Services for Patricia “Pat” Blue will be held on Monday, November 29, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Russell Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Faith United Methodist Church in Russell or the Russell Volunteer Fire Department.
Martin “Marty” Lahart passed away Sunday, November 14, at the age of 61, due to complications after treatment from lung cancer.
Nancy Carol (Duer) Moore
Nancy Carol (Duer) Moore (78) went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 10, 2021. She was, born to Neva (Holder) Duer and Chester William Duer, on January 12, 1943. She joined brothers Bill and Tom and a sister, Geneva. Nine years later she got a baby sister, Patty (who took away her mama’s lap!).
Her parents moved usually every spring but when Nancy was three years old they moved to a farm seven miles north of Melrose, Iowa. The farm was in the family name for about seventy years. Nancy went to Falvey country school through 8th grade and then went to two years of high school in Russell, Iowa.
Here is an excerpt from her testimony that she wrote out in 2003 “I was 11 years old when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I was in vacation Bible school and Bob Wilhite was my teacher. He had been talking about narrow is the way to heaven and broad is the way to hell. I realized I was headed for hell and that wasn’t a pleasant thought for an 11 year old. I can remember we were in the North room in basement of the church where the furnace was and he explained the plan of salvation. I can’t remember all that was said, but I felt so much different.” A favorite verse was John 3:16.
Nancy married Dean Merle Chester in November of 1959. Born to the couple were three daughters—Betty, Tina and Lisa.
Nancy worked at the hospital in Chariton in the housekeeping department for several years. Later after she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, she worked at McDonalds for 15 years.
One of Nancy’s hobbies was working in her flower garden. She had such beautiful flowers. You could tell by how much time she spent watering and tending to them how much they meant to her.
Nancy loved all her grandkids and great grandkids! She never got to meet the last two as one lived in Georgia and another lived on the East coast. She would go to many of their activities if she could. She had multiple pictures of her girls, grandkids, and great grandkids throughout her home.
Nancy often would cook big pots of soup and share with neighbors and friends. When her Mom was in her last days seven years ago, Nancy could be found down there constantly caring for her Mom. Nancy had a big heart!
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Bill and Tom, and companion of 30 years Darrell Stickel.
Nancy is survived by her children Betty (Pat) Howell of Sugarland, Texas; Tina (Bruce) Amos of Indianola, Iowa; and Lisa Croushorn of Tampa, Florida and her two sisters, Geneva Bequette of Monahans, Texas and Patty Duer of Ankeny Iowa, two sisters-in-law Carol Duer of Chariton, Iowa and Sally Duer of Runnells, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jordan Howell, Taylor Howell, TJ (Tonya) Amos, Cody (Mandi) Amos, Joshua (Jessica) Amos, Trever Amos, Alaina (Andrew) Ellis and Aspen Croushorn. Plus great grandchildren: Denali, Emerlee, Katelyn, Colten, Ryan, Abigail Amos, Chase, Finn and Oliva Ellis. Along with her faithful fur friend and companion of 16 years Frisky the cat.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Faith Baptist Bible College, 1900 NW 4th Street, Ankeny, Iowa 50023.
A celebration of life service for John B. Schoondyke, 78, of rural Russell, Iowa will be held Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at the Cornerstone Community Church in Chariton at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. and a luncheon will be held following the service for a time of fellowship. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Iowa Youth Fishing League.
Cynthia Clark, age 66, of Ames, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.
On August 30, 2021, Ron had passed away at Mercy-One Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents. Ron is survived by his wife Chris, son Jeremy (Andrea) Carr from Albia, Iowa.
