John Ronald (Ron) Blue Obituary September 4, 1935-April 26, 2026

 John Ronald Blue, known to many as Ron, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, at the age of 90. Born on September 4, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was the beloved son of Earl Ronald Blue and Wretha Juanita Teater Blue.

Ron lived a life marked by deep faith, global service, and unwavering dedication to sharing the message of Christ. After earning his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska in 1957, he served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1960. Following his military service, he spent a brief period in Columbus, Ohio, where he worked as a certified contact lens fitter at Ohio State University. It was during this time that two pivotal events shaped the course of his life: he was introduced to Dallas Theological Seminary and met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Libby” Frances Blue.

Ron and Libby were married in 1962, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. Together they built a loving family, raising three children: Lisa (Tom) Conklin, Laurie (John) Kauer, and David (Ingrid) Blue. They welcomed five grandchildren; Tori (Nolan) Campbell, Dani (Michael) Henson, Asher Kauer, Astrid Blue, and Odin Blue; along with two great-grandchildren; Riley Campbell, Banks Henson, and one precious new life soon to arrive. Their lives were deeply intertwined in faith, service, and a shared calling to ministry.

While studying at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he earned his Th.M. in 1965, Ron sensed a call that would define his life’s work. What began as a plan to serve in pastoral ministry shifted dramatically when he was challenged to consider missions overseas. This calling led Ron and Libby to Central America and Spain, where he served with the Central American Mission from 1965 to 1975, ministering, teaching, and pastoring in Guatemala, El Salvador, Spain, and beyond.

After a decade on the mission field, Ron returned to Dallas, where he joined Dallas Theological Seminary as a professor and later chairman of the World Missions Department, serving from 1975 to 1992. He went on to serve as President of CAM International (now Avant Ministries) from 1992 to 2000, providing visionary leadership and expanding the organization’s global reach. Even after his official retirement, Ron’s passion for ministry did not wane. In 2000, he returned to Dallas Seminary to found and direct the Spanish Doctor of Ministry program, equipping leaders across Latin America through extension classes, including at Seminario Teológico Centroamericano (SETECA) in Guatemala. He continued in this role until his retirement in 2018.

Ron’s influence extended far beyond the classroom and the organizations he led. He ministered in every U.S. state and in more than 50 countries, traveling over 3 million miles in his lifetime in pursuit of his calling. A gifted teacher and author, he contributed to numerous theological works, including The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Essays in Honor of J.D. Pentecost, and authored Evangelism and Missions. He also served on advisory and editorial boards, helping to shape evangelical missions thought and practice for decades.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Libby; his three children & their spouses; his brother Dr. Robert Blue; his five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind countless colleagues, students, and friends around the world who were impacted by his teaching, leadership, and example.

Ron will be remembered as a man of deep conviction, humble spirit, and tireless commitment to God’s work. His life stands as a testament to faithful obedience, and the far-reaching impact of a life surrendered to a higher calling.

A life so richly lived leaves a legacy that will endure for generations.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make donations in honor of Ron’s legacy to Avant Ministries or Dallas Theological Seminary.

Wanda C. (Hoyt) Liddell Obituary March 11, 1937-June 20, 2026

 Wanda Coleene Hoyt was born on March 11, 1937 to Forrest Hoyt and Virginia (Hart) Hoyt. She passed away on the 46th anniversary of her marriage to Wendell Liddell who was with her at the time of her passing.

Wanda was born in Villisca, Iowa, where she lived for the first several years of her life. She was a bright and lively child who brightened the days of all of the neighbors who always commented on her jet black ringlets. As a child she was lucky to spend time visiting her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins on the farm near Omaha, Missouri and Chariton, Missouri.

Most of Wanda’s school years were spent in Unionville, Missouri. Wanda

graduated in 1955 as top in her class, having skipped her junior year to start a

family. Her academics earned her a scholarship to college in Kirksville.

Over the years Wanda had a variety of jobs outside the home. While the jobs

varied, one thing that was constant was her connections with people. She made

many friendships at work that lasted for a lifetime. Some of her jobs included a

bank teller in Cedar Rapids, a secretary at Winegard Anntennas, working at Hy

Vee in the video department, and also at Hy Vee Corporate Offices in West Des

Moines. After she retired she went back to work part-time at the Chariton Super

8 and also the Royal Rest Motel. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Russell

Historical Building Library.

Wanda had several hobbies she enjoyed. When her children were small she

sewed many clothes for them, a labor of love that her mother had done for her

as well. She was such an avid reader that books seemed an extra appendage

and she loved games, especially dominoes. She had three little poodles who

were cherished companions: Charlie, Bo, and Louie.

Wanda had several opportunities to travel. She traveled to Mexico, West

Virginia, Washington, DC, South Dakota, Hawaii, and Ireland. With her

husband, Wendell, she made numerous trips to Florida and took a cruise to Cabo San Lucas.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Wendell, and by her children Ronda Perry-

Thorne, Julie Moore and her husband Carl, Mark Pearson and his wife Coleen

(McCullough), and Denise Fuller and her husband Jeff. She was preceded in

death by son David Porter and grandson Alex Pearson. Wanda loved her children, her 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Watching their achievements was a great source of pride and joy to her.

