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

Austin, Edward Lee -

Edward Lee Austin was born February 21, 1932, in Clearfield, IA to Clarence and Nellie

(Shaffer) Austin. Eddie departed his life at his home north of Diagonal, Monday,

December 12, 2005, at the age of 73 years, 9 months and 12 days.

Eddie moved to what became the home place as a young boy and has lived and

farmed in the general area the remainder of his life. Farming was Eddie's passion, starting

at a young age farming in partnership with his dad. On July 4, 1950, he was united in marriage

with Bessie Overholser. They moved to the house across the road and lived there for about

three years. While living here they were blessed with two children, Dixie and Mike.

Eddie and Bessie, along with the two kids moved to a farm one mile east where they

lived until 1970. In 195?, they were blessed with Becky. In 1970, Eddie decided Bessie

needed more rooms to clean and they put a double wide on top of the hill between the first

house and the second house. Through all these years of farming, Eddie worked with his

dad and brothers and brother-in-law. During the next few years Eddie and Bessie became

the grandparents of six grandchildren, Amy, Shane, Paul, Kerry, Kylene and of course Jason.

In the early 90's Eddie and Bessie moved one mile west of the home place. During the mid

90's Eddie and Bessie started going to Texas to enjoy winters in the warmth. While in

Texas they enjoyed their many winter Texan friends, jamming and trips to Mexico. In the

spring when it was time to return to Iowa, they would leave their southern home and their

Texas belongings in the care of their very good friends, Joe and Erma Zapata. Joe and Eddie

were always repairing someone's house or fixing the plumbing. In 1999, Eddie and Bessie

decided to move back to the original starting point, the home place on the High & Dry

Road. It is surprising they had time to move so many times. Between farming, grandkids

and jamming there was not much time left for anything else.

Preceding Eddie in death were a grandson, Paul Austin, his parents, Clarence and Nellie

Austin and parents-in-law, Stanley and Helen Overholser; sister-in-law, Mary Austin,

brother and sister-in-law, Delbert and Betty McCombs and brother-in-law Ed Fletcher.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Bessie, son; Mike Austin (special friend - Kim

Deschene) of Sauk Centre, Minn.; daughters: Dixie (Bruce) Baker, Creston; Becky

(Steven) Stamps, Diagonal. Grandchildren: Amy (Jerry) Schultes, Creston; Shane Austin,

Council Bluffs, IA.; Kerry (Lynnae) Austin, Sauk Centre, Minn. Kylene (Isaac) Lumbard and Jason

(Shauna) Stamps, Diagonal. Great grandchildren: Danika Schultes, Sophia Austin, Taylor

Lumbard and Skyler Stamps. Brothers: Charles (Carol) Austin, Vinita, OK. and Tom (Liane)

Austin, Des Moines. Sister: Virginia (Charles) Morris, Perry, IA. Sister-in-law, Bonnie Fletcher,

Diagonal and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Barb Tjaden, Titonka, IA and many nieces,

nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Services were held on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at the United Church of

Diagonal. The officiating ministers were: Rev. John Beran and Rev. Eydie Stephens. The

music was provided by: Judy Newton, Jim George, David Wiley, Ruth Ann Berk and

Paul Loy. The casket bearers were: Shane Austin, Amy and Jerry Schultes, and Kerry

and Lynnae Austin Burial was in the Union Cemetery, Diagonal, Iowa.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 21, 2005

 

Campbell, William (Ernie) Jr. -

Funeral services for Ernie Campbell, age 87, of Lenox, who died Friday, December 30,

2005, at the Lenox Care Center were held Tuesday, January 3, 2006, at 10:30 a:m.

at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox with Reverend Tim Maxa officiating. Interment

with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 were held in the

North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Ernie's name.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

William "Ernie" Campbell, Jr., was born April 16, 1918, in Bedford, Iowa, the son of

William Ernest Campbell and Anna Bessie (Gullett) Campbell. He grew up attending school in

Bedford graduating with the Class of 1937. In July of 1941 Ernie was drafted into the United

States Army where he honorably served his country during World War II in the South Pacific.

He was honorably discharged in 1945 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ernie earned the

Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation

Ribbon with one Bronze Star. After returning to Bedford, Ernie was united in marriage to

Helene Vincent on August 9, 1946, in Lenox, Iowa. To this loving union the couple was blessed

with the birth of two children, Susan and Bill.

