Margaret Elaine Curtis Obituary

Margaret Elaine Curtis, 89, Topeka, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Aldersgate Village.

Margaret was born August 9, 1922 in Millerton, IA, the daughter of Grover C. and Viva B. (Carpenter) Milleson. She graduated from Russell High School in Russell, IA. She has been a Topeka resident since 1966 where she was a homemaker. 

She was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene. 

Margaret married Raymond Dwight Curtis on May 31, 1942. He preceded her in death on July 17, 2004. Survivors include sons, Dr. Eugene Curtis and wife, Denice, Topeka, Phil Curtis and wife, Angie, Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Peggy Morris and husband, David, Brentwood, TN; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Margaret will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel after 2:00 p.m. on Monday and visitation will be from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

Cleo J. Jackson, Obituary

Cleo J. Jackson, son of James and Esther Jackson, was born August 10, 1920 in Hiawatha, Kansas.  Cleo was raised by his Aunt Mattie and Uncle Everett Boyce of rural Russell.  Cleo was united in marriage to Millie Roberts Davison on January 16, 1944 at the Humeston Christian Church.  To this union four children were born, Larry Lee, Donald LeRoy, Dwayne Allen and Mary Elizabeth.

Cleo joined the Army to serve in WWII, returning home to farm until October 1996.  Cleo and Millie then retired and made their home in Corydon.

Cleo was proud to be a farmer and loved the rural life.  In past years Cleo and Millie participated in square dancing.  Cleo also loved to fish and quite often you could find Cleo and grandson Brian fishing at a farm pond.  He also enjoyed attending tractor pulls.

Services were held Monday, November 28 at 2pm at Randolph Funeral Home, Corydon, Iowa.  Interment is in Humeston Cemetery.

Twila L. Sellers Obituary

Twila Lovilla Sellers was born on the Sellers Family Farm in Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa, February 20, 1910.  She was the oldest of seven children born to Harris Lewis Sellers and Cassie Lorena (Yont) Sellers.  She passed away November 23, 2011 at the age of 101 years, nine months and three days.

She is survived by twin sisters Carrie Jonach and Clara Miner of Sugar City, Coloradeo, sister-in-law Mary Sellers, nephews John Sellers, Jr., Patrick Sellers, H. Joseph Sellers, and Thomas Sellers, and numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Twila attended the Gartin Rural School in Benton Township, Lucas County.  After rural school, Twila remained in the family home and assisted her parents in caring for and raising her siblings.  After her brothers and sisters left home, Twila continued to be a part of the family farming operation and cared for her parents the rest of their lives.  Twila loved her pets, livestock, flowers, music and reading.  She was a major and loving part in the upbringing of three generations of Sellers children.   In her last years she lamented the fact that she couldn't see to read her Bible.  She very much enjoyed her 100th birthday party and the many friends, relatives and their children who gathered around her.

Services were held at 10:30am, Monday, November 28, 2011 at Fielding Funeral Home.  Family met with friends one hour prior to service.  Interment is at Chariton Cemetery.

Ruth E. Lust Obituary

Ruth E. (Tinnermeier) Lust, 74, of Newton, died on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at her home in Newton.  Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the St. Luke United Methodist Church, 501 E. 19th St. N.  in Newton.  The family greeted friends from 5:30-7:30pm, Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home in Newton. 

Memorials in Ruth's name or to Skiff Hospice may be left at the church on the morning of the service or at the funeral home.  If you are mailing the memorial to the funeral home, please add, Attn. Lust Family on the envelope. 

Survivors include her son, Randall Dean Lust of Newton; her daughter, Karna (Craig) Alexander of Russell; seven grandchildren, Cassandra Davis of Urbandale, Kelsey Lust of Newton, Brooke, Brandi and Brian Lust of Baxter and Michael and Jeffrey Alexander of Russell; a brother, and two sisters-in-law.

Ruth Boothe Obituary

A Celebration of Life Service for Ruth E. Boothe, 89, Chariton, will be held at 2pm on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton with family receiving friends following the service until 4pm.  Ruth passed away Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the Circle of Life Hospice in Chariton.  Memorials may be made to Legacy Lodge, Circle of Life Hospice in Chariton.  On line condolences may be left for the family at
 http://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com/ .

Ruth was born November 29, 1921 near Russell, Iowa at the family farm to Charles and Cordelia (Shilling) DeBok.  She went to country school and graduated from Russell High School in 1939.  She married Kenneth Boothe and they were blessed with five children Judith, Janice, Sheila, Steve and Rhonda.

