Taylor County, Iowa: obituaries

Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
Akers, Melvin - Melvin Franklin Akers, age 93, formerly of Benton, Iowa passed away at Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, Colorado on October 5, 2010. Melvin had lived in Pueblo, Colorado for nearly 40 years but resided at Fowler Care Center, Fowler, Colorado for the past 2 years. Melvin was born June 20, 1917 in Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Chester Arthur and Eva Mae (Kirby) Akers. He married Lucille Ruby on December 10, 1938 in Maryville, Missouri. Three sons were born to this union. Melvin graduated from Gravity High School and spent his early live in Taylor County, Iowa. After their marriage, he and Lucille began married life in the Gravity, Iowa area, then moved to the Diagonal and Lenox communities, before moving in 1947 to a farm near Benton, Iowa. In 1967, they sold the farm there and moved to Pueblo, Colorado where Melvin worked for the Colorado State Hospital. After retirement, he and Lucille had time to enjoy camping and spending time with their grandchildren and enjoyed having relatives and friends visit them Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Lucille, and one son Duane Eugene in infancy, two brothers, Harold and Marvin and one daughter in law, Choncie Akers, two brothers in law and two sisters in law. Surviving are sons, Chester Ray (Sandra) Akers of Pueblo, Colorado and Richard Akers of Pomona, Missouri, sisters; Mildred Hummel of Lakeland, Florida, and Arlene Lewis of Clarinda, Iowa. He is survived by three granddaughters, Kristy Postlewaite of Wabasha, Minnesota, Donna (Ed) Baker of Pueblo, Colorado; Sonya Turner of Missouri: five grandsons: Duane (Nancy) Akers Phoenix, Arizona, Barry (Vileta) Akers, Kenny (Jeanene) Akers, Brian Akers, and Eric (Jenny) Akers all of Glenwood, Iowa. He is survived by several grandchildren and step grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and other relatives Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Mt Ayr, Iowa
Beggs, Leroy - Leroy (Roy) Allen Beggs, 83, born at home on May 18, 1927, to Guy Allen and Pearle (Rogers) Beggs, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Roy would joke that he wanted to go to college, and through his giving of himself, Roy donated his body to the University of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines. Roy was united in Marriage to Norma Jeanne Morey on June 18, 1949. Roy and Normie treasured 60 years of life together. They were blessed with five children; Greg, Markeeta, Reeta, Jeff, and Jack. Roy was born on the family farm and lived there his entire life. Roy was very proud when the farm was named an “Iowa Century Farm” in 2008. He devoted many of his years to farming and carpentry. Roy served his country in the US Navy during World War II. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and Clearfield Lions Club, and a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a 50-year member of the American Legion. He served on boards at the ASCS for 40 years and at Clearfield United Methodist Church, on the Assessor’s Review Committee, and on the Clearfield School Board. Roy enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair, visiting the Mississippi River, and playing cards with friends. Roy always looked forward to spending Sunday afternoons playing games with his family. Left to cherish Roy’s memory are his wife, Norma; five children: Greg Beggs of Clearfield, Markeeta (Craig) Baker of Bedford, Reeta (Gordon Still) England of Clearfield, Jeff Beggs of Creston, and Jack (Kim) Beggs of Clearfield; 16 grandchildren: Matt and Amy Baker of Kansas City, Missouri, Marcy Baker of Clive, Brent Baker of Grundy Center, Sarah Beggs and Kurtis Freeman of Waukee, Abby and Wes Allen of Bozeman, Montana, Chris England of Clearfield, Jen England and Richard Castelan of Clearfield, Jamie Beggs of Creston, Casey Beggs and Ashley Tracy of Shenandoah, and Celine and Jakob Beggs of Clearfield; five great grandchildren: Zane and Mason Baker of Kansas City, Missouri, Keaton England of Clearfield, Kenna Castelan of Clearfield, and Mattaya Allen of Bozeman, Montana; sisters-in-law Merle Beggs, of Creston, Verla Monk of Clearfield, Fran Morey of Leon, Leona (Roger) Mahoney of Altoona; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding Roy in death were his parents, Guy and Pearle Beggs, Brother Don Beggs, brothers-in-law Dick Morey and Darrell Monk, nephew Curtis Morey, nieces Ginger Millemon and Susan Beggs Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, Ia
Beemer, Margaret Ruth Bordner - Funeral services for Margaret Beemer, age 90, of Bedford, who died Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was held Wednesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment was held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be given in Margaret’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Margaret Ruth (Bordner) Beemer was born in Polk Township in Taylor County, Iowa, on October 12, 1920, to Frank Lee Bordner and Ina M. (Atkins) Bordner. A sister Harriet Maxine, born in 1918, had died in infancy. Margaret’s parents had earlier assumed custody of Ina’s niece Berniece Atkins, whom Margaret always regarded as her older sister. Margaret enjoyed tomboyish activities, tagging after her father around the farm, while Berniece stayed closer to Ina and domestic chores. Margaret attended country school in Taylor County, near Siam, until she went to Clarinda Public Schools for ninth grade, where she excelled in mathematics, making an A+ in Algebra I. Margaret graduated from Bedford High School in 1938 with a normal training certificate, she never used. She eloped to marry Elvin Homer Beemer, son of Homer and Grace Beemer, on Christmas Eve, 1938. The couple farmed, combining Elvin’s two cows and Margaret’s five sheep, until they assumed management of a farm produce and feed business in Gravity, Iowa, in September of 1939, near the end of the Great Depression. In December of 1942, Elvin answered the call to serve his country in Company D, 409th Infantry, 103rd Division. Margaret oversaw both home and business while Elvin saw active duty in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was taken prisoner by the Germans on December 2, 1944, and liberated by the Russians on May 8, 1945. Margaret continued to manage the business until he was honorably discharged in 1945. She met him at the train station with his work clothes, to pick up a load of chickens on their way home. Her determination to restore normalcy was largely responsible for Elvin’s smooth transition to civilian life. The marriage was blessed by three sons. Chris Elvin Beemer was born February 24, 1948, and Cedric Britt Beemer was born September 12, 1951. In July 1954, Margaret and Elvin purchased the Bedford Locker Plant, and the family moved to Bedford in 1955. On October 11, 1956, Chad Bordner Beemer was born to complete the family. Margaret devoted her life to her family, her community, and her country. She laughingly claimed when she and Elvin were married, Elvin had to teach her how to cook oatmeal. From those humble culinary beginnings, she became known as one of the area’s best bakers of pies and angel food cakes, which she faithfully delivered to neighbors at times of illness, bereavement, or celebration. She turned loaves and loaves of bread into jelly sandwiches as after-school snacks for her boys and the friends they brought home. All the neighbors knew to call her for advice about removing stubborn laundry stains. She kept business records and supplied food to several elderly neighbors, enabling them to remain in their homes. In later years, Margaret specialized in her role as grandmother, coming to know each grandchild as a unique individual, and even playing the role of “extra” grandmother to a neighbor girl. She spent hours gathering genealogical information for both her people and Elvin’s, linking the past to the present, turning formerly unknown relatives into dear friends. Margaret earned local respect and a nomination as Mother of the Year through American Mothers, Inc., an interfaith, non-political, non-profit organization. Additionally, she supported Elvin’s civic contributions, lodging representatives from the O’Bryan Brothers when they came to town to establish Bedford’s fist factory. She served as president of Elderly Housing at Northside apartments and at various county and state leadership levels with the Republican Party. Having suffered from osteoporosis, Margaret volunteered for an experimental drug treatment. When she eventually learned she had been given only the placebo, she still celebrated that her diligence and record-keeping contributed to others’ better health. After ninety years that epitomized humble service, Margaret gently slipped away to eternal life on March 26, 2011, at Bedford Nursing and Rehab, which she and Elvin had helped to establish. Left to cherish the deep and many ways she shaped their lives are her three sons and their families: Chris and his wife Judy Osburn Beemer of Milford, Kansas, and their grown children Christa and Jud; Britt and his wife Jan Cook Beemer of Orlando, Florida, and their daughters Chloe and Claire; Chad and his wife Lori Seil Beemer of Elk Horn, Iowa, and their sons Alan, Andy, and Aric; a nephew Larry Bayless and his wife Shirley of Carroll, Iowa, and others who were blessed to know her. Preceding Margaret in death are her beloved husband of sixty-eight years, Elvin Homer Beemer; her sister, Berniece Atkins Bordner Bayless; a sister-in-law Marjorie Beemer Newman and her husband Forest (Pete) Newman