Ernie worked at the First National Bank in Bedford, the Bedford Times-Press,

Cudahays, Prugh Hardware and also served as the Assistant County Assessor for

Taylor County. In August of 1959 Ernie and Helene purchased the Gamble's Store

in Lenox from Jay and Bessie Henderson. For twenty-one years they worked side-by side

building the hardware business now known as Bunch Hardware, selling to Dennis

and Judy Bunch in 1980. Ernie was an active businessman in Taylor County serving on the

Lenox Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox

were he served as an Elder for many years and was also a lifetime member of the VFW.

During his life time, Ernie made many friends and helped many people. He was even known

to drive to the farm fields to install batteries in his friend's tractors.

Ernie and Helene were blessed when in October of 1979 a granddaughter Erin was born.

Left to cherish Ernie's memory are his loving wife Helene of 59 years; a daughter Susan

Fuhrmeister of Coralville, Iowa; a son, Bill Campbell of Lenox; a granddaughter Erin Campbell

of Osceola; a nephew Beau Lower and family of Seattle; Washington, and a whole community

of friends.

Preceding Ernie in death were his parents William and Anna; two sisters Pearl Lower

and Jean Stone; and two brothers, "Cap" Campbell and Jack Campbell.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 11, 2006

 

Cordell, Nettie -

Nettie Cordell, Lenox, IA, age 91, passed away at the Greater Regional Medical

Center, Creston, IA, January 16, 2006.

Nettie was born October 3, 1914, in Washington Township; Taylor County, IA. to

Benjamin Franklin and Sarah Ann (Briggs) Evans.

She was united in marriage to Carl Henry Cordell on May 25, 1933 in Maryville,

MO. She was a homemaker and a farm wife.

She belonged to the United Methodist Church of Sharpsburg, and the Lenox

American Legion Auxiliary.

The services were held Thursday, January 19, 2006 at the Coen-Beaty-Pearson

Family Funeral Service, Lenox, IA with Pastor Tim Maxa, First Presbyterian

church officiating. Burial was in the West Fairview Cemetery, Lenox.

She is survived by sons: LaVerne (Faith) Cordell, Phoenix, AZ, Larry (Gail)

Cordell, Lenox, IA; and daughters: Peggy Brown, Lenox, IA., and Donna Smithson,

Lenox, IA.; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Mildred Evans, Gravity, IA, grandchildren, Kathy

(Jim) McCall, Patty Poole, Sharon (Quentin) Dalton, Michael (Denise) Gilbert,

Jackie Schmucker, Julie Gilbert, Christine Neemann, John (Sarah) Gilbert, Charlie

(Jennifer) Smithson, Larry D. (Marti Sue) Cordell, Jr., Leesa (Paul) Van Gelder, Leslie

Cordell, Dawne (Mike) Bowman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl in 1989; a son, John

Cordell; grandson, Dennis Duane Cordell; daughter-in-law, Joan Cordell; sons-in-law,

Doyle Gilbert, Harlan Brown; sisters, Pearl Bugg, Myrtle Fancher, Sylvia Peterman,

l> Grace Gibson, Hazel Lister, Dimple Salter, Crystal Matheny, Darlene Jay; brothers

Dewey Evans, and Cash Evans.

Memorials were suggested to the Lenox Stock & Saddle Club, American Legion

Auxiliary, Sharpsburg Methodist Church, or Lenox Community Trust.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 25, 2006

 

Dalton, Darrell Dean -

Funeral services for Darrell D. Dalton, age 83, Lenox, IA, who died Sunday,

December 18, 2005, at the Lenox Care Center were held Wednesday, December 21,

2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church, Lenox, with military rites accorded

by the Parkinson American Legion Post #250, Lenox. Darrell was cremated following the

funeral services and private family interment of ashes will be held at the Fairview

Cemetery, Bedford at a later date. Memorials can be given in his name. Please leave

a message of tribute to the Dalton family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com

under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home, Lenox.

Darrell Dean Dalton, son of Paul Edwin Dalton, and Oma Irene (Durfey) was born

October 6, 1922, in Bedford, IA. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1939.

He went on to farm with his father.

On March 14, 1942, Darrell married Frances Ellen Shafar, in Maryville, MO.

