Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net
 
 

Barteau, Clarke -

Clarke Barteau of Slater, Iowa, passed away last Tuesday at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines.

He operated the Eclipse Lumber yard in the 1930's.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday March 24, 1977

 

Brand, Jennie May Johnson -

Jennie Brand, 84 died at Crest Haven Care Center in Creston Saturday, May 21.

Jennie May Brand, daughter of Nels and Emily Jane Reynolds Johnson, was born on May 22, 1892 on a farm southeast of Lenox where she grew to womanhood. She was

84 years, 11 months and 29 days of age at the time of her death.

She was united with the Fairview Methodist Church near her family's home when she was a girl and always held faith in her religion. She helped in the church in many

ways: she was the church organist for a period of time, and also taught a Sunday School class. She was always willing to do more than her share and whatever she could

to help others as long as her health permitted.

On January 4, 1918, she was united in marriage with Everette C. Brand. He preceded her in death on January 2, 1957.

She was also preceded in death by her mother (who died when Jennie was only seven years of age) her father; and a wonderful step mother, who took care of her as her own. This blessing she was able to repay when, upon the death of her sister, she and Everett raised her nephew, Carl in their home as a son. In addition, three brothers: John, Charles and Clarence Johnson; and four sisters: Mary Bossart, Marie Atkinson, Helen Brand and Bernice Madden also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her two sisters: Frances Clark of Creston and Lurene Slater of Gibbon, Nebr.; 2 sisters in law: Carrie Johnson and Iva Atkers as well as many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jennie lived in and around the community where she was born all of her life, and was buried by the side of her husband. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a good friend and a good neighbor.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. from the Larkin Family Funeral Home in Creston with Rev. Dale Cunningham of the First Presbyterian Church in Creston, officiating.

Music was by Dorothy Kenworthv, organist, and Darl Bell, soloist.

Casket, bearers were Earl Tribolet, Everett Tribolet, Lee Slater, Gene Clark, Ernest Adkisson and Larry Brand.

Interment was in Fairview cemetery in Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday May 26, 1977

 

Butler, Adah Rachel -

Adah Butler, a long-time resident of Taylor County, died at the Rosary hospital in Corning, Iowa, Saturday, Feb. 19th after an illness of a year.

Adah Rachel Butler, daughter of William W. and Susanna Conver Butler, was born in Union County, Iowa, on May 27, 1887, and passed away at the age of 89 years,

8 months and 24 days.

She grew to womanhood in Taylor County living near or in Lenox most of her life. While a young woman she joined the Methodist Church in Lenox and has been a continuous

member here for 68 years. She was for many years an active member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

She took an active part in the church and Sunday School teaching classes, playing the piano and worship in the woman's organization.

Preceding her in death were her parents, 19 year old sister Orah; two brothers, Frank who died in infancy and Byron, who passed away in 1939.

She is survived by her niece Hazel Butler of Lenox and a number of cousins and friends.

Services were held Monday afternoon, at 2:00 o'clock at the United Methodist Church with Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal organist and Marilyn Beck and Billie Jean Barker, vocalists.

Casket bearers were Melvin Wurster, Bill Harover, Gerald Maharry, Kirk Maharry, Geo. Austin and Ron Fulk.

Interment was in Morgan cemetery at Kent, Iowa.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 24, 1977

 

Butler, Cara Brown Stoner -

Cara Butler, 93, passed away at the Rosary hospital in Corning Wednesday, Apr. 13, 1977 after several months illness. She was 93 years, 7 months and 25 days of age.

Cara Brown Stoner, daughter of Henry Augusta Stoner, and Jane Fisher Cameron, was born in Taylor County, la., four miles south and 1-3/4 west of Lenox, la., Aug. 18th,

1883. Her parents moved there from Peoria, Ill. a few years before she was born.  When she was four years old her parents moved to a farm three miles north of Lenox,

la., where she lived until she was married. She had lived alone until the 1st of December.

She lived most of her life close to Lenox. She was baptized and united with the Presbyterian Church in Lenox Feb. 5, 1899 and transferred her membership to several

other churches when living in different communities, later transferring to the United Presbyterian in Lenox, She was a faithful member to all her churches.

