Dolores "Dee" J. Cain July 11, 1937 ~ March 15, 2023 (age 85) Obituary

 

Dolores June Cain, “Dee”, age 85, of Chariton went peacefully to her eternal home on March 15, 2023. Dee was born July 11, 1937 in Spencer, Iowa to June and Kenneth “Shorty” McGee. Although June passed away at the young age of 21, her Grandma Blunt stepped in as her Mom to raise her. Dee had no siblings, however when she went to live with Grandma Blunt, two of her uncles were still at home and she thought of them as brothers.

Dee grew up in the Southern Iowa area. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at Freedom Bible Camp in her younger years. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1956 where she met her husband Bob Cain. They were married November 26 of 1958. In their 64 years together they enjoyed traveling and making memories. They were blessed with 3 daughters: Pamela, Karen and Julie.

Dee worked at Equitable Life Insurance as an Executive Secretary, Chariton Feed and Grain, and retired from Rathbun Region Mental Health Center. She also greatly enjoyed volunteering at the Lucas County Health Center and the hospice house in Chariton.

She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church and enjoyed her Sunday school ladies group. Over the years, Dee was a member of Faculty Wives and looked forward to her friends Tuesday lunch group. Dee had two amazing friends, Altha Offenburger and Theresa Swainey who were always there for her.

Dee’s greatest joys and treasured moments were those spent with her husband and family. She cherished each moment with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life.

Dee loved and enjoyed all of God’s nature, animals, and especially birds. She thanked God daily for all the beauties of this world that he has provided for us to enjoy.

Dee is survived by the love of her life: Bob Cain. Her children: Pam (Mike) Gardner, Karen (Howard) Howell, Julie (George) Cain. Four grandchildren: Aaron (Ashley) Gardner, Angie (Adam) Pinson, Jarid (Brooke) Howell and Joshua (Shelby) Howell. Nine great grandchildren: Maddi, Gabe and Hudson Howell, Landon and Hattie Gardner, Ivy and Levi Howell, Annie and Andi Pinson. Granddog: Zoey.

Eleanor Page Lockridge Olson Obituary

 

Eleanor Page Lockridge Olson, formerly of Park Rapids,  passed away peacefully on February 2, 2023, at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca, NY at the age of 93. Eleanor was born Nov. 17, 1929 to Tom and Helen Lockridge on the family farm near Russell, IA, at the beginning of the Great Depression. Her father’s struggle to hold onto the farm in the face of economic collapse and severe drought made a huge impression on her--as did her mother’s effort to make their lives as good as possible under difficult circumstances.  Eleanor rode her pony to country school and excelled at her studies. She attended high school in Chariton, IA.  Her first two years of college were spent at the all-women’s Rockford College in Illinois, and she finished her B.A. degree in Design at the University of Iowa. She began her working life in Minneapolis, starting as a copywriter for Dayton’s, and then moving into their in-house interior decoration department. She went on to open Dayton’s new decorating studio at their store in Rochester, MN.  In Minneapolis, she met her future husband, Harold Curtis Olson. She told her children that “he was the most interesting man I ever met.” They married in 1955. Their first daughter, Page, was born in 1958, when they were living in Thief River Falls, MN, where Harold worked for the Soil Conservation Service. A  second daughter, Anne, was born in 1962, the year the young family moved to St. Cloud, MN. Eric was born in 1968.      Eleanor provided a rich and diverse life for her young children, full of trips to the library, an open-door policy for the neighborhood children, DIY carnivals and holiday decorations, homemade gifts and always delicious food. Vacations were spent exploring nature and camping in Minnesota’s state parks. She and Harold forged a fruitful creative partnership as they renovated and decorated the houses they lived in. In 1973, Harold took early retirement from the SCS and the family moved north to 40 acres on the Straight River, south of Park Rapids. On Pinewood Farm, Eleanor was in her element. She gardened, first growing vegetables to feed the family, then cultivating flowers as family demands lessened. She and Harold renovated, landscaped, and molded their forty acres of woods and meadows into a park. She bought horses for the girls. Her sewing machine was always busy. She and Harold were involved in civic life in Park Rapids in several ways. Together, they were instrumental in helping to establish Heartland Homes, the first group home in the area for developmentally challenged adults. They worked hard to support the fledgling North Country Museum of Arts (now Nemeth Art Center) and Eleanor was a staunch Friend of the Library and belonged to a very active Homemakers group, run through the U of M Extension. She sewed baby layettes for the hospital to distribute to new parents in need. For many years they attended Trinity Episcopal Church. Eleanor worked for a time as a teacher’s aide in the art room at the Middle School, where she was able to share her love of making things with students.  Eleanor was a homemaker with expertise and artistry. She made her own laundry soap, potato chips, and homemade ketchup before any of that was fashionable! If she needed a piece of furniture to complete an arrangement, she went down to the woodworking shop in the basement and made it. “I can’t” was not in Eleanor’s vocabulary. Her work ethic was legendary in the family. In latter years, Eleanor continued to share her warmth and love with the people she met. She retained her passion for color, pattern and design, and a home decorating magazine never failed to engage her attention. She and Harold were married for sixty-three years, and they looked after one another with love and concern until Harold died in January of 2019. We miss them both so much. Eleanor is survived by her children, Elisabeth Page Mitteness (Rick), Anne Lockridge Bialke (Bill), and Eric Oliver Olson, grandchildren Aaron Mitteness, Madeleine, Julia and Audrey Bialke, and great-grandchildren Skye and Thorsten Mitteness. 