Ruth was a housewife and mother and over the years worked for  Schneider Motors, Elgin's clothing store, D.Allens, and Hy-Vee.  Ruth was a 60 year member of the American Legion Auxillary serving as president 13 times, Charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2774 Auxillary.

Dr. Loren C. Hermann Obituary

Dr. Loren C. Hermann, D.O., age 87 years and 10 months, passed away October 21 at Legacy Lodge in Chariton, Iowa after an illness of a little over 30 days.  Loren was born in Iowa City on December 28, 1923.  He grew up in Pleasant Prairie, Muscatine County, and attended country school and graduated in 1942 from Muscatine High School.

Loren served a short time in the Army during World War II and then took Pre-Med courses at the University of Iowa.  He entered Still College (Des Moines University), graduating in 1950 and served an Internship at Des Moines General Hospital.

He began his 42 years of practicing medicine in Russell in 1951 and served as a Country Doctor, making house calls at any time of the day or night and so enjoyed the friendships of these people.  After organizing the start of Lucas County Hospital, along with his brother-in-law Dr. James Egly, he practiced part time in Chariton to be near the hospital, retiring in 1992.  Dr. Hermann served as Lucas County Coroner at one time and was on the Board of Central Savings and Loan.

Beyond his patients he enjoyed working on and managing his farm and particularly the family gatherings.  He liked to travel and spent many vacations at the family cabin on Lake Taneycomo.

Memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church in Russell, Iowa.  Services were held at 1pm, Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at Fielding Funeral Home.  Family met with friends from 6-8pm, Tuesday, October 25, 2011.  Interment is in the Russell Cemetery. 

Larry J. Clark Obituary

Services for Larry J. Clark, 72, of Chariton, will be Tues, October 11, 2011 at 2pm at Pierschbacher Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Chariton Cemetery.   Family will receive friends from 12-2pm Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the funeral home.  On line condolences may be left at http://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com/  .

Larry was born August 20, 1939 to Harold and Ina (Bingaman) Clark.  He graduated from Chariton High School in 1957.  After high school he attended Drake University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree.  He furthered his education by obtaining a Masters Degree in Science from Drake University and his Mortuary Science Degree from the University of Minnesota.  While at Drake he was a proud member of the Drake Marching Band.

After college larry taught biology, physics and chemistry classes at Russell and Chariton High School for many years.  He loved teaching and guiding the students and they in turn loved and respected him.  To many, he was affectionately known as "Uncle Lar".  On August 3, 1968, he married Janet Patricia White, a high school classmate and teacher.

Larry and Janet became owners of Ambelang Greenhouse in 1974 where they worked together lovingly and diligently restoring it to what is now Clark's Greenhouse.  This was their home away from home where many memories were made.  Laughter was shared and joy was a part of everyday life.  Larry devoted his life to creating beauty around him.  Larry was always the thinker, the planner, and the creator, with always a new project ready to begin.  He had a sharp mind, an eye for beauty, and a sense of wit and humor that can't be matched.  Working the daily jumble was a passion.

Larry was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Za-Ga-Zag Shrine, ISEA, NEA, former president of the Business & Professional division of the Chamber and a present member of the Chariton Historic Preservation Commission. 

Larry passed away October 6, 2011 at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Janet of Chariton, and a brother Robert Eugene (Marilyn) Clark of Chariton.

Memorials may be made to Larry Clark Educational Scholarship Fund, Chariton Gazebo Maintenance Fund,

Pauline Vincent, 98, Obituary

Services for Pauline Vincent, 98, widow of Howard, mother of Jacob Vincent, Diane Mitchel, Elzan McMurry and Loy Hardesty will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 2pm at Fielding Funeral Home.  Visitation will be at 12:30pm Tuesday October 11, 2011 until the time of services.  Burial will be at Confidence Cemetery

Wilmina E. VerSteeg Obituary

Wilmina Edna Oelrich VerSteeg, age 100, passed away September 6, 2011, at Orange City, Iowa.  Her husband, Rev. G. J. VerSteeg, was the Presbyterian minister in Russell, Iowa in 1956 and 1957 before his disability forced his retirement.

Mrs "V" was employed by Drs. Hermann and Egly in Russell for several years.  Their children Mary Ann, Lorna, John, and Betty Lou graduated from Russell High School.

