Leon Wilkinson Obituary

 

Obituary for Leon Wilkinson

Wilton Leon Wilkinson, 91, of Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on March 25, 2024 at the Bloomfield Care Center. He was born on October 3, 1932 near Troy, Iowa to Everett Harold and Reva Marie Padget Wilkinson. He graduated from Troy High School in 1950. After high school, Leon farmed with his father and worked at John Morrell until entering the Army in 1953. He served two years of which 16 months was in Korea. He met his wife, Judith Pearson, after returning from service. They were married on September 24, 1955 in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Leon worked for John Morrell until he started college at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College on the G.I. Bill. He graduated in May 1959 with a B.S. in Education, majoring in Math and minoring in Physical Education, English, and History. He taught and coached for two years in Russell, Iowa before taking a job in Lineville, Iowa where he also taught and coached. While teaching in Lineville, he was awarded a National Science Foundation Scholarship to attend graduate classes at Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma. He accepted the honor and spent three summers taking classes in Oklahoma, moving his family with him every summer. He graduated with a Master’s of Teaching in Arts and Math in 1966.

Leon started teaching for Davis County Community Schools in 1966. He took additional courses and was certified in Education Administration. He became vice principal for Davis County in 1967. After three years, he took a principal position in Redfield, Iowa where he worked for two years before missing Davis County and moving back. At Davis County he was vice principal and athletic director for many years, retiring in 1992.

After retirement, Leon remained an active member of the community and served on many boards and committees. He was a charter member of the local Optimist Club and has served in several capacities over the years. He was the Iowa Optimist District Governor, served on several state committees and was appointed to the International Committee. He served on two Citizen Boards in the 8th Judicial District, was Chair of the local Foster Care Review where he received the Governor Volunteer Award and received the Volunteer of the Year award from the 8th Judicial District for involvement in the Youth Offenders Program. He had served as Chair of the Bloomfield Historic Preservation Commission, been a board member for several years with the Davis County Historical Preservation. He was also a member of the Davis County Historical Society, served as Chair for the Iowa Mormon Trails Association, member of the Board of Central Iowa Tourism, was a trustee of the Davis County Hospital, a member of the local AARP chapter serving in several offices, the Airport Commission, and has served on several committees for Main Street in Bloomfield.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Wilkinson; four children, Jeanne (Craig) Kelley of Knoxville, Iowa, Wilton Leon Wilkinson Jr. of Waukee, Iowa, Janice (Kirk) Bruce of Ames, Iowa, Julia (Gary) White of Bloomfield; five grandchildren, Bradon Kelley of Knoxville, Iowa, Jeremy (Kate Jopson) Bruce of San Fernando, California, Markus (Laura) Bruce of Bondurant, Iowa, Lyndsi (Jon) Antal of Lancaster, Missouri, Tyler (Shelby) White of Ottumwa, Iowa; six great-grandchildren, Leah Bruce, Lucas Bruce, Casen Antal, Chayten Antal, Kaden White, Korbin White; four sisters, Hannah Kirby of Centerville, Iowa, LaDonna Piper of Norwalk, Iowa, Lavenia (Dave) Davis of Des Moines, Iowa, Cindy Knock of Williamsburg, Iowa; and a brother, Loren Wilkinson of Springhill, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Laverda Rupe, Hildred Gordy; and four brothers-in-law, Jack Kirby, Bernard Piper, Ron Knock, and Royce Gordy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Rhonda Eakins officiating. Burial with graveside military rites performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday with the family present to greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Davis County “A” Club, Davis County Dollars for Scholars, Optimist Club, and Good Samaritan Society – Hospice in Ottumwa.

Wanda Marie Fenton Obituary

 

Wanda Marie (Sweeden) Fenton, 95, of Melrose, Iowa passed away April 7, 2024, at the Lucas County Health Center. Visitation is Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the family present. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton (914 Roland). Interment will be at the Brushy Cemetery, Plano. 

Memorials are requested to the Brushy Community Church (Chariton River Baptist), Russell Volunteer Fire Department, or the Brushy Cemetery. 

