007MARJORIE J. SCHRADER, age 89 of Sidney, IA died Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the Sidney Ambassador following an extended illness.  Marjorie was born April 28, 1923 near Nodaway, Iowa to Edward Charles Stroud and Mary J (Lane) Stroud.  She graduated from Villisca High School in 1941.  She taught in rural schools in Taylor Co., and later attended some classes at Clarinda Jr. College. 

On January 12, 1945 she married Cecil Schrader in Clarinda, Iowa.  They farmed in Taylor Co. near Guss, Iowa.  They moved to the Shenandoah area in 1962 where she worked for Montgomery Ward, Tip Top packaging and Ross-Shenandoah Insurance.  She was a member of the Sidney United Methodist Church and UMW where she enjoyed working.  She belonged to the Research Club, Merry Few Club, and Shenandoah BPW for many years.  She enjoyed people, reading and flowers. 

Marjorie was preceded death by her Husband Cecil; parents; brother, Dale Stroud; and a sister, Bernice McCoy.  She is survived by her son, Roger Schrader and wife Sharon of Fremont, NE; 2 granddaughters, Naomi Gutz and husband Mike of Minneapolis, MN and Michele Wessels and husband Scott of LaVern, MN; 7 grandchildren, Victoria (Reed) Bohan, Dominic Reed, Zoe Gutz, Christian and Bailey Rise, Cameron and Calvin Wessels all of MN; several loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marshall Funeral Chapels, Nebraska City, Ne.

010Myrtle F. Squier, the daughter of Glenn D. and Vinnie (Johnson) Scofield, was born January 28, 1926, on a family farm near Gravity, Iowa. She graduated from Gravity High School.

Myrtle was employed as a telephone operator in Clarinda, Iowa, where she met Andrew Jackson Squier (Jack). On December 12, 1946, Myrtle was united in marriage to Andrew Jackson (Jack) Squier. To this union, two children were born; Frederick and Virginia.

Following the family moving to Tarkio, Myrtle became a member of the Tarkio Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school and Youth Club for many years. She also served on the church’s flower committee and helped with the nursery. Myrtle was employed as custodian for the church for 27 years until retirement. After Jack passed away in 1980, Myrtle became a fulltime professional domestic engineer for both homes and businesses and continued working until her late 70’s. Myrtle passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care at the age of 86.

Myrtle was a typical country girl, raising a large garden and canning all of its produce. She was also an accomplished baker and seamstress, sewing many of Fred and Virginia’s clothes. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and working in her flower garden. She also enjoyed camping, quilting and regularly helped Fred paint his models.

Myrtle was an animal lover and never met one that she did not love or that did not love her back. In her final years, her two constant companions were her cats, Tippy and Puffer. If you ever visited with her, you would hear about how she walked them on leashes. Myrtle was a very strong willed and independent woman who lived on her own until just a few months ago, when due to poor health, she had to enter Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care facility. Myrtle was a constant in the lives of her son and his family, always there to help in any way possible and will leave a void that will be impossible to fill.

Besides her parents and husband, Myrtle was preceded in death by brothers, George Edward and Ellis Horton Scofield and sister, Rose Coryle Scofield. Survivors include son, Frederick Squier and wife, Sharley, Tarkio, and their son, Erik C. Squier, Maryville, Missouri; daughter, Virginia Nave and ex-husband, Rod and their two sons, Scott and David Nave.


Graveside Service and Interment: Home Cemetery, Tarkio.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services: Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.

Funeral services for R.D. "Dwain" Boyer, age 92, of Lenox, who died Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Vintage Park will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lenox Christian Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3-7 with the family greeting friends from 5-7. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 PM Tuesday evening. Interment will be held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to Vintage Park. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Ronald Dwain Boyer was born October 13, 1920, southwest of Lenox, Iowa the son of Chester A. Boyer and Edith (Preston) Boyer. He grew up attending country school at Grove No. 6, graduating from Lenox High School with the Class of 1938. R.D. then went on to attend AIB in Des Moines. He was a life-long Taylor County resident, living on the family farm where he was born, except the 43 months he served during World War II in the United States Coast Guard. When he was young he enjoyed showing cattle with his father.