David “Rooster” Lee McReynolds, age 75, of Albia, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021, at his home in Albia.David was born on December 13, 1945, to Walter and Mary (Musgrave) McReynolds at the hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He started school in Bronaugh, MO, moving to Walker, MO and Ridgeway, MO before graduating from Gilman City High School in Missouri with the Class of 1963. During his school years, he was active in FFA and 4-H. David married Ruth Reynolds and to this union, 5 children were born, Anita, Dan, Donnie, Doug, and Susan. David and Ruth later divorced. On February 14, 1991, he married Betty McReynolds at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia. Betty preceded him in death on September 15, 2003. He has spent the last several years with his significant other, Sondra Scot Upon graduation, David worked at Iltis Lumber Company in Des Moines and farmed in Waukee. He later moved his family and purchased a farm in Lucas County. While farming, he was also a truck driver, hauling grain for other farmers, driving for Iowa Aluminum, Hy-Vee Foods, and later hauling fertilizer for Nutrien Ag Solutions David enjoyed being outdoors and going for rides, especially to the river to watch the barges and boats going through the locks. He had draft horses and a wagon which he took to parades and used for weddings. Upon his retirement, David loved to meet the guys for coffee at the Highway Restaurant, which he did twice a day. He loved to visit with others and never knew a stranger. He also enjoyed spending time with his dogs, Mack and Molly David is survived by his significant other, Sondra Scott; 5 children, Anita (Kevin) Duckworth, Dan (Kim) McReynolds, Donnie McReynolds, Doug McReynolds, and Susan McReynolds; 3 stepchildren, Sarah (Jason) Ochoa, Rod Perry, and Scott (Donnalee) Perry; 16 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Ann McReynolds and Sarah (Leland) Groves. David is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friend He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty McReynolds and his parents, Walter and Mary McReynolds Per his wishes, David’s body has been cremated and a visitation will be held at a later date A memorial has been established to Lucas and Monroe County4-H and FFA Programs.
Betty Lewis Ehlert of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021. She was born May 25, 1930 to Clifford and Marie Lewis of Russell, Iowa and lived in the Russell area all of her childhood. On September 2, 1955, she was united in marriage to Lester C. Ehlert, of Des Moines. She worked for many years as Medical Office Manager for Dr. Albert Clemens, Surgeon, of Des Moines. Betty was a Certified Medical Assistant and a member of the American Association of Medical Assistants.
June 14, 1972 - July 26, 2021
Born in Des Moines, Iowa
Resided in Des Moines, Iowa
Jason Hermann, a fixture at the Big Tomato Pizza Company, passed away in his sleep on Monday, July 26, 2021, at the age of 49 years old.
Jason was loved by his family and many friends. His sense of humor and esoteric knowledge of movies and rock bands will be sorely missed. Jason was one-of-a-kind, and many of us only knew parts of him.
To that end, his family invites you to come and share stories, memories, condolences, and lunch at a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 11, at 11:00 AM at Center Chapel UMC in Indianola, IA.
Memorials may be sent to his Mom, Carol Hermann, or given to NAMI or ARL in his memory.
Services for Douglas Prather, 77, of rural Russell, will be held Monday,
July 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in
Chariton. A luncheon will be held at the Williamson Community Center
following the service.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 11, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.
The service may be viewed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/douglas-prather
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doug's memory to be used for a scholarship of the family's choosing.
Douglas Franklin Prather was born July 24, 1943 at the Yocom
Hospital in Chariton to John and Bessie Prather, the youngest of 5
children, he was welcomed home by siblings: Jack, Bob, Mary, and Evelyn.
He grew up in the Russell area, Cedar Township and went to the Brown
Country School and graduated from Russell High School in 1962.
Doug met a girl at the A&W stand and on June 12, 1966, he was
married to Marcia Oden, they were blessed with three daughters: Kathy,
Karen, and Kelly.
Marcia and the girls describe Doug as a loving husband and father.
He was a great provider to their family. Doug was a strong and
hardworking man, with a big heart. He loved spending time with his
girls whether it was going on picnics, playing board games, roller
skating, or swimming with them. He would often bring home baby rabbits
found while doing dirt work for the girls. He was blessed with a
granddaughter, Mickayla. They have a special bond as they spent as much
time together as they could with going for tractor or dozer rides, pony
rides, or building toys for her.
Over the 55 years married to the love of his life, Doug and Marcia
were rarely apart; enjoying family, occasional trips, dancing, and
working on the farm together. He always made sure the family’s needs
were met.
Those who know him outside of his family, know that he is a man of
many talents. He could make anything mechanical work, which came in
handy on the farm and running heavy equipment. He was also an
exceptionally talented wood worker, building all kinds of furniture
including bedroom suites, dining tables, cabinets, and many other
pieces. The only thing about his furniture was that it needed to be
perfect, everything had to be squared. He enjoyed the outdoors often
going hunting and fishing, and had a great talent for drawing wildlife,
deer was his specialty. Everyone knew he loved to tell a joke or story.
He had a great sense of humor and loved being around people, he never
knew a stranger. After retiring he looked forward to going to have a cup
of coffee with his friends.