Day, Opal Leona Huber - Opal Leona Huber was born on November 26, 1917 at Clarinda, Iowa, the oldest daughter of Ernest & Nellie (Kerns) Huber. Opal grew up in the Gravity-Sharpsburg area and graduated from Sharpsburg High School in 1935. Opal was united in marriage to Vernon Leslie Day on February 16, 1940 in Clearfield, Iowa. To this union seven children were born; Joyce Darlene, Gary Dale, Norman Dean, Carol Jean, Doyle Richard, Gale Lynn, and Lyle Vernon. Opal was a stay-at-home wife & mother while her children were growing up and to ‘rode heard on her kids’! Opal always raised a big garden and put up fruits & vegetables for her family. She was famous for pies and cinnamon rolls. You never went away hungry from the house. As soon as you walked in, she had the coffee pot on and one of her pies that was always available cut up and set in front of you. The number of pies and cinnamon rolls cannot be counted. Opal experienced great losses in her life. Opal & Vernon lost their daughter, Joyce Darlene, at the age of six months to whooping cough. Vernon died in 1975 and six weeks later, her two youngest sons, Gale & Lyle, died in a car-train accident. After Vernon died in 1975, she went to work at the Taylor County Care Facility as a cook for five years. It was at this time that Opal began writing in her diaries which was unknown to her children until recently. She continued this daily for the next 30 years. Her children believed Opal just stayed at home waiting for company & the kids to come home. After the discovery of the diaries, they thought differently; she never stayed at home! Opal received her driver’s license at the age of 59 and was off and running. Opal detailed in her diary her shopping trips all over southwest Iowa. After a couple of fender-benders, she reluctantly gave up her license at the age of 85; a relief to her kids! Opal remained active until she broke her hip in 2007. She then entered the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center where she remained until her death on May 30, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest & Nellie Huber; husband Vernon; daughter Joyce; sons Gayle & Lyle; great grandson Justin Love; brother Darrell Huber; and sister Wauneta Craecraft. Left to mourn her passing are her children Gary Day & wife Gayle of Hildreth, NE, Dean Day & wife Julia of Blue Grass, IA, Carol Smith & husband Ernie of Gravity, IA, Doyle Day of Red Oak, IA; nine grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren; sister Helen Volbrecht of Omaha, NE; brothers Duane Huber of Lenox, IA, Dale Huber of Creston, IA and Cecil Huber of Savannah, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, Ia
King, Charles Arthur - Charles Arthur King, son of Arthur P. & Clara Lavelle (Kuhn) King, was born January 23, 1939 on the family farm south of Blockton, Iowa. Charles grew up on the farm helping take care of the livestock and crops. His compassion for animals was enormous. Charles graduated from Blockton High School and furthered his education by graduating from auctioneers’ school in Mason City, Iowa. On August 2, 1959, Charles was united in marriage to Lynn Vanarsdall and to this union, three daughters were born; Charlene, Elaine, and Kerra. They would welcome into their home and raise Carl “Clancy” Brown as a son. Charles was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who had many interests and loves in his life. Charles loved poetry and readings. He loved homemade ice cream and he would go “elbow to elbow” eating it with his grandson. He loved playing games especially greedy and pinochle. His granddaughter remembers playing games with grandpa before chores. Being an auctioneer, he loved to go to cattle and other types of auctions. Charles never knew a stranger and could talk to anybody. He could talk to strangers and you would think he had known them all of his life. After all, a stranger was just someone he hadn’t met yet! No one could tell a story like Charles could. His love for his God and country was only overshadowed by his love for his family. Charles passed away on July 20, 2010 at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Gerry Ballantyne. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of nearly 51 years, Lynn King, of Blockton; children Charlene Ballantyne of Earlham, Iowa, Elaine King of Waynesville, Missouri, Kerra Drake and husband Eric of Blockton, Iowa, and Carl “Clancy" Brown and wife Carmin of Harlan, Iowa; seven grandchildren Caleb Ballantyne, Georgia Ballantyne, Taylor Brown, Lexus Brown, Myranda Drake, James Drake, Kaitlyn Drake; one great grandchild Mathias Ballantyne; sister Jeannette Beekman and husband Denny of Dakota City, Nebraska; brother Jerry King and wife Judy of Blockton, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, and good friends. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, Ia
Leighton, Robert "Bob" - Aug 18, 1924 - Apr 5, 2011
Miller, Thomas James - Thomas James Miller, only son of John Duane and Laura Anderson Miller, was born in rural Blockton, Ringgold County, Iowa, on March 13, 1939 and passed away March 20, 2011 in Scottsdale, AZ. Tom attended the one room Miller School and later graduated from Blockton High School with the Class of 1957; he also graduated from Northwest Missouri State College with a degree in Agriculture and Biology. While in college, he joined the Army reserves and served 6 months in Fort Ord, California. He later taught the Veterans agriculture class sponsored by Southwest Iowa Community College in Creston. Tom served on the soil conservation board; was a member of the Bethany Lodge No 320 and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; Blockton Christian Church and served as Deacon and Elder. Tom and Barbara Brown were married in Gentry, Missouri on June 16, 1962 and to this union three children were born. Tom loved his family and preached honesty and character building. His other love was farming the land, seeing the crops grow, and buying and trading farm equipment. Tom is survived by his wife Barbara of Maryville, MO; son Scott Thomas and wife Michelle of Grain Valley, MO; daughter Leslie Drake and husband Mark of Mankato, MN; grandsons Shane Thomas and Justin Scott Miller, Spencer Jeffrey Hawk; granddaughters Mackenzie Grace and Alexis Danielle Hawk; and great grandson Kruz Jeffrey Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Laura Miller; parents-in-law Harvey Brown and Paul & Louetta Shaffer; and son Jeffrey Duane Miller in 1990. Tom will be missed by his family and friends Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840
Refer, Judy Rucker - Funeral services for Judy Refer, age 66, of Lenox, who died Saturday, March 19, 2011 at her home will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment will be held at Bedford City Cemetery. Judy Kay (Rucker) Refer was born September 2, 1944, in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Harry E. Rucker and Velma F. (Phipps) Rucker. She grew up in the Bedford area attending school, graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1962. She continued to live in Bedford where she was a waitress at the Junction Café for a number of years. Judy met Larry Refer and the couple was united in marriage on September 4, 1978, in Lenox, Iowa. Judy and Larry made their home in Lenox where she worked for Taylor Ridge Estates for over ten years. Judy was passionate about her family, particularly her grandchildren, with whom she spent much time. When her health was better, she liked to drive, mostly just around town, never venturing too far from home. Winter was her favorite season of the year . . . she even enjoyed driving in it! She always looked forward to the many ‘shopping trips’ she enjoyed taking her grandchildren on. Judy and Larry attended the Lenox Presbyterian Church. Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend is her loving husband of 33 years, Larry Refer of Lenox; her two children, Rebecca Hartley of Lenox; and Darren Strough and wife Amber of Estes Park, Colorado; four grandchildren, Dennis, Dustin and Michael Hartley, and Madison Strough; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Parker Hartley; a brother, Merlyn Rucker and wife Marilyn of Bedford; two sisters, Maryann Mothershead and husband Oliver of Leon, Iowa; and Jan Sunderman and husband Lowell of Bedford; along with many other relatives and friends. Preceding Judy in death were her parents, Harry and Velma Rucker; two brothers at infancy, Robert and Wayne Rucker; another brother, Jerry Rucker; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Hartley. Judy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her enthusiasm, humor and kindness will be missed by her family Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
Routh, JB - JB Routh , 89, of Clearfield died March 22, 2011, at Clearview Home in Clearfield. JB was born February 25, 1922, in Clearfield to Addis and Gladys (Bailey) Routh. He graduated from Clearfield High School in 1940. In May, 1943, he joined the Navy, transferring to the Seabees after boot camp, and was discharged in December, 1945. He married Dorothy Clarey on May 23, 1946, at Olathe, Kansas. They operated a produce business and a hardware store in Clearfield for 25 years. He was a member of the Clearfield United Methodist Church, the Platte River Sports Complex, Ducks Unlimited and was a former member of the Clearfield Lions Club. Survivors include his daughters Janet Becker of Hedrick and Kathy Butler of Diagonal; five grandchildren; Jason (Melissa) Butler of Creston, Chris (Sarah) Becker of Ottumwa, Jennifer (James) Tull of Diagonal, Julie (Andy) Johnson of Ankeny, and Joni (Jeremy) Gillam of Creston; six great grandchildren; Blake Butler, Gavin and Haylee Gillam, Landon and Emma Becker, and Jasper Johnson; brothers Ronnie (Bonnie) Routh of Creston, Bernard (Marilyn) Routh of Whiting, and Bill (Anna) Routh of Coffee Creek, Montana; sister Gwen (Spencer) Sandeman of Creston; sisters-in-law Martha Routh of Cresco and Mary Lou Schlapia of Boulder, Colorado; special friend Bette Frakes of Owasso,Oklahoma; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Dorothy, his parents, brothers Mick and Richard, and infant sister Betty. A memorial, to be determined at a later date, has been established in his name Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840