They first lived and farmed south of Bedford. Darrell served in the U.S. Navy during

World War II, from August 1944 to March 1946. He continued to farm south of

Bedford. In the mid 1950's, they moved to Conway to farm and then in 1963, they left

the farm and moved to Omaha, where they worked for the Omaha Home for Boys. In

1967, they moved to Des Moines where they were employed by the American Institute

of Business, as house parents.

Darrell also served for 20 years as their Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds,

retiring in 1987. In 1989, they moved to Red Oak, and in 2001 they moved to Lenox.

Darrell was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Lenox the Parkinson Post

#250 of the Lenox American Legion, an Honorary Member of the Phi Theta Pi

International Commerce Fraternity, and was a First Class Fireman for Boiler Operation.

Left to cherish Darrell's memory are his wife Frances Dalton, Lenox; two sons, Dick

(wife Deb) Dalton, Lenox and Bob (wife Barb) Dalton, High Point, N.C.; a daughter, Cheryl

(husband Dick) Hatfield, Knoxville; eight grandchildren, Quent (wife Sharon) Dalton,

Nicky (husband Rob) Brammer, Trish (husband Jared) Mains, Katrina (husband

Bill) Miller, Jennifer (husband Josh) Faber and Ryan, Chris (wife Carrie) and Lauren

Dalton; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dale (wife Doris) Dalton, Red Oak and

Don (wife Rosalie) Dalton, Bedford.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Jeanie Dalton in 1960

and brothers Duane and Dwight Dalton

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 28, 2005

 

Diggs, Francis Raymond -

Francis Raymond Diggs, was the son of Frank Elmer Diggs and Alta Jane Hoffman

Diggs. He was born May 12, 1925 in a farm house near Hawleyville, Iowa. Francis

passed away at his residence December 21, 2005 at the age of 80. He was the ninth child

of ten children. There were seven girls and three boys. He attended school through the

eighth grade. He took care of the farm and his elderly parents until their death.

Francis was a bachelor until he was forty-three. Everyone thought that was

how he would remain but God had other plans for him.

Francis was married to Reta Verlee Williams of Clarinda, Iowa on September 22, 1968.

They were married at Rosehill Church in Clarinda, Iowa. All the relatives and neighbors

decided to chivalry the new couple, thinking they were long gone on their honeymoon.

They were all shocked to be caught in the act as Francis and Reta came walking up the

lane to inspect their handy work. This gave many laughs for years to come especially

since they had already had time to remove all the labels from the cans. This was the

beginning of a whole new adventure and they soon added to this marriage two

daughters: Deana Lynn and Alice Elaine. Francis and Reta spent their first year of

marriage on the home place north of Gravity. They then moved to a farm a mile north

of Gravity where they lived for twenty years, farming and raising their children. Francis

also worked nights for six years as a nurse's aide at the State Hospital in Clarinda,

Iowa. Francis and Reta moved to Bedford in 1990. They lived in Bedford for 12

years. Francis worked as a custodian for Bedford Community Schools for six

years. He retired due to health reason. Francis and Reta were presently living in

Clarinda; Iowa, where they had moved in November of 2002 to the Clarhaven

apartments.

Francis enjoyed becoming a grandpa. He looked forward to the summers when his two

granddaughters would return from Haiti and be in and out. He was a faithful secretary,

keeping track of their whereabouts. He enjoyed singing and leading worship services

at the Gravity Christian Church where he was a faithful member for thirty-six years,

serving as deacon and then elder. He was a faithful member and dedicated Sunday school

teacher, never missing a Sunday until this past year when his failing health wouldn't allow it.

Francis was an encourager. Many will remember receiving a cheerful note or card from him while

sick or hospitalized. He was a man of few words but when he spoke he would leave you

weak with laughter. He was a faithful husband, dedicated father, loving grandfather and

favorite uncle.

Francis is survived by his wife, Reta; two daughters Deana Force and her husband

Wilcky of Carries, Haiti, Alice Diggs and her fiance, Michael Johnson of Bedford, Iowa; a

brother Harley Diggs of Clarinda, IA: a sister Elzene Diggs, of Clarinda, IA; sisters-

in-law Phyllis Diggs of Hopkins, MO; Geraldine Klakken and husband Wally of Gravity,

IA, and Kris Wollenhaupt and husband Rodger of Red Oak, IA; and two grandchildren,

Ashley and Kelsey. He is preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, Zella Wiley,

Beulah Wiley, Lela Worth, Stella Nickell, Elma Schooling and Dorothy LaVaugn Dugan,

and one brother Hildred Diggs.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 23, 2005 at Eickemeyer Funeral

Chapel in Bedford. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, IA. A memorial fund

is being established.

Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 28, 2005

 

Fehring, John (Jack) Norbert -

Funeral services for Jack Fehririg, age 56, of Lenox, who died Saturday, December 3,

2005 at his home, were held Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lenox United

Methodist Church. Interment was held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. The

family requests memorials be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa or to Wilson Lake.

Please leave a message of tribute to the Fehring family on our web page,

www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the

Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

John (Jack) Norbert Fehring was born July 30, 1949, in Carroll, Iowa, the son

of Norbert Fehring and Helen Klocke Fehring. He was raised, along with his three

brothers, on the family farm and grew to manhood in Pocahontas County. He

graduated from Pocahontas Catholic High School in 1967 and then attended Briar Cliff

College for two and one-half years. In 1970, he moved to Lenox as his parents had

recently moved there. He learned the skills of welding at Tote Manufacturing in Lenox

and Fruehauf in Omaha, and how to operate a caterpillar under Clinton Claiser.

In 1974, he began his farming career, working for Vogel Farms. He also purchased a local

tavern on Main Street with Steve John, which was known as "Big John's". He managed this

business for over thirteen years. On June 7, 1975, he was united in marriage to Paula

Bush, Jack and Paula first rented 80 acres of farm land in 1977, and purchased 11

head of cattle. Together they continued to expand, eventually farming 1,000 acres

of land and having a 115 cow & calf herd. To the delight of this loving union, a set of

triplets was born on January 28, 1982, Sarah, Nicholas and Kate.

Jack always thought of himself as a 'lucky man', being able to do exactly what

he wanted ..farm . . . every day for 25 years. He took great pride in improving and

preserving his farmland Jack felt it was important for Paula to be "home" to raise their

kids. He cherished the "all together" days on the farm when he, Paula and the kids

would work side-by-side. He loved camping and boating with his family and friends. He

enjoyed watching his children grow up to become wonderful adults. The highlight of his

recent years was watching his three children graduate from college and giving his

blessing to Sarah and Kate, as they married two wonderful men.

Jack was community minded, serving on the Lenox School Board; the Taylor Ridge Board,

and he was also a Township Trustee. In 1998, he received the. Rotary Rural-Urban Good

Citizen Award.

Left to cherish Jack's memory, are his loving wife, Paula, of 30 years of Lenox;

his three children, daughter, Sarah Gunsolley, and husband Zach of Oskaloosa; son, Nick

Fehring of Lenox; and daughter, Kate Shafar, and husband Sean of West Des Moines;

two brothers, Jerry Fehring and wife Kris of Kinnear, Wyoming; and Pat Fehring and wife

Marcia of Red Oak; along with nieces, nephews and a community of friends.

Preceding Jack in death were his father Norb in 1999; mother Helen in 2001; and

brother Matt in 1982.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 14, 2005

 

Griffin, Veda Paisley -

Veda Griffin, age 96, Mesa, AZ (formerly of Lenox) passed away December 21,

2005 in Arizona.

Veda was born July 4, 1909, on a farm outside of Lenox to Melvyn and Elizabeth

(Whitlow) Paisley.

She graduated from High School and attended College for one year.

Services were held January 19, 2006 in Scottsdale, AZ and graveside services were

January 21, 2006 in the West Fairview Cemetery, Lenox, IA.

Pastor Tim Maxa officiated.

She is survived by a son, Graydon Gene (Bonnie G) Griffin, Scottsdale, AZ. and a

grandson, Graydon Bradley Griffin.

Memorial may be made to the family.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 25, 2006

 

 

Jensen, Robert (Bob) Wayne -

Robert (Bob) Wayne Jensen was born Saturday, June 7, 1930, and passed from

this life from a heart attack on Saturday, January 9, 2006, at the age of 75 years, 7 months,

and 2 days. Funeral services were Saturday, January 14, 2006, at 1:30 p.m. at Orient

United Methodist church in Orient, Iowa, with family visitation Friday evening,

January 13, 2006 at Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield, Iowa, Burial at the Greenfield

Cemetery, Greenfield, Iowa.