On August 12, 1950, R.D. was united in marriage to Selma Liechti in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Two daughters were born to bless their lives, Nancy Eileen and Kay Susan. R.D. farmed, fed cattle and also worked for the Taylor County ASCS office for 22 years. After his retirement from the ASCS office, Dwain faithfully worked for the Ritchie Funeral Home for 15 years. Alan and Kristi were honored to serve the families of Lenox with R.D. by their side.

R.D. was an 85 year member of the Lenox Christian Church where he faithfully served in numerous capacities. He was a member of the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 258; and was a member of the Tremont Masonic Lodge #343. R.D. had been an active Mason for over 65 years. He had also been active in the Shrine and Eastern Star. R.D. truly enjoyed people and took great pride in his work. He enjoyed driving and traveling around the United States. He and Selma were able to visit all 50 states. They also enjoyed camping and taking bus trips. R.D.'s pride and joy was always his family.

In 1988, when R.D. and Selma moved into Lenox, he acquired two more daughters, Kelly Freshour and husband Kyle, and Paula Borland and husband Tom and their children, Kylie, Ben and Samantha. It was due to the efforts of these two families that R.D. was able to remain in his home for as many years as he did. In May of this year, R.D. moved to Vintage Park where he was lovingly cared for until his death.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful father, grandfather and friend are his two daughters, Nancy Allenbrand and husband Jay of Bolivar, Missouri; and Kay Ambrose and husband Allen of Council Bluffs, Iowa; one grandson, Jeff Allenbrand; two granddaughters, Courtney Kossow and husband Jon and Allison Berkland and husband Matt. He was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Ella and Tyler Kossow who brought so much joy into his life. A niece, Linda Heyne and husband Terry of Conway, South Carolina also survive along with many other relatives and a whole community of friends.

Preceding R.D. in death are his parents, Chester and Edith Boyer; his loving wife Selma in 2003; a sister, Leta Crowell and a nephew, Danny Crowell

Funeral services for Harvey Karg, age 87, of Villisca, Iowa formerly of Clarinda/New Market, Iowa, who entered into peace Friday, October 12, 2012 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa, will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with James Petersen officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m., Monday, October 15, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Page County Food Bank or to the New Market Pavilion. 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.

Harvey Chappel Karg, son of Robert J. Karg and Blanche Belle (Chappell) Karg was born July 8, 1925 in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He was from a large family with five brothers and four sisters. The family lived in Missouri and South Dakota before moving to the New Market/Gravity area in the early 1930's. He attended Frog Valley School and New Market High School. Harvey served in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed at Lete and Mindino Phillipians and Iwo Jima Japan.

Harvey returned to Clarinda following his discharge and managed the DX Gas Station. On October 22, 1947, he was united in marriage to Geneva Wright at Lincoln, Nebraska. They were blessed with two children, Richard and Barbara Jean. In 1951, they rented a farm in the Bedford area and returned to Clarinda in 1969. Harvey worked at Wilson's Meat Packing Plant as a meat process until his retirement in 1987.

Harvey was a member of the Methodist Church, Bedford, Iowa. He was also a member of the V.F. W. Harvey enjoyed gardening and had a green thumb when it came to his flowers. He also enjoyed woodworking and traveling; especially the trips that he and Geneva and their family had. His family was his passion and his greatest joy was to be with them.

Preceding Harvey in death were his parents; wife, Geneva (3/24/2008); brothers, Alvin, Homer, Clifford Karg; sisters, Lolabelle Hughes, Juanita Weaver and Thelma Snow.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Richard Karg and wife Sandra of Clarinda, Iowa; daughter, Barbara Carey of Columbia, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Corrinna Bix, Scott Karg, Tammy Karg, Melissa Taylor, Shelley Karg; eight great grandchildren, Erica Rightsell, Mariah Rightsell, Dalton Bix, Austin Karg, Kourtney Karg, Karissa Karg, Ally Grant and Madeline Grant; brothers, Henry Karg of New Market, Iowa, Bobby Karg and wife Nadine of Clarinda, Iowa; sister, Edith DeBord of Creston, Iowa; nieces; nephews and many friends

Celebration of Life Services for Merl Stockwell age 85 will be Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 3:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 until service time at 3:00 PM. Interment will be at the Lexington Cemetery in rural Bedford. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Taylor County Fair Association.

Merl Dean Stockwell was one of two children born to Frank and Edna (Champlin) Stockwell on November 11, 1926, in the small town of Thedford, in Central Nebraska.

