Taylor County, Iowa: obituaries J names

Taylor County, Iowa obituaries J names


Jones, Janet M. Fandel - Funeral services for Janet M. Jones, age 62, died Monday, January 5, 2009 in Eau Clair, Wisconsin. Janet formerly of Bedford moved to Eau Claire in September 2008 to be near her family. Janet is now reunited with her late husband Garry who passed away at Taylor Hospice, Des Moines, Iowa on June 1, 2008. Services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:30 until service time at 11:00. Interment will be held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Janet was born August 2, 1946 in the town of Ladysmith, Rusk County, daughter of Lee and Agnes Fandel. Janet attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grade School, Servite High School, and graduated from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith. Janet was united in marriage to Gerald “Garry” Dean Jones July 1, 1977. Janet had a daughter Lisa. Janet and Garry owned and operated the Skylark Café in Bedford Iowa 1981-June 2008. Janet will be remembered for all the stories and laughter she shared with others, her unselfish dedication and concern for those around her, and the gift of her friendship. Her husband and parents preceded her in death. Janet is survived by her daughter Lisa and husband Troy Gould, two grandchildren Jordan and Alexis, brother Ray and wife Mary, Brother Robert Fandel OSM, sisters Jean and Kathy, nieces Jennifer, Renee, Sharon, nephews Craig and Tyler and other relatives. Instead of flowers donations may be made to Taylor House Hospice, 3401 E. Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317 or to the American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Drive, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53718. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Jones, Vesta - Bedford City Cemetery

Jones, Alva Alvin - Funeral services for Alva Jones, age 89, of Lenox, who died Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at Lenox Care Center were held Saturday, September 23, 2006 at the United Methodist Church in Lenox at 10:30 a.m. Interment was held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Alva Alvin Jones was born September 29, 1916 in Grand River, Iowa the son of Andrew Jones and Anna (Preston) Jones. He grew up in southwest Iowa where he attended rural schools. On August 7, 1940, he was united in marriage to Louise Jeanes in Mount Ayr. To this loving union four children were born, Ronald Dale, Donald Dean, Vicki Sue and Nancy Ann. Alva farmed all of his life working closely with his wife Louise on various southwest Iowa farms where they raised their family. In 1957, he purchased a farm northeast of Clearfield. He retired from farming in 1980. He and Louise continued living on the family farm until moving into Lenox in 1997. Alva enjoyed being a farmer and the lifestyle it provided. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing when time allowed. Alva was a people person and knew no stranger! He had a tremendous sense of humor and wit and was always willing to share a story or two. Alva’s love was for his family, they were his main interest in life. He was a devoted husband who visited his wife Louise daily at the Lenox Care Center for the past two and one half years. He has been a member of the United Methodist Church for over fifty years. Left to cherish Alva’s memory are his wife Louise of Lenox; two sons Ronald Jones and wife Shirley of Joplin, Missouri; Donald Jones and wife Sharon of Marengo, Iowa; two daughters, Vicki Huffman and husband Dennis of Melcher, Iowa; and Nancy Riley and husband David of Lenox; eleven grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Preceding Alva in death were his parents; three brothers, Forrest, George and Horace Jones; three sisters, Faye Jones, Vivian Baker and Hazel Creveling. Memorials can be directed to the Lenox Public Library or the Ronald McDonald House. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Jones, Marcelene Mae Schuster - Marcelene Mae (Schuster) Jones was born January 1, 1928, in Blockton, Iowa the daughter of Cecil Carl Schuster and Garland Maude (Anderson) Schuster. She grew up in Athelstan attending school where she and her sister, Maxine Alvarez, lived with their granddad Alfred Anderson. They both enjoyed attending Sunday school. On February 3, 1947 she was united in marriage to William Henry Jones in Troy, Kansas. The couple lived for a short time in Sheridan, Missouri, returning to Athelstan to make their home. To this loving union three children were born, Linda Illene, Kenneth Lee and a still-born daughter Retha Cheryl were born. Marcelene loved attending the Holiness Christian Church in Athelstan. She enjoyed gardening, often times planting more than she could handle! She loved being around people and really looked forward to Sunday family dinners where the family ate a lot of chicken, and was well known for always wanting to bake from scratch. The highlight of the year for her was attending the Hopkins Picnic. She enjoyed listening to country music and was always a protective mother with her children. Marcelene was also known to “tell it how she thought it was” which was something her family found endearing. Left to cherish Marcelene’s memory are her son Kenneth Jones and wife Jane of Hopkins, Missouri; a step-son, Charlie Jones of Dodge City, Kansas; three grandchildren, Richard Frampton, Curtis Jones and Megan Jones; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Preceding Marcelene in death are her parents Cecil and Garland Schuster; her husband William Henry Jones; two daughters, Linda Frampton and Retha Cheryl Jones at infancy; and a sister Maxine Alvarez. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Marcelene’s passing.
