Florence Reynolds, longtime resident of Adams County, Iowa, died on February 28th, 2009 at her son’s home in Colorado after a five month struggle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was 88.
Born August 30, 1920 in her parent’s farmhouse southeast of Corning, Florence was the daughter of Clifford and Margaret Casey, and grew up on the farm which was homesteaded by her great-grandfather, John Casey. She attended a one-room schoolhouse. On August 23rd, 1941 she married Woodrow Reynolds from Nodaway. Woodrow started working for Swift and Company in 1941, and entered the Army in 1943. Florence was with him during stateside training until he left for duty in the South Pacific. After the war, Woodrow returned to Swift and Company, which took them to assignments in Des Moines, Phoenix, and Omaha. They returned to Corning after retirement. Widowed in 1995, Florence remained in their Corning home until late 2007, when she bought an apartment and moved to Aurora, Colorado, to be near her son.
Florence lived a simple, unassuming life, devoted to family and friends. Her passing was quiet and peaceful. She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow, her parents, and three sisters: Wilma Armagost, Leota Jones, and Ila Eirvins.
She is survived by her son, Cliff Reynolds, and his wife Jan, and two grandchildren: Kristy DeAnda of Windsor, Colorado, and Scott Reynolds of Krakow, Poland, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Rainforth, Gordon Richard "Dick" - Funeral services for Gordon “Dick” Rainforth, age 79 of New Market, Iowa, who died Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center, Bedford, Iowa were held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Russ Clark officiating. Visitation with the family was held 5-7 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2008, at the funeral home. Burial with military rites by American Legion John F. Hardin Post 164, Bedford, Iowa was in the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. A memorial will be established. 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.

Gordon Richard Rainforth was born March 18, 1929 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Roy Francis Rainforth and Harriet (Fleming) Rainforth. His mother died three days after his birth. His adoptive parents were Frank Dean Fleming and Bertha (Herring) Fleming. Dick grew up in the Gravity area and was a 1948 graduate of Gravity High School. Dick served in the United States Army 1952-1953 during the Korean Conflict.

On November 27, 1953, Dick was united in marriage to Shirley Brown at Lenox, Iowa. This union was blessed with four children, James Dean, Jon Douglas, Celinda Lee and Richard Ray. They raised their family in the New Market area where they farmed. Dick also worked at NSK Corporation in Clarinda from 1977-1989 when he retired.

Dick was a member of the New Market Church of Christ. He was a past member of the Gravity and New Market American Legion. Dick was an outdoors person; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and also enjoyed all sports.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Shirley Rainforth of New Market, Iowa; sons, James Dean Rainforth and wife Susan of Anchorage, Alaska, Jon Douglas Rainforth and wife Marilyn of Baudette, Minnesota, Richard Ray Rainforth and wife Marie of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Celinda Lee Jeter of Solon, Iowa; grandchildren, Jamie Sue and husband Don, Rebecca LaRae, Joshua Jade and wife Misti, Jared James, Nicholas Aaron and wife Kelsi, Chelsea Nicole, Brenna Michelle, McKenzie Renea, Alexa Marie, Mattea Ann; great grandchildren, Madison Rose, Joshua Jakob, Cooper Wayne, Annabella, LaRae Carynn, Avari Jae, Caden Douglas; brother, Norman Dale Rainforth and wife Reah of Papillion, Nebraska; nieces and nephews and many friends.

Preceding Dick in death were his biological and adoptive parents; brothers, Harold Rainforth and wife Ardyce, Gerald Rainforth and wife Catherine; grandchildren, Nathan Adam and Cole Feazel.


Dick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He will be missed by his entire family and many friends
but the memories will remain in our hearts forever.
May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.

Rankin, Ben K. - Funeral services for Ben Rankin, age 66 of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Bedford, who died Monday, October 22, 2007 at his home were held Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society. 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.

Ben K. Rankin was born June 19, 1941, in Bedford, Iowa the son of Dale D. Rankin and Blanche C. (Cummings) Rankin. Ben's family moved to Omaha, Nebraska when he was two years old, however, he spent many wonderful summers in Bedford with his grandparents and cousins. He graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1959 where he enjoyed playing in the high school band. He attended the University of Omaha (now UNO) while working at Omaha National Bank. Ben stayed in the local banking industry for the duration of his career, and notably he reached the position of President at Western Security Bank where he served for many years. During his career, he was a member of the North Omaha Optimist Club, the Lions Club and the M.O.B.A. Ben concluded his banking service at Citizen's State Bank of Oakland, Iowa at the age of 63 to enjoy retirement.

