Taylor County, Iowa: Lorelei Rusco obits Becherer2 file

Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa obituaries

transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net

Becherer, Gene Paul -

Funeral services for Gene P. Becherer was held Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008

at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home in Omaha, Ne. Interment was in

Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, Omaha, Ne.

Gene Paul Becherer was born to William E. and Alma M. Becherer (Reed)

on a farm southwest of Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa, on December 21, 1923

and passed away in Omaha on August 6, 2008 at the age of 84.

Gene attended Grove Township No. 4 rural school until his family moved

south of Lenox where he attended Lenox Public School. In the fall of 1937,

he attended school in Conway, Iowa where he graduated with the Class of

1941, serving as the class vice-president. After finishing school, he

worked as a farm hand before moving to Chicago where he was employed

with the Omaha Company, a meat packing firm.

On December 8, 1942, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended basic

training at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, IL. After basic training,

he went to Williamsburg, Va. For Armament Handling School. Upon

completion of training, he was promoted to Gunner's Mate Seaman and

assigned to the U.S. Navy Armed Guard Branch stationed in Brooklyn,

New York City. The Navy Armed Guards served on civilian Merchant

Marine tankers an His Navy travels took him to the North and South

Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, South America, South Pacific into

the Philippine Islands. In 1946, he was honorably discharged from

the Navy as a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class.

On March 16, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Nadine

Besco in Lenox, Iowa. Gene and Nadine's first home was in Hastings,

Ne. where he was employed at the Naval Ammunition Depot assembling

excess ordnance from Navy fleet Operations.

In September, 1947 Gene and Nadine welcomed their first child, Larry.

In 1949, they moved to Sharpsburg, Iowa where they farmed with his

father, William.

In February, 1951, second son, Steven, was born. In February, 1953,

their third son, Dwight, arrived. In 1955, Gene and family moved to

Lenox where he was employed with the Lenox Fertilizer Corporation.

In 1956 Gene became employed in bridge construction business, building

bridges all over Iowa and later with the Union Pacific Railroad in

Nebraska. In 1966, Gene and Nadine moved to Omaha, Ne. where they

built a new house.

In 1978 he began working as a rough-in and finish carpenter in the

Omaha area until his retirement in 1985. After retirement, Gene

continued to do woodworking and handyman projects at home,

church and for family and friends.

Gene and Nadine were members of the First Church in Lenox and

South Side Christian Church in Omaha. Gene served as elder,

deacon, property elder, president of the church board, and many

other positions and provided assistance to many members of the

church.

In his later years, Gene cared for Nadine until her passing in 1998.

He resided in the home he and Nadine built until his final hospital

stay. Gene was preceded in death by Nadine, son Steven, parents

and grandparents, one sister-in-law and three brothers-in-law.

He is survived by sons, Larry and wife Marilyn of Omaha; Dwight

and Shirley, New York; grandson, Michael of Austin, Texas; step-

children, Carol Carper of Lyons, Ne.; Paul Victor of Gretna, Ne.;

John Victor of Omaha, Ne.; sisters, Shirley Lucas of Washington,

Iowa; Wilma Cohrt of Lenox; and many, nieces, nephews, other

relatives, and many friends.

Gene was a charter member of "The Greatest Generation", all

those persons who lived through the depression era and World

War II.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 27, 2008

Beemer, Lorene Wilson -

Funeral services for Lorene Beemer, age 86 of Gravity, who died Saturday,

August 16, 2008 at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital, were held Wednesday,

August 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford.

Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Memorials can be given in her 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.

Lorene Beemer was born November 29, 1921, in Gravity, Iowa the daughter of

Marion Wilson and Hazel (Hoops) Wilson. She grew up in the Gravity area

attending school, graduating with the Class of 1939 from the Gravity High

School. She was united in marriage to Quentin Beemer on October 15, 1939,

in Maryville, Missouri. To this loving union two sons and one daughter were

born, Gary, Linda and Jerry.

Lorene heard the Gospel of God's truth to mankind in November of 1945,

this acceptance of truth as it is in Jesus, started a relationship with God

that became the most important thing in her life.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Quentin Beemer of Gravity;

her three children, Gary Beemer and wife Judy of Creston; Linda Von Heeder

and husband John of Dalhart, Texas; and Jerry Beemer and wife Lydia of

Goldendale, Washington; a brother, Richard Wilson and wife Pauline of Bedford;

and a sister, Rosie Pfander and husband Donald of Corning; eleven

grandchildren; twenty five great-grandchildren; along with several nieces,

nephews and many friends.

