Veta Mae Landon was born on December 15, 1915, south of Cumberland, Iowa, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (McClain) Landon. Veta attended rural schools and later graduated from Cumberland High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1934. She attended summer school at Corning, Iowa, received her teaching certificate, and taught at her home school one year.

On June 21, 1935 she married Arthur Lenz. To this union, seven children were born. Larry, Dale, Joan, Paul, Dennis, David and Donna. They farmed in Holt township in Taylor county and Art did plumbing and well work. The most important event in her life was on March 15, 1964, she accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ , as her Savior. On June 10, 1984 she married Orville Beal of Cumberland.

Veta is survived by her children, Larry Lenz of Atchison, Kansas; Paul and wife Arleeta Lenz of Ankeny; Dennis and wife Kathy Lenz of Atlantic; David Lenz and special friend, Marla of Cumberland; Donna Edwards of Corning. She also leaves 20 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and 16 great-great grandchildren; one sister; Wilma Freshour of Villisca, and one sister-in-law, Juanita, of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Veta was preceded in death by her parents, husband Art, brothers Ronald, Marvin and Harold. Sister Helen Erickson. Son Dale and daughter Joan. Granddaughters; Cindy and Heidi, Grandson Scott, daughter in law Jean and son in law Steve and husband, Orville

010Bill (Joseph William) Cruth was born in Maryville, Mo to Joseph William Cruth Sr and Vivian Ingram Cruth, Oct 10, 1941. He was their first child.

At age 2 1/2 months the family moved to a ranch near Lyons, Kansas. Bill was 10 when the family moved back to Missouri on a farm near Maryville. He attended country school at Jones Branch. At age 14 the family moved to a farm south of Arkoe, to what became the "Home Place." Bill graduated from Maryville High School in 1959.

He married Patricia Carmichael in May of 1959. To this union Debbie Kay was born.

He married Maureen Greeley of Gravity, Iowa in December of 1964. To this union was born, Donald Allen in 1966 and Billie Joe (Jody) in 1968. He and Maureen lived on a ranch near Pratt, Kansas and returned to the Greeley family farm in 1969.

As for occuaptions, Bill had many. He was a ranch hand, farmer, fence builder, fish farmer, bartender, construction worker and garden produce grower. His last occupation was an outfitter for deer hunters and his favorite. He went o great lengths to see that his "boys" were well taken care of. His clients became his friends. Bill was excellent at public relations.

His passion in life was hunting and fishing. He simply loved hunting wild life or pursuing that elusive fish. (It didn't matter what species.)

Two of the people with whom he had great hunting and fishing adventures were Dave and Lee Little. The tales they told of their adventures (good and bad) were almost as good as being there.

Bill had a wry sense of humor and did love getting a "good one" on some unsuspecting person. He also told a great tale of hunting and fishing episodes. He was fun to be around.

He indeed lived a full life.

He and his daughter Debbie enjoyed camping with Lonnie and Tammy Vanzant.

As Bill's health failed, Tammy Vanzant came up and they undertook many projects such as gardening, canning, painting or simply going for a drive. They aslo involved Tammy's husband Lonnie in their projects.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Joe (Joseph William Sr) Cruth.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Maureen; children, Debbie Sturgis of Hopkins, Mo; Donald of Gravity, Ia; Jody (Matt) Hess of New Market, Ia; his mother, Vivian Cruth of Arkoe, Mo; sister, Sharon Nelson of Concordia, Mo; sister Shirley Cruth of Maryville, Mo. also four grandchilddren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his dog Jake, who was a very faithful and well-loved companion.

In his last days he was cared for by hospice and his family Debbie, Donald and Maureen with the invaluable help from Tammy Vanzant.