On June 23, 1962, Ben was united in marriage to Beverly J. Adams in Omaha, Nebraska. Two sons, J Alan and Lee Michael were born to bless their marriage. Ben enjoyed music and had been a member of a dance band that played in small towns in Nebraska and Iowa. Ben spent time outdoors, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting and later trap shooting with his family and friends. Ben liked taking trips to Colorado and Canada, along with visiting nearby towns for local events. He dined with friends and family often and recently took to visiting Iowa and Nebraska wineries. He enjoyed watching football, a fan of the sport, he favored the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and most recently, the Ohio Bobcats. Ben loved old western movies and likely never found a spaghetti western he did not like. While not a golfer himself, Ben kept a close eye on the professionals of the sport.

Left to cherish Ben's memory are his loving wife of forty-five years, Beverly J. Rankin of Omaha; his mother, Blanche C. Rankin of Omaha; two sons, J Alan Rankin and wife Sherry and Lee M. Rankin, all of Omaha; two grandchildren, Max and Kayln Kaslon both of Omaha; a brother, William C. Rankin of Winter Park, Florida; along with his mother-in-law Ethel Adams; three sisters-in-law, Judy McCarthy, Sandy Givens and Linda Costa; three brothers-in-law, William Adams, Ralph Givens, and Tony Costa; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Dale D. Rankin.

Ben was dearly loved and will be missed by all of his friends and family.

Ratekin, Donald Arthur - Donald Arthur Ratekin, 87, of Risen Son Christian Village, Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away quietly in his sleep with family by his side on Wednesday, February 24, 2010.
Donald was born August 17, 1922, on the family farm near Hopkins, Missouri, the son of Ralph Donald and Gladys (Peach) Ratekin. He was the oldest son of four children. Mr. Ratekin lived in and around Bedford, Iowa until joining the service in 1943 where he served with distinction alongside his comrades in the Field Artillery, Headquarters Battery, VII Corps. While in the service, Donald served five campaigns (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe) where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1944.
On February 1, 1947, he married Anna Ailee Campbell, formerly of Bedford, Iowa, while a student at Iowa State University. Following their marriage, Don and Lee lived in several places, including 30 years in Allegan, Michigan, before retiring to North Carolina.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and Surveying (1950), he was associated for 13 years with the county highway departments in Iowa and Michigan before founding in 1963, Donald a. Ratekin &n Associates Inc., a consulting engineering firm and as the Allegan county Surveyor; both of which he retired from in 1986.
After t2 years of marriage and the passing of Ailee, Donald returned to Iowa in 2001 where he has since resided. This is where in 2002 he re-met and married his loving wife Sarah Evelyn (Tracy) of Wichita, Kansas, with whom he shared love, adventures, and many wonderful times together.
Donald was a past member of the Shriners Club, Elks Club, Rotary, Free and Accepted Masons, Michigan Society of Registered Land Surveyors, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Red Cross, Iowa State University Alumni Association (life member) and numerous other organizations. He was also a member of the Broadway United Methodist Church, Council Bluffs.
Left to celebrate his life and honor his memory besides his loving wife Sarah are his three children, Roger Donald, (April Frances Koss) (Berkley, Michigan) Bruce Norman, (Dublin, Ohio), and Jane Ann, (Gregory David) Stephens, (Inkster, Michigan) and stepsons Kenneth Terry (Sheri Robinson) McMillen, (Wichita, Kansas) and Roger Lloyd (Lee Ann Alva) McMillen, (Seattle, Washington). He has four grandchildren, Jonathon Micheal (Kimberly Lynn Andrews) and Jessica Ailee Stephens and Robert Donald and Amanda Ailee (fiancé Jacob William Sullivan) Ratekin, one great grandson, Jonathon James Stephens and step-grandchildren, Gabriel, Tess, Willie, and Nikki and step-great grandchildren, London, William, Caden, Benjamin and Madeline. He is also survived by his sister, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Opal Irene (Ratekin) and Joseph Daryl Cooper (Council Bluffs, Iowa); Rachel Gladys (Jefferson) Ratekin (Oldsmar, Florida); and Beverly Ann (Rasmussen) Ratekin (Council Bluffs, Iowa) as well as several nieces and nephews and his wife’s extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, brothers-in-law John Bernard Halbert Sr., Albert Edward Campbell Jr., and sisters-in-law Joyce Lucille (Falk) Ratekin, Romona Lorraine (Campbell) Halbert, Sally Kay (Campbell) Angel.
A memorial service was held Friday, 11 a.m. at Cutler-O’Neil-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home. Internment take place in the Graceland Cemetery, Taylor County, Iowa at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Broadway United Methodist Church (11 South First Street-Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503) or Risen Son Christian Village (3000 Risen Son Blvd. – Council Bluffs, IA 51503).