In 1964, the Versteegs returned to Orange City where she was employed as a secretary for the First Reformed Church for 16 years, retiring in 1981.  Rev. VerSteeg passed away October 29, 1989, in Sioux Center, Iowa.  Their son, Dr. John VerSteeg, also preceded his mother in death.

Surviving are Dr. Mary Ann and Greg Halbert of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lorna Jane and Dean Downard of Tucson, Arizona and Betty Lou and Ted Lamb of Denver, Colorado and daughter-in-law, Patricia VerSteeg, also of Tucson, Arizona, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law Belva Oelrich.

Mali Sue Krutsinger Obituary

Mali Sue Krutsinger, infant daughter of Tammy Bardwell and Chad Krutsinger, was still born Monday, September 26, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.  We didn't have the opportunity to hold you in our arms, but you will forever be in our hearts.  Mali is survived by her parents Chad and Tammy; two sisters Mackenzie and Maci; grandparents Roger and Kelly Krutsinger; Les and Sue Deemer, all of Chariton; great-grandparents Roger and Judy Krutsinger, Chariton; Dave and Avon Feisel, Chariton; Richard and Charlene Foland, Russell; Delores Bardwell, Corydon; and Iris Vanderpol, Chariton.  Private services were conducted by Fielding Funeral Home.  Interment was at the Chariton Cemetery.

Mary Ellen Reeves Obituary

Services for Mary Ellen Reeves, 91, were held Monday, September 12 at 10:30am at Fielding Funeral Home, Chariton.  Visitation was held Sunday, September 11 from 2-4pm also at the funeral home.  Burial was in the Chariton Cemetery.  She is the widow of William Clinton Reeves.

Mary Ellen (Ansley) Reeves, 91 was born October 1, 1919, in Chariton, Iowa to William Francis "Frank" and Sadie Frances (Morris) Ansley and left this life on September 7, 2011.  She was born at the home of her maternal grandparents, Sam and Ellen Morris across the street from the old Columbus School just as the school bell was ringing the start of the new day - she always enjoyed telling that story.

She was raised in a log cabin her dad built south of Woodlawn, Iowa.  When she was about 13when she and her dad were both baptized in the running water at Whitebreast Creek.  That too was an important memory for her.

She graduated for Chariton High School in 1939 and attended summer school in Cedar Falls, Iowa to get her teaching certificate.  She taught for a couple of years in Winterset and Whitebreast Center in Lucas County.  It was while she was teaching at Whitebreast Center that she met the man she would marry - William Clinton Reeves.  She and Clinton were married July 14, 1944 and they had two daughters.  Mary Louise, of Russell and Catherine of Creston.

Her family was the most important thing in her life and that included all the aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as her husband and children.  Genealogy was a life-long hobby.  Whether or not you wanted to know, she could give you the family tree of just about anybody she ever knew. 

Keith Allen Death

Services for Keith Allen, 34, were held Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 10:30am at Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa.  Visitation was held Wednesday, September 14 from 6-8pm, also at Fielding Funeral Home with Masonic services held at 5pm.  Burial was in the Chariton Cemetery.

Keith is survived by his parents Tom and Miki Allen of Chariton.  He is also survived by a brother Chaz and a sister Malinda.

Carol L. Lake Obituary

Carol L. Lake, 90, Heartland, Tx., former of Kansas City, Ks., and Waverly, Ks., died Friday, July 29, 2011, peacefully at home in Heartland, Tx.  The fourth daughter and seventh of nine children for David and Lula Fetters, Ms. Lake was born July 1, 1921, in Unionville, Mo.  Seven of her siblings have preceded her in death.  She moved to and lived in Kansas City, Ks. for forty-seven years.  There she met and married William M. Gardner with whom she shared a forty-five year marriage.  They worked at the KU Medical Center where Carol had a twenty-nine year career.  After moving to Waverly, Kan., William and husbands Charles Perry and Ben Lake all preceded her in deat.  

By her wishes, a graveside service was held at 1pm Thursday, August 4, 2011 at New York Cemetery, RR#2, Russell, IA.  There will also be a memorial service honoring her at the Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ, Terrell, Tx., Sunday August 7, 2011 at 6pm.  The family suggests contributions to the Share Center, Terrell, Tx. or the American Heart Association.

Robert Bell Obituary

From the Journal Express, Knoxville and the Chariton Leader

Robert Franklin Bell, the son of Ramon Bell and Myrtle Hall, was born Aug. 22, 1917, in Newton.  He graduated from Newton Senior High with the class of 1934.