Bill's last wishes were carried out and he was cremated and his ashes were scattered on the family farm.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa, Feb 8, 2012

Funeral services for Mary Lou Miller, age 76, of Lenox, who died Monday, February 20, 2012 while on a Mission Trip to Houma, Louisiana will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford on Friday from 3 to 8 with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8. Interment will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Mary Lou Miller was born on January 1, 1936 near Siam, Iowa. She was the first child born in Taylor County that year, just before a raging snowstorm. As the doctor traveled from Hopkins, farm wives would call the farm to report on his progress but she arrived before the doctor. When he left, Mary Lou's mother, Ione, was alone with her new baby, husband Dean and daughter Wilma for almost 2 months because of the winter. She attended elementary school in Bedford and country school at Dallas Center near New Market. After Bedford High School, she attended Clarinda Junior College and then Northwest Missouri State College. She also enjoyed taking classes at Peru State and the University of Washington, where she traveled for several summers to spend time with classmates from Clarinda. She taught elementary school in Nebraska City for one year, Bedford for three years, and in Lenox for 40 years, retiring in the spring of 2000. During those early teaching years she was working toward her Master's degree in education when her life changed…

Two friends set Mary Lou up on a date with Elvin Miller of Sharpsburg, and on June 17, 1962 they were united in marriage. On that day, she gained three daughters: Jane, Kathy and Rosie. A son, Jim and daughter Jean joined the family a few years later. The family lived on the farm near Sharpsburg, stayed very busy with farming, raising big gardens and enjoying great friends. Many a night was shared with waffles for supper with the Wilson family or heading to Wilma's in Bedford. While Swede and Elvin fished and the kids went to the movies, Mary Lou spent time with Wilma. When Wilma's family came to visit, Nancy always brought her suitcase in case an invitation to stay might come. As the families grew, tacos and volleyball became a big part of celebrations.

In 1993, Mary Lou and Elvin moved into Lenox and Elvin died later that year. She helped her family to move forward when Jim and Jenn were married the next weekend.

Mary Lou prided herself on cooking and having family time. When the girls were young, they once played outside so long they burned the cake needed for an event. She trimmed off the burnt part and took it anyway. She was known for loving to feed people and enjoyed watching people enjoy themselves. She loved her daughter and son in laws and made special dishes for them (even if it was brussel sprouts that only Rick would eat).

Mary Lou enjoyed the Iowa State Fair and spent many years there, first going with her parents with a pocket full of $2.00 bills, then going with her own family and special friends like Ivan and Edythe Holmes, and then the next generation of families with Daren and Julie Long. She enjoyed the experience of helping with the Clearfield Lions Shuttle Bus service and the camaraderie there. Camping was always a highlight of the summer with the Pfanders, Fullers and Wilsons who added joy to those times. She also spent many years watching and helping with the Lenox Rodeo, always recalling how she and Jenola Oxley would wave at each other from opposite sides of the arena while their husbands worked to get the show on.

Mary Lou loved to travel and especially loved to travel with Wilma. They made many trips to the Amish Country in Ohio and then on to North Carolina to visit Jean's family. During these times Mary Lou took thousands of pictures. Her scrapbook collections will give her grandchildren many happy memories of their times together.

After she retired, Mary Lou volunteered at Living History Farms, the Lenox Care Center, the Taylor County Museum and any where else she felt she was needed. In recent years, she made mission trips to Louisiana, first with Tim Maxa and volunteers from Lenox and Sharpsburg, and more recently with special friends from other places. When the opportunity came to go, she started packing her things. She was on a mission trip these last two weeks and passed away in Dulac, Louisiana on February 20, 2012 at age 76 years and one month.

Mary Lou was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bedford and attended the Sharpsurg Presybterian Church for many years. She enjoyed participating in the CWF Night Circle with the Lenox Christian Church, and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Iowa State Education Association and was a lifetime member of the National Education Association. She was a past matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and was a long time 4-H member and leader.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ione and Dean Damewood, husband J. Elvin Miller, great grandchildren Jentri and Zayden Christensen, as well as many other beloved friends and family.

She is survived by her children: Jane and Randy Lewis, Kathy and Jim Christensen, Rosie and Rick Bissell, Jim and Jenn Miller, and Jean and Fred Goss. Grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Scott Lewis and son Greyson, Nikki and Scott Johnson, children Mallary, Alec and Lucy; Danelle and Sean Cooney, children Emma and Elliot; John Christensen and special friend Ami Ventiecher, children Erika and Jesse; Mandy and Mark Feick, children Mikel and Megan; Jason and Justi Christensen, children Jenna, Jory and Jaxon; Justin Christensen, children Cloey and Haley; Joshua and Juree Christensen, children Joslyn, Jozie, Jevin, Jazz and Jett; Brandi Henley, children Skyler, Lonna, and Alegra; Chelsi Bissell and special friend Jarrod Balfour; Cauy Miller, Trayce Miller, Blaine Goss and Liberty Goss. Other special family include Wilma Anderson and children: John Anderson; Marcia and Henry Russell, children Tricia, Jennifer, Debbie and Robin and their families; Nancy and Steve Davison and son Connor.

