Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net
 
 

Burns, Verlin Lloyd -

Funeral and Masonic services for Verlin Burns, age 81 of formerly of Bedford,

who died Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Christian Health Care Center of

Republic, Missouri will be held Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at

the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held on Saturday from

12:00 Noon until service time. Interment with military rites accorded by the

John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 will be held in the Fairview

Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the Shriner's Hospital

for Children. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneral-

home.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of

Bedford.

Verlin Lloyd Burns was born on April 9, 1927 near Bedford, Iowa son of Newt

and Norma (Clary) Burns. He attended school in the Bedford area, and given

an honorary high school diploma from the State of Missouri. On January

19, 1946 he was united in marriage to Barbara Bates in Hiawatha, Kansas. The

couple was blessed with the birth of one son, Craig. Verlin was a veteran of

the Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict, a Mason, a Shriner and later,

an entrepreneur in Osceola, Iowa, where he owned the Feed Warehouse and

the Ambulance Service. While living in Loveland, Colorado he owned a carwash.

In 1989, the couple moved to Springfield, Missouri he owned several rental

properties.

After retirement he enjoyed going to garage sales and auctions, working on

his home and spending time with his family. Our hearts are broken by his

passing and we pray he finds peace.

Left to cherish Verlin's memory is his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara Burns

of Springfield, Missouri; his son Craig Bums and wife Donna Cloud and grand-

daughter Ashley Cloud, all of Republic, Missouri; his sister Shirley Jackes of

Monroe, Michigan; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Verlin is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Max, Rex, Vern,

Luther, Don and Frances and his sisters Marvel Brown and Dolores

Longfellow.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 12, 2008

 

Crawford, Robert (Bob) Edwin -

Robert "Bob" Edwin Crawford was born June 12, 1925 on a farm near Hawleyville,

Iowa the second son of 0. Homer and Lola Rebecca (Minard) Crawford. Bob

attended country school near Bethesda until 4th grade when the family moved

to Clarinda where he attended school until his sophomore year. At this time Bob

joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. He worked on

landing crafts to drop soldiers on the beaches. His ship was the Broadwater.

He was discharged from the service in 1945 and returned to Iowa.

He was married to Jackie Beech on Christmas Day 1942. She preceded him in

death Dec 26, 1982. Following Jackie's passing Bob married Helen Fuller Pullen

at the Clarinda First Christian Church following Easter services April 3, 1983.

Bob worked for World Radio in Clarinda and then he and Don Pullen had Bob

& Don's TV. Later he was a heavy equipment operator in Page County, for

Stanley Ridenour, and Taylor County. He retired from Taylor County in 1991.

Following his official retirement Bob worked at the Clarinda trailer court and

was a utility driver for the Clarinda Treatment Complex. Most everyone knew

of and envied Bob's green thumb in growing yellow roses and tomatoes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jackie; brothers-in-law Lewis

Carmichael and Aaron Gates; sister Barbara Ellen Wilson and husband Alfred

"Bud" Wilson; grandson Kenneth Wayne Ross, great grandson Kaelob Wayne

Mize; and son-in-law Milford Clinton.

Bob is survived by his wife, Helen of Clarinda; daughters Sandra Lynne

Matheny and husband Harry of Blue Mound, Kansas and Sherree Dianne

Clinton also of Blue Mound; brothers Leonard Crawford and wife Pauline

of Rochester, MN, Donald Crawford and wife Elaine of Bedford, IA; sisters

Iris Carmichael of Clarinda and Doris Cates of Broken Arrow, OK; and

brother, Keith Crawford and wife Virginia of Denison, IA; grandchildren:

Lt. Christopher Lee Dodds, Kimberly Mae Thompson, Jinny Lynne Ross,

Robert Alan Rowland, and Brandon Allen Clinton; twelve great grandchildren;

Helen's nephew Albert Lee Newlon of Red Oak, LA and niece Candice

Marie Armstrong of Imogene, IA; many Crawford nieces and nephews;

and two loving and special friends, Audra L. Meyerst and Betty Jo Maley,

both of Clarinda.

Graveside services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 at Clarinda

Cemetery with Rev. John Clark officiating. Military rites will be given by

Clarinda American Legion Sergy Post #98. Memorials are suggested to

fund in Robert's name.

Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa, was in charge

of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 5, 2008

 

Hayworth, Ivan Dellano (Del) -

Funeral services for Ivan Hayworth, age 88, of Lenox, who died Sunday,

November 30, 2008, at the Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines will

be held Thursday, December 4, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie

Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Wednesday 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

Conway Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa.

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

under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral

Home of Lenox.

Ivan Dellano (Del) Hayworth was born December 15, 1919, in Worth County,

Missouri the son of Alph Hayworth and Mina (Winemiller) Hayworth. He

grew up in Worth County until about the age of 10 years when his family

moved to a farm south of Bedford. The family later moved to the Conway

area where Ivan graduated from the Conway High School with the

Class of 1940. Ivan was united in marriage to Amy Jeanette Norton in

1940. To this union eleven children, one daughter, Karon, died at infancy.

In May of 1985 Jeanette passed away after 45 years together.

Ivan served in the United States Navy during World War II

on the USS Casinghead. He was a member of the American Legion and

Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Ivan had two major loves in his life . . . . his family and sports. He played

sports throughout his school years, and in later years, participated in

what was known as "Kitten Ball" on town teams until he was in his forties.

Ivan traveled hundreds  of miles to attend games that his children and

grandchildren  participated in. One of his yearly enjoyments was to attend the

Big Eight Tournament in Kansas City with his sons, grandsons, brother and

nephews. Ivan often bragged to others that he had  "the best kids the

world".

Ivan worked many years in road construction and farming. He enjoyed buying

livestock and was found at various sale barns on Sale Day. He enjoyed having

his grandchildren help with the chores, and showing his animals to them.

Left to cherish Ivan's memory are his ten children, Martha Morgan of Radcliff,

Iowa, Carole Norris of Ames, Iowa, Paul Hayworth and wife Kay of Olathe, Kansas,

Mary Olson of Bondurant, Iowa; Terry Hayworth and wife Cindy of Mitchellville,

Iowa; Ellen Landers and husband Kerry of Carlisle, Iowa; Dennis Hayworth and

wife Jackie of Grimes, Iowa; Douglas Hayworth and wife June of Weatherby Lake,

Missouri; Tim Hayworth of Brooksville, Florida; James Hayworth and wife Cathy

of Bondurant, Iowa; twenty-four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren;

eighteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Crystal Gourley of Bedford, Iowa;

Becky Morehouse of Sarasota, Florida; and Anita Hayworth of Mount Ayr, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Ivan, in death, is his father Alph Hayworth in 1946; his mother Mina

Hayworth in 1974; four brothers, Edwin, Benjamin, Quentin and Kyle  Hayworth;

one sister, Elsie; and two infant sisters,

Ivan will be missed by his entire family.

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

 

Koerner, Reva Pauline Butler Stewart Ferguson -

Graveside services will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. at West

Fairview Cemetery in Lenox for Reva Pauline Butler Koerner, age

94. Rev. Tim Maxa will officiate. Reva, daughter of Charles and

Orpha Ray Butler, was born April 18, 1913, Taylor County, and died

March 25, 2008 in a care center in California. She was cremated.

Reva moved to California in her younger years where she resided

all her life. She was married to Archie Stewart in 1940 and to

this union, a daughter, Sheila, and a son, Robert, were born who

both survive her and also one grandchild, and a daughter-in-law.

Her only sibling, Kenneth Butler, was reported missing in action

in World War I.

Her husband preceded her in death, her parents, also

husband, Merle Ferguson and husband, Bill Koerner.

Reva came to Iowa as a visitor many times, enjoying

reuniting with family and friends in the Lenox and

Creston areas. She was fun loving, a caring mother, cousin

and friend to many and always interested in others.

Those who wish to attend services for Reva are invited

to do so to extend condolences to her children who will be

present.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday October 15, 2008

 

Miller, Darlene Mae Ramsey -

Funeral services for Darlene Miller, age 84 of Bedford, who died

Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab

Center will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.

at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation will be held

from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will be held in the

Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be given in her

name. Memories can be shared with the family at

www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted

to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Darlene Mae (Ramsey) Miller was born January 9, 1924,

in Hopkins, Missouri the daughter of Robert Ramsey and

Maude (Thull) Ramsey. She grew up attending school in

Hopkins and began teaching in a one-room country school in

the fall of 1941. She received both her Bachelors and Masters

Degrees in Education at Northwest Missouri State University.