Reason, Kenneth Claire "Kenny" - Funeral services for Kenny Reason, age 80, of Lenox, who died Friday, October 2, 2009 at the Lenox Care Center were held Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation was held from 12:00 noon until service time on Sunday. Cremation followed the services with interment of ashes to be held at a later date. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Kenneth Claire Reason was born on May 11, 1929 in Adams County, Iowa the oldest of three sons born to Cecil Reason and Violet (Haines) Reason. He grew up attending school in Lenox through the eighth grade and enjoyed attending Lenox High School athletic activities. Kenny was a mechanic, and he liked working with Bing Miller and Dave Sweeney. Kenny was a ‘friend to everyone’ and a strong member of the Lenox Community. In later years, he enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and Notre Dame Football.

Left to cherish Kenny’s memory are his two brothers, Robert Reason and wife Lois of Golden, Illinois; and Keith Reason and wife Janice of Clear Lake, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews and a community of friends.

Preceding Kenny in death are his parents Cecil and Violet Reason.

Kenny will be missed by his family and the Lenox Community.

Reed, Sandra Kay - Funeral services for Sandra Kay Reed, age 66, of Lenox, who died Monday, March 22, 2010 at her home will be held Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lenox Christian Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Interment will be held at West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Sandra Kay Reed was born May 29, 1943, in Taylor County, Iowa the daughter of Johnny and Irene (Lane) Reed. She grew up attending school in Lenox graduating with the Class of 1962. Over the years, Sandra babysat, sold Avon products, worked at Pappetties and was a volunteer at the local Neighborhood Center. Family was her life and she loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and looked forward to celebrating birthdays and Christmas with everyone in her family. She also enjoyed fishing and begin around horses. Sandra was a member of the Lenox Christian Church.

Left to cherish Sandra’s memory are her brother Marvin Reed and wife Norma of Lenox; a sister Shirley Aldrich and husband Robert of Des Moines; four nephews Stephen Reed and wife Jacqi; Jeffrey Reed and wife Carla; Barry Aldrich; Mark Aldrich and wife Penny; a niece Susan Miller and husband Dan; a special friend Joe Meier and family; along with her great-nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Preceding Sandra in death are her parents Johnny and Irene Reed.

Sandra’s enthusiasm for life will be missed by everyone.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Reed, Theodore Glen - Theodore Glen Reed was born August 8, 1957 in Clarinda, Iowa, the son of Howard Swan and Helen Louise (Eitzen) Reed. He passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 51 years, 3 months and 17 days.

Ted grew up in Page County and graduated from South Page High School in 1976. He lived in Arizona for several years, returning to the Shenandoah area recently. He owned and operated his own contracting business doing home improvement projects in the area. Ted was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching football, baseball and basketball on television as well as playing golf when time would allow.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard; and a sister, Rebecca.

Survivors include his mother, Helen Reed of Shenandoah, Iowa; siblings, Michael Reed and his wife Donna of Brooklyn, New York, Bobbi Osborn and her husband Randy of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Jeff Reed and his wife Molly of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces and nephews, Zachary Osborn and his wife Kate of Columbia, Missouri, Brian Osborn and his wife Mackenzie of Altoona, Iowa, Reggie Osborn and his wife Melissa of Novi, Michigan, Lindsey Castle and her husband Trevor of Pella, Iowa, Joel Reed and his wife Jill of Omaha, Nebraska, Kelsey, Timothy, Luke and David Reed all of Omaha, Nebraska, Drew Reed of Phoenix, Arizona, Morgan Knaff and her husband Patric of Lincoln, Nebraska; an aunt, Kathryn Nelson of Omaha, Nebraska; an uncle, Ivan Eitzen and his wife Helen of Essex, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.