Straight, Jessie - Helen Jessie Straight, daughter of Roy Nickle and Mary Charity (Ledgerwood) Nickle was born October 20th, 1911 in Ringgold County. She attended school in rural Ringgold County and graduated from Clearfield High School in 1929. She taught school for 4 years following graduation. Jessie and Vernon met at a dance. They were married on June 2nd, 1934 and established their home on a farm south of Sharpsburg. Later they moved to Bedford where they lived for 8 years. Then they farmed for a few years in Ringgold County before they purchased a farm east of Conway where they resided from February 1948 until moving into Clearfield in 1976. She was an active member of the Christian Church, Eastern Star, and also enjoyed her card club. She was a past member of the Federated Club. Jessie passed away on April 21st, 2010, at Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, in 2006, her parents and Vernon’s parents, 2 sisters Edna Nord and Lois Straight; 3 sisters-in-law, Hazel Bishoff, Edna Straight, and Helen Hunter; 4 brothers-in-law Marion Straight, Lee Straight, Lyle Nord, and G.C. Hofmeister. Left to cherish her memory are daughter Patricia Lee Straight of Holmen, Wisconsin, son Donald Dean Straight and wife Marilyn of Boone, IA, sister Beatrice Hofmeister of Denver, Colorado, grandson David Otradovec and wife Robin of Denver Colorado, granddaughter Terry Hanson and husband Steve of Bangor, Wisconson, 3 step grandchildren Brad and Sharron Johnson of Galena, MO, Laurie, Troy Engleen of Ogden, IA, and Kerry and Justin Weeces of Ames, IA, several Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. A memorial fund has been established to Hospice of Central Iowa, Mount Ayr Branch Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840