She will be lovingly remembered and missed by all who were touched by her

life.

Funeral Service

Monday, June 29, 2026

1:00 pm

Fielding Funeral Home

227 S GrandChariton, IA 50049

Julius "Red" Maurice Willett Obituary June 10, 1957- May 10,2026

 

Julius Maurice Willett “Red”, 68, passed away on May 10, 2026, at the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Red was born on June 10, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa to Virgil James Willett and Gladys Maria (Van Treese) Willett. He attended Chariton High School. On August 27, 1981, Red joined the Navy. He loved being in the Navy, he traveled to many different countries. Red would share stories with his nieces and nephews about the different cultures he learned about and seen. He always brought gifts when he came back to the states for his family mostly Asian cultures.

On November 30, 1987, Red was discharged from the Navy and resided in Russell, Iowa. He did not have children of his own, however his nieces were like his daughters to him. He helped his sister Cindy raise them and was more like a father figure than an uncle. He later moved into the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown and formed many bonds with other residents, nurses, doctors and staff.  Iowa Veterans Home is where he spent his final years. Red will not be forgotten by all the people whose lives he touched with his huge heart and even bigger smile.

Red is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, nephews Mason Richard and Timothy Willett. in death He is survived by his sisters, Mary Stewart of Waterloo and Cindy (Randy Halterman) Gwinn of Russell, his nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many other friends and family.

 Services and support for the family are under the direction by Clark Fielding of Fielding Funeral Home

Steven Neal Pierce Obituary March 15, 1946 — May 17, 2026 Clive,Iowa

 Rest in Peace Steven Neal Pierce.

A man of deep loyalties, great strength, and unwavering dependability passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026. Steve was someone others could count on offering steadfast support, quiet encouragement, and enduring loyalty. His presence will be deeply missed, and his memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to his family and friends.

Steve's will to remain with those he loved was strong, but multiple health challenges ultimately made it impossible for him to stay.

Steve a deeply private person. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service Steve will be buried in Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa.  Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Steve's final arrangements

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Steven Neal Pierce (Waukee, Iowa), who passed away at the age of 80, on May 17, 2026. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Steven Neal Pierce to show support.

Though Steven may no longer walk beside us, his memory will forever be enshrined in the fabric of the lives of those Steven touched, a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness. In his absence, his spirit lives on — a gentle whisper in the breeze, a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day, a reminder that love knows no boundaries.

Judith "Judi" Wright Obituary October 23, 1938 - May 8, 2026

 

Judith "Judi" Wright, 87, of Russell, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines. Funeral services for Judi will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A luncheon will be held following the service for a time of continued fellowship.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th at the funeral home. 

A private burial will be held at the Bethel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family strongly requests that memorial donations be made to EveryStep Kavanagh House or to Fatih United Methodist Church in Russell.

Judi was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Wright on March 30th. Judi will be greatly missed by children: Gene (Paula) Wright, and Mary (Ed) Nichols; grandchildren: Alison Wright, Ashley (Kevin) Wright Shannon, Jessica (Sean) Eikenberry, Alex (Alexis) Wright, Lindsay (Nick) McCullough, and Josh Nichols; great grandchildren: Isabella, Charlie, Taylor, Owen, Maxwell, Langan, James, and Evelyn; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Connie Louise (Clanin) Fry Obituary March 15, 1952- May 3, 2026

Connie Louise Clanin Fry was born on March 15, 1952, in Albia, to Neil and Doris (Horner) Clanin of Russell. Connie had two older sisters to welcome her home, Jolene and Marilyn.

Connie passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Accura Pleasantville nursing home with her daughter Stacey by her side. She had been a resident there for two and half years.

Connie accepted the Lord as her savior as a young girl at Bethel Church She attended and graduated from Russell High School in 1970. She was quiet and shy with a very kind heart.

In June 1970, Connie married Rick Fry and two children were born to this union, Stacey Lynn Fry and Richard Neil Fry. They lived in Chariton most of their married life. Connie worked at the hospital in the kitchen for many years. She then started to babysit many children in her home. Connie enjoyed crafting and was very talented with her projects. She made many gifts for family and friends. She also made the best caramels, and she would hand them out to brighten someone else’s day. Later years, Connie lived at Autum Park Apartments.  She had many friends, Connie especially enjoyed visiting with other residents outside when the weather was warm.  Her priority was to her family, she loved spending time going shopping, having or going out for dinner and talking on the phone.

Connie was very tender-hearted; she could watch sad or funny movies and cry for both. Everyone that knew Connie loved her and wanted to be friends.

She leaves to mourn are her children, Stacey and Richard Fry, sisters Julene Ruden, Marilyn Clanin and her grandchildren. Connie will be missed by so many family and friends.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband Rick, parents Neil and Doris Clanin and one nephew. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhome.com. Services will be under the direction of Fielding Funeral Home.