Bob was united in marriage with Betty Sparks.  She would precede him in death.  Bob married Virginia Mateer on Nov. 4, 1954.  Bob enjoyed working the land and was a farmer ahead of his time.  He had served on the Jasper County Soil and Conservation Board, the Jasper County Extension Council and the Lucas County board of Health.  Bob was an outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, mushroom hunting, dancing, and old time country music festivals.

Bob died on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at the West Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Knoxville.  He was 93 years old.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Betty.

Those left to honor Bob’s memory include his wife of over 56 years, Virginia of Knoxville, Iowa; his sons, Ernest (Betty) Bell of Newton and J. Douglas (Jaci) Bell of Reasnor; his daughter, Barbara McClelland of Knoxville; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren; his sister, Dorice McEvoy of Yankton, S.D., and his brother, Ramon Bell of Joplin, Mo.

Services were held Monday, Aug. 8, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton.  Memorials may be designated in Bob’s name to the HCI Care Services and may be left at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.

On-line condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com

Jay William Adcock Death

Services for Jay William Adcock, 42, Muscatine, will be Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 11am.  Family will receive friends Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 6-8pm.  Both at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.  He is survived by his parents:  Viola (Jerry) Morton,  Fargo; Bill Adcock, Longview, Texas; siblings Mark Adcock of Lincoln; Todd Adcock Muscatine; Jerry Morton, Fairmount, Minn.; Andrea Morton, Indianola; and Shannon (Joe) Allwood, Russell.  He is also survived by his Grandpa Larry Morton, Melcher; special Aunt and Uncle Jim and Mary Mathias, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Carol Lazear Death

Services for Carol Lazear, 92, were held Monday, August 8 at 10:30am at the Fielding Funeral Home.  Visitation was held Sunday, August 7, 2011 from 6-8pm also at the funeral home.  Burial was in the Chariton Cemetery.   She is survived by her sons Keith, Bill, Fred, Gary and Steve.

Doris Foutch Obituary

Doris (GoGo) Helma Foutch, 97, of Russell, Iowa passed away on July 31, 2011 at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa.

She was born February 21, 1914 in Benton Township to Burton B. and Myrtle L. Phillips Hudson.  Doris married Lloyd (Red) Foutch of Russell on August 6, 1938.  Doris and Lloyd had a son, Dale (Butch) Foutch the following year.  They lived their entire lives in the Russell/Chariton area with Lloyd passing away in 1981 and Dale in 1989.  Doris is also preceded in death by her parents; Burton and Myrtle.  Doris was a very close friend of Wilma Reynolds of Russell.

A visitation was held from 6:30 to 8:00pm, Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the Fielding Funeral Home.  Funeral services were held at 10:30am Friday, August 5, 2011 at Fielding Funeral Home.  Interment was held in the Russell Cemetery in Russell.

Jerry Gwinn Death Notice

Graveside services for Jerry Gwinn, 73, husband of Judy, were July 28, 2011 at Gwinn Cemetery.  Visitation one hour prior to service at Fielding Funeral Home.

Jerry Wayne Russell

Graveside services for Jerry Wayne Russell, 65, stepfather of Glenn Trusty, were held at 2pm Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Miriam Cemetery in Bethany, Mo.  Fielding Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Katherine Swigart Obituary

June 9, 2011, Harriett B. Swigart, 91, of Independence, Mo., passed away.. Graveside services took place on Monday, June 13, at 2 p.m., at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery. 

Click on picture to enlarge

Preceding her in death were her parents, Joseph and Ruth Hoffman; brother, Lyle Hoffman and sisters, Leora and Rogine Rauch. 

Harriett is survived by her children, Lee (Judy) Swigart, Kay Swigart, Rick Swigart, Jane (Darwin) Bingham, Joel (Marty) Swigart, Vickie (Brad) Bauer, Carl (Carol) Swigart and Doris (David) Eckert; 20 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

All who knew her will miss her very much.

Jerry Richard Byers Obituary

Jerry Richard Byers was born on April 8, 1929 in Lucas County, Iowa to Clinton Leland and Beulah Maud Richards Byers.  He went to his eternal home after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of eighty-two. 

On June 17, 1951 Jerry was united in marriage with Dora Louise Palmer in Russell, Iowa.  They were blessed with five children:  Joleen, Joyce, Janice, Martha and Bruce.

For twenty-four years Jerry worked for HyVee Food Stores in Oskaloosa, Chariton and Corning, Iowa.  