The family moved to the Council Bluffs area and Merl met and Married Virgie M. Gilbert on February 19, 1952, in Logan, Iowa. Together they raised three children of whom they were very proud – Jimmy Lee, Donna Ann and Steven Allen.

Merl spent his early years working in the roundhouse for the Chicago Northern Rail Road in Council Bluffs. He served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. After returning home he and Virgie purchased 40 acres of farmland outside of Council Bluffs. They moved to the country and enjoyed the out of doors, raising cattle, hogs, chickens and goats. The corn that they raised was picked by hand. Their farm was a busy place with friends and family stopping by and was known as the best place around to make root beer!

While Merl was working two jobs - at the rail road and Standard Oil in Council Bluffs he was transferred to Bethel, Kansas. The family sold their farm and purchased a new split level home. But, the lure of the farm was in his blood, and in 1966, they purchased a farm in Conway, Iowa and he was once again a farmer. Knowing not a single person in Taylor County, Merl and Virgie soon made friends with neighbors and the community.
Merl and Virgie retired from farming in 1987, and moved to Bedford. They spent time traveling in their motor home, wintering in Arizona, fishing, helping Steve on the farm, enjoying grandkids and the great grandkids and making friends far and wide. Merl was known as a prankster and enjoyed laughter and a good visit. He was always ready to go when Dennis would stop by and want to go mushroom hunting.

Virgie died in 1999 after a lengthy illness. Merl was blessed with a second special friend, Betty Kissel who shared his hobbies of fishing, camping, country music shows and picking up and harvesting black walnuts. He was a kind man who left this earth on a sunny day doing what he enjoyed – helping at the farm.

Left to cherish his memory are his special friend, Betty Kissel, a son, Jim Thomas and wife Gayle of Warner Robins, Georgia; a daughter, Donna Kernen of Bedford; daughter-in-law Glenda Stockwell of Bedford; Grandchildren Johnny Thomas, Ricky Thomas, Danny Kernen, Justin Kernen, Tina McMillin and Mikel Stockwell; six great-grandsons and three great granddaughters along with many other family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Frank and Edna Stockwell; beloved wife Virgie Stockwell; son Steve Stockwell; sister Wava Kissel; and a son-in-law Steve Kernen

Funeral services for Lillie Longfellow, age 82, of Bedford, who died Monday, October 8, 2012 at the Hospice House in Creston. Services will be held Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 2:30 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be on hour prior to services. Interment will be held at Lexington Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Lenox Ambulance Training Fund.

Lillie Ellen (Million) Longfellow was born August 25, 1930, in Troy, Iowa the daughter of Clifford Allen Million and Barbara Ellen (Padget) Million. Lilly grew up in Taylor County, graduating from Sharpsburg High School with the Class of 1948. She then attended Teacher's College in Maryville, teaching country school for one year in Taylor County. She went on to teach in Ringgold County at the Athens Country School, then on to Kellerton teaching 5th and 6th grades for several years. Later she taught in Elleston for a year before moving to Gladbrook to teach, then Marshalltown, Jefferson and then moved to Lenox in 1968 where she taught Remedial Reading for the elementary and high school, retiring her teaching career in 1989.

On August 16, 1968, Lillie was united in marriage to Howard Blake in Maryville, Missouri. Lillie and Howard enjoyed living on the farm. Howard passed away in June of 1997. On July 23, 1997, she was united in marriage to Marvin Longfellow in Burlington, Iowa. Together they enjoyed traveling around the United States. Lillie especially enjoyed wintering with Marvin in Alamo, Texas. While wintering in Texas, Marvin started painting and Lillie developed a great appreciation for art.

Lillie was a member of the Sharpsburg Untied Methodist Church, she was also a member of the N.E.A. and L.E.A. She was nominated by N.E.A. as an outstanding teacher for the Title One Reading Program in 1985. She enjoyed traveling around Iowa presenting her teaching methods to various groups. Lillie was a wonderful seamstress and loving anything that could be sewn! She created many beautiful quilts over the years. After she and Marvin were married, she thoroughly enjoyed learning to play the bass and looked forward to playing bluegrass and old country music together. Lillie always had a large vegetable garden and was a hard worker. Whether it was teaching, gardening or sewing, she possessed an ability to make even the hardest job seem simple.