Wanda was born to Robert and Laura (Lindsey) Sweeden near Cleveland, Oklahoma. They moved to Iowa in 1937, and she attended country schools in Appanoose County. Wanda was the oldest daughter of her family, and she helped with her family at home during her younger years.

Wanda was married to Jerald Fenton at the Chariton River Baptist Church (Brushy) at Plano, Iowa on October 13, 1945, by Rev. Leroy Sparks. Jerald passed away in July 2014. Wanda accepted Christ as her savior, was baptized and became a member of the Church in 1945. Wanda and Jerald celebrated almost 69 loving years together. She lived in Washington township, southeast Lucas County near Russell, all of her married life. This area was also known as the Greenville neighborhood which had a Helper’s Club that Wanda and many neighbors belonged to. Mom and Dad lived most of their life in the home that they built together in the late 60’s.

To this union, they were blessed with three children: Jerald Stephen, Connie Sue, and Carol Ann. Wanda loved her family, and all were very dear to her.

Mom, being a farm wife, helped with farm work and chores over the years. Mom always found time to keep up with her children/family activities. She especially enjoyed her garden and flowers. Of course, when the children were grown, the garden would always produce more than anticipated, so you would find her canning the produce and giving it away to her children. Mom kept all the grandchildren as they came along over the years, and she loved keeping them. Mom was their grandma/Grammy, and grandmas are to love and spoil their grandchildren, and mom did a fantastic job. Wanda even had a pumpkin patch for her great grandchildren to enjoy.

For a few years, Wanda and Jerald took their camper to Arizona for a few months in the winter and spent time visiting with family and friends. When summer came, they camped at the Iowa State Fair for over 40 + years, having many overnight guests.  Wanda was Brushy Church Secretary for many years while Jerald was a Trustee of the Church, helping with many projects over the years.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jerald; siblings and their spouses: Ernest (Ingna), Ross, Sue (Phil) Jones, Lynn, Rosalie (Jim) Mullinix, Richard, and Tony; brother-in-law, Dwight (Ethel) Fenton; and four nephews: Bob and Larry Mullinix, Jerry Jones, and Dave Sweeden; and nieces, Sherry Peters and Billie Jo Zoch.

Left to cherish her memories are her children: Stephen (Michele) of Chariton, Connie (Rick) McKinley of Russell, and Carol (Eric) Ziel of Ankeny; six grandchildren:  Eric (Tawn) Fenton of Waverly, Jason Fenton of Plano, Heather (Mike) Kautz of Chariton, Susan (Alex) Oliver of Oakland, Erica (Brent) Conklin of Ankeny, and Jennifer (Pat) Graham of Ankeny; great grandchildren: Morgan, Reece, and Piper Conklin of Ankeny, Kellen Oliver of Oakland, Cameron (Kayalea) Kautz, Kaylee, and Kendyl Kautz of Chariton; sister-in-law, Dorothy Sweeden of Battle Creek; and many special nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Edith Darlene Banasik Obituary October 13, 1937 — February 10, 2024

 

Edith Darlene Banasik, 86, passed away peacefully on the 10th of February 2024, in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Darlene was born October 13th, 1937, in Fairfax, Missouri. She was a proud resident of Chariton for over 55 years. She was an elementary teacher in Russell for 25 years where she touched many children's lives during her career. She was affectionately known to her students as Mrs. B. To commemorate her life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Interment will follow at the Chariton Cemetery.

 
She was a beacon of light and joy in the lives of her three children: Robyn Ortega (David) of Prescott Valley, AZ, Stephen Banasik (Laura) of Springfield, MO, and Timiothy Banasik of Russell, IA; grandchildren: Jim (Lindsey) Banasik of Mankota, MN, Brandon Banasik (Sidney Caroline) of Lexington, MO, Kristine (Nathan) Frailing of Brooklyn, NY, Allison Banasik of Centerville, IA, and Makyla Ortega (Tyler Nielsen) of Des Moines, IA; and great grandchildren: Bradyn, Summer, Stella, and River Banasik and Sparrow Frailing. Her heartwarming smile and compassionate spirit were the pillars of comfort and friendship to all who were fortunate enough to love and know her.
 
Her leisure time was often spent amidst her family and friends and having coffee at the beauty shop.
 
