Ray D Wilson Obituary October 25, 1944 - February 24, 2023

 

Ray Wilson, 78, of Creston, departed this life to be with the Lord on 

February 24, 2023, at Greater Regional Health in Creston. 

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2023, 

at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. 

The family requests casual wear for the service of Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs or your favorite race car shirt. 

Burial will be at a later date. Rev. Paul Vandevender will officiate. 

Open visitation, with family receiving friends will be 9:30-11:00 a.m. Monday at 

Powers Funeral Home in Creston. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to family. 

Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.

Ray Dean Wilson was born October 25, 1944, in Russell, Iowa, to Levi Otis Wilson and Helen Mae (Davis) Wilson. Ray was raised on a small farm near Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1962.

Ray married Jane Teater on Oct. 2, 1964, in Derby, Ia at the Methodist Church. The couple has two children, Cindy Wilson Reed and Mike Wilson. Ray had worked for Hile Locker for 5 years, then for HyVee as a meat specialist for 37 years, retiring in 2005.

Ray was a fan of sprint car races, the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, loved his acreage and raising calves. Ray also loved working with wood and making his grandkids some keepsakes and collecting international/farmall toys. Another hobby over the years was Bowling with the HyVee Bowling Team.

Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years Jane Wilson, daughter Cindy Reed (Jeff) and son Mike Wilson (Diane), grandchildren Terri Danley (Joey), Darcie Reed, Bryan Wilson and Beth Wilson and great grandchildren Eli Holle and Ava Danley and many other family and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother Vernon Wilson and sisters Norma Jean Kendall and Margaret Ruby.

 

 

Constance Lee Connie Cottingham Gartin Obituary May 09, 1932 - January 27, 2023

 

Constance (Connie) Lee Cottingham Gartin, 90 years, was born in Chariton, Iowa, on May 9, 1932 and died January 27, 2023. Connie was the eldest daughter of Lee George Cottingham and Frances Gwendolyn Coffman Cottingham. She was raised on a farm south of Russell, Iowa, with her sister, Gwen Ann Cottingham, who was born December 5, 1945. She was active in 4-H clubs, the Baptist youth group, and served as a church pianist.

After graduation from Russell High School, she attended the University of Iowa where she received the Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Nursing in 1954. In 1960, she received a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Connie was employed as a Des Moines County Public Health Nurse in Burlington, Iowa, followed by employment as a Laramie County Public Health Nurse in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

For five years, she was an instructor and later Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa. She then directed an After Care Research Project in five counties at the Mental Health Institute in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, which resulted in the establishment of the Henry County Public Health Nursing Service and the Jefferson County Public Health Nursing Service.
In 1972, Connie helped organize the Division of Nursing at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she was an Associate Professor of Nursing for almost thirty years and was appointed Professor Emeritus when she retired. In 2017, Connie was honored as the inaugural inductee to the Dr. Lois Frels Nursing Hall of Fame.

On December 27, 1963, she married Donald Eugene Gartin in the First Baptist Church in Russell, Iowa. To this marriage, two sons were born, Timothy Lee Gartin on February 8, 1967 and Marcus Laurel Gartin on June 5, 1968. They established their home in Mt. Pleasant where they lived for 54 years.
Faith played an important part in Connie’s life after trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior at thirteen years old. In various churches, she served as pianist, assistant youth leader, and Sunday School teacher.

Connie served on various public health committees, was a long-time member of Entre Nous, PEO Chapter Original A, and the Accountability Board of the 8th Judicial District of the Iowa Department of Corrections. For many years, she cared for her parents and managed their family farm.

Survivors include her sister, Gwen Cottingham (Dale Stirn) of Seattle, her son, Tim and his wife Tara Gartin of Ames, her son, Marc and his wife Mary Gartin of Mt. Pleasant, four grandchildren, Nathan Gartin, Peter Gartin, Elizabeth (Xavier) Heron, and Joshua Gartin along with one great grandchild, Henry Heron.
Preceding Connie in death were her parents, Lee and Frances Cottingham and her husband, Donald Gartin.