Jones, Gerald Dean - Funeral services for Garry Jones, age 71 of Bedford, who died Sunday, June 1, 2008 at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines were held Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be directed to the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Let us so live that when we die, even the undertaker will be sorry. Thus was the life of Gerald Dean Jones. Garry was born at home in Taylor County on April 19, 1937, the son of Leland Roe Jones and Beulah Rose Phillips Jones. He died June 1, 2008, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa. Garry lived most of his life in Taylor County. He attended country school until his parents moved to Conway in 1949, where he graduated from Conway High School in 1955. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1959. His first teaching assignment was in Ravenwood, Missouri. He taught music there for one year and then went to Wiota and Anita, Iowa, and taught there for a couple of years. From there, he went to Bloomfield, Iowa, where he taught for approximately ten years. He attained his Masters Degree in 1972 from Northwest Missouri State University and then went to Ladysmith, Wisconsin where he taught for two years at Mount Senario College. During this time he met and married Janet Marie Fandel Carrell on July 1, 1977. Janet had a daughter Lisa and although he never formerly adopted her, Garry raised her and loved her unconditionally. Shortly after they were married, Garry and Janet moved back to Bedford where Garry taught for twenty years before retiring. They bought the Skylark Café in 1981, which they still own and operate. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Jones. Garry is survived by his wife, Janet Jones; daughter, Lisa Gould and husband, Troy of Johnston, Iowa; and two grandchildren, Jordan and Alexis; brother, Robert Jones and wife Phyllis of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Barbara A. Walston, of Bedford; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Garry was an excellent musician, teacher, father, grandfather, brother and husband. He was a mentor and friend to many students and customers. He touched the lives of all who knew him. Garry was a devoted husband, father and teacher to many children. His enthusiasm, humor, insight and wisdom will be missed by everyone.
Jones, Cleta L. Whitehead - Funeral services for Cleta Jones, age 84 of New Market, Iowa, were held Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Russ Clark and Loren Daly officiating. Visitation with the family was held 5-7 p.m., Monday, March 9. Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Cleta passed away Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Westridge Care and Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the New Market Fire and Rescue or to the New Market Church of Christ. 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. Cleta L Whitehead Jones was born October 15, 1924 near New Market, Iowa. She was the daughter of James Loury Whitehead and Lenna Gertrude (Cunning) Whitehead. She grew up in the New Market area and was a 1942 graduate of New Market High School. Cleta and Weldon Jones were united in marriage August 18, 1945 at Troy, Kansas. Cleta and Weldon were blessed with four children, Pat, Jeanne, Susie, and David. Following her graduation Cleta taught in rural schools in Taylor and Page County. She also cooked at the New Market School and worked at both grocery stores in New Market. Cleta was an excellent homemaker as well as cook and pie maker. She enjoyed dancing and playing cards. Cleta was a 50 year member of the Rebbekah Lodge. Family was very important to Cleta, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Left to cherish Cleta’s memory is her husband of over sixty three years, Weldon Jones of New Market, Iowa; children, Pat Knoke and husband Larry of Loveland, Colorado, Jeanne Showers and husband Eric of Clarinda, Iowa, Susie Caligiuri and husband Lenny of New Market, Iowa, David Jones and Dennis Boger of Clarinda, Iowa; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sister, Cleva Jobe and husband Floyd of New Market, Iowa; sister-in-law, Helen Whitehead of Clarinda, Iowa; sister-in-law, Olive Lombolo; nieces; nephews and many friends. Preceding Cleta in death were parents; brothers, Raymond Whitehead and Mike Whitehead; sister-in-law, Marie Whitehead and great granddaughter, Geneah Radke. Cleta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be greatly missed: her love and inspiration will live on through her family. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn her passing.