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Bert & Flossie Curry; husband, Edward Banasik;  sisters: Juanita (died in childhood), Helen Slater, Delores Nace, Nadine Dappen, Betty Yungschlager, and Frances Kerr; and brothers, Paul (died in childhood) and Russell Curry.
 
Her departure leaves a void in the family that will be felt profoundly as they hold dear the precious moments they were blessed to share with her. The essence of Darlene's spirit, characterized by a sense of humor and tenderness, will eternally resonate with those she touched.

Rev. Charles Hawkins January 11, 1932 - February 9, 2018

 Charles Burdette Hawkins, son of Cecil Clayton and Alice Helen (Anderson) Hawkins, was born January 11, 1932 in Lucas County, Iowa.

Charles grew up in Lucas County and graduated from Russell High School with the class of 1950. Following graduation, Charles enrolled at Omaha Bible Institute; graduating in 1953. During his time in college, he was also in the naval reserves.
On February 12, 1954, Charles was united in marriage to Phyllis Marie Collins at the First Baptist Church in Russell, IA. They were blessed with nearly 64 years of marriage.
Charles was a pastor and minister of the gospel for over 50 years. He ministered in Monroe, IA, Washington, IA, Algona, Iowa; was the camp director at church camp in Indiana; resuming pastoring churches in Webster City and Mount Ayr, IA. Charles retired from the Mount Ayr Regular Baptist Church and worked part time as a janitor at Clearview Home and led bible studies. While living in Washington, IA, Charles received his Teaching Certificate from the University of Iowa. He was board member emeritus at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in Ankeny, Iowa. Charles was a member of Ringgold Post #172, American Legion and the Lions Club, both in Mount Ayr.
Charles and Phyllis became residents of Clearview Home in Mount Ayr and Charles went home to be with his Lord & Savior on Friday, February 9, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law Bob DeBoom.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Phyllis of Mount Ayr; 3 children Barbara (Phil) Hamburger of Gettysburg, SD, Cecilia (Jerry) Kempf of Crawfordsville, IN and Gordon (Stephanie) Hawkins of Fairfield, IA; 7 grandchildren Curtis (Rachel) Hamburger, Melody (Grant) Lunning, Courtney Kempf, Rachael (Josh) Worthington, Charles (Keeley) Hamburger, Joshua Hawkins, and Connor Hawkins; 11 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Donna (Jim) Byers of Ankeny, IA; 2 cousins, other relatives and friends.

Grace Elaine Peterson Obituary-February 10, 1938 — January 14, 2024

Grace Elaine Peterson, 85, passed away on January 14, 2024, at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. A memorial service for Grace will take place in the spring. The service details will be posted on Facebook when plans have been finalized.

Grace was born on February 10, 1938, to Floyd and Fern (Thompson) Boyles in New Virigina, Iowa. She graduated from Woodburn School in 1956. She married Jerry Danner in 1952, but returned to school to get her diploma. They had three children: John, Joe, and Debra. Grace was a diligent worker, helping on the farm while taking care of her family. She also worked in Osceola at Pamida. After 27 years of marriage, Grace and Jerry divorced. On June 22, 1985, Grace married Delmond Peterson. They moved to Russell where they enjoyed selling items at flea markets and attending bluegrass festivals.

Grace was a talented woman who mastered many different crafts. She learned how to play the piano by ear, and eventually learned how to read music. Her talents led her to play at Last Chance, Bethel, and Russell Churches. She enjoyed getting together with her family for “Jam Sessions.”

Grace was also a wonderful cook and often would prepare meals for the men working in the fields. She was a talented seamstress who made most of her clothes and well as her family’s. She could embroider and made many quilts and Afghans which she gifted to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Grace was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was always there for her family. Grace was honest, kind, and a true loyal friend. Always wise and caring, she gave the best advice and was never afraid to speak her mind.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Delmond; sons, John Danner and Joe Danner; sisters, Ruth Sterns and Ina Boydstun; brother, Wayne Boyles; baby great grandson, Travis Forkner; and her life-long friend, Iva Bachman.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Deb (Gary) Storm of Chariton; grandchildren, Rachel (Brandon) Langford of Derby, Tom (Hannah) Langford of Maryville, Jena (Kyle) Wylie of Chariton, Angela Forkner of Ankeny, Amy Forkner of Ankeny, Adam Forkner of Humeston, Jerry Danner of Derby, James Danner of Derby, Jessica (Tom) Randall of Lucas, and Joel Danner of Derby; daughter in-law, Bernice Danner of Derby; sixteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family. She also leaves behind her cat, Sassy.