Left to cherish Lillie's memory is her loving husband Marvin Longfellow of Bedford; along with several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Lillie in death are her parents, Clifford and Barbara Million; her first husband Howard in 1996; and a sister, Lela Kitterman

Funeral services for Mike Rice, age 93, of Lenox, who died Sunday, October 7, 2012, at his home will be held Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at 10:30 AM at the Lenox Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be Tuesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox 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 North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines.

Lewis (Mike) Rice was born June 17, 1919, in rural Mount Ayr, Iowa the son of Douglas Rice and Minnie (Minnick) Rice. He grew up attending several country schools, graduating from Diagonal High School with the Class of 1938. Mike played on the 1938 Diagonal State Champion Basketball team. He proudly served in World War II in the United States Army Air Corps as a medic. He was a farmer all of his life and spent the last 64 years on his farm 4.5 miles south of Lenox. Mike was united in marriage to Daisy Huntsman on November 24, 1946, and they raised three children. Eighteen years after Daisy passed away, he married Leola (Peg) Huntsman Kountz on October 29, 1995.

Mike loved children and took great pride in keeping his great-grandchildren. His favorite time was with family on Sunday mornings with his coffee, homemade bread and jelly and cookies and he was never in short supply!

Left to cherish Mike's memory is his second wife Peg; his three children, Jim Rice and wife Linda; Joy Miller and husband Harlan; Bev Freshour and husband Kevin, all of Lenox; nine grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Brooks of Kenwick, Washington; Charlotte Cunning and husband Dwight of Mount Ayr; Jorene Blevins and husband Bill of Springfield, Missouri; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Mike in death are his parents Douglas and Minnie Rice; his first wife Daisy in 1981; his brother Paul Rice and sister-in-law Sadie Rice; his sister Opal and brother-in-law Bill Goodale; brother-in-law Max Brooks; great-granddaughter, Macy Miller and many other relatives and friends

Funeral services for Maxine Rusco, age 93, of Bedford, who died Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held in the Athelstan Cemetery.

Roberta Maxine (Chandler) Rusco was born in Eagleville Missouri on January 6, 1919 the daughter of Vernon Chandler and Viola (Booher) Chandler.

On August 11, 1938, Maxine was united in marriage to Leonard Rusco. They farmed all their lives living mostly in Taylor County. To this union three children were born Marilyn, Lowell and Patricia. Maxine loved being a housewife, she enjoyed working with her husband on the farm and she liked to garden and crochet.

Left to cherish Maxine's memory are her children Marilyn Donohoe of Kansas City, Missouri; and Patricia Rusco of Jonesboro, Arkansas; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Maxine in death are her parents, Vernon and Viola Chandler; her son, Lowell Rusco; her husband, Leonard Rusco; a grandson, Ronnie Jackson; two brothers, Victor Chandler and Everett Chandler; and a sister, Wilma Chandler

Funeral services for Virginia Newby, age 93, of Gravity, formerly of Indiana, who died Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Friday, 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Interment will be held at the West Newton Friends Cemetery in Indiana.

Virginia Belle (Knoy) Newby was born November 22, 1918, in Eminence, Indiana, the daughter of Everett Knoy and Malanta (Murphy) Knoy. She grew up in Eminence, graduating from Eminence High School with the Class of 1937. She met Murray Fred Newby, a young man who lived down the street, and the couple were united in marriage on October 3, 1943. They were blessed with two sons, Donald and Steve and a daughter who died at infancy.

Virginia and Murray farmed while living in the Indianapolis area for many years. Virginia retired in the fall of 1989. Their son Steve purchased a farm in the Gravity, Iowa area and the couple decided to move to the Gravity area to be near their family. Virginia enjoyed flowers, baking cakes and always looked forward to attending the Indiana State Fair. She loved getting together with her girlfriends and going out to eat. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always her pride and joy! Virginia also enjoyed playing the piano.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend is her loving son Steve Newby and wife Linda of Gravity, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Mary Alice Knoy of Mesa, Arizona; three grandchildren, Mickey Newby and wife Tammy of Carthage, Indiana; Cindy Newby of Gravity, Iowa; and Sharon Ennis and husband James of Martinsville, Indiana; five great-grandchildren Jordan, Bryan, Ethan, Benjamin and Brody; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Virginia in death are her parents, Everett and Malanta Knoy; her loving son, Donald Newby in 1966; a daughter at infancy; and three brothers, Chester, Lloyd and Thomas Knoy

Funeral services for Agatha Beemer, age 100, of Bedford, who died Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Friday, October 5, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday at the Ritchie Funeral Home from 3-7 with the family greeting friends from 5-7. Interment will be held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Elma Agatha Beemer died September 29, 2012, at the Bedford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford, Iowa, at the age of 100.