Carolyn Rae (McVey) Schumann March 26, 1943 ~ March 26, 2023 obituary

Carolyn Rae (McVey) Schumann was born March 26, 1943, by Lovilla, Iowa in Monroe County to Lester Ray and Wilma Fern (Bowman) McVey. She lived on the Bluegrass road growing up. When Carolyn was younger she enjoyed riding horses. She attended school at Russell Community School until she was a senior in high school and then graduated from Chariton High School in 1961. Carolyn was a member of the Methodist Church. On June 18, 1961 she married Hubert John Schumann in Lucas County. To this union three children were born, James, Wanda and Timothy. Carolyn and family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she was a catering waitress for Hyatt and Hilton hotels. Later they moved the family to an acreage south of Des Moines. At age 50 she went on disability, upon which she utilized her time being a wife, mother, and grandma. When Hubert retired they moved to Russell, Iowa to be near their family. They shared wonderful times with their mothers, brothers, sisters and son Jim Schumann and family. She enjoyed fishing, camping, animals and spending quality time with her family. Everyone knew that when they went to Carolyn’s that they were going to have a wonderful home cooked meal. Carolyn could cook as well as the best of chefs.

In 2018, she moved to Mount Ayr where she spent time with her daughter, Wanda (Kraig) Pennington, grandson, Alan Pennington (Marianne Elefson), granddaughters, Amanda (Brett) Cannon, Rebecca (Jordan) Clymer, and her three greats Ryann, Gina and Brooks. On March 26, 2023, Carolyn Schumann, 80, passed away at her home in Mount Ayr, Iowa with her family by her side.  

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Lester Ray and Wilma Fern (Bowman) McVey, husband, Hubert John Schumann, son, Timothy John Schumann, sister, Phyllis Streepy, brother, Gerold Wayne “Jerry” McVey, father-in-law, Albert John Schumann, mother-in-law, Hazel Harriett (Hull) Schumann, sisters-in-law, Linda Kay (Noah) Schumann, Janet May (Schumann) Throckmorton, Jewell Schumann, brothers-in-law, Gary Lee Schumann, Donald Gene Schumann, nephew, Mark Throckmorton.

She is survived by her children, James Keith “Jim” (Cindy Gustafson) Schumann of Knoxville,  Wanda Rae (Kraig) Schumann-Pennington of Mount Ayr, sister, Joyce Schumann of Russell,  brother, Jack (Glenna) McVey of Chariton, sister-in-law, Carmen Schumann of Chariton, Brothers-in-law, Bud Schumann of Chariton, Lyle (Judy) Dorsey of Russell, Fred (Joyce) Throckmorton of Derby, Garry Throckmorton, nine grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, lots of family and friends.

Dolores Ann (Hannam) Sciezinski Obituary

 Heaven gained a wonderful Irish lady when Dolores Ann (Hannam) Scieszinski, 88, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 at the Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. She was born in the family’s home on November 11, 1934 in Melrose, Iowa, the daughter of Mortimer & Margaret (Peg) (Sheedy) Hannam. Dolores was raised in Melrose and graduated from the Russell High School in 1952, where she developed a lifelong love of basketball by being a member of the Bluebird’s 6 on 6 basketball team.

On November 8, 1952 she was united in marriage to Edward (Ed) P. Scieszinski and farmed with him on their homestead in Melrose. The Korean War forced Dolores and Ed to travel the country and live briefly in Alaska before moving back to the Melrose area and raise four wonderful kids: John, Lisa, Monie, Greg. Unfortunately, baby Ann preceded Dolores in death.

Dolores spent 30 years of her life being the Melrose school secretary, where she was able to have a positive impact on many students' lives and watch them grow while also keeping a watchful eye on her own ornery children. Dolores and Ed were also active members of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and volunteered their time for community and church activities whenever they had the chance.