Preceding Lorene in death are her parents, Marion and Hazel Wilson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 27, 2008

Brown, Kyle Kathryn Boltinghouse -

Kyle Kathryn Boltinghouse, the daughter of Llyle Leslie and Margaret

Smith Boltinghouse, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 1, 1951.

She passed away in her sleep Sunday, July 13, 2008 at her home at

the age of 57 years, 4 months and 12 days.

She grew up in Catonsville, Maryland and went to the schools there.

She attended the Christian Temple Church with her family, where

they were active members.

Kyle graduated from high school in 1970 and then attended Catonsville

Community College and Johns Hopkins University. Employment through

the years was with Tiara Gifts, Bloomingdale's, Nieman Marcus, and

Sach's 5th Avenue. Because of her poor health, Kyle had been unable

to work outside the home for several years.

Kyle and Gary S. Brown were united in marriage on July 22, 1984 in

Pikesville, Maryland. They made their home at Rock Creek Gardens

in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she served as president of the

Homeowners Association.

Survivors include her husband, Gary Brown of the home; an aunt,

Ruth (Hogue) Boltinghouse, Tucson, Arizona; cousins, Jim (wife,

Mary) Boltinghouse, Lenox, Iowa, Larry (wife, Sandra) Boltinghouse,

Tucson, Arizona, Reldon (wife, Suzy) Boltinghouse, Leawood, Kansas,

Paul, John and Elizabeth Fraley, Sylvania, Ohio; father-in-law,

Jacob Brown, The Woodlands, Texas; two brothers-in-law, Kirk

(wife, Carol) Brown, Bethesda, Maryland and Barton (wife, Mary)

Brown, The Woodlands, Texas; nephews and nieces, Rueben, Rose and

Raymond Brown, and Evan, Allison and Adam Brown; as well

as Boltinghouse relatives in Iowa and other states.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 27, 2008

Ettleman, Andrew J -

Andrew J. Erttleman, age 89 years, of Jefferson City, Missouri died Saturday,

July 19, 2008 at the Autumn Meadows Nursing Center, in Linn, Missouri.

Andrew was born November 19, 1918 in Downs, Iowa the son of John A. and

Lucy E. Briley Ettleman, both deceased.

He was married on August 14, 1943, in Albany, Missouri to Mildred P. Snow who

survives at the home.

Andrew lived in Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa most of his life,

retiring to Ivy Bend at the Lake of the Ozarks in 1986. Andrew was a member

of the 128 Field Artillery Unit, Stationed at Albany MO, which was one of

the first units mobilized for active duty in November of 1940.

Andrew and Robert L. (Bud) Bentley, his life long friend, went into partnership

together in 19154 and called themselves "The Country Boys".

They owned and operated several lumber companies, concrete plants, and

grain elevator, specializing in the manufacturing of portable farm buildings

and also constructing over 200 custom residential houses in southwest

Iowa and northwest Missouri.

Andrew donated countless hours and resources to better each community

he lived in. Notable was a teen center he built in Bedford, IA called "The

Purple Palace". He was a member of the Disabled Americana Veterans and

numerous civic organizations throughout his life time.

Andrew loved to read, watch TV, go to movies and along with his wife Mildred

collected antique firearms and Indian relics. When asked what the most

important thing in life was, he said, "That's simple—Love". Andrew showed his

love for country, family friends and community on a daily basis throughout

his life.

He will be sadly missed, but greatly loved and remembered by his wife,

Mildred, one son: R. Kelly Ettleman of Palm Springs, CA; Two daughters:

Mary D. Gentry of Shreveport, Louisiana and Donna K. Jones and her

husband Mick of Jefferson City, MO; three grandchildren: Shane Jones

of Jefferson, City, MO; Holly and Andrew Gentry of Shreveport, Louisiana;

three great grandchildren: Austin, Zachary, and Cooper Jones of Jefferson

City,

Andrew was preceded in death by two sons: Roger Lynn Ettleman and Rodney

Lewis Ettleman; one grandson Andrew Joshua Jones.