Jones, Weldon Earl - Funeral services for Weldon Jones, age 87, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into rest Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at his home in New Market, Iowa will be held Monday, August 17, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Russ Clark and Loren Daly officiating. Visitation will be from Noon-4 p.m., with the family present 2-4 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2009. Burial with military rites will be in the Memory Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the New Market Fire Department or to the New Market Church of Christ. 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. Weldon Earl Jones was born June 11, 1922, at Benton, Iowa, to Walter Earl Jones and Elsie Belle (Gunter) Jones. He grew up in the Conway area and graduated from Conway High School in 1939. Weldon served in the United States Army with the Medical Detachment of 10th Infantry during World War II in Central Europe. On August 18, 1945, Weldon was united in marriage to Cleta Whitehead at Troy, Kansas. They were blessed with four children, Pat, Jeanne, Susie and David. Weldon and Cleta lived in the Hepburn area, moving to New Market the early 1950’s, living in the same home for nearly sixty years. Weldon took pride in the New Market community where he had been active in the American Legion, Civic Club, City Council and a member of the New Market Fire Department. Weldon worked for thirty seven years for Taylor County Road Department. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and received an I.O.O. F. pin for 50 years. He collected coins and Lionel Trains, and attended many garage sales over the years and listened to the Elephant Shop on KMA always looking for a “deal”. Weldon was a people person and a good friend. He plowed everyone’s garden in New Market not to mention his own, which was quite large, growing a wide range of produce, especially potatoes, tomatoes and sweet corn. He and Cleta enjoyed square dancing, attending the local dances when they were younger. He enjoyed the outdoors and being active. After his first retirement, Weldon worked at the Clarinda Treatment Complex from 1996-2007, when his hip surgery forced him to retire at the age of 85, which did give him more time to go to garage sales and auctions. Preceding Weldon in death were his parents; wife, Cleta Jones; two brothers, Cecil Jones and Thomas Jones; sister, Treva Jones; great granddaughter, Geneah Radke; sister-in-law and brother–in-law, Marie and Raymond Whitehead; brothers-in-law, Milo “Mike” Whitehead and Floyd Jobe. Left to cherish Weldon’s memory are his children, Pat Knoke and husband Larry of Loveland, Colorado, Jeanne Showers and husband Eric of Clarinda, Iowa, Susie Caligiuri and husband Lenny of New Market, Iowa, David Jones and Dennis Boger of Clarinda, Iowa; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sister, Olive Lombolo of Snohomish, Washington; sisters-in-law, Cleva Jobe of New Market, Iowa and Helen Whitehead of New Market, Iowa; nieces; nephews and many friends. Weldon was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and will be greatly missed: his love and inspiration will live on through his family. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.