Any condolences may be directed to Deb Storm at 32571 555th St., Chariton, IA. 50049.

 

Frank Daniel Myers March 27, 1946 ~ December 23, 2023 (age 77)

 

FRANK DANIEL MYERS

Frank Daniel Myers died the morning of December 23, 2023, at Lucas County Health Center in Chariton.

Frank was born on March 27, 1946, during the time his parents, Daniel and Reefa (Miller) Myers, lived on the Evans place southeast of Russell, Iowa.  When Frank was five, Daniel and Reefa purchased the Teater farm seven miles south of Russell, which remained their home for more than 40 years.  During the early 1990s, Daniel and Reefa moved into Chariton where they lived contentedly until September 3, 1999, when Reefa died.  Daniel died on July 31, 2004, a week after he suffered a severe stroke while engaged in a favorite pastime – riding with his son through the hills of southern Iowa.

Almost all of the preceding paragraph came from the obituary Frank wrote for the Mason City Globe-Gazette (where he worked at the time) after his father died.  For those of you who knew Frank, you recognize the style and also know that only Frank is qualified to write his own obituary.  Not surprisingly, unless we’ve missed it, he chose not to do so.  What we have instead is nearly twenty years of his blog posts as the “Lucas Countyan” at lucascountyan.blogspot.com.  If you want to read more about Frank’s life and interests, we encourage you to go there and read his words rather than ours.

When Frank died, he was President of the Lucas County Historical Society, a member of the Chariton Historic Preservation Commission, and a member of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Chariton.  A traditional Episcopal funeral service will be held at Saint Andrew’s on Wednesday, January 3, at 10:00 a.m.  For those who would like to hear more about Frank’s life and work, the Lucas County Historical Society and Chariton Historic Preservation Commission will host a gathering to share more of his words and our memories of him on Tuesday, January 2, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the CB&Q Freight House in Chariton.  The Freight House event will be live streamed on the Facebook page of the Lucas County Preservation Alliance. On line condolences maybe left at www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com. Services is under the direction of Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa.

MEMORIAL GATHERING

Tuesday
January 2, 2024
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
CB&Q Freight House
1115 Auburn Ave
Chariton, IA 50049

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Wednesday
January 3, 2024
10:00 AM
St. Andrews' Episcopal Church

 streamed on the Facebook page of the Lucas County Preservation Alliance. On line condolences maybe left at www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com. 

Vicki Osenbaugh Obituary May 22, 1947 - December 2, 2023

 

Vicki Arlene Morrison Osenbaugh, 76, of Pulaski, Iowa, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 2, 2023, at Landmark Hospital in Columbia, MO, after battling to regain her breath following surgery in September.

She was born on May 22, 1947, in Chariton, Iowa, the only child of Ralph (a barber) and Darlene (a teacher) Morrison. Believe it or not, young Vicki was extremely shy, a trait she outgrew later in life as she loved to chat with family, friends, and even strangers, and was perhaps known best for her gift of gab – and a close second for her cat naps! As she enters the pearly gates, her family endearingly imagines her standing straight and tall in her new heavenly body, breathing deeply, and striking up a friendly conversation with the angels standing guard as they attempt to keep the line moving along.

Before her junior year in high school, Vicki and her parents moved from Chariton to nearby Russell, Iowa, where she met her high school sweetheart, Roger Osenbaugh. Roger and Vicki graduated from Russell High School in 1965 and were married at the Russell United Methodist Church in 1969. They graduated from Iowa State University, Vicki in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Roger in 1972 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. They moved to Monona, Iowa, to begin their careers and lived there until 1976, when they moved to Pulaski, where they lovingly raised four children and have lived since.