Funeral services were July 23, 2008 in the Freeman Chapel, with the

Reverend David Avery officiating. Graveside services with military honors

were conducted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the Grandview Cemetery in

Albany, MO.

Memorial donations may be contributed to the River City Habitat for

Humanity of Jefferson City, MO.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.

Anyone wishing to send a card, mail to Mildred Ettleman, Autumn Meadows,

HWY 196 CC, Room, 413 Linn, Missouri 65051.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday July 30, 2008

Gray, John (Jack) -

John "Jack" Gray, 76, of Lenox, previously of Bondurant, passed away peacefully

with his family by his side at Taylor House in Des Moines on July 7th, 2008.

A grave side memorial is planned at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19th at Fairview

West Cemetery in Lenox followed by an open house through the rest of the day

at Jack and Judy Gray's home.

Born October 26, 1931 to Perry I. and Bernice Larimer Gray, he was the sixth

of seven brothers. After graduating from high school in 1949, he served

in the Army Medical Corp from 1951-1953 during the Korean War. He returned

home to Des Moines then married Judy Harding, also from Lenox, in 1960.

They made their home with their two children in Bondurant. Jack worked for

Western International lawn equipment company in Des Moines and the

Bondurant-Farrar School system before retiring and returning to Lenox in 1998.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers (Bill, Dick, Bob, Jim and

Charlie) and a nephew, Jim Gray.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, his children Jeff (Janice) Gray of Bondurant

and Jennifer (Alan) Jacobs of Des Moines; four grandchildren Jeremey, Alex,

Jessica and Jodi; a brother Tom (Kay) Gray of Lincoln, NE and several nieces

and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Taylor House Hospice in Des

Moines. Visit Jackgraymemorial.com for more information.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday July 16, 2008

Johnson, Charles Elmo -

Funeral services for Charles Johnson, age 74 of Clarinda, Iowa, who died

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at his home in Clarinda, Iowa were held Saturday,

August. 23, 2008, at 10:30 am at the St. John Lutheran Church, Clarinda,

Iowa with Reverend Jerome Wagoner officiating. Visitation with the family

was held 6-8 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2008 at the Ritchie Funeral Home,

Clarinda, Iowa. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,

memorials may be directed to Lutheran Family Service, American Cancer

Society, Cowboy Church or donor's choice. 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,

Charles Elmo Johnson was born June 7, 1934 at his grandmother's house in

Bedford, Iowa. He was the son of Elmo A. Johnson and Dorothy (Atkins)

Johnson. The family moved to a farm north of Clarinda where Charles

grew up. He attended Jackson Country School through eighth grade and

was a 1952 graduate of Clarinda High School. Charles then attended

Iowa State University at Ames for two years.

On September 26, 1954, he was united in marriage at St. John Lutheran

Church to Elaine Huseman. They made their home in Clarinda, moved to

Arizona for three years and returned to Clarinda where they raised their

family. Charles and Elaine were blessed with two daughters, Kara

and Jodi.

In his early working career, Charles worked for the Farmers Mutual

Telephone Company as a lineman. Upon his return from Arizona, he

worked at Opitz Motor Company as a salesman until his retirement.

Charles was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church; he

served in many offices and taught Bible Class for many years. He was

on the board of Lutheran Family Service for several years. Charles

enjoyed life and had many interests and enjoyments. He loved to sing

and play his guitar and witness for the Lord. He was very proud

of his extended family that encircled him with his travels and

performances with the Cowboy Church Band. Charles was a pilot and

enjoyed flying. He was the announcer, house parent and supporter

of the Clarinda A's. Charles and Elaine kept in touch with their

summer sons who were special sons to them. He loved the country

and liked to hunt, fish and "farm". His family was very important

to him; he felt very blessed with his two daughters and two grandsons.

