prescott and great-grandson Sean. LaVerne and wife Katja (Schroth) Ambrose of Denison and grandson Rob and wife Stacy (Reineke) of Underwood and great-granddaughters Delaney, Hailey and Kayley, grandson Daniel of Littleton, Colorado. Pamela and husband Greg Rood of Crystal, Minnesota, granddaughter Christina Peterson and fiancé John Stevens of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and step-granddaughters, Tiphanie Rood of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Erika Rood of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Nieces, nephews and many friends and neighbors.
Lloyd will be missed by his family.
May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing |
032Memorial services for Leon "Lynn" Balster, age 54, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into peace Saturday, May 19, 2012 as the result of a tractor accident at his residence were held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Visitation with the family was be held 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given in his name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.
Leon (Lynn) Francis Balster was born May 22, 1957 to Bernard & Elizabeth Balster in Iona, Minnesota. Lynn grew to adulthood on a farm near Iona. On February 14, 1993 Lynn married his soul mate, Karen Brown, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they farmed and raised hogs in Minnesota. A few years later, Lynn and Karen bought a farm near Webster City, Iowa. While at Webster City, Lynn farmed and worked at a hog confinement facility. The couple then moved to their present home outside of New Market, Iowa in 2005.
Lynn had a great love for the farm life, and he and Karen started raising limousine cattle which gave them much enjoyment. He was always busy working around the farm and taking care of his cattle. Lynn also worked at NSK in Clarinda, Iowa.
Preceding Lynn in death were his parents and a sister.
Left to mourn his death are his wife, Karen, New Market, Iowa; daughter, Ashley Balster of Minnesota; step-son, Dave Brown, Creston, IA; step-granddaughter, Jamie Brown. |