Agatha was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, on March 25, 1912, to Russell and Adah (Casteel) Farrens, the third of six children. Their family lived in various places throughout the Midwest, settling in southwest Iowa. Agatha attended most of her elementary school years in Hawleyville, Iowa; she attended Clarinda High School for three years then attended New Market High School her last year to earn her Normal degree in 1929 so she could become a teacher. She had many stories of 'Old Captain,' the ornery horse she and her siblings rode to school.

She taught in one-room country school houses until 1934 when she married Horace H. Beemer on April 21, 1934.

Horace and Agatha made their home in Gravity and later Bedford, Iowa, and had five children: Jack Stanley, Judith Kay, Janet Eileen, James Robert, and Jo Ellyn. Agatha was a full time homemaker until 1957 when she started teaching elementary school in Bedford, Iowa. She loved teaching kindergarten and decorated Christmas cookies for her students every year. Those years from 1957 to 1965, Agatha also attended college classes and earned her B.S. degree.

Retiring in 1970, Horace and Agatha started an antique business. They enjoyed attending auctions and refinishing old pieces of furniture. They also became 'snowbirds' spending winters in Harlingen, Texas, for 20 years, where they made many friends.

Family was the center of her life and she always had enough food for 'one more' when her children brought friends home from school. She could whip up a great meal for a crowd in record time! She was an excellent cook, seamstress, and could beat most anybody in a game of cards. Agatha was blessed with the gift of graciousness that made her home a welcoming place for all who entered.

Agatha was a member of Fortnightly Club, BPW (Business and Professional Women), Eastern Star, Rainbow mother advisor, United Methodist Church, and numerous bridge clubs.

Preceding Agatha in death are her parents; siblings Lee (Hazel), Don, (Ethyl) Faith (Paul Stephens), Kenneth; Horace, son Jack, son-in-law Jim Mathew, and grandson Joseph Adams.

Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are children Judy (Jim Mathew), Janet (Lanny DeMott), James (Marcia), Jo Ellyn (C.B. Adams), brother Keith (Gerry) Farrens, sister-in-law Faye Farrens (Kenneth); twenty grandchildren, forty-eight great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces

Steve Stockwell's "Last Hurrah" will be held Thursday, September 27, 2012. Open visitation at the Ritchie Funeral Home will be from 2-7 PM. The family will greet friends at the Stockwell Shed at Steve's home Thursday evening from 5 to 7 PM. Private interment will be held Friday at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Taylor County Fair Association.

Steven Allen Stockwell was born July 9, 1956 to Merl and Virgie (Gilbert) Stockwell, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. His family moved to a farm in Conway, Iowa and he graduated from Bedford Community School with the Class of 1974. After High School, Steve spent several years working as mechanic and shop foreman at Tri-Tractor in Clarinda, Iowa. This began his love for all things blue, especially tractors and clothing! It's also when he developed the habit of always carrying a pen in his pocket T-shirt.

Steve married Glenda Cassavaugh in July of 1976 and together they began the farming operation that Steve was so very proud of. They were blessed with two children; Tina Marie in 1977 and Mikel Allen in 1979. Steve loved working on the farm with his family, and they all participated in chores, tractor work, machinery repairs and the simple joys of both labor and fun. Steve enjoyed trying new techniques on the farm, he was intrigued by GPS and most recently experimented with planting cover on row crop acres under the guidance of his neighbor, Paul Ackley.

Steve loved the muscle cars of the late 60's and 70's, owning both an Olds 442 and a Hurst Olds. He was proud to have helped both of his children restore their first cars before they finished high school -- Tina a 1971 Mustang and Mikel a 1973 Mustang.

Steve enjoyed people. It didn't matter so much where you came from or what your social standing was, if you were honest with him he in turn respected you and counted you as a friend. He believed that being a friend means it's a lifelong commitment and that true friends are precious.
Steve was a board member and then president of the Taylor County Fair Association. He spent several years working along the side other volunteers to bring improvements to the livestock barns and other areas of the fair.