Mary Lou will be missed by her entire family.
The memories we shared will remain in our hearts forever

Funeral services for Dona Clark, age 86, of Lenox, who died Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until service time with the family greeting friends. Interment will be held at the Clearfield Cemetery.

Dona Lorraine Clark was born May 19, 1925, in Troy, Kansas the daughter of Raymond Weinberg and Alta (Eader) Weinberg. She grew up in Troy attending school and playing drums for the high school band and she was a member of the Glee Club. She enjoyed dancing and playing the piano. She was a member of the Christian Church in Troy where she attended regularly.

After graduating from high school with the Class of 1944, Dona worked as a Nurses Aid at a hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri. While there she also played drums for the National Defense Band, which was organized and managed by Lee Gilbert. In 1945, Donna and Lee were united in marriage. The couple moved to Topeka, Kansas where Dona worked as a waitress and Lee as a cook at the Jayhawk Hotel. In 1953, a daughter, Sharon Lee was born and in 1955 a son, Jerry Lee was born. The family also lived in Hiawatha, Kansas, Glenwood, Iowa, Essex, Iowa and Shenandoah, Iowa throughout the years. When Lee became ill with cancer, they moved to Troy so Dona could be near her family. Lee passed away in 1966.

In 1968, Dona was united in marriage to Harold Clark of Stringtown, Iowa. The couple lived in Stringtown until 1997 when Harold retired. They moved into Lenox at that time and Harold passed away in September of 2008.

Dona enjoyed crocheting and made many beautiful Afghans for her family. She also loved music, especially country music which she and Harold enjoyed dancing to. She had a beautiful voice and loved singing hymns. She played piano, and even though she couldn't read music, she could hear a tune once . . . . then play it! Dona was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed having her family over for dinner.

Preceding Dona in death were her parents Raymond and Alta Weinberg; her first husband Lee Gilbert; her second husband Harold Clark; her sisters, Jean Pratt and Virginia Twombly; brothers Earl and Hadley Weinberg; and three siblings who died at infancy.

Left to cherish Dona's memory is her daughter Sharon Parrish and husband Bill of Clearfield; son, Jerry Gilbert and wife Debbie of Corning; step-daughter Junell Burroughs and husband Vince of Wellman, Iowa; step-daughter-in-law, Leona Clark of Richland, Iowa; sister Dorothy Cairo of Kansas City; a brother Raymond Weinberg, Jr., and wife Sherry of Guthrie, Kentucky; grandchildren James and Heidi Weaver; David and Nikki Weaver; Brady and Megan Weaver, all of Lenox; Mark and Angela Culbertson of Clive, Iowa; Zach Gilbert of Corning; Kali Gilbert of Cold Spring, Minnesota; Shannon Laire of Red Oak; Jeremiah Gilbert of Texas; Sheila Cook of Bessemer City NC,Terry&Amy Clark of Packwood IA,Mark&LeAnn Clark of Eldon IA,Clark&Heather Burroughs of Newton IA,Brenda&Ray Overholt of Wellman IA,Jessica&Tom Burger of West Bend IA. along with many great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Dona will be missed by her entire family.
The memories shared will remain in their hearts forever

Funeral services for Hazel Stoaks, age 98, of Lenox, who died Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the Clearview Nursing Home in Clearfield will be held Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lenox Christian Church. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on Tuesday from 3 to 8 with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8. Interment will be held at West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Hazel June Stoaks was born June 12, 1913, in Adams County, Iowa the daughter of Frank Miller and Kate (Schafroth) Miller. She grew up attending country school. On May 29, 1929, she was united in marriage to Cleo (Jobe) Stoaks. To this loving union two children were born, Howard and Katherine.