Walkup, Mary Lou Matheny - Mary Lou Walkup, daughter of Hazel (Tamerius) Matheny and Joseph Matheny, was born February 5, 1927 at Platteville, Iowa. Mary grew up in the Platteville area and she graduated from Blockton High School. On December 24, 1947 she married Robert J. Walkup. Mary lived at Blockton until 1988 when she moved to Clearfield. Mary was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Blockton and the United Methodist Church in Clearfield. Mary was a hard worker and loved to cook; always able to feed any number of guests that might show up. Mary made you feel welcome and you always left fed. She maintained a large garden and naturally did a lot of canning. She was a loving mother and grandmother and also did babysitting. Mary loved animals and was known to keep some in the house, keeping them warm after their birth. She loved birds and her favorite was the Cardinal. Mary became a resident of Clearview Home in Clearfield and it was there that she passed away on October 30, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1986; two brothers Earl Matheny and Joseph “Jiggs” Matheny. Survivors include her children Diana Son of Indianola, IA, Brenda Poppa of Grimes, IA, and Robert R. (Misty) Walkup of Diagonal, IA; six grandchildren Alan (Deb) England, Edward (Joni) Walston, Sue (Sam Ware) Murphy, Mindy (Niall Bothwell) Walston, Tory (Chris) Parker, and Shaun Walkup; seven great grandchildren Kane & Kaci Ellenwood, Maci & Jadon Ballard, Thane Walston, Gracie Poppa, and Ryer Parker; sister Ardith Sickels of Clearfield; brother Wilbur “Wiggs” Matheny of Nevada; four sisters-in-law Eileen Matheny of Clearfield, Marilyn Beck of Lenox, Annabel Walkup of Redding, and Helen Walkup of Humeston; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. The family extends their appreciation and gratitude to Clearview Home in Clearfield and Hospice of Central Iowa for their care and compassion shown to Mary Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840

Taylor County, Iowa obituaries

Akers, Melvin -

Melvin Franklin Akers, age 93, formerly of Benton, Iowa passed away at Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, Colorado on October 5, 2010. Melvin had lived in Pueblo, Colorado for nearly 40 years but resided at Fowler Care Center, Fowler, Colorado for the past 2 years.