Renfro, Almira Elizabeth Stewart - Celebration of Life services for Almira Elizabeth Renfro will be Saturday, July 19, 2008, at 10:30 at Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held prior to the services at 10:00 a.m. at the Siam Cemetery, Siam, Iowa. The family will be greeting friends from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home prior to burial.

Almira Elizabeth Renfro, age 100, born August 7, 1907 in Siam, IA; daughter of Joseph Albert Stewart and Hattie Jane Gant, died July 12, 2008 at Lyons Good Samaritan Center, Lyons, KS.

Almira married Benjamin Butler Renfro (38 years) February 17, 1927, Bedford, IA. She lived the past 10 years at the Lyons Good Samaritan Center and also lived at Hopkins, MO and Tucson, AZ. She was a member of the New Testament Baptist, Tucson, AZ; and was a homemaker and nurse at Tucson General Hospital.

Survivors include a son Bennie Renfro (Leah) Ellsworth, KS; Daughters Glenda Finerty (Dick) Tucson, AZ; Shirley Hardee (Smith) Belton, MO; and brother Eldon Stewart Stanton, IA; 13 grandchildren and numerous Great Grandchildren and numerous Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband January 3, 1965. Memorials may be given to Lyons Good Samaritan Center.

Reynolds, Darrell L. - Funeral services for Darrell L. Reynolds, age 88, of Lenox, who died Saturday, April 11, 2009, at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning will be held Friday, April 17, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 and a Masonic Service at 4:30 p.m. all at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Darrell L. Reynolds was born one-half mile east of Carbon, Iowa on September 12, 1920 to Perry and Nora (Mason) Reynolds. He was the tenth of eleven children. Darrell was raised and attended school in Nodaway, Iowa. Because of his large family and remembering his mother always in a wheelchair, he learned a sense of responsibility early in life for helping his family. Later, Darrell joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and sent all but $1.00 of his monthly check home. He also worked in the Carbon coal mines.

Darrell met Marjorie Morris, a rural school teacher in the Lenox area, at the Fall 1941 Iowa State Teachers’ Convention in Des Moines. He played a trick on her that weekend by tying her shoestrings in knots. Darrell then asked Marjorie if he could come to Lenox to see her. The following weekend, Marjorie saw him driving his car on Main Street looking for her. After falling in love, they eloped and were married on August 23, 1942 at the Methodist Parsonage in Rockport, Missouri.

Darrell worked for the Tanvilac Company in Des Moines prior to enlisting in the service in October 1942. Darrell, along with three of his brothers, served during World War II. He received his basic training at Camp Perry, Virginia. Darrell served in the U.S. Navy Seabees in the Construction Battalion. He was stationed in the South Pacific on the islands of American Samoa, New Caledonia, Tonga, Saipan, and Tinian.

Following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Naval Service in December 1945, Darrell returned to Lenox, Iowa where he started his own business, “Darrell Reynolds Building and Plumbing.” Always a perfectionist, Darrell enjoyed finish work. He built and remodeled many homes and businesses in Lenox and surrounding areas. Darrell also remodeled several churches including the Lenox United Methodist Church and Mercer Center United Methodist Church. Evident in every home, church, and business that he worked on, is the great pride that Darrell took in his work.

In November 1947, Darrell and Marjorie had twin daughters, Connie and Kathie. Always having a great sense of humor, Darrell told others he got two for the price of one and had requested that Marjorie have them on the weekend so he would not miss any work.

Darrell was a member of the Lenox United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign War.

After retiring, Darrell and Marjorie enjoyed traveling and camping with friends and family. They first purchased a trailer, then a motor home and began spending winters in Arizona, Nevada, California, and everywhere else Darrell said that little trailer would go.