He worked with his brothers Jack and Bob with Prather Brothers
Construction for over 30 years, an earth moving company working in Lucas
and Monroe counties and over southern Iowa. He continued running heavy
machinery on his own building many ponds and conservation projects. Doug
also worked for the Lucas County Secondary Roads Department running a
road grader for nearly 20 years. He and Marcia continued to farm while
he was working and through out their retirement. They both especially
enjoyed raising cattle on their home farm east of Chariton.
Doug will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Marcia;
daughters: Kathy (Mike) McCarty, Karen (Wayne) Menster, and Kelly
Prather; granddaughter, Mickayla McCarty; and siblings: Robert Prather
and Mary Brown; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and
friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bessie; brother, Jack Prather; and sister, Evelyn Kent.
A Celebration of Life for
Gary Davis Kline, 62 of Chariton will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021
from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the main shelter house in Red Haw State Park in
Chariton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lucas County
Boy Scout Troop 149. Gary believed the Boy Scouts are essential in
teaching youth to become good citizens and appreciate the outdoors.
The Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gary was born October 16, 1958 to John and Cynthia (Talbot) Kline in
Chariton. He attended and graduated from Russell Community School with
the class of 1977. Gary loved to tell the story of how he first met
Rose. He was 5 years old. As he climbed on to school bus #7 driven by
Dale Johnson, he said hello to the little blonde headed girl in the
front seat behind the driver. But she didn’t say hello back. It turns
out that Rose and her brother, Dan, were allowed to ride the bus in the
seat directly behind the driver, but they had to sit still and were not
to bother the other kids on the bus. Gary eventually won that little
girl’s heart and they became high school sweethearts. After asking Rose
to marry him more than once, she finally said yes and he immediately
asked her she to pick the date. Six weeks later, Gary married his soul
mate and love of his life on June 2, 1979. Initially they planned to be
married without a traditional ceremony, but Gary’s mother explained to
him that every girl deserves to be a bride. They were married in a
beautiful outdoor ceremony at the home of her parents, Dale and Mary Lou
Johnson. For the newlywed homestead, Gary and his father found a
trailer they could rent for $50 a month. It was “a little rough”.
Thankfully, Gary and Rose found an apartment in Chariton where their 41
years of marriage began.
Gary enjoyed family. He spent may Sundays with parents and siblings
for family dinners and volleyball games with Hungry Hollow Rules that
lasted into the night. He valued Rose’s parents, Dale and Mary Lou, as a
second set of parents. Gary loved to hunt, especially duck hunting. He
had a passion for fishing and never passed up a chance to head to the
lake. He took great pleasure in teaching Shannon, Zack, and Blaine some
of his trade secrets when he took them hunting and fishing. He loved the
tradition of the annual Kline Thanksgiving coon hunts. Adventuring on
hunting and fishing trips with Joel Hibbs, Tom Gard, and many others who
joined them on their annual expeditions created many a tall tale to be
told time and time again. Gary made buddies anywhere he went, his quick
wit and love for people would often make him the life of the party which
he enjoyed. Friends and family will always remember his stories and
great one-liners. His dry sense of humor and quick wit will never be
replaced.
Gary was a proud long-term employee of Hy-Vee. He started part time
at the Chariton store in 1975 and moved to full time as an Aisle
Coordinator in 1977. In 1979, he moved to Shift Manager at the Chariton
store and then in 1984 moved to the Ottumwa #1 store in the same
position. 1986 found Gary moving to Omaha #1 and then in 1989, he moved
to Omaha #3 as the Assistant Manager. In 1995, he moved to Omaha #4 and
in 1998, was named Assistant Store Director at the same time. The year
2000 found him moving to Council Bluffs #1 as Store Director and in
2004, he moved back to his home area as Store Director at Corydon. In
2013, he was selected as Store Director at Burlington #1. In 2016, he
moved back to the Chariton area to work at the Distribution Center.
Gary will be deeply missed by his wife of 41 years, Rose (Johnson)
Kline; siblings: Marian (Mike) Holmes, John C. (Lisa) Kline, and Cindy
(Terry) Farrell; sisters-in-law: Ruth Barrow and Roxanne Johnson;
brother-in-law, Fred Franck; nieces and nephews: Zack Holmes, Shannon
Holmes, Curtis Kline, Heather Kline, Tanner Kline, Julie Zehr, Debbie
Garrett, Lisa Enyart, Amanda Nicholson, Gabrielle Gitzen, Lance Walman,
Ben Walman, and Jessica Maday.
