Clarice Mae Smith Obituary April 12, 1930 - August 25, 2025

A life well-lived……………..
Clarice Mae Smith passed away on August 25, 2025 at her home near
Confidence, at the age of 95. She was born at Yocum Hospital in Chariton,
Iowa on April 12,1930 to Allen and Lela Dixon and was later joined by sister
Emma Lee. She attended Victory Country School through 8th grade and
Russell High School through 10th grade where she met the love of her life.
Clarice graduated from Corydon High School in 1948. She often spoke
fondly of her childhood and what a wonderful life she had.
Clarice was a farm girl at heart and always loved working outside both as a
child and as an adult. She was taught at an early age how to work hard and
reap the benefits. She told many stories about working with her Dad, such
as driving a tractor at 8 years old to harvest oats that earned her a new
bicycle. Clarice even mowed her own yard up until the age of 90, and lived
in the family home for 70 years up until her passing.
After graduation, Clarice worked from 1948 to 1952 at National Bank and
Trust in Chariton Iowa where she met several life-long friends. She married
the love of her life, Paul Howard Smith, on June 8, 1952 at the Russell
Baptist Church, the same church she attended and was baptized in. They
spent the first 6 months of their married life in Michigan while Paul worked
for John Morrell. Clarice affectionately called this their long honeymoon.
They made their first home in Red Oak on 410 Joy Street, an address she
would never forget. In Red Oak, Clarice worked for Thomas D. Murphy
Company as a secretary. They eventually moved to Des Moines following
Paul’s job. When health problems plagued Clarice’s father, Paul was asked
to join the farming operation. They moved to Clarice’s grandparent’s house
and lived there together for 63 years,raising their children Greg and Dixie,
loving the land and their life together. Clarice was a master of the kitchen
and the vegetable garden. She loved growing flowers, especially iris and
gladiolus. She was a classy dresser and had a love for shoes. We often
wondered how many pairs she really owned! She was dedicated to her
church and served many positions there including Sunday School and Bible
School teacher. She was an integral part of her granddaughter’s lives and
was so proud of their accomplishments. Her great grandchildren brought
her much joy when they came to visit. She was most proud of her family,
modest of her contributions and strong in her convictions. “Precious in the
eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints”. Psalm 116:15. We celebrate
her deep faith in God, love of family and her strength.
Clarice is survived by her children, Gregory (Catherine) Smith, Dixie (Dave)
Daughton; grandchildren Ginger Morrison, Amber Rodgers, Julie (Nick)
Kazanowski, and Sabrina Smith; great grandchildren Donald, Dagny and
Lela Morrison, Alley Josephine and Lennox Rodgers, Goldie, Gus, and
Birdie Kazanowski; sister Emma(Max) Warrick, nephews Jeff(Kathy)
Warrick, Bob(Cindy) Smith, Michael Danner, nieces Angie Masterson,
Rhonda Smith and several great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Smith, her parents Allen
and Lela Dixon, niece Peggy Payne, brothers-in-law Eugene Smith and
David Danner, and sister-in-law Alene Force.
Funeral services will be held on August 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Fielding
Funeral Home in Chariton with interment at the Confidence Cemetery.
Visitation will be at 12:30 PM, prior to the funeral service. Memorials can be made to the New 

Providence Baptist Church

Rebecca "Becky" Ehlers Obituary

 

Rebecca “Becky” Ehlers, 72 was a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose presence could fill a room — and often the whole neighborhood. She was charming, vibrant, and had a gift for making people feel welcome. Becky passed away on August 6, 2025, at the Westview Care Center in Indianola after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Following the short service, a visitation and luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Private interment will take place at the Norwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation to support early detection efforts.

Becky was born January 25, 1953, in Ramsey, Minnesota, to Jim and Jackie (Dixon) Andrews. She grew up in Russell, Iowa, alongside her siblings — Brenda, Toni, Vicki, and Kyl — and attended Russell Schools from kindergarten through her graduation in 1971. She remained close to her classmates her entire life. After high school, Becky attended AIB in Des Moines.

In her younger years, Becky entered the Miss Chariton Pageant, winning Miss Congeniality. Around that time, a certain young man noticed her striking brown eyes, quick wit, and lively spirit. Becky married Lyle Ehlers on a hot July 10, 1976 evening, in a patriotic red, white and blue wedding. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Lindsay, later gained a son-in-law, Dan, and eventually welcomed two grandchildren, Lydia and Nolan, who became her pride and joy.

Becky worked for 23 years in the accounting department at Hy-Vee’s Chariton offices, where her humor and friendship with co-workers kept things lively. She later enjoyed years at Younkers, where her love for people made her a natural on the sales floor.