Cara was united in marriage to Clarence Edwin Butler March 6, 1907 at her parents' home north of Lenox. This union was blessed with 3 daughters, Mrs. Homer

Walter (Beatrice), Mrs. Veva Cline, Van Wert, Ohio; Mrs. Orville Williams (Doris) and one son, Paul, who was killed in Korea in the Korean conflict Jan. 25, 1951. Her husband

passed away Oct. 13th, 1954.

She had a deep love for her  children, grandchildren great grandchildren and sisters and brother, always putting her family first. She had great interest in her church,

community, relatives and friends. She had been almost blind for twenty some years, and couldn't read but had wonderful memory and always asked about everyone she had ever known. She gave to her family, friends and neighbors in many ways. She sent many cards and letters to her very last days, signing her name to Easter cards to all her great grandchildren the week before she passed away. She was always happiest when her family was with her. She always did the best she could do every day.

Preceding her in death were her husband, her son Paul, her parents, one sister, Fern Van Houten of Bellingham, Wash.; 4 brothers, Harry Stoner of Des Moines,

Clyde Stoner of Mason City; Percy Stoner of Creston and Dale of Des Moines, la.; and a son in law, Clarence Cline of Van Wert, Ohio.

Surviving her are her three daughters and sons in law, Homer Walter and Orville Williams, four grandchildren, Coleen Wilkinson, Diane Mengerink of Van Wert, O.;

Jim Cline of Middleburg, O., and Jerry Williams, 7 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Flora Francis of Clearfield Rest Home, Bess Wells of Pasadena, Cal., and 1 brother,

Lester Stoner of El Cerito, Cal., many other relatives and a host of friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

[Poem]

Her funeral was held at the United Presbyterian Church Sunday at 3 p.m., Rev. Leonard Mclntyre officiating.

Music was furnished by Roberta Lockhart with soloist Margaret Whipp.

Pallbearers were Jerry Williams, Jim Cline, LaRell Wilkinson, Ray Hewitt, Randall Wilson, Charles Peterson and Willis Stoner.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday April 21, 1977

 

Ecklin, Verla Grace Hays -

Verla Grace Ecklin, 77, died at the Rosary hospital in Corning Wednesday, Feb. 23. She was born July 29, 1899 near Siam, Iowa in Taylor County and was the oldest

child of William and Evalena Grace Hays.

On March 9, 1927 at the Clearfield United Methodist Church, she was united in marriage with Frank G. Ecklin. She and Frank made their home and spent their lives in

the Clearfield and Lenox communities. Two children were born to bless this union: J. E. and Arlene.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank in 1947 and her parents and a step-daughter, Frances Grace.

She is survived by her son: J. E. and his wife Bernadine of Diagonal; her daughter Arlene and her husband, Richard Bandy of Glen Burnie, Maryland; five grandchildren,

Johnny, Joan and Jerry Ecklin, Judy Briner and husband Allen all of Diagonal and Mark Bandy of Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Two brothers and two sisters also survive, Argyle Hays of Dallas Center, la., Virgil Hays of Diagonal; Sheila (Mrs. Herman) Wurster of Avon Park, Florida and Berthel

(Mrs. Nelson) Ledgerwood of Corning.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends,

She spent most of her life in and around Lenox, having lived here the past 26 years.

Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 25th at 2:00 p.m. from the United Methodist Church in Lenox with Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist and Billie Jean Barker and Marilyn Beck, vocalists.

Casket bearers were Willis Wurster, Howard Wurster, Russell Davenport, John Gourley, Delbert Weeda and Wayne Beck.

Interment was in the Conway cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday March 3, 1977

 

McGinnis, Loran W -

Loran W. McGinnis, 79, of Choctaw, Okla., died recently in a nursing home. Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday in First Baptist Church in Choctaw with burial in that city.

McGinnis went to Oklahoma in 1904 from his birth place of Lenox, Iowa. He was in marketing for 40 years, a member of the Farmers Union and a deacon of First Baptist

Church, Choctaw.

Survivors include his wife, lola of the home; two sons, Loran, Mexico, and Kenneth, Lancaster, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Ann Johnson, Choctaw and Mrs. Lorene

Johnson, Eureka, Calif.; a brother, Karl, Albuquerque, and two sisters, Mrs. Vera Westmoreland, Choctaw, and Mrs. Nola Lunsford, Choctaw.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 17, 1977

 

McLaury, Clifford Albertus -

Clifford Albertus McLaury, 75, died at the Lenox Care Center February 17th after a lingering illness of 4 years.