On December 26, 1953, Darlene was united in marriage to

Howard Miller in Hopkins. They became the parents of two

sons, Dan and Joe.

Darlene's love of the classroom touched the lives of

students, adults, teachers, administrators and parents in

southern Iowa and northwest Missouri. She retired as principal

of John Glenn Elementary School in 1986. For the next 14

years, Darlene tutored elementary students at her home in

Savannah and taught GED classes in both Savannah and St.

Joseph, Missouri. The family has lived in Bedford, Clearfield

and Tingley, Iowa and Hopkins and Savannah, Missouri. Since

1992, the couple has spent their winters in Alamo, Texas:

Darlene led a very active and social life with her husband

Howard. The couple was involved in square dancing, saddle

clubs and card clubs. She enjoyed a variety of crafts such as

ceramics and oil painting. Darlene and Howard 'never knew

a stranger' and met many acquaintances and friends over the

years through camping and music jam sessions. Whenever

Howard took the microphone, Darlene always had a front

row seat!

Left to cherish Darlene's memory is her loving husband

of 55 years, Howard Miller of Bedford, Iowa; two sons,

Dan Miller of Needles, California; and Joe Miller of Gower,

Missouri; two granddaughters, Angela and Erin Miller

both of Gower, Missouri; a sister, Mary Estella Jordan of

Fredericksburg, Virginia; along with several nieces, nephews

and many friends.

Preceding Darlene in death are her parents, Robert S. and

Maude Ramsey; and a brother, Robert C. (Chuck) Ramsey.

Darlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and

teacher.

Her enthusiasm, love of life and gentle kindness will be missed by everyone.

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

 

Monk, Bertha Elizabeth Gulick -

Bertha passed away on October 2, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in

Lafayette, Colorado at the age of 83. She would have been 84 on October 15.

Bertha was born in Owatonna, Minnesota to Marvin & Dorothy Gulick. She

married Cecil Monk on June 18, 1944 in Maryville, MO and resided in Clearfield.

Cecil passed away in 1990 and she moved to Colorado in 1991 to live with her

daughter and family. She worked in Mt. Ayr at the hat factory for

approximately 10 years and at the Clearview Home in Clearfield for 25

years prior to retiring.

Survivors include her daughters Carolyn Shaffer & son-in-law Gary of

Lafayette, CO and Glenna Kay Monk of Hollywood, CA; grandson David

(and Danielle) and great grandson Sage; granddaughter Deborah (and

Chad) and great grandsons Cody & Devin; and grandson Daniel Shaffer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil Monk; father & step-

mother Marvin & Elsie Gulick; mother & step-father Dorothy & Glenn

Weaver; and one brother Marvin Gulick.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday October 15, 2008

 

O'Connor, Ethan Wyatt -

Ethan Wyatt O'Connor, newborn son of Liza Hiatt and James O'Connor

of New Market, Iowa was born Nov. 2, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. at St Francis

Hospital in Maryville, Missouri. Ethan passed away at 3:20 p.m. Nov 2, 2008.

He leaves his parents and sister, Paytan Annabell Hiatt; grandparents

Vernon and Gladius Hiatt of New Market, Iowa, and Jim and Selina

O'Connor of Blockton, Iowa, great grandparents Delores Hiatt of Gravity,

Iowa and Ronnie and Madalene Nelson of Corning, Iowa; aunts and

uncles Emit and Angie Hiatt of New Market, Iowa, Sabrina Morvant,

Lenox, Iowa, Poe O'Connor of Blockton, Iowa, Billy O'Connor of Blockton,

Iowa, Bill and Leena Hightshoe of Kellerton, Iowa, and Sammi Jo O'Connor

of Mt. Ayr, Iowa.

Services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday November 10, 2008 at Walker-

Merrick Funeral Home. With interment at the Dallas Cemetery, New

Market, Iowa.