Johnston, William E. "Bill" - Funeral services for William E. “Bill” Johnston, age 85 of Bedford, who died Thursday, July 30, 2009 at his home will be held Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr at 2:00 p.m. with military rites accorded by the Mount Ayr American Legion Post No. 172 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Taylor County Museum or the UCPC Church. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. William E. “Bill” Johnston, youngest son of Horace A. and Martha Jane (Young) Johnston, was born December 17,1923 in Diagonal, Iowa and died peacefully at his home July 30,2009 in Bedford, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 13 days. He attended elementary schools in Newton, Grinnell, and Mount Ayr and graduated in 1941 from Diagonal High School. Bill served nearly 3 years in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theatre of Operations with the 3062nd QM Bakery Company Mobile Special. On December 15, 1946 Bill married Alice Mae Jones at the Diagonal Methodist Church Parsonage. Shortly after, they moved to Bedford where Bill was associated in the Johnston Implement Company with his brothers, Dick and Tim Johnston. In 1961 Bill sold his part of the business and spent the next 6 years farming. In 1956, Bill was elected Taylor County Treasurer where he served 4 years. From 1961-1967 he was employed as a Field Representative for what is now the IRS for Southwest Iowa and from 1968-1970 he served as an auditor under Lloyd R. Smith, Iowa State Auditor, in the municipalities and schools divisions. In 1971 Bill opened an accounting and tax preparation service. Later property and casualty insurance, real estate and securities were added. Bill was a member of the United Christian-Presbyterian Church, Bedford Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Club, Odd Fellows, Masons, all York Rite Masonic Orders, Order of Eastern Star, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, a 64-year member of the American Legion, board member of the Selective Service System of Iowa, and treasurer of the Bedford Community Housing Association, which he helped organize. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Taylor County Museum. One of the highlights of Bill’s life was renewing friendships with his army buddies and trying to locate those with whom he had lost contact. He communicated with them on a regular basis and helped organize 24 reunions across the country. Some of Bill’s interests were genealogy, gardening, collecting coins and plates, reading and baking bread. Preceding Bill in death were his parents, Horace and Martha; a sister Mildred and a brother Robert, who both died at birth; his brothers Robert (Bob)Johnston, Richard (Dick) Johnston, and Thomas (Tim) Johnston; sister-in-law Floretta Johnston; nephew Billy Lee Johnston; parents-in-law Zell and Bessie Jones; and brother-in-law James (Jim) Jones. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Alice Mae Johnston; sisters-in-law Lola Louise Johnston, Alice Lucille Johnston, and Edna Jones; brother-in-law Bob Jones (wife Margo). Bill had a great love for his many nieces and nephews and their extended families. One special great nephew is his namesake, William Thomas Boos. Bill also leaves behind his good buddy “Pudd” (Kirsten Ritchie). Bill will be missed by his entire family and his many friends. We will hold the memories of his wisdom and counsel as a wonderful gift of encouragement. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Jobe, Floyd Conlin - Funeral services for Floyd Jobe, age 83 of New Market, Iowa, who died Monday, April 13, 2009 at his home in New Market, Iowa were held Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Russ Clark and Loren Daly officiating. Masonic rites will be held 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15 at the funeral home with visitation with family following until 8:00 p.m. Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials can be directed to Siam Church of Christ. 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. Floyd Conlin Jobe was born May 29, 1925 in Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Conlin and Blanche (Fine) Jobe and entered into rest April 13, 2009 at his home in New Market, Iowa. As a youngster he grew up in the Sidney, Iowa area where he performed trick roping at the Sidney Rodeo. He attended school at Sidney and New Market. Floyd served two years in the American Merchant Marines during World War II. On March 26, 1945, he was united in marriage to Cleva Whitehead. They were blessed with two children, James and Jacky. Floyd operated a road grader for seventeen years for Taylor County. He then served on the Board of Supervisors for sixteen years. Following his retirement, he worked at Easter’s True Value and Poore’s Plumbing in Clarinda. Floyd was a member of the Siam Church of Christ, the New Market American Legion and a fifty year member of the Siam Masonic Lodge. Family was the most important thing to him, and giving to them was his greatest joy. Floyd was a man with a great sense of humor and he had a way all his own for telling a good story. He loved playing pitch and naming trump. Preceding Floyd in death were his parents; grandson, Chad Rucker, nephew Wes Ferguson; sisters-in-law, Cleta Jones and Marie Whitehead; brothers-in-law, Raymond Whitehead and Milo Whitehead. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Cleva Jobe of New Market, Iowa; son, Jim Jobe and wife Birdice of New Market, Iowa; daughter, Jacky Rucker of New Market, Iowa; grandchildren, Laurie Fountain and husband Bruce of Gretna, Nebraska, Shaun Rucker and wife Sarah of Des Moines, Iowa, Carrie Geer and husband Gene of Treynor, Iowa, Scott Jobe and wife Alisha of New Market, Iowa, Emily Smith and husband Geoff of Raleigh, North Carolina; seven great grandchildren, Tayler and Trenton Geer, Nicholas and Benjamin Fountain, Grant and Presley Jobe, Ivy Smith; sister, Evelyne Villines of Des Moines, Iowa; brother, Ronald Jobe and wife Mary of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law, Helen Whitehead; brother-in-law, Weldon Jones; nieces; nephews and many friends. Floyd’s humor, insight and kindness will be missed by everyone. His love and inspiration will live on through his family. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.
