Charles Pierce Obituary

Obituary for Charles "Charlie" Pierce Charles "Charlie" Pierce age 79 of New Hampton died Monday, August 27, 2018, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
 Charles “Charlie” Ronald Pierce was born December 20, 1938, at the family home in Russell, IA, the son of Walter and Alice (Lewis) Pierce. He received his education in Russell graduating from high school in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army from December 12, 1961 until being honorably discharged on November 27, 1963. In 1985 Charlie moved to New Hampton and started working for Warren’s Grain Dryers. He continued to work there up until almost the time of his passing.He enjoyed his coworkers, his customers, and especially the morning coffee crew at Klunders Restaurant.

When he wasn’t working or visiting with the coffee crowd, he was always keeping up with his family and grandkids. Often times, he’d make a call to one of his kids and without a greeting would start, “Did you hear the one about .....such and such?” The responses were always, “Oh lord! Here we go again!” And then he’d always laugh!

Anyway, to summarize, Charlie never met a stranger, never forgot a face, and always had a joke! He will be gone but his humor and lively spirit will live on with the rest of us!

Survivors include three sons, Jody (Susan) Pierce of Phoenix, AZ, Jon (Angela) Pierce of State Center, IA, Jeff (Deb) Pierce of Waukee, IA; seven grandchildren, Thane Pierce, Kiele Pierce, Kalyn Pierce, Jordan Pierce, McKenna Pierce, Emma Pierce, Sarah Pierce; one great-granddaughter, Mylen; one brother, Rich (Connie) Pierce of Waterloo; two sisters, Carol (Dan) Coulson of Mt. Ayr, IA, Jana (Craig) Cooper of Russell, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents.


Funeral services will be held 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 31, 2018, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton with military rites to follow. Interment will take place 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 1, 2018, at the Russell Cemetery in Russell, Iowa.

Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral

Richard J. Watson Obituary

 

Richard J. Watson

December 19, 1964 ~ August 22, 2018 (age 53)

Richard “Rich” John Watson
Richard John Watson, 53, passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Rich was born on December 19th, 1964 in Cedar Rapids, IA to Harry H. Watson and E. Sue Watson. He graduated from Marion High School in 1983.
After growing up in Marion, IA, Rich moved to Chariton, IA area where he raised his two sons, Austin Watson, and Hunter J. Watson. On December 28, 2017 Rich was united in marriage to Ruby J. Munden in Indianola, IA. He spent the past 30 years working various positions for Hy-Vee Distribution in Chariton. Last year Rich and Ruby moved to Russell, IA.
Rich was known and loved by many. All who knew him knew he loved the outdoors, his motorcycle and living life.
He was preceded in death by his stepson, Aaron Doss.
He is survived by his wife Ruby, parents Harry and Sue Watson of Marion; sons Austin (Erica) Watson of Chariton and Hunter Watson of Russell; two sisters Sandra Ozburn of Cedar Rapids and Laura Watson of Fresno, CA; three stepchildren Kayla (Jake) Hermanson of Indianola, Adam Doss of Kirksville, MO, Niki (Mike) Bramel of Fort Irwin, CA; two nephews Trent (Shannon) Ozburn of Cedar Rapids and Jared Ozburn of Cedar Rapids; as well as 13 grand children and many more beloved family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to his family or Shriners Children’s Hospital. There will be no formal services held at this time. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Brad Arnold Obituary

 

 

 Bradley Jason Arnold, age 45, died August 7, 2018 in the strong, loving presence of his father, brother and son, following his diligent battle with graft vs. host disease.

Brad was born June 11, 1973 in Ames, Iowa to Pamela Sue Canady and Charles Wayne Arnold. Four years later, he was joined by brother, Chad Dean. He graduated from Russell Community School. During and following high school, he was mentored by John Joe and Judge Curran in the area of cattle and would later become one of the most highly respected ranchers in southern Iowa.

On October 7, 2000 Brad married Holly N. Adams and became a father to 6 year-old, Beau. Four years later, Morgan completed their family of four.
In 2001, Brad was baptized beside Beau, their heads anointed with water simultaneously at the Chariton First United Methodist Church.

In 2002, Brad, Holly and Beau moved to the sacred ground near Sewal, which was Holly’s grandparents’ home. Brad ran cattle on Harvey and Dorothy Morgan’s home farm and Missouri state line pasture, conducting business from his hospital bed up until the day before he died. He was knowledgeable in grazing and a steward of the land, sustaining well-managed pasture, even in drought conditions.

Brad had a dream beginning in first grade of becoming a rodeo stock contractor. In 1999, he and co-owner, John Ballard started Great Plains Rodeo Co. putting on rodeos throughout the Midwest, but mainly in Wisconsin where for 8 years with family and friends they made memories to last a lifetime. Brad lead this team in putting on many amazing shows, with the incredible standards at which he held all of his endeavors.