Left to cherish Charles' memory are his loving wife of over fifty

three years, Elaine Johnson of Clarinda, Iowa; daughters, Kara Johnson

of Irving, Texas, Jodi Kokenge and husband Chad of Basking Ridge,

New Jersey; grandsons, Clark and Reid Kokenge; sister-in-law,

Janice Robinson and husband Bill of Bedford, Iowa; brothers-in-

law, James Huseman of Silver City, Iowa, Jerry Huseman and wife

Judi of Kansas City, Missouri; uncle, Don Johnson and wife Audrey

of Clarinda, Iowa; aunts, Frances Grebert of Clarinda, Iowa, Lucille

Talbot of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Betty Simon of Charleston, Illinois;

nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Preceding Charles in death were his parents; infant son; brother,

Michael Johnson; parents-in-law, Ralph and Louise Huseman; uncles

and aunts, Berniece Bayless, Henry Atkins, Owen Roberts, Orville

Johnson, Luella Gray, Harry Johnson, Merle Johnson, Florence

Marie Stewart.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 27, 2008

Keast, Esther (Jane) Glenn -

Funeral services for Jane Keast, age 75, of Lenox, who died Sunday, August

24, 2008 at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning will be held

Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Corning United Methodist

Church. Visitation will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on

Wednesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7.

Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox at 1:30 p.m.

Memorials can be directed to the Corning United Methodist Church.

Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com

under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral

Home of Lenox.

Esther Jane (Glenn) Keast, daughter of John Glenn and Nora Rummons,

was born April 28, 1933, in Fort Leavenworth, KS. She was the fifth of

six children. Jane, age 75, departed this earth on Sunday, August 24,

2008 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, IA, following an

extended illness of multiple myeloma.

Jane attended grade school at Leavenworth, KS and graduated from

Clearfield High School in 1951. She attended Maryville State Teachers

College and taught second grade in Macedonia, IA. There she met her

husband, Donald Keast. They were married on August 15, 1954 and

established their home in Lenox, IA. They began a restaurant, and

Jane taught kindergarten for a short time for Lenox Community Schools.

Their marriage was blessed with four children: Deborah, Donald, Darcy,

and Darla.

Jane was a devoted mother and wife. She partnered with her husband

in his business pursuits, including a restaurant, trucking business, and

implement business, Keast Truck and Tractor. She also served as a

substitute teacher for Lenox and Clearfield schools and as a Sunday

School/Vacation Bible School teacher.

She completed her teaching degree at Northwest Missouri State

University in 1967.

Jane grew up in the Baptist faith and later became a member of the

Lenox United Methodist Church and the Corning United Methodist

Church. She was always a faithful member and generous with her gifts

and services. Her Christian faith was evident in all areas of her life.

Throughout her life, she continued to grow in her faith through daily

Bible readings, Bible studies, and by attending spiritual retreats, such

as the Walk to Emmaus. Jane's faith was evident in her service to

others. She spent many years caring for her husband as he battled

cancer. She could always be counted on to care for her children,

grandchildren, friends, and neighbors through major surgeries as

well as minor illnesses. Her devotion and caring disposition brought

much comfort to all that knew her. For many years she delivered

Meals on Wheels for the community of Lenox.

Family and friendships were a special joy for Jane. She cherished

the time spent with her family and always valued the close family bonds.

Most holidays were spent with family gathered around her kitchen

table and living room. She also enjoyed the time with friends. Daily

coffee and walking around the town of Lenox were special times for

Jane.

Survivors include her children: Deborah and her husband Steven Lilly

of Greenfield, IA, Donald and his wife Eileen Keast of Lenox, IA, Darcy

and her husband Andrew Rubenking of Corning, IA, and Darla and her

husband Scott Helm of Creston, IA; eleven grandchildren; Jina and

her husband Wesley Bresson, Beth and her husband Jason Gregory,

Melissa Keast, Amy Rubenking, Tamara and her husband Matthew Ochs,

Greg Lilly and his fiance Kristi Schneider, Lisa and her husband

Aaron Elliott, Michelle Rubenking, Chris Helm, Ryan Helm, and

Tyler Helm, one great-grandchild Jenna Keast; sisters Dorothy

Hinderer of Garland, TX, and Grace Montgomery of Ida Grove, IA;

brother Charles Glenn of Spring Hill, KS; and sister-in-law Joyce

Glenn of Excelsior Springs, MO, and sister-in-law and brother-

in-law Bonnie and Gene Parker of Apple Valley, CA.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Keast in

June of 1996, parents, John and Nora Glenn, brother John Glenn,

sister and brother-in-law Mary and Norris Tummons, sister-in-law

Lynn Glenn, and brothers-in-law John Montgomery and Milton

Hinderer.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday September 3, 2008

Knott, Charles Leonard (Tubby) -

Funeral services for Charles Leonard "Tubby" Knott, age 88, of Lenox, who

died Friday, August 1, 2008, at the Creston Nursing & Rehab Center will be

held Saturday, August 9, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in

Lenox. Visitation will be Friday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends

from 5 to 7. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson

American Legion Post No. 250 will be held in the Blue Grove Cemetery. In lieu

of flowers the family requests memorials be given in his 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 Lenox.