Jenkins, Eldon Merle - Funeral services for Eldon Jenkins, age 82, of Creston, formerly of Lenox, who died Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at his home were held Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 were held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to Green Valley Hospice or to the Lenox American Legion. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox. Eldon Merle Jenkins was born June 7, 1922 in Griswold, Iowa the son of John Edwin Jenkins and Abbey Ellen Forsyth Jenkins. He grew up on a farm southeast of Griswold where he attended rural schools and the Griswold High School. He also attended Aircraft Maintenance School in Omaha. In 1941, he was united in marriage to Ruth L. Burton in Lincoln Center. Four children were born to bless this union, David, Dennis, Debbie and Deann. He and Ruth later moved to Los Angeles, California where he worked for an aircraft factory. He was drafted into the United States Army Air corps and served during World War II as a Gunner and later in Maintenance working as a Flight Crew Chief on B-17’s and B-29’s. After the war, he returned to Griswold where he went to work for Lloyd and Meredith for a short time. He then rented a farm from Matt Meredith and later purchased that farm in 1957 located near Cumberland. In 1963, he purchased Harry Reese’s farm near Stringtown, also purchasing other farms in the area. On November 17, 1967, he was united in marriage to Isabelle Thompson in Lincoln, Nebraska, born to bless this union was a son Eric. In 1992, he semi-retired and continued to help his son-in-law and daughter, Kevin and Deb, on the family farm. In March of 2003, he and Isabelle moved to Creston. Eldon had been a long-time member of the Stringtown Church prior to moving to Creston where he became a member of the Creston Christian Church. He was a lifetime member of the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 in Lenox. During Eldon’s life, some of his favorite things were farming, airplanes, playing cards and traveling. He loved to visit with people and was an excellent storyteller. After moving to Creston, he enjoyed his new friends and neighbors at Quiet Harbor and especially enjoyed watching ‘The Price Is Right’ and ‘Jeopardy’ on TV. Left to cherish Eldon’s memory is his wife Isabelle of Creston; three sons David Jenkins and wife Judy of St. Peter, Minnesota; Dennis Jenkins and wife Dona of Lenox; and Eric Jenkins and wife Linda of Prescott; two daughters Debra Sweeney and husband Kevin of Lenox; and Deann Jenkins of Creston; three step-children, Jack Butler and wife Kelly of Independence, Missouri; Kady Russell and husband John of Grimes, Iowa; and Kelly Butler of Prescott; two brothers, J.L. Jenkins of Mesa, Arizona; and Delbert Jenkins and wife Margie of Red Oak, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren, Todd Jenkins; Brian Jenkins and wife Jodi; Scott Jenkins; Stephen Jenkins and wife Dianne; Chad Jenkins; Shane Sweeney and fiancé Meghann Wild; Courtney Brown and husband Ryan; Kerry Sweeney; Trenton, Logan and Gabrielle Jenkins; Tyler Brokaw; Taylor Butler; Malissa Richardson and husband Aaron; Chris Hogan and wife Nicole; Jay Russell and wife Kandace; Trisha Boughn and husband Todd; T.J. Butler and wife Reagan; ten great-grandchildren, Jordan, Emily, Paige and Abbey Jenkins; Kristen Brown; Colton and McKinna Hogan; Will Butler, Keegan Russell; and Macy Boughn; along with a host of family members and friends. Preceding Eldon in death are his parents; his first wife Ruth in 2002; a sister, Annette Jenkins; and a sister-in-law, Flossie Jenkins. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Eldon’s passing.