The Tradition of Walker-Merrick Funeral Home has served the family.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 12, 1008

 

Roedel, Gloria Moneymaker -

Gloria (Moneymaker) Roedel was born on February 12, 1925, in Sullivan, Missouri,

to Earl and Laura Moneymaker. She passed away peacefully on August 23, 2008,

surrounded by her family. A memorial mass was held on August 27 in Bellvue,

Washington. Gloria's father was the Presbyterian minister in Lenox in the early

1940's. Gloria was a 1943 graduate of Lenox high. She certainly left her mark

on Lenox High being a good student and very popular, but most will remember

her as an outstanding basketball player which was a big deal in small towns in

those days. Basketball was 6 on 6 with 3 forwards and 3 guards with one

forward being a post player who could remain in the lane under the basket

and could go left or right to the basket

The post player was usually very tall and the main play was getting the ball to

the post player. Gloria, Lenox's first player, had the distinction of being the

high scorer for the state meet in 1941 by a record of 84 points. This scoring

record held for over 20 years. A great memory all members of the 1941 Lenox

girls team held was, there was a State Senator at that time from Lenox. He

was Oliver Turner and he lived 1 1/2 miles north of Lenox. He sent Gloria

a personal telegram. "Dear Gloria: I want you to accept my congratulations

in achieving the record as being the high scoring forward of the State

Basketball Tournament. I surely appreciate the nice clean game that you

played all the way through the tournament. Again, accept my

congratulations."

Gloria moved from Lenox in 1946 when she followed her siblings to Portland,

Oregon and remained in the state of Washington the rest of her life.

Gloria married Robert F. Roedel, M.D. in 1950 and they raised 6 children. She

is survived by her husband, Robert, children, Ellen Cole (Les), Melanie Green

(Skip), Nancy Roedel, Robert N., Gwen (Garry Green) and 8 grandchildren,

 one son-in- law Chas. Douglass, and siblings, Barbara, Howard and David

Moneymaker, one sister-in-law Doris (Elder) Moneymaker. Preceding her

in death were her parents, daughter Michele, passed away from ovarian

Cancer in January 2008.

The Telegram was found by Gloria's family after 67 years - among her

possessions.

Lenox Time Table,, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday October 15, 2008

Round, Kathryn (Kae) Reis Andrews -

Kathryn (Kae) Reis Round, 70, of Grand Junction and Crawford, CO,

passed away  Sunday, November 9, 2008 after a long illness.

Kae lived her life to the fullest, particularly enjoying the peace and

serenity of  her years in Crawford with her husband, R.D., and youngest

daughter, Penelope.  Kae faced both diversity and good times with the

same happy spirit and was dedicated, to helping educate children and

young adults with special needs at Hotchkiss High School for 10 years.

Kae graduated from Lenox High School in Lenox, IA and Northeast Missouri

State University received her Masters in Education from the University of

Northern Colorado. Kae was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church

in Hotchkiss, CO. Born on October 25, 1938 to George and Georgia Reis

in Bridgewater, IA,

Kae was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Maurice W.

Andrews of Lenox, IA, and her granddaughter Mary Margaret "Maggie" East.

She is survived by her husband Romaine D. "R.D." Round of Crawford, CO,

currently residing in Grand Junction; her children Victoria Schatzel of

Grand Junction, Sheryl (J.D.) East of Aurora, Penelope Round of Atlanta,

G A, Greg Andrews of California, Kevin (Donita) Round of Grand Junction,

Ricky (Kathy) Round of Garland, TX, Terry Jo Barnes of Kirksville, MO,

and Rayla Round-Goss of Kirksville; her grandchildren Jennifer (Schatzel)

and Jeff Ward, Marisa (Schatzel) and Adam Miller, Danielle (Schatzel)

and Evrod Cassimy, Patrick and Caitlynn East, Amanda and Kelby Round,

Stephanie (Louder) and Robbie White, Wesley and Jessica Louder, and

Sarah and Aaron Round; and her greatgrandchildren Julia Ward, and

Noah and Mason Miller.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 15, 2008 at St.

Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Hotchkiss at 11:00 AM. In lieu of

flowers, gifts in honor of Kae should be directed to Hospice & Palliative

Care of Western Colorado, PO Box 60307, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 12, 2008

 

Savage, Annabel A Stephens -

Annabel A. Savage, 78, of Independence, MO, passed away October 26,

2008 at the home. Annabel was born November 2, 1929 in Clarinda Iowa,

the daughter of John S. and Bertha Belle (Gray) Stephens.