She was a woman of many talents — quilting, painting, crafting — and was known for giving her creations away to brighten someone’s day. Her crafty “baby/toddler towels” became treasured keepsakes. She had a way of turning the everyday into an adventure — from gator rides and family Caribbean cruises to spontaneous visits that always came with laughter. Her creativity shone in her kitchen, where she was known for her homemade noodles, caramel corn, blueberry muffins and buckets of Chex mix sent to any friend or family member.

Family always came first for Becky, especially her grandchildren, but her circle of love was wide. She made a point to keep in touch — calling, writing letters, or dropping by — and had a gift for making people feel remembered. Whether it was picking lilies of the valley for a friend’s birthday, showing up for important milestones, or sharing plants from her garden, she made every gesture personal.

Becky is survived by her husband, Lyle Ehlers; daughter, Lindsay (Dan) Ehlers-Moore; grandchildren, Lydia and Nolan; siblings Brenda (Darrell) Gilbert, Toni Marie, Vicki (Tom) German, and Kyl Andrews; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Jackie Andrews.

Her life was full of shared meals, shared laughter, and shared love — a legacy that will live on in the hearts and stories of all who knew her.

Ann Alexander Obituary August 6, 1941 - July 16, 2025

 

Funeral services for Ann Alexander, 83, of Russell, Iowa, will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 19, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at the Confidence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Russell Fire Department or to the Wayne County Empty Stocking Program.

Anna Bell Cook was born on August 6, 1941, in northwest Lucas County near Norwood, Iowa, to John “Roy” and Elsie (Benway) Cook. She was raised alongside her sister, JoAnn, and brother, Roy, and attended Lucas School with the Class of 1959.

Ann was united in marriage to Larry Alexander on April 18, 1964. She became an instant mother to Deborah and Laura and later welcomed Craig and Sue. Ann devoted herself to her family and also enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a bookkeeper at the Hy-Vee store in Chariton, where she worked for 41 years. She loved her coworkers and the many customers she served over the decades.

Ann found her greatest joy in her roles as a wife, mom, and grandma. She was the heart of the family—kind, nurturing, and the one who held everyone together. Known for her wonderful cooking, her beef and noodles and homemade BBQ sauces were family favorites. She was also a skilled seamstress and talented quilt maker—someone who could truly do it all. Her practical wisdom, creativity, and can-do spirit made her the go-to person in her family for anything and everything.

Travel was another joy in Ann’s life. She and Larry traveled to 48 states together, and after his passing in 2018, her children made sure she reached 49 states with a memorable trip to Alaska. She also visited Mexico and cherished winters spent in the South. Ann loved music, especially bluegrass, and attended many music jams and festivals. She was a social, spirited person who enjoyed time with her many coffee groups in Millerton, Russell, and even Emmetsburg when visiting her daughter, Sue.

A woman of deep faith, Ann was a devoted member of the New Providence Baptist Church in Confidence. Her service to the church and community was generous and heartfelt—she led by example through volunteering for Bible School, quilting for missions, and offering her time and talents in countless ways.

Ann passed away on July 16, 2025, at the Wayne County Hospital. She will be deeply missed by her children: Deborah Ann Mikell, Craig (Karna) Alexander, and Sue (Rich) Haack; her grandchildren: Michael (Alexis) Alexander, Jeffery (Abby) Alexander, Landon Haack, Colten Haack, Lisa (Jeff) Bartlett, Scott (Tiffany) Mikell, and James (Iliyanna) Mikell; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, JoAnn Steinbach; her dear friend, Linda Johnson; and many other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her daughter, Laura Becker; her parents, John and Elsie Cook; her brother, Roy Cook (Leah); and her brother-in-law, Tom Steinbach.

Marvin Buckalew Obituary September 7, 1944 - July 6, 2025

Marvin Dwayne Buckalew, 80, of rural Russell, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025. Services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Bethel Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marvin’s name may be made to Pin Oak Marsh in Chariton.

Marvin was born on September 7, 1944, in Williamson. He was a lifelong Iowan whose love for family, farming, laughter and left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Marvin grew up on the family farm purchased by his great-grandparents Dora and Isaac F. Etter in the 1800’s, and then by his parents in the fifties. He farmed and remained deeply connected to the land throughout his life.

Marvin served with the Lucas County road-maintenance crew from age 19 for 40+ years. He also served his community through Junior church, where he brought joy to children through puppet shows and bible lessons.

In retirement, Marvin developed a passion for baking and canning with a particular fondness for horseradish processing in the early September warmth. His pecan rolls, apple pie, cookies, and 'Marvin beans' became family favorites. He also rekindled his childhood keen talent for quilting. Many lucky relatives became surprise recipients of his quilting talents. It should be noted: none of the quilts were returned!

Marvin had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting with friends and family. He took great pride in passing on that tradition notably, to a late cousin and then, lately, to that cousin's grandson, Braden, who now controls the deer population on the family farm.