Charles Leonard "Tubby" Knott entered this life April 6, 1920, and left this

earth August 1, 2008. He was born on a farm in rural Sharpsburg, Iowa to

Charlie and Mabel Underwood Knott.

Leonard attended country school for two years until his family moved closer

to Sharpsburg and he attended Sharpsburg Public School where he played

basketball and baseball. He was also very involved in 4-H, showing livestock.

After graduating from high school he went into farming with his father.

Leonard joined the Air Force in 1942 during World War II. He was

stationed at several stateside camps and was stationed in many overseas

locations, such as: New Guinea, Dutch India, Philippines and Japan. Leonard

was honorably discharged from military service in November of 1945.

Leonard returned to work on the family farm after serving in the military.

He bought his first farm in 1956, just north of Sharpsburg. He was

determined to build a stable and productive farm before beginning a family.

Leonard loved farm life and was loyal to Farmall and International

Harvester machinery. Leonard also worked for Crestland Coop in Lenox

for fourteen years, after health concerns forced him to retire from

farming. He truly enjoyed working with the public and still being involved

in agriculture.

Leonard was united in marriage to Ona Gibbens on May 16, 1959, in Des

Moines, Iowa They cherished each other and maintained a mutual respect

for each other for a glorious love filled forty-nine years. Their union

was blessed with the birth of a daughter, Sundae. She was their pride

and joy. Leonard instilled his devotion to family and the land in Sundae,

teaching her how to care for livestock, drive a tractor and the farm

pickup, and take pride in the family farm.

Kris Nelson "adopted" the family as her extended family in the late

1960's and that relationship has grown and thrived through the years.

Kris and Leonard shared a special bond and he thought of her as a

daughter.

Leonard had a quiet spirit and an intense fortitude that made him a

very kind and special man who touched the hearts of all those who

knew him. He loved life and encouraged those he loved to strive for

their best. He truly loved the children in Ona's daycare and

considered them to be a part of his family.

Leonard loved being a grandfather. His grandchildren were the light

of his life. He cherished the time he spent with them, even traveling

three hours each way to babysit when Sundae needed him. He loved to

give them wagon rides behind the mower around the yard.

Those left to cherish his memory include: his wife Ona of Lenox;

daughter Sundae, son-in-law Eric of Sharpsburg; grandchildren

Benjamin and Meghan. Kris Nelson Palmer and husband Dean of Rice,

Virginia; Jason, Matthew and Stephanie Harbor; sister Ellen

Wehrhan of Lincoln, Nebraska; along with several nieces and

nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding him in death were: his parents, his father-in-law,

mother-in-law, brother, sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 13, 2008

Lischer, Floy Jeanette Stoutamire Stephens -

Funeral services for Floy Lischer, age 88 of Bedford, Who died Tuesday, August 5,

2008 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri will be held Sunday, August 10,

2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held

from 1:00 until service time at the church. Interment will be held in the Forest Grove

Cemetery in rural Taylor County, Iowa. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials

be directed to the Merrill and Floy Lischer Scholarship Fund. Memories can be shared

with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhomc.com under Obituaries.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Floy Jeanette (Stoutamire) Lischer was born in a log house at the family homestead

on May 4, 1920, the daughter of Jesse Stoutamire and Annie (Blount) Stoutamire in

Leon County, near Tallahassee, Florida. She completed grade school at Ft. Braden

and graduated from Leon Country High School in 1939. She was an active member

of the Jackson Bluff Methodist Church throughout her childhood. She attended

Florida State University and later was a personal secretary to Amos P. Godby,

Superintendent of Schools in Tallahassee. She also worked at Del Mabry Air Field

near Tallahassee during World War II. In 1943, she met and married Paul S.

Stephens who was killed in action in France in 1944. She later met and married

Merrill Lischer on June 9, 1947, in Tallahassee, Florida. Their first child, Deborah

Anne, was born in Tallahassee in 1949. In 1951, Floy, Merrill and Debi moved

to Iowa and began farming in Taylor County. Gary Thomas was born in 1953, and J.