Steve enjoyed family first, then farming and life in the slow lane in Taylor County. Steve and Glenda were truly blessed when Jason and Kim joined the family. Their presence made our family whole! Yet, he was always up for an adventure or challenge whether it was a trip to the Rose Bowl Parade, a Sunday morning drive through Manhattan, NY without a map, jumping in to undertake the building of Glenda's office and the Hardin Clinic, driving support for the RAGBRAI riders, a quiet drive for a crop check or to look at the new baby calves, searching Omaha for a place to dance or taking a lesson on the aerodynamics of flying coasters. He faced life with a smile, and often times a 'cold one' with friends to share life stories.

Steve was originally diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 1994. He struggled through many challenging medical issues since that time, most related to the autoimmune system and a recurring malignant thymoma. He developed the characteristics of Paraneoplastic Syndrome in the Spring of 2012, and soon lost this final battle. He received excellent medical care over the years from Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and St. Francis Hardin Clinic in Bedford. He developed close personal relationships with many of his doctors and nurses and credits his good life to their diligent care and compassion.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend is his loving wife of 36 years, Glenda Stockwell; a daughter Tina McMillin and husband Jason; a son, Mikel Stockwell and wife Kim; his father Merl Stockwell, all of Bedford; a brother, Jim and wife Gayle Thomas Warner of Robins Georgia; a sister, Donna Kernen of Bedford; his grandchildren; Niah and Brody McMillin; Kaleb Heriford and Maci Stockwell and the new baby who will be born in March to Mikel and Kim; his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Cassavaugh and the entire Cassavaugh clan who accepted Steve as one of their own; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and a whole community of friends

Funeral services for Naomi Moore, age 85, formerly of Bedford, who died Wednesday, September 26, 2012 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Services will be held Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday morning from 9:30 until service time. Interment will be held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Naomi was born on April 3, 1927 in Taylor County Iowa, to Dallas and Ethel Howes. Some of Naomi's fondest memories were of growing up with her eleven brothers and sisters. Naomi attended country school and graduated from Bedford High School in 1945. On June 3, 1945 she married Kenneth L. Moore in Kansas City, Kansas. Kenny and Naomi made their home in Bedford and Naomi worked at the Galey Grocery Store. In 1957 Naomi became a mother when their son Kelly was born.

In 1961 Kenny and Naomi purchased the Western Auto Associate Store and they worked side-by-side for the next 22 years running the business. Both Naomi and Kenny enjoyed making their float for the annual July 4th parade and decorating the store for the Christmas season.
After retiring from their business, Naomi and Kenny enjoyed spending time traveling and taking care of their yard and home. In 1995 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family.

After Kenny's death in 1996 Naomi continued to live at her home in Bedford. In February 2006 Naomi moved into an assisted living facility in Cedar Rapids.

Naomi was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny; her parents, Dallas and Ethel; brothers Dallas Jr. and Benjamin; and sisters Crystal Ames, Marilyn Bradley, Anita Hall and Linda Hull. She is survived by her son Kelly, daughter-in-law Janice, her grandchildren Kristin and Kevin, brothers David and Richard, and sisters Lois Young, Ruth Marsh and Jeanne Kirk.

Naomi's last years were affected by Alzheimer's Disease, a devastating disease that robs it victims of their memories, identity, and dignity. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Naomi's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association to support research into better treatments, and ultimately, a cure

Funeral Service for Roy R. Beck, age 91, of Lenox, IA entered into eternal rest Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox, IA. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the Ritchie Funeral in Lenox, Iowa. Interment will be held at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox, Iowa following the service. Memorials may be directed to the Lenox Volunteer Fire Department.

Roy Robert Beck was born in rural Lenox on March 20, 1921; he was the son of Charles and Mildred (Herbst) Beck. He was raised and attended country school in rural Sharpsburg. On October 13, 1943, he was united in marriage to Darlene Sparks. Four children were born into this union; Judy, Rick, Terry, and, Robert. He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1944-1946. After living on the farm west of Sharpsburg, IA for most of their lives, Roy and Darlene moved to Vintage Park in Lenox and then Roy moved to Clearview Home for a short time in Mount Ayr, IA where he passed.