Services will be held on Saturday February 4th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, with Pastor Steve English officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery south of Chariton, Iowa. A memorial has been established in honor of her commitment to nursing education at Iowa Wesleyan University. Contributions may be sent to: Iowa Wesleyan University (Nursing Dept.) c/o Jim Pedrick 601 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, 52641. Please ensure the memo line reads, “Connie Gartin Memorial”

Betty Arlene Baker Obituary July 18, 1942 - February 12, 2023

 Betty Arlene Baker, age 80 of Centerville, formerly of Humeston, passed away February 12, 2023 at Centerville Specialty Care in Centerville, Iowa.

Betty Arlene Baker was born on July 18, 1942 to Arlo and Carmen (Wales) Long in Napton, Missouri.

Betty had many jobs throughout her life. She started in waitressing and also worked in several retail stores. She spent time working at Neely’s in Corydon and moved on to Nordvik Industries in Corydon where she finally retired from.

Left to cherish Bettys' memory are her children; Vicki Walker of Humeston, Denise Calhoun of Jerome, Melissa Castor of Des Moines, Tim (Troy) Calhoun of Des Moines. Sisters Marjorie (Vernon) Bedford of Cantril and Carolyn Opperman of Centerville along with 7 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by; her parents, husbands Brian Baker and Llyod Caylor, brothers Ronald and Ralph Long, sister Beverly Kirby, step-daughter Mary Ann Caylor, Grand-daughter Amber Lynn Murphy

Per wishes, cremation has been accorded at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be written to The Family of Betty Baker, to be determined at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Baker family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page.

 

Mary F. Donner Obituary March 3, 1952 — February 7, 2023

 Mary Donner, 70, of Murray, Iowa passed away on February 7, 2023. In typical Mary fashion, a Celebration of Life will be held on March 3rd, 4th, and 5th at her home in Murray. Memorials may be made to her family.

Mary Francis (Batman) Donner was born on March 3, 1952, in Derby, Iowa to Robert and Maymie (Benway) Batman. She attended school and graduated from Chariton High School.

Mary married Robert Donner III and the couple was blessed with two sons, Matt and Chad.

Mary worked at several places throughout the years. She owned a restaurant in Chariton called “Mary’s Pizza”. Most recently, she was a card dealer and thoroughly enjoyed it. She was even known for dealing cards at parties. Mary traveled all over the United States and never knew a stranger. She made friends wherever she went, and if you ever met her, you didn’t forget her. Once a friend, always a friend. She was very social and loved to have fun.

Animals were near and dear to Mary’s heart. She had quite the history of rescuing animals. She cared for many animals over the years, from cats and dogs to birds and rats. Birdwatching was a favorite pastime, and she could name every bird that came to her feeder. Mary had a green thumb and enjoyed planting flowers for the birds. She loved being outdoors and worked diligently in her garden every year. She canned much of what she grew and was quick to share it with those she loved.

Mary had a unique sense of humor, even in situations that were tough. She could find a way to make light of any subject, adding a twist of humor to it. As her cribbage partner, Zach Fisher said, “Mary was able to find the humor in every situation. She would keep you on your toes, even though she didn’t have all of hers. What a legend.”

Mary loved spending time with her boys. They enjoyed countless golf outings together. She enjoyed music and when Matt was playing in a band, you would always find her there watching, listening, and enjoying herself. She even helped with the philly cheesesteak stand they ran for a while. Along with her love of music, Mary would always make friends with the bands that played along with The Mutts and kept up with them over the years. Because of this, she was dubbed “Mama Mutt”.

Mary’s best friend Cindy said, “If someone needed help she was there for them. I believe God put her on earth as everybody’s angel because she helped a person no matter color, religion, or beliefs. Thank you, God, for lending Mary to us for 70 years.”

Mary will be dearly missed by her sons: Matt (Nikki) Donner and Chad (Mireya) Donner; grandson, DJ Corson; best friend and “sister,” Cindy Major; as well as many more family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Maymie; brother, Arthur Batman; and husband, Robert Donner III.

Betty A. Mason Obituary September 20, 1936 — February 8, 2023

 Services for Betty A. Mason, 86, of Russell, Iowa will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Russell. Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Faith United Methodist Church in Russell or the Russell Fire Department.

Betty Ann (Cain) Mason was born on September 20, 1936, to Wallace “Bud” and Addie (Fry) Cain in Leon, Iowa. Addie passed away when Betty was very young. After her passing, Bud met Lela, and the couple married. She took care of Betty as her own until her passing when Betty was 17. Bud later married Marge. Betty and Marge became very close. She grew up in the Van Wert area where she attended school, graduating with the class of 1954 and then moved to Des Moines.

Within a year, Betty met Elwyn E. Mason and the couple married November 18, 1955. They were blessed with two sons, Phil and Ken. When the boys were young, the family would vacation to California every other year to see Betty’s sister Luetta and family.

Betty was always a hard worker. She began her career in Des Moines working for Banker’s Life and Preferred Risk. In 1971, the family moved to the Russell area and built a new home near Elwyn’s parent’s home. She sold Tupperware for many years. She worked in Chariton at Central Savings and Loan through their many name changes during the 1970-80’s. She started as a teller and worked her way up to Controller, something of which she was very proud. She took a break from banking for a time and opened “Grandma’s Treasure Cove”, a craft and consignment shop in Russell. Later she went back to banking to work as a customer service representative for Great Western Bank in Russell until her retirement.

Betty always had a green thumb. She and Elwyn kept a garden that she helped him tend to, and she loved planting and enjoying her flowers. She had a nice collection of salt and pepper shakers that she was quite fond of. She loved animals and always loved having pets. She was very active in the Faith United Methodist Church in Russell, a member of the UMW as well as holding the title of Treasurer for many years. She also enjoyed being a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and the American Legion Auxiliary. Betty was one of 13 women who retired from the sorority at the same time, thus naming themselves the “Lucky 13”. As a group they took many small trips and enjoyed each other’s company.

Betty had a passion for music. She enjoyed when Brian would play guitar and sing and Shelley and brothers, Glenn and George Norris would sing, among others. She always had a treat for anyone who came to visit, as she was an excellent cook and baker. Some of her family’s all-time favorites were her apple crisp, fried chicken, and spicy chili.

Betty was very passionate about her family and willing to help whenever she could. She was very proud of them all. When her great-grandson, Dallas, was very young, he couldn’t say great grandma Betty, so she became “Great Betty”  to the great grandchildren. One of her favorite family traditions was on Christmas Eve. After everyone had eaten and before they could unwrap presents, she insisted that “The Night Before Christmas” be read.

Betty will be deeply missed by her sons, Phil (Shelley) Mason and Ken (Deb) Mason; grandchildren: Jaime (Brian) Sabel, Becky (Daren) Jaques, Robbie (Shayna) Mason, Stephanie Mason, and Michael (Emily) Mason; great grandchildren: Wynter, Savannah, Dallas, Kaydence, Ryker, Gavin, Bentleigh, and Lakelynn; nephew, Wallace Wakefield and his family; along with many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwyn Mason; sister, Luetta Wakefield; brother-in-law, David Wakefield; sister-in-law, Maxine Moore; and brother-in-law, Bill Moore.

 

 

 

Clarence Alvin Gee Obituary June 24, 1947 ~ January 27, 2023 (age 75)

Clarence was born to Clarence and Wilma Gee at Oskaloosa, Iowa on 6-24-1947.  He passed away on 1-27-2023 at his home in Wellton, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Wilma and his mother-in-law, Angie Amos and father-in-law, Roy Amos plus premature twin grand-daughters and several other close relatives and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, sons, Don (Becky), Paul and Roy, daughters, Norma (Reid Paris), Dollie (Mike Rogers), and Sue (Clayton Wall), 19 grandchildren, his brother, Gary (Marilyn) Gee and sister-in-law, Dollie McGee, Brothers-in-laws, Jim and John Amos and too many nephews and nieces to count.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June 1966 and was Honorable Discharged in August 1970.  Part of his service was spent in South East Asia during the Vietnam War.

He marred to Rosemary Amos on September 27,1969 in Marion County.

My nephew Jess Amos summed up his life in the following letter to me.

“Uncle Clarence’s service to family, community and nation as a giving and selfless Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Paramedic, Airman etc. served as a wonderful example. He Left us with many good memories.”

Lois Garner Obituary August 1, 1938 - January 25, 2023

 Lois Yvonne Garner, 84, of Ottumwa, died at 7:00 a.m. January 25, 2023 at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa.

She was born August 1, 1938 in Hazard, NE to Walter and Marjorie Casteel Hohlfeld. Lois married Harold Marion Garner on February 21, 1958 and he preceded her in death on August 25, 2019.

Lois was a graduate of Mt. Ayr High School. Living several years in Indianola and Russell, she and her husband moved to Melrose after he retired and they then moved to Ottumwa in 2012. She had worked as a waitress, a cook, and at J.C. Penney’s for the Russell schools, for the Russell newspaper and for a travel agency in Chariton.

Lois was a member of a sorority in Russell, Beta Sigma Pi, a member of Quilters Guild while living in Melrose and served as secretary for the National Horseshoe Pitching Association. Lois enjoyed quilting, sewing and crocheting and spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two children, Richard (Kim) Garner and Carol (Doug) Drummond both of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren, Kristen (Aaron) Bankson, Justin (Erica) Drummond, Nicole (Brad) Crosby, Zach Garner, (Julie Griffiths), Kourtney (Javier) Cortez; 9 great- grandchildren, Kiley, Karter, Jayden, Hailey, Wyatt, Everly, Jesslyn, Isabella and Mateo; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Ward of Shenandoah, IA, Sue (Frank) Carson of Diagonal, IA and Georgia Garner of Carrollton, IL;, brothers-in-law, William Tridle of Orient, IA and Jerry Lynch of Bernard, IA; numerous nieces and nephews including Matthew (Amber) Lynch.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Norma Lynch.

Her body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 28th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Inurnment will be in Shaul Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made for Alzheimer’s Research.

 

Jack Christensen Obituary April 28, 1944 — January 29, 2023

 Services for Jack Christensen will be Friday, February 3, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends on Thursday, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Jack’s family encourages everyone to wear Iowa Hawkeye or Los Angeles Dodgers apparel in his honor. Memorials for Jack can be made to the family who are working on a tribute to be installed at a later date.

 

Jack was born on April 28, 1944, in Harlan, Iowa to Dale and Ruby (Olsen) Christensen. He grew up in Russell, Iowa, graduating from Russell High School. Jack married Linda Sellers on March 6, 1965, in Russell. The couple was blessed with two children, Stacie and Chad.

 

Jack was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed watching all sports, but especially loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a member of the Lakeview Golf and Country Club, where he played many rounds of golf. He headed up a golf tournament at Honey Creek/The Preserve called the JCI (Jack Christensen Invitational). A tradition his family will continue.

 

Jack never met a stranger, welcoming all with a smile and a handshake. He loved hanging with his friends and family. He was very much a social butterfly. He served as the President of the Russell School Board when his kids were in school. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fishing; and going to their activities to cheer them on. He was very proud of them all and loved having them over.

 

Jack passed away January 29, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Stacie (Kyle) Hardin and Chad (DJ) Christensen; grandchildren: TJ (Mackenzie) Hardin, Dustin (Jessica) Hardin, Brett (Ashlyn) Hardin, Slade Christensen, and Cassie (Seth) Christensen; great-grandchildren: Kasen, Khyler, Kinnen, Blake, and Ivalee; and siblings: Ron (Doris) Christensen, Dick (Peggy) Christensen, and Pam (Bill) Sandy.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Ruby, and parents-in-law, Leo and Dorothy Sellers.