Fred in 1956. Floy and Merrill, with the help of their children, raised cattle, hogs

and chickens along with row crops until they moved from the farm into Bedford

in 1980.

Floy was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the United

Methodist Women and taught Sunday School for many years. She was invited to

join the P.E.G. Sisterhood in 1958, where she held all offices in her local Chapter,

CU, in Bedford. She was elected to the State Board of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in

1977, and became President of the Iowa State Chapter in 1984. She traveled

all over Iowa, including the United States and Canada, while promoting the

education of women and the projects of the sisterhood.

Floy was, above all, devoted to her family and enjoyed attending graduations,

activities and events that involved her children and grandchildren. She

was a 'country girl' and loved all aspects of nature which included gardening, calving

season and experiencing the changing seasons. Holidays and family dinners

were made special with delicious home cooking that included her specialty...

crescent rolls.

She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and knitter. She enjoyed learning

many forms of art which included calligraphy, ceramics, tatting, basket weaving

and painting. She learned to play the piano at a young age and enjoyed singing

in church choirs. She was always interested in keeping 'up with the latest news'

and read the paper daily.

Left to cherish Floy's memory are her three children, daughter Debi Mullenioux

and husband Mark of Blue Springs, Missouri; two sons, Gary Lischer and wife Ty;

and J. Fred Lischer and wife Patty, both of Bedford; four grandsons, Erik

Wiard, Matthew Lischer, Kasey Mullenioux and Mason Mullenioux; five

granddaughters, Erin Weisman, Natalie Lischer, Jennifer Haaland, Maggie Lischer,

Chantel Lischer; two great-grandsons, Zachary Weisman and Carter Haaland; two

great-granddaughters, Kiley Wiard and Claudia Weisman; a brother- in-law,

Raymond Lischer and wife Shirley; a sister-in-law, Jonnie Stoutamire; along

with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Floy in death were her parents Jesse and Annie Stoutamire; her

husband Merrill in July of 2000; and two brothers, J. W. Stoutamire and

Paul Stoutamire.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 13, 2008

Matya, Thomas Eugene Jr. -

Thomas Eugene Matya, Jr., the son of Thomas and Katherine (Browers) Matya,

was born on September 8, 1929 in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. Thomas entered

into rest on July 1, 2008 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa

at the age of 78 years, nine months, and 23 days.

He graduated from North High School in Omaha, Ne. in 1947, and served his

country during the Korean War while in the United States Army.

On November 7, 1953, Tom was united in marriage to Bernadine LaVonne

O'Connell at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning, Iowa. Their union

was blessed with five children: Timothy Eugene, Kathleen Marie, Nancy

Elizabeth, Maureen Ann, Mary Michelle, and Thomas Joseph. They moved

their family to Bushville in 1963.

Tom married Ferne Sprague on June 25, 1977. Tom was a member of St.

Patrick's Catholic Church and served on various committees in the church. He

especially enjoyed playing cards and sharing jokes with all his family and

friends.

Survivors include his children: Tim Matya (Rebecca Mino) of Aurora, Co.;

Kathleen (Johnny) Ecklin of Lenox; Nancy (Jim) Voge of Portsmouth, Iowa;

Maureen (Richard) Weaver of Creston; and Michelle (Kevin) Behlers of

Corning; 16 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sisters: Angeline (Floyd)

Henderson, Grants Pass, Or.; Dolores Miller, Blair, Ne.; Mary Ann (Em)

Rindone, Omaha, Ne.; Shirley Mentzer, St. Louis, Mo.; many nieces,

nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernadine; infant son,

Thomas; sisters: Monica Stemmerman and Rosella Seamann; and his

brothers, Edward, Leo and Raymond.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday July 16, 2008

Ostrem, Jeanne Elizabeth Rhoades -

Jeanne E. Ostrem, long time resident of Ames, passed away peacefully

surrounded by her beloved family on July 7, 2008 at the Israel Family

Hospice House.

Jeanne was born on February 21, 1926 in Adams County, Iowa to

Admiral R. and Ruth Anna (Tripp) Rhoades. She was of American

English ancestry that has been documented in America to 1630.

Jeanne was a 10th generation American.