Vicki is survived by her husband of 54 years, Roger Osenbaugh; daughter Jill (James) Carothers and their children, Charlie (14), Eli (13), and Bo (7) of Hendersonville, TN; son Keith (Dawn) Osenbaugh and their children Max (10), Chason (8), Harvey (6), Willie (2), and Emerald (9 months) of Danville, AL; son Raymond (Theresa) Osenbaugh and their children Adelaide (12) and Elliott (8) of Grain Valley, MO; and son Alex (Natalie) Osenbaugh of Oskaloosa, IA. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Larry Parks of Independence, MO; nephew Dan (Carolyn) Parks of Palm Bay, FL; niece Elizabeth (Andy) Holloway and their children Nathan and Sarah of Independence, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Raymond and Florence Osenbaugh, and her sister-in-law, Mary Parks.

Vicki taught special education at Fox Valley Schools from 1976 to 1981 and Davis County Schools from 1982 to 2006, when she retired. As a teacher, she truly loved and wanted the best for her students, doing all she could to advocate for and help each one succeed. Many of her past students would call her throughout the years to update her on their accomplishments, joys, and trials, to which she responded with genuine interest, support, and continued encouragement to "make good decisions," a phrase her children and grandchildren also heard from her often.

Her husband and children lovingly and jokingly referred to her as "Tricky Vicki" or "Mombo" and referenced her Pollyanna-like-attitude, as she was almost always positive and rarely complained. However, her Irish temper would occasionally make a rare appearance if needed. Despite having been diagnosed with progressive scoliosis at the age of 13 (which by the time of her death was one of the most severe and debilitating cases of scoliosis measured at 120 degrees spine curvature, causing a significantly reduced lung capacity), she never perceived herself as handicapped. She didn't shy away from living life fully and looked for the silver lining in most situations.

She was a strict enforcer of moral code with her children (at least related to the things she knew about!), striving to ensure they finished what they started and made amends when they made mistakes. In proper teacher form, her children knew there were consequences for their actions, and her son Keith (who messed up way more than the others) knew all too well the consequences of her famous "Restitution Essays." All joking aside, she was a wonderful mother and ended most conversations and letters to her children, grandchildren, and former students with a reminder that "I'm praying for you to be safe, healthy, and filled with joy." She truly believed her prayers mattered, and they did.

In earlier years, Vicki enjoyed playing the piano and was a Pulaski Mother's Club member. She and Roger also loved cheering the kids and their friends on in cross country, football, basketball, wrestling, track, and marching band. During retirement, she traveled with Roger to visit their kids and grandkids, to whom she was “Grandma O,” and they spent several weeks each year in Fairfield Bay, AR. She enjoyed having lunch with her retired teacher friends, helping with activities at church, attending the Monday evening women's bible study, crocheting, planning and planting her flower bed (notice we did not say weeding said flower bed), and she loved watching old westerns on TV, especially anything with Roy Rogers or John Wayne.

Vicki was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church until recently when she began attending the newly formed Christ Community Church in Bloomfield. She was active throughout the years in congregations in Chariton, Russell, Pulaski, and Bloomfield and deeply treasured her church friendships and relationship with God.

Vicki requested cremation and that her ashes someday be combined with Roger's and scattered across the pasture south of their house in Pulaski. She would often stand at the kitchen sink overlooking the pasture, gratefully and admiringly watching Roger mow or hit golf balls into the field, puttering, praying, maybe doing a few dishes, thinking up ways to get her daughter's goat, and commenting on the weather, the beautiful sky, and those pesky groundhogs!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Pastor Jacob Sandholm officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 15, with family present to greet friends from 5-7:00 pm at Wagler Funeral Home. Please feel free to wear your favorite Christmas sweatshirt in Vicki's honor. Instead of flowers, please make donations to the Pulaski Corn Show, the Pulaski Fire Department, or Christ Community Church.

Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you,
Until we meet again.
Happy trails to you,
Keep smiling until then.

Ruth M. Krutsinger Obituary January 31, 1933 — November 26, 2023

 Ruth Krutsinger, age 90, of Chariton, died Sunday, November 26, 2023. Services will be Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Her family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Chariton Cemetery. Following the services, a luncheon will be held at the funeral home for a time of refreshments and fellowship.  Memorials may be made to the Community of Christ Church in Chariton of which she was a faithful member.