The son of Anna Belle Coe and James Thomas McLaury, he was born at Kellerton, la. June 17, 1901. His age at the time of his death was 75 years and 8 months,

Mr. McLaury was united in marriage to Ruth Reynolds on April 14, 1927 at Creston, la. To this union four daughters were born: Patricia Beach of Sharpsburg, Beverly Cunningham of Des Moines, Marilyn Pikala of Lubbock, Texas, and Sharon Spainhower of Huntington Beach, Cal.

He lived in and around Clearfield working on a farm until moving to Lenox in 1939 where he spent the rest of his life as a truck driver until retiring in 1973. He joined the

Clearfield Methodist Church in 1913 and transferred his membership to the Lenox Methodist Church May 23, 1943.

Survivors include his wife, 4 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, Bill Beach and Richard Pikala 16 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, 3 sisters Hazel Prather of New Market,

Gladys Cole of Nebraska City and Ruth Crist and her husband, Howard of Phoenix, Arizona, 1 sister-in-law, Ceceila McLaury of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, several nieces

and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Merritt and Glen and 1 grandchild.

He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services were held from the United Methodist Church in Lenox Saturday, Feb. 19th at 2 p.m., with Rev. Floyd Newbrough, officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal and Darl Bell.

Casket bearers were Marvin Wilson, Carroll Matthews Kenneth Matthews, Don Keast, Ed Richey and Bill Young.

Interment was in East Fairview cemetery at Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 24, 1971

 

Michal, Victor Maximillian -

Victor Michal, 81, died at the Rosary hospital in Corning May 13, 1977. He had been a patient there four days.

Victor Maximillian, the son of John and Frances Walters Michal, was born July 26, 1895 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was 81 years, 9 months and 20 days of age at his death.

On Oct. 31, 1927, he was married with Bernice Champion at Omaha. Five children were born to bless this union. Victor and Bernice made their home in Omaha until 1940 when they moved to a farm near Blockton. . They farmed here until 1970 when they moved to Lenox.

Mr. Michal was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two sisters and one son in infancy.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice of Lenox; three sons: Victor Jack Michal of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Robert C. Michal of Torrence, Calif., and Dennis E. Michal of Council

Bluffs, Iowa; one daughter, Mrs. Dean (Mary Ann) Weese of Lenox; and also by 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Helen Stevens

of San Jose, Calif., and other relatives and many friends.

He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at 10:00 o'clock at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox with Father Blase Schumacher officiating.

Music was furnished by Jane Rychnovsky, organist.

Casket bearers were Mike Weese, Mark Weese, Joey Michal, H. H. Brown, Donald Stewart and Dean Weese.

Interment was in North Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday May 19, 1977

 

Mohler, Ruth Ferren Barr -

Funeral services for Mrs Bryan (Ruth) Mohler, 77 long time Bedford area resident, were held March 20 in Bedford conducted by Carl Cummings. Mrs. Mohler died

March 18, 1977 in Bedford Manor, interment was at Fairview cemetery, Bedford.

Ruth Ferren Barr Mohler, only daughter of Robert G. and Ida Bowman Barr, was born in Mercer Township, Adams County, Iowa, on Jan. 19, 1900. In 1909 the family

moved to Lenox, Iowa, where she was an honor student and graduated from Lenox high school in the class of 1917. Following graduation, she attended Simpson College at

Indianola, returning to teach in the Lenox Public Schools.

On Oct. 12, 1922, she was united m marriage to Bryan D. Mohler and the new home was built in Bedford, Iowa. She was a member of the United Methodist Church,

Order of Eastern Star, and the Rebekah Lodge of which she had served as Noble Grand. She was a willing worker in various organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, R. Russell Barr who died July 18, 1974. Her husband, Bryan D. Mohler, died Dec. 23, 1974.

Surviving are a niece, Gretchen Meyers; a nephew, Robert G. Barr; a brother in law, Francis E. Mohler, other relatives and many friends.

Ruth will be remembered as a friend and loved one by all who knew her.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday April 7, 1977

 

Murdock, Randall -

Services for Randall Murdock, 40, who died Friday at a Rochester, Minn. hospital, were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Independence,

Iowa. Mr. Murdock lived there since 1970 when he became the Buchanan Co. engineer. He held the same post in Audubon and Appanoose Counties and was formerly

the Indianola director of public works.

He was a 1954 engineering graduate of Iowa State University, a World War II veteran and a Mason.