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 9, 2011 at the Berean Baptist Church in Pella.  Burial took place at the Columbia Cemetery near Columbia, Iowa.  The Pella Garden Chapel Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Charles Gookin Death

Graveside services for Charles Gookin, 75, were held Saturday, April 2 at 1:30pm at the Russell Cemetery, Russell, Iowa.  Fielding Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Roger Pierce Obituary

Roger Pierce, 70, lifetime resident of Russell, Iowa, passed from this life surrounded by loving family on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Legacy Lodge, Circle of Life Hospice Center in Chariton, after a tenacious battle with several illnesses.  His complete obituary appeared in the Chariton Leader dated Feb. 22, 2011.

Roger was born September 3, 1940, in Chariton, Iowa, to Neal and Hazel (Price) Pierce.  Roger attended Russell High School where he played basketball and went with his team to the state basketball tournaments.  On September 25, 2960, Roger married his childhood sweetheart, Judy Green, and the couple had two children; a daughter, Karla, and a son, Todd.  On September 25, 2010 Roger and Judy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Services were held at 10:30am, Thursday, February 17, 2011, at Fielding Funeral Home.  Family met with friends from 5-7pm Wednesday, February 16, 2011.  Interment was in the Russell Cemetery.  Memorials can be made to Faith United Methodist Church of Russell, Circle of Life Hospice, Russell Fire Department, or the Russell Community Club.

Jane Ann Miller, Obituary

Jane was born on March 5, 1944, at the Yocum Hospital in Chariton, Iowa to William and Betty Roach.  She graduated high school in San Manuel, Arizona in 1962.  She married Darrell Miller in 1963, and together they had three children.

She returned to Russell, Iowa in 1976 and worked for the Russell School district and also for her father at Bill's Mobile Service.  Jane graduated from Indian Hills Community college in 1992 and then worked at the VA Hospital in Knoxville as an LPN until she retired in 2007.

June passed away January 13, 2011, in her home at the age of 66.  Interment was in the Chariton Cemetery.

Merna Robb Services

Services for Merna Robb, 91, will be Friday Feb. 11, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at the Russell Cemetery.
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Merna Louise Robb was born September 1, 1918 in Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa to James Lloyd Risbeck and Dora Elizabeth Davis.  She passed a way February 4, 2011 at the Roseville Rehabilitation and Health Care facility in Roseville, Illinois.  After attending High School in Russell, Iowa, she earned her teaching certificate.  She taught five years in a one room school house south of Russell.  She and Quincy J. Robb were married on January 17, 1942.  She was the mother of three sons:  Paul and twins, David and Donald.

Wilma Clothier, 96, passed away January 29, 2011

Wilma B. Kendrick was born March 28, 1914 in Villisca, Iowa to Ora and Maud Sellers Kendrick.  She graduated from Chariton High School in 1932 and then attended the junior college in Chariton.  She was married to Dwight Clothier on May 21, 1939 at the Methodist Church in Chariton.

Wilma worked for the Civil Service Draft Board and then taught 2nd Grade in Russell for many years.  She was very artistic and enjoyed painting china.  She also enjoyed playing bridge and traveling with Dwight on bust tours.  Wilma was a wonderful mother, enjoying all the time spent with her family.

Ruth A. Gregory Obituary

Ruth A. Gregory was born on August 26, 1922 in Grinnell, Iowa to Jess H. Hoover and Fannie Horsford Hoover.  Preceding Ruth in death were both of her parents and husband, Gene F. Gregory.  Ruth is survived by her daughter and two grandchildren, Kevin Duckworth and wife Anita of Russell and Brenda Campbell and husband Dennis of Corydon.  Ruth also has four great-grandchildren Michael and Hannah Duckworth of Russell and Cody and Katelyn Campbell of Corydon.  Ruth and Gregory lived in the Chariton for many years.  Ruth passed away January 18, 2011 at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa.  Fielding Funeral Home handled all the arrangements.  Memorials may be made to the Corydon Nursing and Rehab Center.

Alene E. (Woods) Force Obituary

Alene Woods was born on June 11, 1932 and passed away on January 13, 2011.  She was born south of Russell to Kenneth and Theo Juanita (Long) Woods.  She was 78 years old.  Alene attended Russell Schools until she got in the 8th grade, then her family moved to Englewood, Colorado.

Alene married Eugene Douglas Smith in 1952.  They had two children, Robert Eugene and Rhonda Kay.  Alene married Paul Eugene Force on June 11, 1999.

She was buried in the Russell Cemetery