Johnston, Bernice Ada Johnson - Bernice A. Johnston,88, of Shenandoah, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2003, at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Bernice A. Johnston Bernice Ada Johnston, the daughter of Leslie J. and Esther V. (Lundguist) Johnson was born August 20, 1915, at Gravity, Iowa, and passed away October 14, 2003, in Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up in Dallas Township, Bernice was the oldest of seven children. She attended her first eight years in school at Barton School. After graduating from country school, she attended high school at Gravity, Iowa and then transferred to Clarinda High School where she graduated in 1934. After studying for her teaching certificate, she began her teaching career in 1936 at country schools in Taylor and Adams Counties where she taught for 16 years. On February 5, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, Bernice was united in marriage to Donald Holder and to this union; Bonnie, Olin, and Nancy were born. At that time, she was a homemaker taking care of their home and children. In 1954, she moved with her children back to Taylor County near Nodaway, Iowa. In the fall of 1956, she moved near Corning, Iowa, where she resumed her teaching career. On November 16, 1968, Bernice was married to Charles E. Johnston, living in Corning, where she continued to teach elementary school until she retired with a total of 26 years of teaching. She then became a nurse’s aid working at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Corning for 15 years, retiring in 1986. She then stayed home taking care of their home until her husband, Charles, passed away on February 16, 1990. In April 2000, Bernice moved to Shenandoah where she maintained her home until her passing. Bernice had many hobbies but especially enjoyed quilting and sewing. She loved to grow flowers and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was known to be a great cook and to keep her children on the “straight and narrow”. Bernice was a member of the United Methodist Church throughout her life at Guss and Mt. Etna, Iowa, Corning and Shenandoah. Preceding Bernice in death were her parents; husband, Charles E. Johnston; brother and sister in law, Dean and Donnis Johnson; granddaughter, Darlene Haley; sister-in-law, Kathrine Johnson; and brother-in-law, Mayburn Johnston. Survivors include her children, Bonnie Ganow and husband, Gary, of Omaha, Olin Holder of Afton, Iowa, and Nancy Collins and husband, Chris, of Shenandoah; eight grandchildren, Billy, Kenny, Bobby, and Jimmy Haley, Brandy, Donald John Holder, Theresa Bacon and Angella Collins. Also surviving are brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Nadine Johnson of Villisca, Ray and Rose Johnson of Corning, Marvin and Marvis Johnson of St. Joseph, Missouri, Norman and Connie Johnson of Morgan Hill, California; sister and brother-in-law, Betsy and Virgil Williams of Auburn, California and sister-in-law, Mildred Johnston of Savannah, Missouri; six great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends. A celebration of Bernice’s life was held 10:30 A.M. Friday at Maple Grove Cemetery near Guss, Iowa. Reverend Jim Gubser officiated and Onalee Czapla served at the register book. Memorials may be directed to the Bernice Johnston Memorial Fund. The Selby Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements.