Jeanne was a member of the Lenox United Presbyterian Church,

Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa, and currently a

member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Story City, Iowa.

Jeanne married Curtiss L. Ostrem on December 1, 1951, in Des

Moines, Iowa. They were married for over 56 years.

Jeanne is survived by her husband, Curt and their children: Jill

Elizabeth Bartello (John Jr.) of Newton, Iowa, Mark Admiral Ostrem

of Des Moines, Iowa, and Dawn Elizabeth Thrams (Jon) of Fort

Dodge, Iowa; grandchildren: Rebecca Elizabeth Bartello Reutlinger

(Philip) of Old Lyme, Connecticut, Benjamin Robert Ostrem, Des

Moines, Iowa, John Joseph Bartello III, Newton, Iowa, Thomas

Admiral Bartello, Newton, Iowa, Matthew Charles Curtiss Thrams,

Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Courtney Elizabeth Thrams, Fort Dodge; and

one great-grandchild, Dylan Tyler Hill of Des Moines, Iowa. She is

also survived by her brother, Robert Rhoades (Pat) of Lenox, Iowa;

her sister, Florence Garrick of Fircrest, Washington; as well as nine

nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Julia Ruth

Ostrem; her parents; her sister, Francis Moyle; mother-in-law Julia

Ostrem; and brothers Hal Moyle, John Garrick, Richard Ostrem, and

Robert Ostrem.

Jeanne graduated from Lenox High School where she was active

in 4-H, basketball, track, drama, and music. She was employed at the

Kaiser Shipyards in Sausalito, California during World War II. She

was also employed by Bankers Life in Des Moines, Nims Sportsman

in Ames, and by the Ames Daily Tribune.

Jeanne was a Sunday school teacher for 25 years, a Camp Fire

Girls Leader, a long time Red Cross Volunteer, and a volunteer at the

Ames Public Library. She was a member of P.E.O., the Ames Women's

Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

A service to celebrate her memory will be held at Immanuel

Lutheran Church at 604 Lafayette Avenue in Story City, Iowa with

arrangements by Soderstrum Funeral Home at 618 La layette Avenue;

on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held on

Wednesday July 9th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 604

Lafayette Avenue in Story City, Iowa 50248 or the Israel Family

Hospice House, 400 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014.

The family would like to thank publically Dr. Robert Bender of

the Johnny Orr Memory Center, Homeward Home Hospice and Israel

Family Hospice House for their passionate care of our wife, mother,

and grandmother.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday July 16, 2008

Rickert, Terry Alan -

Terry A. Rickert, a lifelong resident of Council Bluffs, passed

away at his home Thursday, July 31, 2008. Services were

held August 4 at the First Baptist Church in Council Bluffs,

with burial following at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Military Rites

tendered by American Legion Post #2.

Terry Alan Rickert was born September 11, 1931, and was

raised in Audubon County, Illinois. He graduated from Thomas

Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs and served two years

in the U.S. Army. In 1962, he was married to Beverly Beadel.

After working for the Serta Company in Omaha for twenty

years, he became self-employed by establishing Bluffs Service

Company. He approached life with an entrepreneurial spirit and

ethical standard that was unmatched. As his health deteriorated,

he continued to passionately support is family and friends. He

will be missed, but so many will continue his legacy and life's

work as his spirit lives on.

Terry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beverly Beadel

Rickert. Also surviving are daughters, Ann Lewis of California,

Teri (Jim) Dutton of Colorado, Peggy (Mark) Cavanaugh

of Council Bluffs, and son Alan (Lori) Rickert of Kansas. He

is also survived by six grandchildren, Beth Waite; Melinda,

Ashley, and Eric Cavanaugh; and Jamie and Jake Rickert. He

leaves a mother-in-law, Katherine Beadel of Lenox.

He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Rea

and Earl Rickert and by Sally Hiatt.

Memorial contributions are designated to the First

Baptist Church of Council Bluffs and the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 13, 2008

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 on 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

thirty 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 them, 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 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 Dillion 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.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 20, 2008

Scott, Diane Lois -

Diana Lois Scott, 56, was born on December 26, 1951, in Creston, Iowa,

and entered into rest on July 8, 2008, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital

in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Diana started school at Lincoln No. 2 in Ringgold county and later

attended school in Diagonal, graduating with the Class of 1971.