Melvin was born June 20, 1917 in Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Chester Arthur and Eva Mae (Kirby) Akers. He married Lucille Ruby on December 10, 1938 in Maryville, Missouri. Three sons were born to this union.

Melvin graduated from Gravity High School and spent his early live in Taylor County, Iowa. After their marriage, he and Lucille began married life in the Gravity, Iowa area, then moved to the Diagonal and Lenox communities, before moving in 1947 to a farm near Benton, Iowa. In 1967, they sold the farm there and moved to Pueblo, Colorado where Melvin worked for the Colorado State Hospital.
After retirement, he and Lucille had time to enjoy camping and spending time with their grandchildren and enjoyed having relatives and friends visit them

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Lucille, and one son Duane Eugene in infancy, two brothers, Harold and Marvin and one daughter in law, Choncie Akers, two brothers in law and two sisters in law.

Surviving are sons, Chester Ray (Sandra) Akers of Pueblo, Colorado and Richard Akers of Pomona, Missouri, sisters; Mildred Hummel of Lakeland, Florida, and Arlene Lewis of Clarinda, Iowa.
He is survived by three granddaughters, Kristy Postlewaite of Wabasha, Minnesota, Donna (Ed) Baker of Pueblo, Colorado; Sonya Turner of Missouri: five grandsons: Duane (Nancy) Akers Phoenix, Arizona,
Barry (Vileta) Akers, Kenny (Jeanene) Akers, Brian Akers, and Eric (Jenny) Akers all of Glenwood, Iowa. He is survived by several grandchildren and step grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and other relatives

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Mt Ayr, Iowa

Beggs, Leroy - Leroy (Roy) Allen Beggs, 83, born at home on May 18, 1927, to Guy Allen and Pearle (Rogers) Beggs, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Roy would joke that he wanted to go to college, and through his giving of himself, Roy donated his body to the University of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines.
Roy was united in Marriage to Norma Jeanne Morey on June 18, 1949. Roy and Normie treasured 60 years of life together. They were blessed with five children; Greg, Markeeta, Reeta, Jeff, and Jack.
Roy was born on the family farm and lived there his entire life. Roy was very proud when the farm was named an “Iowa Century Farm” in 2008. He devoted many of his years to farming and carpentry. Roy served his country in the US Navy during World War II. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and Clearfield Lions Club, and a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a 50-year member of the American Legion. He served on boards at the ASCS for 40 years and at Clearfield United Methodist Church, on the Assessor’s Review Committee, and on the Clearfield School Board. Roy enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair, visiting the Mississippi River, and playing cards with friends. Roy always looked forward to spending Sunday afternoons playing games with his family.
Left to cherish Roy’s memory are his wife, Norma; five children: Greg Beggs of Clearfield, Markeeta (Craig) Baker of Bedford, Reeta (Gordon Still) England of Clearfield, Jeff Beggs of Creston, and Jack (Kim) Beggs of Clearfield; 16 grandchildren: Matt and Amy Baker of Kansas City, Missouri, Marcy Baker of Clive, Brent Baker of Grundy Center, Sarah Beggs and Kurtis Freeman of Waukee, Abby and Wes Allen of Bozeman, Montana, Chris England of Clearfield, Jen England and Richard Castelan of Clearfield, Jamie Beggs of Creston, Casey Beggs and Ashley Tracy of Shenandoah, and Celine and Jakob Beggs of Clearfield; five great grandchildren: Zane and Mason Baker of Kansas City, Missouri, Keaton England of Clearfield, Kenna Castelan of Clearfield, and Mattaya Allen of Bozeman, Montana; sisters-in-law Merle Beggs, of Creston, Verla Monk of Clearfield, Fran Morey of Leon, Leona (Roger) Mahoney of Altoona; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Preceding Roy in death were his parents, Guy and Pearle Beggs, Brother Don Beggs, brothers-in-law Dick Morey and Darrell Monk, nephew Curtis Morey, nieces Ginger Millemon and Susan Beggs