Roy and Darlene wintered for twenty-two winters in Texas where he enjoyed playing shuffle board and visiting with friends. Roy also enjoyed collecting antiques, shooting guns, and hunting. He enjoyed hunting so much that the first day of pheasant season for Roy could have been a national holiday. Roy was a member of the Sharpsburg Methodist Church, American Legion, Eastern Star, and Masons.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Darlene Beck of Lenox; his children: Judy (Richard) Lucht of West Des Moines, IA, Rick (Bertie) Beck of rural Sharpsburg, IA, Terry (Julie) Beck of rural Sharpsburg, IA; his grandchildren: Amanda Weakland, Michael Lucht, Brian Beck, Jason Inman, Chris Inman, Carrie Wood, Keisha Crombaugh, Clayton Beck, and Blythe Beck; his seven great-grandchildren; and many remaining family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Phyllis; son, Robert; and grandson, Joe Beck

Marie Helen Spillman Curtis, age 92, of Corning, Iowa died on Thursday, September 13, 2012. She was the daughter of Earl Spillman and Helen Cady Johnson Spillman, born on December 25, 1919 at Gordon, Nebraska.

Marie was united in marriage to James Charles Curtis on October 20, 1934 in Shenandoah, Iowa. The couple first started farming in Nodaway, Iowa where James Garry was born in 1937. Shirley Elizabeth was born in 1940 and Dianne Lee in 1942. Charlie and Marie moved to Ellston, Iowa in 1944 where Luanne was born in 1946. The family then moved to the family farm at Guss, Iowa and Brian was born in 1950, where the family lived until 1956. From 1956 to 1960 they lived in Tucumcari, New Mexico where Marie was a waitress at the Ramada Inn and the Holiday Inn. In 1960 the family returned to their farm at Guss where they lived until their return to Tucumcari in 1971 after Charlie became disabled. Charlie passed away in 1975.

When Marie retired she helped as many as seventeen "shut-ins". Marie would take them homemade cookies and would run errands for them. She was very active in her church and made a two-week mission trip to Brazil in 1981 through her church. Every year Marie enjoyed spending time with her sister Jean and husband Poly tracing genealogy.

In April of 2007, Marie moved to Massena, Iowa and resided with her daughter Luanne and son-in-law Larry Johannes.

Marie was known for her love of family and friends, pies and especially her love for her Lord and Savior. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Corning, Iowa. She always had a large garden in Iowa to feed her family and did a great deal of canning of vegetables and fruits in Iowa and New Mexico.

Marie is survived by her son, Jim and Carolyn Curtis of Corning, Iowa; daughters: Shirley and Ron Metzger of Holiday Island, Arkansas, Dianne Meeks of Tucumcari, New Mexico, Luanne and Larry Johannes of Massena, Iowa; son, Brian Curtis of Harvard, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Myrtle Johnson and Ruth Spillman; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charlie; parents-in-law; three brothers: Julias Johnson, Frank Johnson and Merle Spillman; two sisters: Esther Reno and Jean Poulson; son-in-law, Kenneth Meeks, granddaughter, Jana Volle and grandson, James "Tuffy" Hartsfield

036Graveside services will be held Thursday, September 27 at 2 pm at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton for Darlene (Hogg) Stout.

Darlene Ruth Hogg Stout, 90, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away on August 3,2012. Born in Blockton, Iowa, Darlene was the daughter of the late Clarence and Beulah (Drennen) Hogg.
Darlene taught country school, worked in the banking for 25 years, and spent her last years working at the Christmas Store in Harbour Town. She was a member of the Daughters of The American Revolution, a 25 year member of The Order of the First Families of Rhode Island and Providence Planta­tions, and a life member of the 57* Bomb Wing.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles Sanford Stout, her parents Clarence Ballou and Beulah Mae Hogg, her sister Helen Hodel, and grandson Corey Williams. She leaves behind her daughter Charlene (Don) Elder, her son Craig (Pamela) Stout, both of Hilton Head Island; grandchil­dren Kim Elder of Atlanta, Georgia, Darren (Michelle) Elder, of Tampa, Florida, Mitchell (Stephanie) Elder of Gallion, Ohio; Ballou Stout of Hilton Head Island, and Annabelle Stout of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Great-grandchildren include Logan Elder of Tampa, Florida, and Lilly Grace Elder of Gallion, Ohio.
Services will be private and held at a later date.