She worked for S & L Electric in Independence until retiring. Annabel

was a member of the Christian Church of Gravity, Iowa.

She was an avid genealogist and homemaker.

Annabel was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years. Doyle E. Savage,

in January of 2007.

Survivors include one son, Robert J. Savage and wife Julie of

Independence, MO; one daughter, Susan Keleher and husband Dan of

Sibley, MO, four grandchildren. Alisa and Micah Keleher and Cassie

and Joel Savage, One great-grandson Micha, Jr. and her beloved dog,

Sam.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Groves

Hospice, 1515 White Oak, Independence, MO, 64053.

Family grave side service was Thursday, October 30,2008

at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Arrangements New Salem Funeral Home and cemetery

816-796-8600

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 5, 2008

 

Slaten, Lois Ferguson -

Lois Slaten, 76, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 2, 2008.

Funeral services were held 11:00 AM, Friday, November 7, 2008 at the

Clearmont Baptist Church in Clearmont, MO. Burial followed in the Clearmont

Cemetery.

Lois was born in Deepwater, MO on March 9, 1932 to Paul and Aileen Ferguson.

She graduated from Clearmont High School, and in 1952 she married J.B.

Slaten. J.B. and Lois moved to Blockton, Iowa where she lived until 1997

when she moved to the Des Moines area.

Lois enjoyed sewing and quilting and was a member of the Ankeny Area Quilt

Guild. She gave much of her work away to charitable organizations.

Survivors include her daughters: Barbara (Jim) Aldeman of Schaumburg, IL,

Jo Carmack of West Des Moines, Jan (Paul) Heddinger of Des Moines, Belinda

(Quinn) Rinehart of Des Moines; Seven grandchildren: Holly, John, Jamie,

Lindsay, Alexa, Matt, Chad; Four great grandchildren: Aleigha, Caleb, Jacob,

Alexis; and her sister Audria Humphrey of Clearmont, MO.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.B. Slaten; brother

Richard Ferguson; daughter, Beverly Gunter and her great grandson, Michael.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 12, 2008

 

Sollars, Hazel Lavon Routh -

Hazel Lavon (Routh) Sollars, 84 of Clearfield, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday

October 8, 2008 at the Clearview Nursing Home in Ml. Ayr. She had been

diagnosed with leukemia in September.

Born on May 11, 1924 to Glen and Gladys (England) Routh near Diagonal, Hazel

attended high school in Clearfield. She married Ernest Darwin Sollars on December

4, 1939. Two sons, Wendell Jay and Ernest Roe, were born to this union.

After farming in the Clearfield area for over 20 years, Darwin entered the life

insurance business in 1965.

Hazel assisted Darwin in a very successful, 20-year career that took them to

Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia and Florida. In their travels, they made many

great friends who still admire and respect them both.

In 1982, they retired to Sun Valley Lake in Ellison, spending their winters in

Las Vegas, Nevada. After Darwin suffered a stroke in 1999, the couple

returned to Clearfield. Hazel lovingly cared for Darwin until his death on

Thanksgiving Day, 2004, just a few days before their 65th wedding

anniversary.

Her husband, her parents, two brothers-in-law, Cecil Miller and Willard Martz,

and a sister-in-law, Altha Martz, preceded Hazel in death.

Hazel is survived by her two sons, Wendell and special friend Monica Jacobi

of Ellison, and Roe and wife Margaret of Tampa, Fl.; four grandchildren,

Sherry Jacobs and husband John of Earlham, Sandra Perez and husband

Mark of Ft. Myers, Fl, Matthew Sollars and wife Emma of Brooklyn, NY and

Bradley Sollars of New York, NY; two great-grandsons, Cody and Dalton

Hills; a brother, Delbert Routh and wife Bernadine; and a sister Betty

Jo Miller. Hazel also leaves many extended family members and close friends.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa October 15, 2008

 

Weeda, Mary (Floy) VanLoon Hancock -

Funeral services for Floy Weeda, age 99, .of Lenox, who died Saturday,

October 18, 2008 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield will be held

Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at 2 P-M at the Ritchie Funeral Home

in Lenox. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting

friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery

in Lenox. Memorials can be given in her name. Memories can be shared

with the family at www.ritchieruneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Mary Floy (VanLoon) Weeda was born June 17, 1909, in Monroe County,

Iowa the only daughter of George C. VanLoon and Snow E. (Cox) VanLoon.