Darrell’s faith and family were most important in his life. He passed away Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa at the age of 88. Left to cherish Darrell’s memories are his loving wife of 66 years, Marjorie Reynolds of Lenox, Iowa and daughters, Connie Comes and her husband Jim of Atlantic, Iowa and Kathie Kolosick and her husband Stu of Norfolk, Nebraska. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren Chad Comes and his wife Tresa, Kelli Welvaert and her husband Gerry, Kara Baumert and her husband Corey, Drew Comes and his wife Kim, Kayleen Brewer and her husband Jeff, Daniel Comes, and Elizabeth Comes and her fiancé Abram Babcock, and nine great-grandchildren Tyler, Dylan, and Lauren Comes, Nora and Nicole Welvaert, Brynn and Kennedy Baumert, Lola Comes, and Tristan Brewer. Darrell is also survived by one sister, Imogene Miller of Corning, Iowa, two brothers-in-law, Hal Dean Morris of Kent, Iowa, and Robert Morris (and his wife Verna) of Lenox, Iowa, two sisters-in-law, Myrtle Reynolds of Greeley, Colorado and Helen Jean Morris of Winterset, Iowa as well as many nieces and nephews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Nora and Perry Reynolds, his sisters Evah Kerr Hagie and husbands, Nina Agnew and husband Floyd, Ruby Agnew and husband Darley, Ruth Carter Adams and husbands, his brothers Everett Reynolds, Horatio Reynolds and wife Gladys, Herbert Reynolds and wife Marybelle, Woodrow Reynolds and wife Florence, and Francis Reynolds and wife Ruth, his mother-and father-in law Helen and Claude Morris, his brother-in-law Kenneth Morris, sister-in-law Pat Morris and nephews Jack Carter, Fred Reynolds, and Jim Agnew.

Darrell was loved and cherished by his family. He was a loyal, honest, loving husband, a caring, supportive father, a playful, gentle grandfather, and a proud great-grandfather.

If you were blessed to know Darrell, then you know what love is. He will be missed more than words can express.

Ridnour, Helen Irene Dawson - Helen Irene Ridnour passed away March 19, 2010, at Westridge Care Facility, at the age of 86 years, 2 months and 19 days. Helen Irene Dawson was born December 28, 1923, to John William Dawson and Susie Opal McNees in Taylor County, Iowa. She was the oldest of five children living on a farm in rural Bedford. Her siblings included: Bill, Donna, Hazel, Betty and Mamie.

Helen attended Bedford Community Schools and graduated from there in 1942. After graduating, Helen worked at Bat’s Candy Kitchen in Bedford as a waitress while still living at home. Her friends began to attend square dances in the Gravity, New Market and Bedford area; this is where she met Harry Don.

On May 13, 1948, Harry Don and Helen were united in marriage in Bedford. In 1950, their first son, Larry Don was born. Three boys followed: William (Bill) Duane, 1951; Freddie (Fred) Dean, 1958 and Harry David, 1960. During this time, Helen focused on the large task of raising four ornery boys! In her spare time, she canned, sewed all of the family’s clothing and milked the cows. Helen was very devoted to her family and always had many stories to tell.

In 1976, Harry Don and Helen retired from the farm and moved to 408 Jackson Street in Bedford with Fred and Harry David still of the home. She worked at the Taylor County Care Facility as a cook in the kitchen and later at Bedford Nursing and Rehab as a cook before her retirement in the early 1980’s.

In June 1989, Helen’s life partner and husband, Harry Don, passed away. In September, she moved to Foster Manor Assisted Living Apartments in Clarinda. Helen lived there until 2003 and then due to health reasons, she moved to Westridge Care Facility. During this time, Helen still enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events and visiting with her family.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband Harry Don Ridnour; sisters Donna Marshall, Mamie Wagoner, Hazel Smalley and Betty Powell; brother Bill Dawson.

Helen is survived by her four sons: Larry Don and his wife Ann of Gravity, William Duane of Ames, Freddie Dean and wife Roseanna of Holts Summit, Missouri and Harry David and his wife Michelle of Clarinda; grandchildren Pamela Stone and husband Rob of New Bloomfield, Missouri, Susan Ridnour of Gravity, Rebecca Cornish of Des Moines, Will Ridnour of Des Moines, Billie Jo Ridnour of Ames, Timothy Ridnour of Missouri, David Ridnour of Missouri, Heidi Beatty and husband Matt of Parnell, Missouri and Harry Robert Ridnour of Clarinda; sister-in-law Donna Dawson of Bedford; brother-in-law Richard Marshall of Clarinda; nephew Clay Heuer and wife Judy of Clarinda; great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Helen Irene Dawson Ridnour, 86, will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Visitation is scheduled Monday evening from 6:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home.

