Glenn Abrahamson Obituary

Glenn Robert Abrahamson was born February 9, 1924 in English township, Lucas County. Glenn was the sixth child born to Charley O. Abrahamson and Cynthia Miller Abrahamson. Glenn was raised on a farm and attended school in Lucas Co. He was baptized in 1936 at the May Baptist church. Glenn married Justine O. Gartin on August 24, 1947. To this union three children were born: Glenn Robert Jr., Charles Dewey, and Elizabeth Ann.

Glenn loved farming and was proud of the thresher he bought when only 16. He was also an avid woodworker and greatly enjoyed making doll houses, toy boxes, wheel barrows, work benches and many other things for his grandchildren. He took great joy in the two horse-drawn wagons he made, and in teaching his grandchildren some of the skills of woodworking.

Glenn was active in many organizations. He was chairman of Cedar Township ASC. He served as President of Lucas Co. Farm Bureau and served as voting delegate for 5 years for Lucas Co. Farm Bureau. He was a 4-H leader and served on the extension counsel. He also served on the Republican Central Committee. He was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Russell and served on many committees. He served as Mayor of Russell for 8 years.

Preceding Glenn in death are his parents: Charley and Cynthia; his sisters: Mildred Abrahamson, Mary Feight and husband Stanley, Evelyn McCormick and husband Thomas, Lavon DeJoode and husband John, one brother, Pearl and wife Dorothy, and a great granddaughter, Avery Ann Palmer.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Justine; sons: Glenn Robert and wife Jolene of Albia, Charles Dewey and wife Janet of Centerville, and daughter Elizabeth Ann and husband Gary Palmer of Corydon. Grandchildren: Travis and wife Cindy, Heidi and husband Tyson, Joshua and wife Jaimie, Brian and wife Dottie, Megan and husband Felix, Sara and husband Josey, Daniel and wife Shelly, Eric and wife Beth. Thirteen great grandchildren and one on the way.

Memorials to Russell Museum or the Faith United Methodist Church in Russell.

Shirley F. McDonald Obituary

Shirley Evelyn Sellers McDonald passed away September 22, 2012 at the Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center.  She was 87 years old.

Shirley was born April 27, 1925 in Lucas County, Iowa to John Mark and Maude Emmaline (Wright) Sellers.  She graduated from Russell High School in 1943 and earned her teaching certificate and took courses at Simpson College and Drake University.  Shirley taught country school at the Dickervile and Pershing schools in Cedar Township of Lucas County.  She also taught school in Marengo, Iowa and Melcher, Iowa.

On September 16, 1951 Shirley was united in marriage to Richard Eugene McDonald.  To this union six children were born; Mark Steven, Charles Stanley, Scott Richard, Sheila Marie, Sally Annette, and Sonnie Sue.  Shirley spent the next stage of her life raising her family and working on the family farm.  She was a member of the Russell and Chariton United Methodist churches and active in Sunday School and Bible School programs.  Her family was dear to her heart and she worked hard to raise them in a Christian way.

In 1973, the marriage dissolved and Shirley moved the family to Chariton.  She was employed at J.C. Penney and then at Lucas County Memorial Hospital as a ward clerk.  In 2008, because of health issues, Shirley moved to the Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center.  She enjoyed visits from family and friends as well as the caretakers at the center.  Her room was often the place where many people stopped by to share a laugh or a concern.

Shirley was an avid reader and needleworker.  She made many afghans, doilies, slippers and caps and loved sharing them with anyone who stopped by to see her.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; brothers Keith, Clair and Richard; sister Helen; and son-in-law Joe Johnson.

Shirley will be missed by many.  Memorials may be given to the Chariton Library, Bethel Cemetery, Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center or Circle of Life.

Services were held September 26, 2012 at the Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa.  Visitation was held September 25, 2012 at the Funeral Home.  Interment was in the Bethel Cemetery.