She lived on a farm eight miles northwest of Diagonal until moving

with her parents to Clearfield in 1980.

As a lawn mower and babysitter, Diana stayed busy. She also

volunteered her time to help other people. At the Clearfield mealsite,

she served meals, washed dishes, and called Bingo. For over 25 years

she visited residents at Clearview Home and called Bingo there.

To commemorate her hours of volunteer service, in 2002 she

received an Iowa Volunteer Award from Gov. Thomas Vilsack.

Diana was a member of the Clearfield Legion Auxiliary, the

H.O.A. neighborhood club, and the Rook Club. She attended

Bingo, the Clearfield Jam sessions, and card nights regularly. For

several years she attended the sporting events of the Lenox Tigers,

especially enjoying the success of the baseball teams.

Survivors include her parents Gerald and Lois Scott of Clearfield;

brother David (wife Jeannette) Scott of Osceola; sisters Janis

(husband Ed) Johnston of Diagonal and Joyce (husband Dave)

Sweeney of Lenox; nephews Derek Scott of West Des Moines,

Deron (wife Liline) Scott of Urbandale, Scott Johnston of

Creston, Curt (wife Mandy) Johnston of Eddyville, Trent Johnston

of Diagonal, Chris Sweeney of Lenox; nieces Angela (husband

Ryan) Reynolds of Mount Ayr, Erin (husband Tysen) Christensen

of Lenox; and four great nieces and nephew: Adalyn and Ryce

Reynolds, Makenna Johnston, and Hadlee Christensen.

Diana was preceded in death by her grandparents Verne and

Edna (Bissell) Scott and Marion and Rosanna (Mitchell) Brown.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday July 16, 2008

Spencer, Clyde Allen -

Funeral services for Clyde Spencer, age 74 of Bedford, who died

Monday, August 18, 2008 at his home were held Thursday, August

21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford.

Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers: the family requests memorials be directed

to the Bedford Fire Department or the Bedford Ambulance.

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.

Clyde Allen Spencer, was born February 3, 1934 on a farm south

of Bedford in Taylor County, Iowa to John Howard Spencer and

Helen Elizabeth (Smith) Spencer. When Clyde was just nine years

old his family purchased a home and moved to Bedford. In 1951,

Joann Waugh moved to Bedford, she and Clyde met and dated for

three years and on April 2,1954, the couple were united in marriage.

To this loving union six sons were born, Kenny, Calvin, Mark, David,

Todd and Bryan. For eleven years Clyde worked for Vane Lucas at

Lucas Feeds. He then went to work as a Machine Mechanic at O'Bryan

Brothers, a position he held until 1978, when he went to work at

Eveready in Maryville, where he worked for almost twenty years,

retiring in 1998.

Clyde was a very civic minded man, always feeling that you should

'give back' to the community you lived in. He was a forty-five year

member of the Bedford Fire Department, serving until ill-health

made it impossible for him to continue; one of the founding members

of the Bedford Volunteer Ambulance Service where he also served

as an EMT; served several terms on the Bedford City Council and

had also been a member of the Bedford Lion's Club.

He was a tremendous people person who always put other people's

needs above his own. Always kind and considerate, and possessing a

great memory, Clyde was often called upon by the community to

assist in various situations.

Family was so very special to Clyde, he always looked forward

to family get-togethers, he was especially proud of being a grandpa

and great-grandpa.

Left to cherish Clyde's memory are his loving wife of fifty-four years,

Joann Spencer; his six sons, Kenny Spencer and wife Belinda; Calvin Spencer

and wife Vicky; Mark Spencer and wife Penny; David Spencer; Todd Spencer

and wife Cindy and Bryan Spencer and wife Carrie, all of Bedford; two

brothers, Raymond Spencer of Joliet, Illinois; and Roy Spencer of

Roodhouse, Illinois; two sisters, Rose Johnson and husband Ray

of Corning; and Evelyn "Evie" Barnes and husband Michael of Fort Myers

Beach, Florida; twenty-one grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren;

along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and a community of friends.

Preceding Clyde in death are his parents John Howard Spencer

in 1948; Helen Elizabeth (Smith) Spencer in 2000; and three brothers,

Donnie Spencer in 1960; Howard Junior Spencer, in 1996; and Ivan

Spencer in 1997.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday August 27, 2008