Survivors are his wife; two daughters, including Vicki of Des Moines; his parents; 3 brothers and one sister. His wife is the former Phyllis Sexton of Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday May 5, 1977

 

Nook, Wilma Elizabeth Bell -

Mrs. Ernest Nook, 72, died at the Rosary Hospital in Corning shortly before midnight Tuesday. She had been in ill health for some months and had been taken to the

hospital Friday.

Survivors are her husband, Ernest; sons Clifford, Dwight and Glen of Lenox; and Jerold of Edgewood, Maryland; 1 daughter, Arlene Barnes of Braddyville, 14 grandchildren

and 1 great grandson, two  brothers Brice Bell of Nebraska City, Nebr. Wendell Bell of Ord, Nebr., other relatives and a host of friends.

Services are set for Friday, May 6th at 1:30 p.m. at the Lenox Methodist Church with Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiating.

Interment will be in West Fairview cemetery, Lenox.

The family visitation will be at Varner-Crew Funeral Home in Clearfield Thursday (tonight) from 8 to 9 p.m.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday May 5, 1977

 

Nook, Wilma Elizabeth Bell -

Wilma Elizabeth Nook passed away at Rosary Hospital In Corning, Iowa on May 3, 1977 after a lengthy illness.

She was 72 years, 6 months and 23 days of age.

Wilma Elizabeth Bell, daughter of William E. Bell and Naomi Morrow Bell, was born Oct. 9, 1904 near Hamburg, Iowa. She spent her childhood near Hamburg and upon graduation,

taught school in Spotted Horse, Wyoming and later near Hamburg, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Ernest William Nook on Mar. 7, 1926 in the Methodist Church in Hamburg, Iowa. To this union five children were born: four sons, Clifford

Dwight and Glen all of Lenox, Jerold of Edgewood, Md., and one daughter, Arlene Barnes of Braddyvllle, la.

The family moved to a farm south of Lenox in 1939 where they lived until 2½ years ago when they moved to their present home at 310 South Walnut in Lenox.

She joined church at an early age and was faithful to her church work as long as her health permitted.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Ernest; her sons, Clifford, Dwight, Glen and Jerold; her daughter, Arlene Barnes; fourteen grandchildren; one great

grandson; two brothers, Brice Bell of Nebraska City, Nebr., and Wendell Bell of Ord, Nebraska and many other relatives and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son-in-law, Kermit Barnes, and three grandchildren.

Services were held at the Lenox United Methodist Church Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist with Helen Brokaw and Billie Jean Barker, vocalists.

Casket bearers were Gregory Nook, Gary Nook, Bill Nook. Byron Northup, Roland Boltinghouse, and Lloyd Hamblin.

Burial was in West Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday May 12, 1977

 

Reason, Cecil -

Cecil Reason, 71, died of an apparent heart attack on March 23rd, while taking a walk near his home.

Mr. Reason, the son of Angeio and Eva Engelman Reason, was born at Anita, Iowa on Dec. 7, 1905 and spent the early part of his life in the Adair, Iowa area.

He was united in marriage to Violet Louise Haines on July 30, 1928 at Atlantic, la. Three sons, Kenneth, Keith and Robert were born to bless this marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers.

Besides his wife Violet of Lenox, he is survived by his sons: Kenneth at home; Keith and his wife Janice of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Robert or "Bob" and his wife Lois of

Golden, Ill. Also surviving are his five grandchildren: Teresa, Shelly, Lisa, Kim and Bradley Reason, all of whom he loved dearly; his brother, Ralph Reason of Lenox; and

several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Reason have made their home in the Lenox area for more than 40 years. In spite of his advanced years he was alert and keenly interested in all that went on

about him. He was always willing to lend a very helping hand to all of his friends and relatives and neighbors. Another pastime that he enjoyed in later years was an interest

in fishing and gardening.

Services were held Saturday, March 26 at Larkin-Bender Funeral Home at 10 o'clock a.m., with Rev. Floyd Newbrough, pastor of the Methodist Church officiating.

Music was furnished by Norma Paymal, organist; Marilyn Beck and Helen Brokaw, vocalists.

Casket bearers were Edgar Weese, Larry Rogers, Dean Finck, Lyle Johns, Homer Teatsworth and Dean Larimer.