Marvin is said to have brought joy and laughter to his encounters with scores of folks. His witty and humorous storytelling is legendary. All the way from tales of his golden curls, being cut by mischievous uncles at age 3, to his regrettable recitation of his origins at kindergarten: "...I was pooped on a stump by an old crow..."

Marvin was a devoted friend to many, including lifelong pals, Ed Hull, Don Danner, Doug Prather, Leland and Loran Whitlatch. His stories of hunting, fishing, and youthful misadventures – like racing Ed to Chariton on gravel roads, or ditch-hopping on a four-wheeler and requiring 100+ stitches – will be fondly remembered.

Though we may rejoice here in knowing Marvin is heaven bound, his absence leaves a profound void. Gone are the daily chats with Ed and afternoon talks with Karen, to be consigned to that rich realm of memories of a life well lived.

Still, not all is lost. For we are witnesses to Jeanette and Marvin's six-decade love story. An altogether suitable testament to enduring love and partnership.

God speed, Marvin.

Marvin is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanette Kathryn; a daughter, Karen Buckalew (Dennis Kyabaggu); grandson, Soloman; sister Evelyn (Ed) Hull; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and neph-cuzes.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents Willard Marvin and Lura Arlene Davis Buckalew, a brother Homer Doyle, a sister Gayla Arlene Pierschbacher, and a daughter Karla Kay Buckalew.

Linda Lea Lucas Sims Obituary September 22, 1940 - July 3, 2025

 Linda Lea Lucas Sims, 84, lately of Punta Gorda, Florida, but of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully with family by her side on July 3, 2025, at Hampton Manor in Punta Gorda, Florida, after being diagnosed with end stage cancer. 

 

Linda was born on September 22, 1940, in Russell, Iowa, to Myrl Dave Richard Lucas (a farmer) and Thelma Pauline Kells Lucas (a teacher). She was involved in 4-H, the band, and chorus in the Russell school system. Linda especially loved riding her horse. She was inquisitive, feisty and outgoing and knew no stranger.  

 

Linda met Harold Sims in high school; she was a freshman while he was a senior. They were lifelong sweethearts and were married at the “Little Brown Church in the Vale” in Nashua, Iowa, in 1958.  They lived in Des Moines, Indianola, and Pleasantville, IA.  Linda and Harold were into “house flipping” before it became popular.  They settled into Pleasantville where they raised their three children and eventually established a business with their sons. Linda’s life centered around family, church, and friends. 

 

Linda and Harold had a heart for missions, going on several short term missions trips in their retirement years to Honduras, Nicaragua, South Dakota, and Peru. After Harold’s passing in 2002, Linda moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and worked as the receptionist at Grace Church. She demonstrated her independence by continuing on missions “treks” both alone and accompanied by her grandson Caleb. 

 

When she retired and moved to Pleasantville, she enjoyed spending time with family. The last few years she relocated to Punta Gorda, FL, living with her daughter Tami; spoiling her pups, Misha and Bella; and being near her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Linda was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who will be missed greatly.  She loved and cared for her family and friends alike. 

 

Linda is survived by her daughter Tami (John, deceased) Farrell of Punta Gorda, FL; son Scott (Nadine) Sims of Pleasantville, IA; and son David Shawn (Meg Anne) Sims of Anoka, MN; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (Scott and Nadine’s children): son Benjamin (Hannah) Sims and their children Maelee, Harper, Lucas, and Dylan of Port Charlotte, FL; son Caleb Sims and Rebecca Donaldson of North Port, FL; and daughter Rebekah (Joel) Pittman and their children Kaleigh, Micah, and Khloe of North Port, FL. She is also survived by her younger sister Leora (Peter) Pruessing of Whitefish Bay, WI, and their children Melissa Pruessing of Mukwonago, WI, and Harold Pruessing of Milwaukee, WI, and his children; niece Karen (Pete) Wells Peterson of Colorado Springs, CO, and her children and families; nephew Steve (Mickey) Sims of Haslet, TX, and their children and families; and niece Diana (Jim) Willits of Windsor Heights, IA, and their children and families.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Lee Sims; her parents Myrl Dave Richard Lucas and Thelma Pauline Kells Lucas; her in-laws Harley Nelson Sims and Pearl Maria Boozell Sims; a granddaughter Kelly Lynn Sims; her brothers and sisters-in-law Juanita (Thane) Wells, Hobart (Mary) Sims, and Lowell (Arlene) Sims; and nephews Roger and Carl Wells, and Gary Sims. 

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Fielding Funeral Home, 227 S. Grand Avenue, Chariton, IA, 50049, with Pastor Phil Winfield officiating. Visitation is scheduled from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, with family present to greet friends. 

 

Although flowers are much appreciated, the family requests donations to the Missions Ministry at Grace Church, 4200 E. 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50317. The family also wishes to recognize the Hampton Manor “family,” both residents and especially their staff, who loved on Linda as family until her Savior took her home.