Preceding him in death are his parents, John T. and Cynthia Kline;
siblings: Richard Barrow and Tami Barrow; parents-in-law, Dale and Mary
Lou Johnson; sister-in-law, Rebecca Franck; brothers-in-law: James C.
Johnson, Daniel D. Johnson, and Larry Clark.
Helen Emma (White) Coulson was born April 8, 1925, to Thomas Othello and Olga Anna Elnora Elizabeth (Carlson) White in a little log home NE of Russell
Helen was the 3rd born of 8 children. Her siblings: Dr. Thomas Caryl 1921 (Catherine), Jenny (died at birth 1923), Dean Carlson 1927 (Leah), Dale Benjamin 1928, Lucille Elizabeth White Funk 1931 (Murray). Born to Ida Victoria Carlson & Thomas Othello; Janet Patricia White Clark 1939 (Larry), David Addison White 1941 (Shirley).
Helen’s first memories were growing up in Cedar township of Lucas County, with her family home at the top of big Cedar Hill with the Cedar “Crick” flowing near the bottom of the hill. They walked 1.5 miles to Cedar Grove #5 Country school, also known as “Dickerville”, 9 miles East of Chariton, and was nicknamed from the dickering of prices at a nearby store. She attended Cedar Grove kindergarten through 8th grade. She would often cut through the timber, picking bouquets of daisies and sweet williams. When winter came, often with deep snows too deep to forge through, their father would hook up the horse and sleigh to take them to school.
Helen’s mother, Olga, passed away, (8.5.1931), one day after giving birth. Helen was 6, it was during the time of the Great Depression. It was a heart breaking time. A difficult decision was made for the baby to live with Thomas’ brother Shelby White and his wife, Lena. They had no children and they raised Lucille as their own. During the difficult adjusting year, Helen and her brothers often stayed with her Swedish immigrant grandparents, Emma Gustava (Erickson) and John Agustova Carlson in the Lucas Co area. Her father, Thomas, married Ida Victoria Carlson on June 29, 1933, (Olga & Ida’s fathers were brothers: John Carlson & Claus David Carlson).
As was her loving and compassionate nature, Helen doted on and mothered her brothers and little sister Janet, who lovingly called her “Honey” through the years.
Helen loved learning and reading, (her favorite subject), and read voraciously throughout her life. She attended Chariton High School her sophomore year and stayed with her maternal grandparents. The other 3 years of high school were at Russell where she Graduated in 1943 with a teaching certificate. She then attended a 6 week course at Simpson Summer College during the summer.
At 18, in the fall 1943-44,Helen taught at Franklin (“Good”) 6 miles East of Chariton, in Lincoln Township. Franklin school closed so Helen then transferred to Oxford, on the road toward Williamson, and taught for 2 years (1944 –1946). She then taught at Cedar Grove - Dickerville, 1946-1947. She attended another 6 week coarse at Simpson College the summer 1947. Helen taught at Red Rock Dunwreath school north of Knoxville in 1947-1949. She stayed with Daisy & Delbert Barr, who she grew to love and admire, as they did her, bonding a life time friendship. In the 80’s, Helen took some night classes in Chariton through Indian Hills and Drake.
One hot summer day in 1948, while attending teachers meetings in Knoxville, Helen took a break. Jim Cooper, a friend of Helen’, drove past her with his friend, Floyd Coulson. Jim stopped and introduced Helen to Floyd. Helen took a 6 week course at Simpson College that summer as Floyd and she began dating. Helen married Floyd Loal Coulson, son of Jesse and Maude (Cook) Coulson on April 16, 1949 at the EUB Church in Chariton, Iowa. Officiating was Pastor Clifford Carter.
To this marriage were born Steven Floyd / 1949, Stewart Thomas / 1953, and Shari Helen / 1955. In 1958 Helen and Floyd moved with their family from their little Knoxville home on Conway Street to a farm near her family, NE of Russell with a dilapidated old “fixer-upper” farm house. A place they would call home forever. Together they worked hard on the farm. She with gardening, baking, sewing, cooking and caring for her family all while the old farm home was being remodeled and rebuilt by Floyd among the honey bees and terrible mess. It became a beautiful home set on the edge of the timber with rolling hills and a “crick” nearby. A home where a multitude of memories were made and are cherished. Where a menagerie of pets would find homes. Where lessons in the stars and skies were taught and moonlit walks were taken. Where she taught her children to love all creation and honor the Creator of all. You could always find her at the end of the day, knelt by her bed in prayer. Our mother’s prayers have followed us all of our lives.