She grew up in Monroe County where she attended country schools.

She was united in marriage to Harold Hancock on December 5, 1928.

To this union three children were born, Harold, Georgia and Darlene. The

couple lived in Lucas County.

Harold was killed in a mining accident on August 21, 1935, and Floy and

her children continued to live in the area with family. She was united

in marriage to Bill Weeda on March 27, 1941. To this union a son Delbert

was born. The family moved to Taylor County for a year, and then purchased

a farm east of Lenox. Bill passed away on January 25, 1968. Floy continued

to live on the farm until 2002 when she entered Clearview Home in

Clearfield.

Floy grew up and raised a family in a time when life was tough. She raised

large gardens, canning most of the produce. In later years she still

gardened but spent much of the time raising flowers. Floy was a 'strong

willed woman' who knew the importance of family. She always had

time for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She crocheted,

having made many afghans, and also enjoyed word-search puzzles. At an

early age, Floy made her choice to walk in Jesus way and kept this faith

to the end.

Left to cherish Floy's memory are a son, Harold Hancock and special friend,

Connie Benedict of Bedford; two daughters, Georgia Hays of Creston; and

Darlene Stamps and husband Curtiss, of Diagonal, a daughter-in-law,

Joyce Weeda of Lenox, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great

grandchildren, and thirteen great great grandchildren, along with many

other family members and friends.

Preceding Floy in death are her parents, both husbands, a son, Delbert

Weeda in 2004, a daughter-in-law, Donna Hancock in 2003; and four

brothers, Marvin, Calvin, Glenn and Frank VanLoon.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday October 22, 2008

 

Wetzel, Cleo Harlan -

Funeral services for Cleo Wetzel, age 93 of Gravity, who died Friday, October

31, 2008 at the Clearview Nursing Home in Clearfield were held Tuesday,

November 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford.

Interment was held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials

can be given in Cleo'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.

Cleo Harlan Wetzel was born May 29, 1915, on a farm in Adams County,

Iowa the son of Verne C. Wetzel and Hazel Luella (West) Wetzel, he

was the oldest of two children, a brother Roy would be born five years

later. He grew up attending country school at Mercer Center through

the eighth grade and then began helping his father with the family

farming operation. He later worked for his Uncle Frank and Aunt

Flossie West. It was then he met his bride-to-be, Dorothy Ellen

Hayes. On October 10, 1944 the couple were united in marriage in

Bedford, Iowa. Cleo and Dorothy just celebrated their 64th

Wedding Anniversary. To this loving union four children were

born, Ronald Reldon, Robert Charles, Dwight David and finally

their daughter, Marcia Ellen.

Cleo farmed for many years, first with horses and later purchasing his

first John Deere B Tractor in 1956. He also helped build the Lenox and

Corning Elementary and High Schools. He later worked for the Coop

in Shenandoah for a few years, finally becoming the Custodian at the

Gravity School, a position he held for ten years until it closed and he

retired.

Cleo loved gardening, always looking forward to tending a large garden

each year, sharing the produce with his friends and family. He also

enjoyed tending his flower garden where he raised big dahlias and

cannas. On August 20, 1970, Cleo was baptized into Christ, He also

taught Sunday school for many years along with being a Deacon at

the Gravity Christian Church. Cleo was a quiet man, who was always

willing to help others: He always made sure the heat was turned

on at the Gravity Christian Church when needed along with doing

various jobs that went unnoticed by others, like checking on

his neighbors to be sure all was well. Cleo truly loved his

grandchildren and they enjoyed 'helping him' and having him

read to them. Later his great-grandchildren were born and oh..

.. how his face would light up with a big smile when they would

come to see him! His family was truly the 'joy of his life'.