Following the committal service, the family invites you to the Greater Hope Community Church in Clarinda for lunch and fellowship.

Memorials are suggested to the Helen Ridnour Memorial Fund.

Riley, Kenneth Lloyd - Funeral services for Kenneth Riley, age 92 of Lenox, Iowa, who died Saturday, August 9 2008 at his home in Lenox, Iowa were held Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Christian Church, Lenox, Iowa with Reverend Tim Maxa officiating. Visitation with the family was held 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Lenox, Iowa. Burial was in the North Fairview Cemetery, Lenox, Iowa. Memorials may be made in Kenneth’s name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox, Iowa.

Kenneth Lloyd Riley was born o n November 23, 1915 to Harry Alvin and Myrtle (Ellis) Riley in Humeston, Iowa. Kenneth was an only child. He attended the Wayne County country school 1/4 mile from his home through the 8th grade. He boarded in town while attending Corydon High School where he graduated in 1933. During these years, he played basketball and ran track for Corydon High School.

After graduation, he farmed with his Dad until he married Wilda Marilyn Webb on April 27, 1938 in Creston, Iowa. To this union were born two sons, Dale Kenneth and William Duane.

From 1938 to 1949, Kenneth and Wilda farmed in Wayne County, worked at the Corydon Livestock Auction owned by Wilda’s parents and clerked farm and household sales in the area.

In 1949, Kenneth and Wilda purchased the Lenox Livestock Auction where they operated the business and employed many of the area farmers for 30 years. They felt a personal connection with the employees. During the 59 years they lived in Lenox, Kenneth served as a director of the First National Bank in Lenox for 32 years and was a member of the Lenox Christian Church for 51 years. He was also a long time member of the Lenox Development Corporation.

Kenneth enjoyed watching sports, he also liked going to the farm to check on the livestock and the crops with his son, Dale. His family was his passion and he enjoyed being with the especially his grandkids and great grandkids, for whom he always had cookies and candy. He and Wilda enjoyed traveling when they could, often spending time in Colorado. Kenneth and Wilda were a team; they delivered meals for many years, with Kenneth driving and Wilda delivering to the door.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife Wilda in 2004 and his parents Harry and Myrtle Riley.

He is survived by his two sons, Dale of Lenox and Bill and his wife Cathy (Schweers) who are currently in the process of moving to Corning, Iowa. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Lynda Riley of Urbandale, Iowa, Karyn and her husband Kelly Johnson of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Jo Anne and her husband Mat McCoy of Bay City, Oregon, Doug and his wife Denise of Fort Worth, Texas and Mark Riley of Urbandale, Iowa. Survivors also include five great grandchildren, Casey, Keegen and Claire Johnson of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota and Dane and Dillon Riley of Fort Worth, Texas.


Although Kenneth 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.

Rine, Louise Weaver - Funeral services for Louise Weaver Rine, age 81 of Shenandoah, formerly of Clarinda and College Springs, who died Monday, July 7, 2008 at the Gardenview Care Center, in Shenandoah, Iowa will be held Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Cole Edwards officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Thursday, starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be held in the Memory Cemetery in New Market, Iowa. Memorials can be directed to the Louise Weaver Rine Memorial Fund. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Service of Clarinda, Iowa.

Louise (Weaver) Rine was born on March 28, 1927, near Shambaugh, Iowa, the daughter of Ida Belle Weaver, and departed this life on July 7, 2008, at the Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah after a six month battle with cancer.

Louise grew up attending Mount Joy grade school, east of Shambaugh, and completed the 8th grade at the Shambaugh School. On September 25, 1948, she was united in marriage to Olin W. Rine in Shambaugh, Iowa. To this loving union four children were born, William Ray, who died shortly after birth; Edward (Ted), who passed away at 18 years of age; Shirley Mae, and James A.