Helen was blessed by being able to live on the farm until she moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Jan 2018, after a debilitating fall and remained there until she peacefully passed away.
Helen accepted Jesus as her Savior at a young age and later was baptized at the Russell Baptist Church as a young girl (freshman), by Rev. Archie Beals. Helen was a faithful member of Bethel Evangelical United Brethren/United Methodist Church, throughout her life. Bethel Church was where Floyd, Helen and their children worshipped together through the years. Helen served in many roles as Youth Fellowship leader, Sunday school teacher, VBS leader, Ladies Aid / Women’s Society President, Delegate to conferences, and officer of the Board, until the closing of Bethel Church in 2006. Bethel remained dear to her heart. She treasured her memories in that little country church where her family and church family spent precious time.
Helen worked for a short period of time sewing at Gross Galesburg Pants Factory in Chariton. Helen belonged to Ladies American Legion Auxiliary, Chariton Women’s Club and Lucas Co Retired Teachers. She was very involved as a parent with all her kids activities, Parent Teacher Association, Music/Band, Athletic Boosters, and was a substitute teacher in the school system.
1968, their 18 yr old son, Steven, was killed in an automobile accident on his way to play in a basketball tournament. Although she pressed on and held strong onto her faith in Jesus Christ, she would never overcome the grief of losing him.
Giving was also her nature, giving of herself and giving what she had. She was a devoted care giver and always helped her parents, especially during their times of greatest need. Her brother, Dale, who was more like a son, was always an intricate part of her life, she doted on him and enjoyed having him join her family for vacations, outings, holidays, birthdays and daily visits. Helen also looked forward to her sister, Janet's, regular visits and calls
Helen loved her children, 6 grandchildren & 17 great-grandchildren with all her heart. Her grandchildren lovingly called her “Nana”. As they grew and had families of their own and settled in many different states across the country, she anticipated and treasured visits from them. She was a strong presence in both her immediate and extended family, always making an effort to send cards and notes and attended events and reunions as long as her health permitted. She instilled compassion, love and a “can do” attitude in her children and, even in her most difficult times, tried to share a positive outlook with her hope and trust in Christ.
Helen enjoyed playing the piano and did so mostly by ear before her hands became crippled with arthritis. She instilled the love of music in her children and encouraged and taught them to sing and play instruments. She enjoyed looking at pictures, making scrapbooks, crocheting, watching birds and wildlife from her window where she sat each day at home. She had a passion for learning. She had a special touch of beauty, style, fashion, and creativity. Her artistic penmanship was an example of her style and beauty as were her written words. She had a sharp mind and keen memory along with a good sense of humor. She had a stubbornness and would generally speak what was on her mind and could argue a crooked line straight. She was a fierce defender of her faith, her family, and the Republican Party. She loved growing her flowers and learning all about them. She became a part of the world of computers later in her life and was an avid Facebook member, surfing the web and emailing. She was a correspondent for the Chariton Newspaper writing the “Bethel News” for over 30 years. God Called Helen to her Heavenly home on: March 10th, 2021
To carry on their family legacy are her Children; Stewart (Nina) Coulson of Charles City, IA, Shari (David) DeBok of Russell, IA , Grand and Great Grandchildren; Gayla, (Jason) Posch, Addisyn, Jordyn of Olathe, KS ; Ryan (Courtney) DeBok, Claire, Lincoln, Kate, Madeline, Zach, Iris of Paola, KS ; Charles (Aly) DeBok and Madden & Dylan of Ft Worth, TX; Adam (Michelle) Coulson Delaney, Rowan of Highland Ranch, CO; Andy (Morgan) Coulson Crosby, Cami, Mila of Brooklyn Park, MN; Sherri Meza, Gwen, Maui of Charles City, IA; Brother; David White, Sisters; Janet Clark, and Lucille Funk of Chariton. Nieces, Nephews, Cousins & Friends. Preceding her in death: Husband, Floyd (2011) of 61 years, her 18 year old Son Steven (1968), Parents: Olga (1931), Thomas (1971) and Ida (1969), Brothers: Dr Thomas Caryl (2000), Dean (2012), and Dale (2020), Brothers and sisters in laws, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.
Well Done, Good And Faithful Servant Matthew 25:23
Service Date: Sunday, March 14. 2021 Time 2:00pm
Place: Fielding Funeral Home