In 1996, Ed “retired” from farming and Dolores retired from the school district to travel the country again, this time for pleasure. Sadly, on March 26, 1999, Dolores lost the love of her life when Ed entered the gates of heaven. In 2000 she moved to Des Moines to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

For the past 23 years, Dolores spent her time meeting new friends in the Des Moines area, attending sporting and school events for her grandchildren, attending mass and volunteering at St. Francis of Assisi, and cheering on the Golden State Warriors or watching whatever basketball game was on the television. Also, watching daily mass on TV and saying her rosary and prayers. Today she is finally dancing in heaven with Ed, but will still probably take time to catch a basketball game.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 15th at 10 am at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 – 7 pm at the Merle Hay Chapel in Des Moines with a Rosary to be recited at 6 pm. Dolores will be buried at the Mt Calvary Cemetery in Melrose, Iowa with a graveside committal service at 3 pm on Wednesday.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Ann, and siblings, Jean (Don) Turbot, Bob (Jean) Hannam, Sheila (George) Starcevich & twin sister Dorothy (Larry) Donaghy, and grandson Nick Simonini. She is survived by her children, John (Brenda) Scieszinski, and their children, Nicole Scieszinski Vidal (Miguel), Megan and Sean (Ellen); Lisa (Ric) Simonini and their children, Jay (Carri) and Marci; Monica (Cevin) Anderson and their children Jena (Joe) Shutman and Joel (Anne); Greg (Mary) Scieszinski, and their children, Katie (Austin) Lensch, Drew (Jo) and Cole; and 13 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

Florence E. Lord Obituary March 14, 1932 ~ March 11, 2023 (age 90)

 Florence E. Lord, 90, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the Chariton Specialty Care in Chariton, Iowa.  Florence was born on March 14, 1932 in rural Monroe County to George and Cordia (Morgan) Lord. She was also raised in rural Monroe County with her three sisters, Olive Howie, Ruth Littleton, Anna Mae Lord and one brother Harold Lord.  Which they have preceded her in death.

She work at Neely’s Garment Factory for 30 years.  Florence lived in Millerton, Iowa for several years. After she retired, Florence moved to Russell, Iowa.  She enjoyed attending Church and teaching Sunday School.

Florence loved going for long walks so she could enjoy the flowers and watching for old cars and motorcycles. 

She left behind several nieces and nephews, Olive (Joe) Howie’s family and Harold (Frances) Lord’s Family, too many to name.  Florence loved and enjoyed her family and friends.  She was a wonderful Aunt and Friend. They will always remember her kind heart and the great memories. Florence will be deeply missed by everyone.

VISITATION

Wednesday
March 15, 2023
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Fielding Funeral Home
227 S Grand
Chariton , Iowa 50049

FUNERAL SERVICE

Wednesday
March 15, 2023
1:00 PM
Fielding Funeral Home
227 S Grand
Chariton , Iowa 50049  

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.

Hazel Marie Clanin February 5, 1928 ~ January 20, 2023 (age 94)

 

Hazel Marie Ellis Clanin was born February 5, 1928, at home, in Weldon Iowa to Clarence J and Maudie Carpenter Ellis.

Hazel attended country school until 6th grade, then Russell Community School, graduating from high school in 1947. Hazel continued to keep in contact with all of her classmates throughout her life.

Hazel was baptized April 20, 1941, at Faith United Methodist Church and became a member January 28, 1942. Hazel was a Sunday School teacher and helped with Bible school.  She enjoyed helping with church activities, including the dinners.

She married William Dwaine Clanin March 8, 1951, at Reverend Archie Beals’ home in Russell. Arlene Ellis and Lowell Sims were there to witness the occasion.

Dwaine joined the army and was stationed in Colorado and Hazel spent several months there with him until he was sent to Germany. She then lived with her mother, Maudie Smith in Russell, at which time their first daughter, Nadene was born. When Dwaine was discharged from the army Dwaine, Hazel and Nadene moved out to the Clanin farm with his mother. Later they bought the farm, and three more daughters, Brenda, Lesa and Cristi were added to the family. A lot of time was spent with family for reunions, holiday celebrations, and making homemade ice cream.

Hazel enjoyed 4-H activities with Nadene and Brenda. She was a leader and Neighborhood Chairman in Girl Scouts with Lesa and Cristi.

She was a long-time member of American Legion Auxiliary and held offices in unit and county. She served as an election volunteer.

Hazel loved playing cards throughout the years with family and friends. She loved the friendly games and banter, especially when she won! Hazel never missed a chance to go out to lunch. She loved lunches with friends, family members, and her special ladies.

Hazel loved living in the country and raising her family there. Family was her greatest joy. She enjoyed baking and cooking for the family. She was well-known for her pies. She maintained four gardens for many years, canning vegetables and meat to help to provide for the family, as she was a stay-at-home mom, which was much appreciated by her daughters. Hazel looked forward to family time together.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Dwaine; father, Clarence Ellis; mother, Maudie Carpenter Ellis Smith and Vogel Smith; granddaughter, Stacie; sisters Arlene and Dori; brother Ed; and numerous family and friends.

She is survived by brother, Raymond Ellis; daughters Nadene (Mark) Werts, Brenda (Ron) Everson, Lesa Wells, Cristi Walters (Eddie See); grandchildren, Chad Werts, Brandy Marshall, Gavin Werts, Carrie Hall, Shanna Boehme, Kayla Jones, Riley Walters, and Reid Walters; twelve great grandchildren, with another arriving soon; and numerous nieces and nephews.