Ruth was born in Grand River, Iowa on January 31, 1933, to Clarence and Pauline (Glazebrook) Parmer. She was the first-born child. She attended Van Wert High School in Decatur County, Iowa. On November 14, 1950, Ruth married William Krutsinger in Princeton. Missouri. To this union four children were born: Barbara, Paula, Larry, and Richard. Ruth and Bill were both baptized in October of 1966. They were confirmed as members of the Community Church of Christ. They both stayed faithful members until their passing.

Ruth was not only active in her church, but was also an integral part of many organizations in the community. She joined the Rebekah Lodge on June 15,1965, where she held several offices including District Deputy and President. Ruth was also a charter member of the Lucas County Genealogy Society and Daughters of Civil War Veterans. She was the president of the Lucas County Hospital Auxiliary for five years, where she started as a nurse’s aide and eventually retired as the purchasing manager. Ruth could also be found volunteering at the Senior Center.

When Ruth was not busy serving her community, she could be found enjoying life with her family. She loved to visit new places, traveling to the West Coast, Mexico, Canada, and a cruise to the Bahamas. She even took a trip to Germany which she loved very much. Ruth loved having her family around. Watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow was the most important part of her life. She cherished every minute she was able to spend with them.

Surviving are her children: Larry (LuAnn) Krutsinger, Barb (Kenny) Kittle, and Paula (Tim) Clark; grandchildren: Aaron Abbas, Tammy (Galen) Black, Brenda (Bob) Mowrey, Scott (Alicia) Clark, Dan (Jenni) Clark, Travis (Amber) Krutsinger, Brad (Allison) Krutsinger, and Laura (Jason) Tuttle; 16 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Donna (Ernie) Parmer and Jerry (Barb) Parmer; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Clarence and Pauline Parmer; husband, Bill Krutsinger in 2006; infant son, Richard; granddaughter, Shelli Abbas; and siblings: Ron Parmer, Twyla Teater, and Sandra Parmer.

Donna Woodman DeBok Obituary June 1, 1930 ~ November 11, 2023 (age 93)

 

Donna DeBok was the third child born to Elsie Randall and Thomas Woodman on June 1, 1930, in Chariton, Iowa and passed away on November 11, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona.

Following her graduation from Chariton High School in 1948, Donna received her teaching credentials and taught school  one room schoolhouses in Lucas, Jefferson and Wapello Counties. She married Herbert (Jake) DeBok on August 7, 1949. Donna and Jake had two children, three grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Donna was a devoted housewife an mother for much of her adult life. She accompanied her husband for years on a sheep shearing circuit which took them to many of the United States where the family lived in a travel trailer several months every year. Donna assisted her husband with building a house on an acreage on Colyn where they lived for decades prior to their retirement at West Lake.

Donna was active in the community serving as a Girl Scout Leader, 4-H Leader, and earned her real estate license in 1972.

Donna was a long-time member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she received a reward for perfect attendance in 1935, was baptized in 1946 and continue to attend to the present serving as a Sunday School teacher, superintendent, CYF Leader, Deaconess and then Elder.

Donna prized traveling and was able to see many sites extensively in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. She traveled by car, bus, train, air and was particularly fond of cruising. Donna loved playing Bridge and until recently could often be seen reading early in the morning until late in the evenings on her porch overlooking West Lake. She appreciated fresh flowers and became quite skillful at flower arranging. She continued to decorate her home for holidays well into her 90’s.

While Donna loved to travel, she was always anxious to come back home to Chariton and her many friends and family. In her later years, Donna became very close with several of her nieces and nephews which she came to appreciate for their continued caring support. She played countless games of Yahtzee and Rubi cube with Jan. Terry visited frequently. Amanda and Clint rescued her often when she needed technical or maintenance support. Gary supplied her with fresh flowers from his impressive roadside garden. Donna was very aware and appreciative that their watchful eyes made it possible for her to maintain her independence and remain at home. Donna was able to stay in contact with several of her classmates from the Charger’s Class of ’48 even as their numbers dwindled.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents Elsie and Tom, her husband Jake, sisters, Gloria Sellers (Cleo), Molly Boss (Byron), in-laws; Herman, Bernice, Roger and Jo DeBok, Richard Hawkins, Lucille Susick, nephews, Jay Sellers (Kim), Sam Voss and son-in-law, Laurie Guthrie.