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, Ia

Beemer, Margaret Ruth Bordner - Funeral services for Margaret Beemer, age 90, of Bedford, who died Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was held Wednesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment was held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be given in Margaret’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Margaret Ruth (Bordner) Beemer was born in Polk Township in Taylor County, Iowa, on October 12, 1920, to Frank Lee Bordner and Ina M. (Atkins) Bordner. A sister Harriet Maxine, born in 1918, had died in infancy. Margaret’s parents had earlier assumed custody of Ina’s niece Berniece Atkins, whom Margaret always regarded as her older sister.
Margaret enjoyed tomboyish activities, tagging after her father around the farm, while Berniece stayed closer to Ina and domestic chores. Margaret attended country school in Taylor County, near Siam, until she went to Clarinda Public Schools for ninth grade, where she excelled in mathematics, making an A+ in Algebra I. Margaret graduated from Bedford High School in 1938 with a normal training certificate, she never used.
She eloped to marry Elvin Homer Beemer, son of Homer and Grace Beemer, on Christmas Eve, 1938. The couple farmed, combining Elvin’s two cows and Margaret’s five sheep, until they assumed management of a farm produce and feed business in Gravity, Iowa, in September of 1939, near the end of the Great Depression. In December of 1942, Elvin answered the call to serve his country in Company D, 409th Infantry, 103rd Division. Margaret oversaw both home and business while Elvin saw active duty in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was taken prisoner by the Germans on December 2, 1944, and liberated by the Russians on May 8, 1945. Margaret continued to manage the business until he was honorably discharged in 1945. She met him at the train station with his work clothes, to pick up a load of chickens on their way home. Her determination to restore normalcy was largely responsible for Elvin’s smooth transition to civilian life.
The marriage was blessed by three sons. Chris Elvin Beemer was born February 24, 1948, and Cedric Britt Beemer was born September 12, 1951. In July 1954, Margaret and Elvin purchased the Bedford Locker Plant, and the family moved to Bedford in 1955. On October 11, 1956, Chad Bordner Beemer was born to complete the family.
Margaret devoted her life to her family, her community, and her country. She laughingly claimed when she and Elvin were married, Elvin had to teach her how to cook oatmeal. From those humble culinary beginnings, she became known as one of the area’s best bakers of pies and angel food cakes, which she faithfully delivered to neighbors at times of illness, bereavement, or celebration. She turned loaves and loaves of bread into jelly sandwiches as after-school snacks for her boys and the friends they brought home. All the neighbors knew to call her for advice about removing stubborn laundry stains. She kept business records and supplied food to several elderly neighbors, enabling them to remain in their homes. In later years, Margaret specialized in her role as grandmother, coming to know each grandchild as a unique individual, and even playing the role of “extra” grandmother to a neighbor girl. She spent hours gathering genealogical information for both her people and Elvin’s, linking the past to the present, turning formerly unknown relatives into dear friends. Margaret earned local respect and a nomination as Mother of the Year through American Mothers, Inc., an interfaith, non-political, non-profit organization.
Additionally, she supported Elvin’s civic contributions, lodging representatives from the O’Bryan Brothers when they came to town to establish Bedford’s fist factory. She served as president of Elderly Housing at Northside apartments and at various county and state leadership levels with the Republican Party. Having suffered from osteoporosis, Margaret volunteered for an experimental drug treatment. When she eventually learned she had been given only the placebo, she still celebrated that her diligence and record-keeping contributed to others’ better health.
After ninety years that epitomized humble service, Margaret gently slipped away to eternal life on March 26, 2011, at Bedford Nursing and Rehab, which she and Elvin had helped to establish.
Left to cherish the deep and many ways she shaped their lives are her three sons and their families: Chris and his wife Judy Osburn Beemer of Milford, Kansas, and their grown children Christa and Jud; Britt and his wife Jan Cook Beemer of Orlando, Florida, and their daughters Chloe and Claire; Chad and his wife Lori Seil Beemer of Elk Horn, Iowa, and their sons Alan, Andy, and Aric; a nephew Larry Bayless and his wife Shirley of Carroll, Iowa, and others who were blessed to know her.
Preceding Margaret in death are her beloved husband of sixty-eight years, Elvin Homer Beemer; her sister, Berniece Atkins Bordner Bayless; a sister-in-law Marjorie Beemer Newman and her husband Forest (Pete) Newman

Day, Opal Leona Huber - Opal Leona Huber was born on November 26, 1917 at Clarinda, Iowa, the oldest daughter of Ernest & Nellie (Kerns) Huber. Opal grew up in the Gravity-Sharpsburg area and graduated from Sharpsburg High School in 1935. Opal was united in marriage to Vernon Leslie Day on February 16, 1940 in Clearfield, Iowa. To this union seven children were born; Joyce Darlene, Gary Dale, Norman Dean, Carol Jean, Doyle Richard, Gale Lynn, and Lyle Vernon. Opal was a stay-at-home wife & mother while her children were growing up and to ‘rode heard on her kids’!
Opal always raised a big garden and put up fruits & vegetables for her family. She was famous for pies and cinnamon rolls. You never went away hungry from the house. As soon as you walked in, she had the coffee pot on and one of her pies that was always available cut up and set in front of you. The number of pies and cinnamon rolls cannot be counted. Opal experienced great losses in her life. Opal & Vernon lost their daughter, Joyce Darlene, at the age of six months to whooping cough. Vernon died in 1975 and six weeks later, her two youngest sons, Gale & Lyle, died in a car-train accident.
After Vernon died in 1975, she went to work at the Taylor County Care Facility as a cook for five years. It was at this time that Opal began writing in her diaries which was unknown to her children until recently. She continued this daily for the next 30 years. Her children believed Opal just stayed at home waiting for company & the kids to come home. After the discovery of the diaries, they thought differently; she never stayed at home! Opal received her driver’s license at the age of 59 and was off and running. Opal detailed in her diary her shopping trips all over southwest Iowa. After a couple of fender-benders, she reluctantly gave up her license at the age of 85; a relief to her kids! Opal remained active until she broke her hip in 2007. She then entered the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center where she remained until her death on May 30, 2010.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest & Nellie Huber; husband Vernon; daughter Joyce; sons Gayle & Lyle; great grandson Justin Love; brother Darrell Huber; and sister Wauneta Craecraft.
Left to mourn her passing are her children Gary Day & wife Gayle of Hildreth, NE, Dean Day & wife Julia of Blue Grass, IA, Carol Smith & husband Ernie of Gravity, IA, Doyle Day of Red Oak, IA; nine grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren; sister Helen Volbrecht of Omaha, NE; brothers Duane Huber of Lenox, IA, Dale Huber of Creston, IA and Cecil Huber of Savannah, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, Ia

