Betty Davis Obituary

 

Obituary for Betty Faye Davis

Betty Faye Davis, 81 of Russell, IA passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Corydon, IA. She was born June 13, 1937 in Gurdon, Arkansas to Wells Wright and Stella Baker Wright. Betty was raised by her mother alongside her four siblings. She was taught at a young age how to work hard and treat others with respect.

Betty graduated from Glen Rose High School in Malvern, Arkansas where she loved playing basketball and continued her love of sports watching her grandchildren play as they grew up. In her yearbook was a quote by her picture that said, “Her friendship is well worth having”. Truer words could not be said about Betty Davis. She was a loyal friend who loved to serve others.

While living in the Des Moines area, Betty married Charles Davis. She worked downtown in Des Moines at Look Magazine and later at Equitable of IA. Upon retirement, Chuck and Betty moved to a farm south of Russell, IA. Countless wonderful memories have been made on their farm over the years. Living there brought so much joy to their lives as they worked hard side by side. They were rarely seen apart even if it was just to run a simple errand. If Chuck was baling hay, Betty was working alongside him.

Betty loved spending time outdoors. She greatly enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and taking pictures outside of the beauty around her. Chuck and Betty loved taking their grandkids and neighbor boys fishing or on four-wheeler rides.
Until recently, Betty was still purchasing her deer and turkey tags so she could go sit in her tree stand or blind and watch for a big buck or turkey to pass by. Even at age 80 Betty was still accurate and “took care” of an opossum last year that wouldn’t stay out of the food dish she put on her deck for a stray cat she looked after.

If you had the privilege of going to Betty’s house, you would soon know that Betty was a wonderful cook and had such a servants-heart. You never left hungry and often got to take home leftovers for later.

On Easter Sunday 2005, Betty made the most important decision of her life. She trusted Jesus Christ as her savior and was baptized at Heritage Point Lake in June of that year. She loved her Cornerstone Community Church family and was disappointed this past year when her health often kept her from church. She enjoyed watching the service online each week and had fond memories of serving in the kitchen during Wednesday night meals.

Betty is survived by sons Ricky and Kevin Laird, granddaughter Melissa Larson, granddaughter-in-law Andria Laird, great grandsons Shane and Kaden Laird, brother Eddie (Carolyn) Wright, sister-in-law Tess Young, special friends/neighbors that became her adopted family Ryan, Mindy, Tanner, Taylor, Carlie, and James Bennett, numerous nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles Davis, son Mark Alan Laird, grandson Steven M. Laird, twin brother Bill Ray Wright, sister Marijo Graves, and brother Robert Eugene Wright.

Services will be held Monday, March 25, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, IA with Interment following at the New Altoona Cemetery in Altoona, IA.

Memorials may be made in Betty’s name to Cornerstone Community Church, Chariton, IA.

Alice Chester Obituary

Alice "Allie" (Kaestner) Chester

March 25, 1945 ~ March 16, 2019 (age 73)

Alice “Allie” Chester, age 73, of Mystic, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Centerville Specialty Care.

Alice was born on March 25, 1945 in Mystic, Iowa, the daughter of Clyde and Ruth (Armstrong) Kaestner.  She graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1963.  She was united in marriage to Merle “Dean” Chester on November 24, 1967 in Kirksville, Missouri.  To this union, Alice gained three children, Betty, Tina, and Lisa.  Together, the couple had Christopher.

Alice worked for ISU/Alliant Energy.  She started in billing, but spent many years in the call center.  She retired after working there for 40 years.  She was also the Treasurer in Mystic for several years, keeping the books for the city of Mystic.

Alice served on the Mystic Fire Department and First Responders with her husband, Dean.  She loved to travel with him as well.  She enjoyed doing yard work and spending time outdoors.  Alice was a long-time caretaker of her family.  She loved her family with everything she had, including her cat, Smoke, and her granddogs.  She was known by her family and friends for making the best Peanut Butter Fudge and other candies.

Left to cherish Alice’s memory are her children, Chris (Jamie) Chester of Mystic, Iowa, Betty (Pat) Howell of Sugarland, Texas, Tina (Bruce) Amos of Indianola, Iowa, and Lisa Croushorn of Tampa, Florida; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Richard “Dick” (Karla) Kaestner of Knoxville; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Chester on May 22, 2010; her parents, Clyde and Ruth Kaestner; sisters, Marjorie Louise Perkins and Mary Virginia Porter; a brother, Donald James Kaestner; and an honorary brother, James “Crop” Robinson.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Highland Cemetery in Mystic, conducted by Celebrant, Katie Pearson.  A Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM.  Memorials have been established to the family of Alice Chester, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 South 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544.   Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.