Louise spent most of her life in Page County, Iowa, and some time in Mitchell, Nebraska. She loved to go camping, fishing and was a great St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Fan. She was also very fond of country music, or any kind of good music. She often attended many of the country music shows around the area. She even belonged to a music group, as a guitarist, for a few years that played for nursing homes in the area. Louise truly enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Shirley Parish and husband Jim of Berryville, Arkansas; a son, Jim Rine and wife Mary of Coin, Iowa; five grandchildren, Kendra Crum and Kenny Crum of Shenandoah, Iowa; Amy Mays and husband Troy of Polk City, Iowa; Andy Rine and wife Tammy of Shenandoah, Iowa; and Jacob Rine of Coin, Iowa; and one great-grandson, Austin Mays, of Polk City, Iowa; along with other family members and friends.

Preceding Louise in death is her mother, a sister, her husband and two sons.

Although Louise will be greatly missed,
Her love and inspiration will live on through her family.

Risser, Sandra Sue Sharp - Funeral services for Sandra Risser, age 43 of Bedford, who died Friday, July 4, 2008 at her home in Bedford were held Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given in Sandra’s name.. 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.

Sandra Sue (Sharp) Risser was born on June 28, 1965, in Clarinda, Iowa the daughter of Marilyn (Morrison) Sharp and William (Bill) Sharp. She grew up attending school in Bedford, graduating with the Class of 1983 from the Bedford Community High School. On October 15, 1988, she was united in marriage to Christopher Risser at the First Bapist Church in Bedford.

Sandy was a life-long resident of Bedford having worked for The Red Lantern, Places, Gear For Sports and most recently at the HyVee as Assistant Manager. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Sandy lived for her nieces and nephews, always looking forward to spending time with them. She was a ‘real person’ who enjoyed her various jobs throughout the community, always putting her customer’s needs first and foremost. She would always greet you with a smile, and seemed genuinely concerned about everyone she came in contact with. Together Sandy and Chris shared nineteen years of marriage . . . they always seemed to have a special something about their relationship, content in whatever endeavor they set out upon. She also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys play football and the NASCAR Races with Jeff Gordon being her favorite.

Left to cherish Sandy’s memory is her loving husband Chris Risser of Bedford; her mother, Marilyn Sharp of Bedford; two brothers, David Sharp of Ames, Iowa and Richard Sharp of Bedford; a nephew, Blade Sharp and a niece, Saben Sharp of Bedford; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elbert and Doris Risser of Sheridan, Missouri; grandmother, Myrtle Risser of Sheridan, Missouri; two brother-in-laws, Gayland Risser and wife Deb of Blockton and their children Bradley and Jeffrey; and Mike Risser and wife Teresa of Bedford and their children, Lance, Heather and Raelynne; a sister-in-law, Malinda Nelson and friend Lester Quick of Maryville, Missouri and children, Shane and Lindsay; along with many other relatives and a community of friends.

Preceding Sandy in death is her father, Bill Sharp; and her grandparents, Oscar and Pauline Sharp and Cecil and Doris Morrison.

Sandy was a devoted wife, daughter, sister and aunt.
Her enthusiasm, humor and gentle kindness will be missed by her family.

Rodman, Daryl Eugene - Funeral Services for Daryl Rodman, age 74 of Lenox who died Sunday, January 2, 2005 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield were held Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 10L30 a.m at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home in Corning. Interment was held in the Oakland Cemetery in Quincy. Memorials can be given in Daryl’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Daryl Eugene Rodman was born May 21, 1930, in Bridgewater, Iowa the son of Bert Isiah Rodman and Alta Irene Timmons Rodman. He grew up in the Quincy area attending rural schools, after finishing school he helped his parents on the farm and also worked at the Light Plant in Corning. In 1951, he entered the United States Army serving 18 months in Alaska during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1953. On February 7, 1954, he was united in marriage to Lois Bennett in Clearfield. He met Lois while having a ‘letter writing romance’ while in the service. You see, his brother was dating Lois’ sister and Lois started writing Daryl and the rest is history!

Together Lois and Daryl farmed on several farms north of Corning for five years. Then in 1960, the family moved to Omaha where Daryl worked road construction, helping with interstate projects. He worked construction until 1989 when his health forced him to retire. He and Lois continued to live in Omaha until 1994, when they moved to Lenox.