King, Charles Arthur - Charles Arthur King, son of Arthur P. & Clara Lavelle (Kuhn) King, was born January 23, 1939 on the family farm south of Blockton, Iowa. Charles grew up on the farm helping take care of the livestock and crops. His compassion for animals was enormous. Charles graduated from Blockton High School and furthered his education by graduating from auctioneers’ school in Mason City, Iowa.
On August 2, 1959, Charles was united in marriage to Lynn Vanarsdall and to this union, three daughters were born; Charlene, Elaine, and Kerra. They would welcome into their home and raise Carl “Clancy” Brown as a son.
Charles was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who had many interests and loves in his life. Charles loved poetry and readings. He loved homemade ice cream and he would go “elbow to elbow” eating it with his grandson. He loved playing games especially greedy and pinochle. His granddaughter remembers playing games with grandpa before chores. Being an auctioneer, he loved to go to cattle and other types of auctions. Charles never knew a stranger and could talk to anybody. He could talk to strangers and you would think he had known them all of his life. After all, a stranger was just someone he hadn’t met yet! No one could tell a story like Charles could. His love for his God and country was only overshadowed by his love for his family.
Charles passed away on July 20, 2010 at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Gerry Ballantyne.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of nearly 51 years, Lynn King, of Blockton; children Charlene Ballantyne of Earlham, Iowa, Elaine King of Waynesville, Missouri, Kerra Drake and husband Eric of Blockton, Iowa, and Carl “Clancy" Brown and wife Carmin of Harlan, Iowa; seven grandchildren Caleb Ballantyne, Georgia Ballantyne, Taylor Brown, Lexus Brown, Myranda Drake, James Drake, Kaitlyn Drake; one great grandchild Mathias Ballantyne; sister Jeannette Beekman and husband Denny of Dakota City, Nebraska; brother Jerry King and wife Judy of Blockton, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, Ia

Leighton, Robert "Bob" - Aug 18, 1924 - Apr 5, 2011

Miller, Thomas James - Thomas James Miller, only son of John Duane and Laura Anderson Miller, was born in rural Blockton, Ringgold County, Iowa, on March 13, 1939 and passed away March 20, 2011 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Tom attended the one room Miller School and later graduated from Blockton High School with the Class of 1957; he also graduated from Northwest Missouri State College with a degree in Agriculture and Biology. While in college, he joined the Army reserves and served 6 months in Fort Ord, California. He later taught the Veterans agriculture class sponsored by Southwest Iowa Community College in Creston. Tom served on the soil conservation board; was a member of the Bethany Lodge No 320 and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; Blockton Christian Church and served as Deacon and Elder.
Tom and Barbara Brown were married in Gentry, Missouri on June 16, 1962 and to this union three children were born. Tom loved his family and preached honesty and character building. His other love was farming the land, seeing the crops grow, and buying and trading farm equipment.
Tom is survived by his wife Barbara of Maryville, MO; son Scott Thomas and wife Michelle of Grain Valley, MO; daughter Leslie Drake and husband Mark of Mankato, MN; grandsons Shane Thomas and Justin Scott Miller, Spencer Jeffrey Hawk; granddaughters Mackenzie Grace and Alexis Danielle Hawk; and great grandson Kruz Jeffrey Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Laura Miller; parents-in-law Harvey Brown and Paul & Louetta Shaffer; and son Jeffrey Duane Miller in 1990.
Tom will be missed by his family and friends

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840

Refer, Judy Rucker -

Funeral services for Judy Refer, age 66, of Lenox, who died Saturday, March 19, 2011 at her home will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment will be held at Bedford City Cemetery.

Judy Kay (Rucker) Refer was born September 2, 1944, in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Harry E. Rucker and Velma F. (Phipps) Rucker. She grew up in the Bedford area attending school, graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1962. She continued to live in Bedford where she was a waitress at the Junction Café for a number of years. Judy met Larry Refer and the couple was united in marriage on September 4, 1978, in Lenox, Iowa. Judy and Larry made their home in Lenox where she worked for Taylor Ridge Estates for over ten years.

Judy was passionate about her family, particularly her grandchildren, with whom she spent much time. When her health was better, she liked to drive, mostly just around town, never venturing too far from home. Winter was her favorite season of the year . . . she even enjoyed driving in it! She always looked forward to the many ‘shopping trips’ she enjoyed taking her grandchildren on. Judy and Larry attended the Lenox Presbyterian Church.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend is her loving husband of 33 years, Larry Refer of Lenox; her two children, Rebecca Hartley of Lenox; and Darren Strough and wife Amber of Estes Park, Colorado; four grandchildren, Dennis, Dustin and Michael Hartley, and Madison Strough; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Parker Hartley; a brother, Merlyn Rucker and wife Marilyn of Bedford; two sisters, Maryann Mothershead and husband Oliver of Leon, Iowa; and Jan Sunderman and husband Lowell of Bedford; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Judy in death were her parents, Harry and Velma Rucker; two brothers at infancy, Robert and Wayne Rucker; another brother, Jerry Rucker; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Hartley.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her enthusiasm, humor and kindness will be missed by her family