Donna is survived by her son Nick DeBok, daughter Terry Guthrie, brother Tommy Woodman (Carol), in-laws, Chuck DeBok, Ellen Hawkins, Gerry Fitzgerald,, grandsons, Marc, Matthew, and Andrew Guthrie, great-grandchildren, Audrey, Ian, Eli, Christian, Jacob, Aiden, Olivia, Deidra and Kamryn as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

We who loved her cherished her candor and independent spirit and will miss her without measure. While it seemed to be difficult for her to speak of love, her love for us was always apparent and abundant.

Todd Rodgers Obituary September 21, 1973 — November 10, 2023

 

Todd Allen Rodgers passed away on November 10, 2023, after a year-long battle with cancer.  Todd was born September 21, 1973, in Chariton, Iowa to Gary and Rita Rodgers. Todd graduated from Russell High School (Russell, IA) in 1992.

In 1994, Todd married Amy Ripperger of Chariton, to which they were blessed with three children:  Awsten, Tyarra & Alexus.  They were divorced in 2009; Todd never remarried. 

Todd was very good at working with his hands; held several different jobs over the years and owned his own tire shop business at one time.  He had a real passion for cars and trucks, and truly enjoyed tinkering with engines.  His passion was evident in the numerous vehicles he owned and “worked on” over the years.  Todd also served with great pride as a volunteer firefighter in the Russell community for many years. 

Todd is survived by his parents, Gary & Rita Rodgers of Humeston, IA; his children: son Awsten (Kelsey) of Pleasantville, IA; daughter Tyarra (Tanner Smothers) of Pleasantville, IA; daughter Alexus of Carlisle, IA; his siblings: brother Chad (Kathleen) Rodgers of Quincy, IL; Jake Rodgers of Humeston, IA; Amanda Rodgers of Humeston, IA; and half-brother Wayne Conway (Rodgers) of Melrose, IA; his beautiful grandchildren - Sophia, Lilly, Chloe, Gracie, Ava & Sutton; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Humeston, IA.  A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at the Derby Community Center.  All are invited to join the family to celebrate Todd’s life.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Todd's family and will be designated at a later date.

A Visitation & Celebration of Life service will take place on Nov. 18, 2023, at at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Humeston, IA.  A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at the Derby Community Center.  All are invited to join the family to celebrate Todd’s life.

Arrangements are being handled by Pierschbacher Funeral Home of Chariton, IA.

Myrtle Bernadine Frame Kells July 30, 1925 - October 20, 2023

 

Obituary

Myrtle Bernadine Frame Kells, passed away, Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Chariton Specialty Care in Chariton, Iowa. She was born to Homer H. Frame and Eva Marie (Buoy) Frame on July 30,1925 at their home in Confidence. She was born 15 minutes before her twin sister Gwendolyn.

She attended Confidence School and then attended Wayne County high school and graduated there in 1943. She attended Simpson College for two years and received a certificate to teach elementary school.

She taught in Elkhart and Chariton school systems, She also substituted in the Russell school system.

On June 15, 1948 she married Bob Kells and moved to the Kells farm southeast of Russell. To this union was born Roberta Lynn, Gwenith Renae and Jan Michaele.

She enjoyed sewing, Knitting, crocheting and piecing quilts. She also loved to sing, play the piano and paint with chalk, watercolors and oil. So very, very talented! She was her own person.

Those preceding her in death were her husband, Bob, of 56 years, twin sister Gwendolyn Driggs, brother, James Frame, parents, Homer and Eva Frame, sister-in-law, Geraldine Frame and brother-in-law, Bob Driggs.

She leaves the following to mourn her passing, Roberta (Jim) Reynolds, Gwenith Mitchell, Jan (Ron) Chisman, grandchildren, Bob Reynolds, Ben Reynolds, Ryan (Heather) Mitchell, Grant (Katie) Mitchell, Renae (Patrick) Sikora, Zach Chisman, and Colleen Chisman. She also had 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.