Left to cherish Cleo's memory are his loving wife of 64

years, Dorothy Wetzel of Clearfield; two sons, Robert Wetzel

and wife Loretta of Corning; and Dwight Wetzel and wife

Glenda of Bedford; his daughter, Marcia Nickell and husband

Galen of Gravity; a brother, Roy Wetzel and wife Pearl of

Texas; twelve grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren;

and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Cleo in death are his parents, Verne and Hazel

Wetzel, his in-laws, Ray and Ina Hayes and his son, Ronald

Wetzel in 2008.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 5, 2008

 

Wheeler, Eldon Lee -

Memorial services for Eldon Wheeler, age 58 of Alexander City, Alabama,

formerly of Bedford, Iowa, died Monday, November 24, 2008 of a heart

attack at  Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, Alabama will be held

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at ll:00am at Ritchie Funeral home in Bedford.

Interment of ashes will be held in Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Memorials can be given in Eldon's name.  Memories can be shared with

the family at our website www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford.

Eldon Lee Wheeler was born in Maryville, Missouri the  son of Orvis

and Marjorie (Mullen) Wheeler. He grew up in  Bedford attending Ross

Center Country School through the third grade. When he entered into

the fourth grade he started attending  the Bedford Community Schools,

graduating with the class of  1968. While attending high school, Eldon

was a shoe salesman  for the Thompson Mercantile in Bedford. After

graduation he began farming with Neil Combs, later moving to Maryville,

Missouri in 1972. In 1979, he graduated from Northwest Missouri

State University with a degree in business management while also

working for Ackley Construction. After college he moved to Ft. Collins,

Colorado, where he was a salesman for a  manufactured home company.

He later moved to Winter Park, Colorado where he did a lot of home

construction as a carpenter. He later moved to Longmont, Colorado

and then Scottsdale,  Arizona where he worked in real estate. He

then moved to  Cottonwood, Arizona to continue pursuing real estate

and later  went back to carpentry. In 2002 he started working for

Zachry  Construction in Cottonwood. When that project was complete,

he chose to "go on the road" with Zachry where he first went to Miami,

Florida. When the Miami job was complete, he then  went to the Zachry

Tool Center in San Antonio, Texas until the next project came open in

Victorville, California. When Victorville was finished he returned to

Florida to work on a project in Brooksville. when that project was

completed this past May,  he "took a month off" spending time in

Iowa following his grandchildren's activities, which turned into three

months! During this time he enjoyed working on Jeremy and Linda's

home and cleaning up the property he had purchased in New

Market. In August he moved to Alexander City, Alabama to

begin work on a new project for Zachry.

On August 24, 1968, Eldon was united in marriage to Lorelei

Combs in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The couple was blessed with

the birth of one son, Jeremy Craig on March 2, 1969 in Clarinda,

Iowa. The couple divorced in 1974. Eldon's life was later

blessed with the birth of four grand children. He truly enjoyed

spending time with all of them, watching their ballgames and

even taking them on a week-long vacation to Branson, Missouri

this past spring. The memories that were made during the summer

of 2008 will be cherished by everyone. Jeremy and Eldon

shared a special bond that only grew stronger as the years went

by, many times Jeremy was able to visit his dad on various job

sites in Florida and California. Together they enjoyed many

genealogy trips tracing their family history. Eldon also had a

love of Civil War History and woodworking.

Eldon truly enjoyed his position with Zachry construction.

He made many friends along the way and enjoyed the benefits

of his position along with the each challenge that came with

each job site. This afforded him many opportunities to travel

and see parts of the country he had never seen before. His

enthusiastic spirit will be missed by his Zachry family.

Left to cherish Eldon's memory are his son Jeremy

Wheeler and wife Linda of Gravity; two sisters, Barb Gaddis

and husband Gene of Des Moines; and Carolyn Brown of Bedford;

four grandchildren, Tiana, Kelsey, Audrey and Devon;

aunt Irma Hill of Naples, Florida; uncle Kenneth Mullen and

wife Lois of San Clemente, California; along with many nieces,

nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Eldon in death are his parents Orvis and Marjorie

Wheeler; Two brothers at infancy; and a brother-in-law,

Leo Brown.

Eldon was a devoted father, grandfather and trusted

employee.

His enthusiasm for the enjoyment or life, humor and insight

will be missed by his family.

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