Johnston, Thomas Junior - Thomas Junior Johnston was born on April 4, 1933 in Blockton, Iowa, to Thomas and Wavie (Ralston) Johnston. He died at his home in Columbia City, Oregon, on January 10, 2009. He was 75 years old. Tom, as he was always known, joined the Air Force to serve his country. After an honorable discharge, he came back to Iowa and worked as a Fireman for the Des Moines Fire Department. In the late 960’s he moved to Edmonds, Washington and worked for the Boeing and Edmonds Fire Departments. After an injury ended his firefighting career; he worked as a loss control investigator for several insurance companies. Helping people was second nature. Junior was a past master of the Royal Arch Masonic Lodge, a member of the Elks Lodge, and a lay minister of the Episcopal Church. He was also very active with both the Cursillo and Kairos ministries. In 1999 he and his wife, Beth moved to Florence, Oregon where they enjoyed camping, and participating in community theatre. Tom was a natural on stage and very supportive behind the scenes. He also enjoyed cooking, traveling, and playing games. He’ll be remembered for his ability to make people laugh. In 2007 Tom and Beth moved to Columbia City, Oregon to be closer to family and medical facilities. Tom is survived by his wife, Beth, Children: Sharon Gastkill of Lynnwood, Washington and Kirby D. Johnston of Kennesaw, Georgia; step-sons: Douglas A. White of Florence, Charles E. White of Marysville, Washington, Kenneth P. White and David T. white both of Seattle, and Scott a. White of Bellingham, Washington; and a brother, Gary Johnston of Des Moines, Iowa, and 11 grandchildren. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 3:00 P.M. at St. Albans Episcopal Church in Edmonds, Washington. A Celebration of Life will be held later in Florence, Oregon. Contributions are suggested to Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067 – Longview, WA 98632 or Radiation Oncology Department – St. John Medical Center- P.O. Box 3002 – Longview, WA 98632. On line condolences may be made to the family at www.columbiafh.com.
Johnson, Everett "Ray" - Everett Ray Johnson, son of Leslie and Ester (Lundquist) Johnson was born in New Market, Iowa on Wednesday, January 24, 1923. Ray entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa at the age of eighty-six years, two months and thirty days. Celebration of life services were held on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Maple Grove Untied Methodist Church in Guss, Iowa with burial at the Maple Grove Cemetery. After graduating New Market High School, Ray started his life long passion for farming. Ray proudly served his country in the Army during WWII where he was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupational Medal for his campaigns in Central Europe. Ray was honorably discharged on July 10, 1946. Ray returned to farming and farmed until retiring at the age of 79 years, due to ill health. Ray’s first wife, Katherine (Garten) Johnson, passed away in 1958, shortly after the birth of their daughter. Ray was married to Mary “Rose” (Spencer) Johnson in Mt. Ayr, Iowa in 1965. Together, the couple raised their four children: Randy, Rodney, Cindy and Richard and enjoyed their life on the farm. Ray cherished his wife, children and his relationships with his friends. He treasured his grandchildren and his horses. Ray was a fifty year member of the American Legion in Gravity and the Maple Grove Untied Methodist Church in Guss. Left to cherish Ray’s memory is his wife, Mary Johnson of Corning, Iowa; sons: Randy (wife Cindy) Johnson and Rodney (wife LaVaun) Johnson, both of Corning, Iowa; daughter, Cindy (husband Jim) Johnson Nardini of Omaha, Nebraska; step-son, Richard (wife Sandi) Salen of Bedford, Iowa; grandchildren: Andrew (misty) Johnson of Corning, Iowa, Tina (Chris) Boswell of Corning, Iowa, Jeremiah (Lisa) Johnson of Bedford, Iowa, Joyanna Reimer of Corning, Iowa, Colton Johnson of Springfield, Missouri, A.J. Nardini and Cole Nardini, both of Omaha, Nebraska; step-grandchildren, Dory (Erik) Clausen of Creston, Iowa; seven great-grandchildren; brothers: Marvin Johnson of St. Joseph, Missouri, Wayne Johnson of Villisca, Iowa, Norman Johnson of California and sister Betsy Williams of California. Ray was preceded in death his parents; first wife, Katherine Johnson; brother, Dean Johnson; sister, Bernice Johnston and grandson-in-law, Landen Reimer. Pearson-Coen-Beaty Family Funeral Service of Corning was in are of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Maple Grove United Methodist Church and/or the Maple Grove Cemetery. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.