Brad had great times camping and boating with his family at Lake Rathbun. The camper was traded for a horse trailer when Morgan graduated from riding Rocket to entering barrel races. Brad hauled Morgan to youth and junior high rodeos tightening her saddle, leading her in the gate and saying, “have fun” before each of her runs. When Brad was diagnosed with leukemia Morgan relied on her rodeo family and her own steadfast inner strength to continue making her runs without him. Now he will be back with her as she makes every one for the remainder of her life.

Brad is survived by his wife, Holly; children: Beau Smith and Morgan Arnold; father, Chuck Arnold; step-father, Randy Sloan; brother, Chad Arnold; sister, Shelli Thompson and step-siblings: Tara Spidle, Cade Sloan, LeeAnn Millizer and Ray Sloan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pam Canady and his brother, Jeff Thompson.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Corydon United Methodist Church. Following the service and a luncheon, the family will be making their way to the family pasture for a committal service and all are welcome to attend. Visitation will take place from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Memorials may be made to the family and online condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com

Martha Smith Obituary

 

Martha J. Smith

April 1, 1923 ~ August 5, 2018 (age 95

Martha was born in Sewell, Iowa to Loyal and Elva (Moats) Cherryholmes on April 1, 1923. She passed away, August 5, 2018,  at 95 years of age. Martha had seven siblings and was raised in the Cambria area.
          In 1945, she was united in marriage to Charles Smith of Russell, Iowa. They farmed north of town. She enjoyed raising two daughters on the farm. Gardening, raising chickens, canning and all the things to do with farm life was how they lived life.
          Since Russell was the place that Charlie and Martha loved, they had bought a retirement home on Smith Street. They enjoyed (City) life, taking care of her home and their cute little dog, “Sugar”. Martha’s love of luring cats to her back door was an everyday occurrence. They did seem to accumulate.
          Martha was blessed to have her sister and best friend, Francis Prather, live right beside her in Russell. They shared a special relationship, we all should be lucky to have.
          Her daughter, Carol stopped in daily and they would catch up on all the Russell gossip. They had a wonderful, warm, close mother-daughter relationship.
          Martha is survived by her two daughters, Linda Cain (Republic, MO) and Carol Swigart (Chariton, IA); five grandchildren, Brenden Cain, Kim Allen, Angela Hejduk, Chris Swigart and Cory Swigart and many great grandchildren; her sister, Francis Prather and brother, Burl Cherryholmes and many nieces and nephews.
          Martha’s life in Russell was complete with love from friends and family. The family has arranged graveside services at the Russell Cemetery.
          Together again, Charlie and Martha, plus little “Sugar”. Just like they would have wanted it. God speed, Mom and Dad.
        

Ginger Sellers Obituary

 Obituary for Virginia "Ginger" Sellers

Virginia "Ginger" Sellers, of Russell, passed away July 26, 2018 at Legacy Lodge Hospice in Chariton at the age of 73. Services will be held Monday, July 30, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Burial will be at the Bethel Cemetery near Russell. Family will receive friends on Sunday, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials are requested to the Russell Faith United Methodist Church.

Virginia Louise was born December 15, 1944 at home in Chariton, Iowa near Yocom Park. She grew up in Chariton and graduated from Chariton High School in 1963. While working at the A&W during high school she met Don Sellers. They were married on July 7, 1963 while Don was on leave from the Air Force. Ginger moved to Seville, Spain with Don where they lived for 2 ½ years until he was discharged from the Air Force and they returned to Lucas County.

For a time during the 1970’s she worked at the Gross Galesburg Overall Factory in Chariton. Ginger and Don moved to Post Falls, Idaho, where she sewed and also worked for an electronics company making hand-held computers for reading meters. They lived in Post Falls for 31 years before moving back to Lucas County and settling in Russell in 2008.

Ginger will be remembered as one of the most giving and kind people they’ve ever known. She was the ultimate gift giver; she could find or make the perfect gift for everyone. Shopping was a passion, but it was for others not for herself. In recent years Don has been driving the Hy-Vee Wellness RVs and she enjoyed going to all the different towns to see the sights and shop in the local stores for the perfect gifts. All family and friends were never forgotten on birthdays and over special occasions. Her entire family was her greatest joy and she had a very special place in her heart for her brothers and sister.

Ginger passed away July 26, 2018 at the Legacy Lodge in Chariton. Ginger will be missed by her husband of 55 years, Don Sellers; daughter, Tammy (Joe) Keough of Spokane, WA; grandchildren: Jesse (Jacqualin), Ashley, Micaiah, and Jeremiah; great grandchildren: Nathanial, Stephanie, and Ava; and siblings: Terry (Kay) McGee, Tom (Kim) McGee, Tim (Natalie) McGee, and Patty (Nile) Daugherty; Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Lloyd, in 1983.