Hazel spent her entire life in Adams County and Taylor County, Iowa. Hazel and Cleo purchased the farm in Adams County in 1936. This is where they raised their family and also chickens for many years. Hazel will be remembered for her passion for gardening and her flowers! She also had a passion for making quilts. She would always have one set up in her living room while she worked on it and whoever was around at the time, would have to help her turn it so she could reach to finish her sewing. We would not even attempt to guess how many pairs of jeans she patched over the years! Hazel also had a love for cooking, you could always count on her to have some cookies to snack on and her homemade noodles and angel food cake were something you could always expect to enjoy at family dinners! Hazel's home was always "the gathering place" for family to stay and visit whether from near or far. She was a 50+ year member of the Eastern Star and had been Worthy Matron. She was also a 50+ year member of the Lenox Christian Church. She had been a member of the Neighborhood Club and at one time they had over 20 members. She had helped with many activities within these organizations.

Left to cherish Hazel's memory is her son, Howard Stoaks of Lenox; four grandchildren Gary Stoaks and wife Teresa; Kurt Stoaks and wife Mandy; Mary Ann Tallmon and husband John; Joan Watts and husband Mark; nine great-grandchildren, Dawn Shuler and husband John; Alicia Hutt and husband Rob; Shane Stoaks and wife Lindsay; Todd, Jacy and Tyra Stoaks; Milan and Ryan Tallmon; and Nicholas Newberg; nine great-great-grandchildren, Stacie, Stephanie, Dustin and Morgan Shuler; Lincoln, Hayden and Dylan Hutt; and Laramie and Laney Stoaks; two sisters, Lela Spoonemore and Alberta Calvin; a sister-in-law, Pauline Miller; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Hazel in death are her parents Frank and Kate Miller; her loving husband Cleo in 1974; a daughter Katherine in 2003; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Stoaks in 2002; her ten siblings, Edna Starks, Margaret Curts, Harry Miller, Raymond (Mike) Miller, Clyde Miller, Albert Miller, Frank Miller, Homer Miller, Lyle (Pete) Miller and Wilma Gray.

Hazel will be missed by her entire family and many friends.
She will live in their hearts forever

Memorial services for Lori Howard, age 49, of the Creston / Sharpsburg areas, who died Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston will be held Friday, February 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. Interment of ashes will be held at the Hopkins Grove Cemetery in Polk City at a later. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Loretta Kay (Miller) Howard was born July 21, 1962, the daughter of Donald S. Miller and Gloria Ann (Perez) Miller. Lori grew up in Des Moines attending and graduating from the Southeast Polk High School with the Class of 1980. One of Lori's best childhood memories was enjoying family trips to Florida to visit their family. In 1984, Lori entered into marriage with Rick Howard. Three children were born to bless their lives, Troy Richard, Holly Ann and William Mitchell. Lori raised her family in Des Moines until 1995 when she moved to the Lenox area. Lori worked hard to support her children. She was employed at the Clearview Nursing Home and the Lenox Care Center. Later in life, Lori attended Southwestern Community College in Creston and graduated with her Associate of Arts Degree. She wanted to be a psychologist so she could continue helping people.

Lori was an open-hearted, accepting person. She was always full of love. She would help anyone that needed it, even if she didn't have much herself. She was known for her cooking and she loved having big meals with her family and friends gathered around the table. Lori took in many of her sons' and daughter's friends and loved them . . . always considering them her 'kids'. In her spare time, Lori loved playing cards, board games and poker. She was an active member of the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church for many years teaching bible school. She was a song writer and used to sing her songs in church. Many times she got her kids to sing with her, even if they really did not want to! What she was most proud of in her life were her grandchildren. Known as "Mima" she was always ready and waiting with big hugs and kisses for them all, cherishing every day she had with them.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend are Gloria Miller of Garner, North Carolina; siblings, Debbie Deaton (Karen) of Des Moines; Brenda Richardson and husband Bill of Des Moines; Marty Miller and wife Tina of Port St. Lucia, Florida; Andy Miller and wife Kathy of Garner, North Carolina; two children, Troy Howard and wife Kerri of Creston; Holly Perkins and husband Danny of Lenox; beloved grandchildren Kayleb, Patience, Marshall, Dominick, Bethy and unborn Jackson; stepsons, Brandon and Bryon Howard; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.

Preceding Lori in death is her father, Don Miller and son Mitchell along with her grandparents