Interment was in North Fairview cemetery, Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday March 31, 1977

Rees, Faye -

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Pine flew to Mesa, Arizona to attend the funeral of his sister, Mrs. Faye Rees, who passed away at her home there May 4th. The Rees family farmed

in this area for several years and have many relatives and friends here. She was a native of the Diagonal vicinity.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday May 12, 1977

 

Roberts, Minnie Velma Everett -

Mrs. Minnie Velma Roberts, 77, died at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home at Corning Sunday morning where she had been a resident for the past 32 days.

Mrs. Roberts was born at Winchester, Kansas April 25, 1899. She was the daughter of James and Charlotte Diddy Everett. She was married to Walter Lee Roberts at Winchester Jan. 26, 1923. He preceded her in death March 29, 1968.

Survivors include three sons Paul Roberts of Creston, Cecil Roberts of Council Bluffs, and Donald Roberts of Ankeny; three grandchildren Loretta Sewell, Becky White

and Jeffrey Roberts; five great grandchildren, Michael Sewell, Lisa Sewell, Jason Sewell, Amy Sewell, Kimberley White, two sisters, Clara Werst and Lula Sheldon both

of Winchester, Kan., and a brother, Winifred Everett of Topeka, Kan.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 in the Christian Church at Lenox with Rev. Jack Cutbirth, pastor of the church, officiating.

Music was furnished by Ruth Boltinghouse, organist, and Mildred Walter, vocalist.

Gasket bearers were Earl Dean Roberts, Wade Scholey, Henry Moser, Dr. Max Pool, Kenneth Boltinghouse and Earl Lillie.

Interment was in West Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday March 17, 1977

 

Smith, Gary Kevin -

Gary Smith, 45, Stringtown resident, died Sunday, February 20th at the Greater Community hospital in Creston.

Gary Kevin Smith, only son of Harold Adrain and Violet Ruth Hargis Smith, was born on February 20, 1932 in Page County, Iowa.

Gary was baptized on December 22, 1940 when he was 8 years old, in the First Christian Church in Bethany, Missouri. He lived and attended schools in Bethany and Marshall, Mo., and in Winterset, Iowa. He finished the 8th grade in a country school near Stringtown, and graduated from the Lenox High School in 1949. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Corning.

He entered the Naval Air Corps in January of 1952 during the Korean conflict. He was stationed at the U. S. Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California for 4 years. He served with the CVG 11, on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kearsarge in the Phillipine Seas.

On Feb. 7, 1954, he was united in marriage to Betty Jean Boelling, daughter of Paul and Beulah Boelling at the United Methodist Church in Corning. They made their home in San Diego, California for 2 years. Upon Gary's discharge from the Navy in January of 1956, they made their home in Shenandoah, Iowa until March of 1963 when they moved to farms in Adams and Taylor counties.  It was his life's desire to be a farmer. He was a substitute rural mail carrier during these years.

In April of 1971 he suffered a broken neck and other injuries from a falling tree which left him in constant pain the last years of his life.

In 1973 he and his family moved to his parents farm at Stringtown. Gary was a patient sufferer. He always made an attempt to follow his children's activities, even though

he was unable. His family lived one day at a time. No one will ever know how he suffered. He was a loving husband and father. His family was his first love and the out of doors was where he loved to spend his time. He especially enjoyed camping and the mountains of Colorado, he loved everyone: young and old.

Gary was preceded in death by an infant sister, Naomi Jean in 1930; his father Harold Adrain Smith in 1958, whom he missed very much and his grandparents.

Surviving him are his loved one, his mother, Mrs. Ruth Smith; his wife, Betty Jean, and his four children: Jace who lives and works in Red Oak, and Kimberly, Brenda and Blase who are at home; his father in law and mother in law, Paul and Beulah Boelling of Creston; his sister in law and brother in law, Barb and Ben Hill and their children, Teri, Lynn and Paul of Denver, Colo., many uncles, aunts and cousins and many, many friends, more than he realized. He will be missed very much by his loved ones.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Corning United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. James W. King officiating.

Music was furnished by Kathy Schafer, organist and Bob Ridnour, soloist.

Casket bearers were Harold Shepherd, Harold Maynes, Donnie Walter, Carol Little, Stan Carlson and Ron Moon.

Honorary bearers were Harold Clark, Fred Shepherd, Dale Shepherd, Bob Funkhouser, Russell White and Virgil Herzberg.

Interment was in Old Memory cemetery at New Market, Iowa.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 24, 1977