Daryl enjoyed watching car races and rodeos. He spent a lot of time collecting antiques, specializing in old tools. He always enjoyed attending the auctions to ‘further his collection’. Daryl looked forward to his winter vacation of going to Las Vegas when the road construction slowed down. His pride and joy, however, was his granddaughter Sara, and he looked forward to spending time with her. He also had two pet turtles…..’Turtle & Yurtle’. Daryl was a member of the VFW Post 2571 in Omaha.

Left to cherish Daryl’s memory are his loving wife Lois Rodman of Lenox; a son David Rodman and wife Cindy of Omaha; a son-in-law, Reldon Ramsey of Corning; two brothers, Harold “Jack” Rodman and wife Fern of Omaha; and Richard “Tom” Rodman and wife Janice of Arizona; three sisters, Iva Lawrence of Corning; Ruth Schaffer of Corning; and Delores Purdum of Creston; a brother-in-law, Ivan Bennett of Lenox; a sister-in-law Joan Parker of Omaha; and his beloved granddaughter Sara Ramsey of Corning, along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Daryl in death are his parents, his daughter Debbie Ramsey in 2001; sister-in-law Jane Bennett; five brothers-in-law, Clifford Schaffer, Carl Lawrence, Raymond Purdum, Carlton Bohanan and Frank Thorpe; and two sisters, Wilma Thorpe and Beverly Taha.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Daryl’s passing.

Rogers, Delbert Richard "Dick" - Funeral services for Delbert Rogers, age 84 of Bedford, who died Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at St. Francis Medical Center in Maryville, Missouri were held Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the Delbert Rogers Scholarship Fund or the United Christian Presbyterian Church. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Delbert Richard (Dick) Rogers was born on April 6, 1924 to Cora Garland Bevins Rogers and Reid McKinley Rogers on the farm in Taylor County, Iowa where he resided most of his life. He had one brother, Troy Rogers. He attended Banner Country School and graduated from Bedford High School in 1942. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where he was trained and worked as a diesel mechanic. After his discharge from the Navy he returned to the family farm. On May 8, 1949 he married Helen Buzzard and together they established their farm close to the Rogers farm and the Buzzard farm. Dick and Helen were blessed with two daughters, Mary Lou and Jeanne and the family enjoyed many happy times together on the farm and traveling throughout the country.

Delbert was always involved in community and political activities and contributed his expertise and planning abilities. He was a member of the National Farmers Union, the Iowa Farmers Union, Taylor County Democratic Party, SIRWA Board of Directors, a Taylor County Supervisor, 102 River Valley Association, the RC & D, the Taylor County Board of Health, member of the Christian Church, and MFA. As part of his work with these organizations he held many offices and board positions. He always enjoyed learning about new things and researching projects. He could be counted on to study things thoroughly before making a decision.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling but most of all spending time with his family and friends. He was a great storyteller and could remember dates, names and circumstances that most others had forgotten. He often took the long way around to tell his stories.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Helen, of Bedford, daughter Mary Lou Bowman and fiancé Gary Klassen of Bedford, daughter Jeanne Crawford and husband Dennis of New Market, grandson Nathan Crawford and wife Alicia of Bedford, granddaughter Keri Crawford and fiancé Josh Castillo of Nixa, Missouri, sister in law Lois Clark and husband Glenn, nephew Marty Ohm and wife Stephanie and their daughter Allie, all of Brighton, Colo.

Preceding Delbert in death were his parents, Reid and Garland, parents in law Loren and Garland Buzzard, brother and sister in law Troy and Pauline Rogers and son in law Jack Bowman.

Delbert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all.

Myra Lynne Ross, 64, Maitland, Missouri, died Friday, November 6, 2009, at her home in Maitland.

Myra was born February 5, 1945, in Red Oak, Iowa to the late Ralph C. and Elvira Isaacson Peterson.

She was a 1963 graduate of Villisca , Iowa High School.

Myra married Gary Ross on September 6, 1970, in Maryville, Missouri.

Survivors include her husband Gary Ross, Maitland; daughter
Tiffiny (Keith) Schluter, Hopkins, Missouri; son Clifford Ross, Maitland, grandchildren: Kylie and Cambry Schluter, Hopkins and Jordan Ross, Skidmore, Missouri

Mrs. Ross has been cremated. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 28, at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa.