Paul Howard Smith Obituary

Paul Howard Smith, 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 23, 2016. 

Paul was born to Howard and Grace (Drake) Smith on October 19, 1927 at home in Russell, Iowa. His siblings include Eugene Smith and Margaret Smith Danner. 

Paul grew up in Russell, Iowa, living across from the school. He graduated from Russell High School in 1945. He played on the varsity basketball team, a game he would enjoy his entire life, and was a saxophonist in the High School Band. On graduation, he went to work for the CB&Q railroad in the signal division for a short time entering the United States Army. He served as an engineer in signals in Tokyo, Japan at General Headquarters. He was promoted to Cryptography as a Sergeant(T4) sending and receiving coded messages for General McArthur to bases around the globe. He was honorably discharged in 1947 and returned home. He worked again in the CB&Q Railroad until entering Simpson College in 1948. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, graduating in February 1952 with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. He joined the John Morrell Company on graduation. June 8, 1952 he married Clarice Mae Dixon, which he says made him the luckiest man alive. They lived and worked side by side until his death. Paul and Clarice traveled for six months working for the John Morrell Company settling in Red Oak, Iowa when assigned a permanent territory. Then they relocated to Des Moines where Gregory Paul was born in 1954. Paul resigned from John Morrell in 1955 to join in a farming partnership with his father-in-law, Allen Dixon. That became the family home and in Paul’s words, “the best business deal I ever made.” After two years on the farm, Dixie Ann was born in 1957 at the Wayne County Hospital. 

Paul was a progressive farmer using technology and new ideas to further the success of the farm. He was an early adopter if diesel tractors, self-propelled combines, grinder-mixers, air planters, grain bins, hog nursery and production buildings, radio then cellular communications, and the use of personal computers. He cross-bred hogs and cattle to maximize growth and profit, but favored Hereford cattle and German Shepherd dogs, especially one named King. 

Paul’s friendly and fun nature along with his unshakable integrity made him lifelong friends in high school, the United States Army, college, church, and the community. He was a good neighbor, always willing to help another in need. He was a loving and dedicated husband and father and the favorite of his relatives. Stories of his youth were the highlight of many family dinners. Paul’s circle of friends expanded when they traveled in the winter months as his farming career was winding down. They enjoyed meeting new couples and sharing fun times together. 

Paul was a long time active member of the New Providence Baptist Church. He loved his church family and served as a Treasurer, Deacon, Youth Leader, and a Sunday School Teacher. He was particularly proud of the new church building constructed in 1981. He eagerly practiced and shared his faith even while hospitalized. 

For all of Paul’s experiences and accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. His son, his daughter and their four daughters gave him so much joy as he watched them grow and become young ladies, three of them now with families of their own. Even in his last days, he talked often about the importance of a loving family. He was a very proud father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Paul will be deeply missed, but he will be remembered for the way he lived his life. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Clarice Mae Smith; his son, Gregory and daughter-in-law Catherine; his daughter, Dixie and son-in-law Dave Daughton, his grandchildren, Ginger Morrison and husband Will, Amber Rodgers and husband Devin, Julie Kazanowski and husband Nick, and Sabrina Smith. His great grandchildren are Donald Morrison, Dagny Morrison, Lela Morrison, Alley Rodgers, Lennox Paul Rodgers and Goldie Mae Kazanowski. Others close to him are his sister Margaret Danner, sister-in-law Emma Warrick and husband Max, nieces, nephew and a host of friends.

Born: Wed., Oct. 19, 1927

Died: Wed., Mar. 23, 2016

Visitation

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Fri., Mar. 25, 2016

Location: Fielding Funeral Home

Funeral Service

2:00 PM Sat., Mar. 26, 2016

Location: Fielding Funeral Home

H.D. "Jake" DeBok Obituary

Born: Sat., Jan. 10, 1925

Died: Mon., Mar. 14, 2016

Visitation

11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Fri., Mar. 18, 2016

Location: Fielding Funeral Home

Graveside Service

1:00 PM Sat., Mar. 19, 2016

Location: Bethel Cemetery

Jake was a quiet man. One of" America’s Greatest Generation". He was a jack of all trades. A man in constant motion. He was a life insurance salesman, spending 50 years with the Kansas City Life Insurance company. If you had a sheep to shear he was there. He sheared his last sheep at age 80, probably just to show off. He was a substitute school teacher and Sunday School teacher. He spent time as a grave digger. He built, with some help of his wife, a large home in the country where the family lived for over 30 years. When the kids were older they would ask “What do you want to be when you grow up Daddy?” There was never a definitive answer. 

He was very proud to have served his country in Germany during World War II. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, primarily History, being far more concerned with what had really happened as opposed to what might have happened. 

He had an adventurous “Johnny Appleseed” spirit, always interested in what lay beyond the next hill. Whether it be traveling the United States with a sheep shearing crew, or traveling with his family throughout the world. 

Always athletic and in good shape. In his younger days he loved to dance. 

While travel was important and fun, he loved to be at home. His flower garden was his pride and joy. He spent countless hours tending his flowers, weather permitting or not. Every spring Jake would make precise preparations to insure his “purple martins” would return home each April. His numerous matchstick monuments were a witness to his patience and perseverance. His legendary utility cart and pontoon is a testament to his resourcefulness and perhaps whimsy. 

Jake was a loving husband, a dutiful son, a loyal brother, a supportive father, an attentive grandfather, and an adoring great-grandfather. He was a loyal and trusted friend. 

He was very mindful these past few precious years that he was “living on borrowed time” in that he had survived war, cancer, knee replacements, assorted broken bones, surgeries and a broken neck. Conditions that many others, not so fortunate, had not survived. He often said he lived a full and blessed life, never taking his good fortune or longevity for granted. 

He was a gentle man with a kind spirit. He lived and died purposefully, quietly and peacefully. Those of us who love him will miss this quiet man beyond measure. 

God Speed, Good and faithful servant. 

Herbert Dale (Jake) DeBok was born to Herman and Bernice (Robuck) DeBok on January 10, 1925 in Russell, Iowa. He passed away suddenly, March 14, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Jake attended Russell High School, Graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa and served as an Army Sergeant in combat in Germany during WWII. Jake married Donna Woodman on August 7, 1949. He built a home on 5 acres of land adjacent to Colyn Area south of Russell where he and Donna raised their children, Terry and Nick. They resided there until his retirement when relocating to West Lake. Jake enjoyed many hobbies, gardening, reading, and travel. He especially enjoyed time spent with his three grandsons and nine Great Grandchildren. Jake was Elder Emeritus of the Disciples of Christ Church in Chariton. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger. 

Jake is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Terry (Laurie), son Nick; Grandsons, Marc, Matthew and Andrew (Jessica); Great Grandchildren: Audrey, Ian, Eli, Christian, Jacob, Aiden, Olivia, Deidra and Kamryn; Sisters, Lucille Susic, Ellen Hawkins, Gerry Fitzgerald; Brother, Charles (Jo): In-laws, Marjorie DeBok, Tommy Woodman (Carole), Byron Voss, and many nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Disciples of Christ Church, Chariton, Iowa or the Russell Chapter of the American Legion. 

Margaret Irene (Madison) Rynearson

Margaret Irene (Madison) Rynearson passed away March 2, 2016 at her home near Russell, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Berwick Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Margaret’s family or Circle of Life Hospice in Chariton. 

Margaret Irene Madison was born December 9, 1936 to Margaret Ann and Henry Earl Madison. She grew up alongside her six siblings near Madrid, Iowa. Margaret graduated from Madrid High School. After graduation, she worked for a time in Des Moines. 

On January 21, 1956, Margaret was united in marriage to Don Rynearson. The couple was blessed with two children, Mike and Pam. The family farmed in Granger, Madrid and Waukee. After their children were raised, Margaret and Don settled on a farm south of Russell, Iowa. During this time, Margaret worked in the medical billing office at Lucas County Health Center. She retired after twenty one years. 

Margaret was a great help on the farm. She harvested large, bountiful gardens and would freeze fruits and vegetables each year. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her cat, Lucy. She will be greatly missed by so many.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 60 years, Don Rynearson of Russell; son, Mike Rynearson (Sue) of Norwalk; daughter, Pam Venard (Mark) of Waukee; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer Waldrop (Greg), Rachel Venard (Eric), Heather Chatton (Scott), Amber Polson (Charlie), and Jeff Hines (Christa); 9 great-grandchildren: Sully, Ella, Hailey, Chloe, Sophie, Gina, Gage, Ava, and Fern; sisters, Louise Baier (Leo) and Cathy Williams; and sisters-in-law, Gwen Madison and Lorraine Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Theresa Madison and Rose Marie Lamfers; brother, Richard Madison; and twin brother, Melvin Madison.

Betty M. Cross Obituary

Betty M. Cross, 88, of Russell, passed away on February 18, 2016. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Russell Historical Museum, Faith United Methodist Church in Russell, or Circle of Life Hospice/Legacy Lodge in Chariton.

Betty Marie Dixon, first child of Guy Walter Dixon and Lillie Audrey Ruble, was born November 30, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa. They moved back to Lucas County where her sister, Jacqueline was born, then to Ottumwa, Iowa for several years and her brothers, Floyd Lee and Fred Ray, completed the family. In 1938 the Dixon’s returned to Russell where Betty attended Russell School, graduating from high school with the class of 1945.

On August 1, 1945 she was married to Carl Edward Cross. Carl was a seaman in the Navy, stationed in Seattle, Washington. A double wedding was held with his cousin Ray Stickler (also a Navy seaman) and Margaret Young of Mystic. The two couples remained close and celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversaries together in 1995.

Four children were born to Betty and Carl: Michael Douglas, Cathy Christine, William Patrick, and Timothy Gene. All the children completed their schooling in the Russell school system.

Betty was employed in a number of jobs over the years, including school bus driver, wallpaper hanger, waitress, and retail clerk. She also worked eleven years with the National Bank and Trust in Chariton. She retired from banking and took a driving course with Indian Hills Community College, receiving her certification to drive the semi-truck with Carl. They enjoyed ten years of travelling together from coast to coast and border to border.

Betty spent the first ten years of her “retirement” as a curator at the Lucas County Historical Museum. After “retiring” from the museum, Betty helped to establish the Russell Historical Museum.

Her joys were her family, gardening, quilting, reading, genealogy, and travel.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; son, Patrick; husband, Carl; and granddaughter, Melanie Sue.

She is survived by her children: Mike (Kathleen) Cross of Oelwein, Cathy (Fay Ryan) Downard of Bella Vista, AR, and Tim (Sheila) Cross of St. James, MO; 7 grandchildren: Matthew, Jeff, Scott, Misty, Jason, Seth, and Abby; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and siblings: Jackie Andrews, Floyd Dixon, and Fred Dixon. 

Eula Curtis Obituary

Eula Bernice Curtis was born south of Russell, Iowa at home on March 29, 1921 to Ora Ola King Dewey and Clarence Melvin Dewey, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 13, 2016 at the age of 94. 

Eula went to country school and graduated from Russell High School. Following her graduation she took normal training, but teaching was not her desire. She held various jobs until she married Harold Elmo Curtis March 10, 1940. To this union, two daughters were born, Donna Moore (Truman) of Udell, IA and Patti Kies (Ron) of Chariton, IA. 

She was a stay at home mom for most of her children’s growing up years. When Patti was well along in high school, mom went to work for the Coop Insurance Agency and later was the manager at the Russell bank. At that time it was called First State Bank. 

God was always a part of her life in her employment. One day after Elmo came home from work she asked him if she was to go to work full-time, where would he like her to work. He commented that he thought the bank would be a nice place for her to work. She proceeded to tell him that very day the bank President’s wife had already asked her to come to work for her. 

Music was always in our home. Mom played the piano at Center Church not far from where she was born at the age of 16. She was either pianist or organist at the Russell Baptist Church for as long as either daughter remembers. Many weddings, funerals, and cantatas were accompanied by Mom and she played well into older life as long as she could. 

After both she and Elmo retired they purchased a camper and the highlight of their camping was a twice a year fishing trip to Bennett Spring State Park in Missouri with friends. They were able to camp with their children a few times and that was terribly important to them. 

After the death of her husband she followed his wishes and was able to take several bus trips to places she had only dreamed of before. 

Eula moved to Chariton about 4 years ago to the Southgate apartments where her daughter and husband lived so she could be taken care of easier. After a final fall it was decided that she could no longer care for herself and she resided in the Chariton Manor. Mom never quarreled at all when her daughters told her this seemed to be the only option at that time. 

She was so willing to try to get along and not cause them any problems. She lived at the manor for a little over a year and finished her life at the Legacy Lodge in Chariton. 

Mom was saved at an early age and she finished the race on February 13, 2016. She is now at home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While she will be greatly missed here, it is a comfort to know she can now walk, hear, laugh and meet family members who, like she, accepted the lord as their Savior, also. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and both of her brothers Melvin and Keith Dewey. She is survived by her daughters Donna Moore (Truman) of Udell, Iowa and Patti Kies (Ron) of Chariton, Iowa; also several nieces and nephews as well, as grand great great great nieces and nephews.

Donna Janice Sellers Obituary

Donna Janice Sellers was born on March 24, 1934 at the family farm in Oakley, IA to Ross and Mildred (Shelton) Welch. 

She was united in marriage to Thomas Sellers on July 23, 1955 in Nashua, IA. They lived in Des Moines for the first few years before moving to Lucas County, and to this union, three daughters were born: Cindy, Luanne, and Cassie. 

After graduating from Chariton High School, Donna worked for Bankers Life in Des Moines, IA and then worked part time at Chariton Floral. Donna retired from the Hy-Vee Warehouse in 2001. 

She was active with both the American Legion Auxiliary and the Donna's Club. 

Donna loved spending time outside in her garden tending her flowers. She always had a beautiful arrangement of Gladiolas, Irises, and Dandelions. She enjoyed bird watching, as Cardinals, Goldfinches, and Hummingbirds were some of her favorites. She assisted her daughters with their sewing 4-H projects. She had an enormous collection of turtle figurines. She loved to travel throughout the states, with destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, and Ireland. She was an excellent cook, known for her Angel Food Cake she made from scratch, her homemade Jellies, and her chicken and noodles and dumplings that she made for her grandchildren. 

Donna passed away January 29, 2016, at the age of 81 at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her sister Margaret, and her parents. 

She is survived by her children, Cindy Cox of Wilimington, NC, Luanne and Jim Bryant of Kahului, HI, and Cassie and Lance Masters of Chariton, IA. Her grandchildren, Ian and Tori Hager of Wilimington, NC, Micah Hager of Bellingham, WA, Phillip and Jacob Masters of Chariton, IA. And her Great-Granddaughter Lyllian Hager. One sister, Elizabeth Loney of Chariton, IA. Four brothers, Bill and Janice Welch of Oakley, IA, Jack and Marie Welch of Gilbert, AZ, Bud Welch and Sharon Allen of Chariton, IA, and Mike Welch of Williamson, IA, as well as many nieces , nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Robert (Bob) C. Green Obituary

Robert C. Green was born September 9, 1942 to Beryl Wesley Green and Izora Hollie (Bear) Green in Iowa City, Iowa. He passed from this life Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the Legacy Lodge Hospice located in Chariton, Iowa at the age of 73 years. 

Throughout Robert’s growing up years he lived on the family farm in Promise City, Iowa. He graduated from Seymour High School with the Class of 1960. In 1963, Robert was united in marriage to JoAnn Holder in Princeton, Missouri. To this union, one daughter was born, Jackie. Robert served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in San Diego, California. 

Robert had a passion for farming the land. He farmed with Dr. Loren Hermann for over ten years and also helped Tommy Thompson with his farm. Robert served as the Russell Town Marshall between the years 1979-1994 when he retired. Robert enjoyed community musicals on Sundays, dancing, and being outdoors with his cows and calves. He was a member of the New Providence Baptist Church located in Confidence, Iowa and the American Legion Corydon, Iowa chapter. Robert was also the caretaker of the Confidence Cemetery. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Beryl W. and Izora H. (Bear) Green; his first wife, JoAnn Holder and his second wife, Lorene Atwell Green. He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline D. Smith of Phoenix, Arizona; his adopted son, Randy Scott of Tucson, Arizona; his step-son, Jesse Rhodes from Plano, Iowa; his brother, Wesley Green from Promise City, Iowa; his sister, Martha Stufflebeam from Unionville, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, close friends and extended family.