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Routh, JB - JB Routh , 89, of Clearfield died March 22, 2011, at Clearview Home in Clearfield.
JB was born February 25, 1922, in Clearfield to Addis and Gladys (Bailey) Routh. He graduated from Clearfield High School in 1940. In May, 1943, he joined the Navy, transferring to the Seabees after boot camp, and was discharged in December, 1945. He married Dorothy Clarey on May 23, 1946, at Olathe, Kansas. They operated a produce business and a hardware store in Clearfield for 25 years. He was a member of the Clearfield United Methodist Church, the Platte River Sports Complex, Ducks Unlimited and was a former member of the Clearfield Lions Club.
Survivors include his daughters Janet Becker of Hedrick and Kathy Butler of Diagonal; five grandchildren; Jason (Melissa) Butler of Creston, Chris (Sarah) Becker of Ottumwa, Jennifer (James) Tull of Diagonal, Julie (Andy) Johnson of Ankeny, and Joni (Jeremy) Gillam of Creston; six great grandchildren; Blake Butler, Gavin and Haylee Gillam, Landon and Emma Becker, and Jasper Johnson; brothers Ronnie (Bonnie) Routh of Creston, Bernard (Marilyn) Routh of Whiting, and Bill (Anna) Routh of Coffee Creek, Montana; sister Gwen (Spencer) Sandeman of Creston; sisters-in-law Martha Routh of Cresco and Mary Lou Schlapia of Boulder, Colorado; special friend Bette Frakes of Owasso,Oklahoma; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding him in death were his wife Dorothy, his parents, brothers Mick and Richard, and infant sister Betty.
A memorial, to be determined at a later date, has been established in his name

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840

Straight, Jessie - Helen Jessie Straight, daughter of Roy Nickle and Mary Charity (Ledgerwood) Nickle was born October 20th, 1911 in Ringgold County. She attended school in rural Ringgold County and graduated from Clearfield High School in 1929. She taught school for 4 years following graduation.
Jessie and Vernon met at a dance. They were married on June 2nd, 1934 and established their home on a farm south of Sharpsburg. Later they moved to Bedford where they lived for 8 years. Then they farmed for a few years in Ringgold County before they purchased a farm east of Conway where they resided from February 1948 until moving into Clearfield in 1976. She was an active member of the Christian Church, Eastern Star, and also enjoyed her card club. She was a past member of the Federated Club.
Jessie passed away on April 21st, 2010, at Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, in 2006, her parents and Vernon’s parents, 2 sisters Edna Nord and Lois Straight; 3 sisters-in-law, Hazel Bishoff, Edna Straight, and Helen Hunter; 4 brothers-in-law Marion Straight, Lee Straight, Lyle Nord, and G.C. Hofmeister.
Left to cherish her memory are daughter Patricia Lee Straight of Holmen, Wisconsin, son Donald Dean Straight and wife Marilyn of Boone, IA, sister Beatrice Hofmeister of Denver, Colorado, grandson David Otradovec and wife Robin of Denver Colorado, granddaughter Terry Hanson and husband Steve of Bangor, Wisconson, 3 step grandchildren Brad and Sharron Johnson of Galena, MO, Laurie, Troy Engleen of Ogden, IA, and Kerry and Justin Weeces of Ames, IA, several Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
A memorial fund has been established to Hospice of Central Iowa, Mount Ayr Branch

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840

Walkup, Mary Lou Matheny - Mary Lou Walkup, daughter of Hazel (Tamerius) Matheny and Joseph Matheny, was born February 5, 1927 at Platteville, Iowa. Mary grew up in the Platteville area and she graduated from Blockton High School. On December 24, 1947 she married Robert J. Walkup. Mary lived at Blockton until 1988 when she moved to Clearfield. Mary was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Blockton and the United Methodist Church in Clearfield.
Mary was a hard worker and loved to cook; always able to feed any number of guests that might show up. Mary made you feel welcome and you always left fed. She maintained a large garden and naturally did a lot of canning. She was a loving mother and grandmother and also did babysitting. Mary loved animals and was known to keep some in the house, keeping them warm after their birth. She loved birds and her favorite was the Cardinal.
Mary became a resident of Clearview Home in Clearfield and it was there that she passed away on October 30, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1986; two brothers Earl Matheny and Joseph “Jiggs” Matheny.
Survivors include her children Diana Son of Indianola, IA, Brenda Poppa of Grimes, IA, and Robert R. (Misty) Walkup of Diagonal, IA; six grandchildren Alan (Deb) England, Edward (Joni) Walston, Sue (Sam Ware) Murphy, Mindy (Niall Bothwell) Walston, Tory (Chris) Parker, and Shaun Walkup; seven great grandchildren Kane & Kaci Ellenwood, Maci & Jadon Ballard, Thane Walston, Gracie Poppa, and Ryer Parker; sister Ardith Sickels of Clearfield; brother Wilbur “Wiggs” Matheny of Nevada; four sisters-in-law Eileen Matheny of Clearfield, Marilyn Beck of Lenox, Annabel Walkup of Redding, and Helen Walkup of Humeston; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The family extends their appreciation and gratitude to Clearview Home in Clearfield and Hospice of Central Iowa for their care and compassion shown to Mary

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home, Clearfield, IA 50840