He was born in rural Grand River Township, Adair County, to Jens Peter Jensen

and Dorcy Mae (Watson) Jensen, the second of three children. His nephew, Doug

Souders (wife Connie Williams Souders), made his home with the family as well. He lived his

entire life in Adair County, living in Orient during his married life. He was joined in

holy matrimony to Marjorie (Marj) Mensing on June 8, 1952, to this union was brought

three daughters, Diana Fisher (husband Michael Fisher) of Bedford, Iowa, LaDonna

David (husband Daniel David) of Orient, Iowa, and Roberta Brink (husband Bruce Brink)

of Panora. Iowa.

Bob attended rural schools in Adair County and worked as a bus mechanic at Zion

School during the 1948-1949 school year. He was a mechanic at various other

places, eventually opening his own shop in Orient in 1958. In 1961, he sold the garage and

pursued a career as an electronic technician. The business began on the back porch of his

home, but moved to a building on Broad Street in 1965, where it remains today.

The business name is Electronic Service. He chose never to completely retire and

was still managing his business although he claimed it had become more of a hobby than

a business the last couple of years.

Bob was a true animal lover, helping his daughters learn to respect and admire

wildlife. Often he would take in abandoned baby or injured birds and animals. He would

release them back to the wild once they were strong enough to fend for themselves; In his

later years, he enjoyed taking long strolls at various lakes in the area to view wildlife.

Stargazing was another of his passions.

He was a member of the Orient Rural Volunteer Fire Department most of his adult

life. He retired from that role when it became too physically taxing to continue, but still took

a strong interest in helping the community in time of need.

He served as mayor of Orient from 1970-1974 and 1976-1978, helping the city through

the process of getting city water and the building of Lake Orient, and he was a charter

member of the Orient Lions Club.

After his wife's untimely death in 1989, Bob joined the Masons and was an active

member until the Mason Lodge in Orient was closed. He also accepted a board

member position on the Adair County Sanitary Landfill Commission. Bob was very

active in activities related to Huntington's disease as well, serving on the board for the

Iowa chapter for several years. He offered comfort to many family members and

friends he met along the way who must deal with the disease. Bob also belonged to

a bereavement support group through Greater Community hospital. The group offered

him a lot of comfort in this time of need so he felt it was important to give back to the

group by offering comfort to others.

Bob had a special zeal for life that helped him sustain numerous bouts with ill health

the last few years. Spending time with family and friends brought him the greatest joy,

whether by telephone or in person. He discovered the Internet with the help of his

family and thoroughly enjoyed "surfing the net" and sharing emails with family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, J Peter and Dorcy Jensen; his wife, Marjorie;

and Brother Clifford Jensen.

Bob is survived by his sister, Marian Schultz, Blue Springs, MO; sister-in-law Sheila Jensen,

Apache Junction, AZ; and sister-in-law Mary Lou Mensing, Fontanelle, Iowa; He also has

numerous nieces and nephews as well as thirteen grandchildren and twenty-two great

grandchildren.

They are Michelle Sproul (husband Jim) of Solon, Iowa, and their daughter Kalya; Melanie

Gross (husband Paul) of Waukee, Iowa; and their children, Mackenzie, Colton, and

Courtney, Melissa Jacobson of Iowa City, IA; Michael Fisher, Jr. of Billings, Montana; and

children, Bethany and Anthony; Daniel (wife Nancy) Fisher and children Brittany,

Lindsey, Emiiy and Shaley of Lincoln, MO; Amanda (husband Fred); Trevino and

children, Breanna, Clarissa, and Gabriela of Sedalia, MO; Renee Sammons (husband

Dean) of Orient, Iowa; and their children, Branden and Brooklyn, Jodee Culver

(husband Dennis); of West Branch, IA; and their children, Lauree, Abigayle, Dominic,

and Karleigh;, Debra David of Ames, IA; Andrew Meyer (wife Danielle) of Orient,

Iowa; and their daughter Haylee; Tony Meyer of Stuart, Iowa; Justin Brink of Kapa'a,

Hawaii; Corey Brink of Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center of Excellence for Huntington's disease.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 18, 2006

 

Larson, Thelma Joy -

Funefal services for Thelma Larson, age 94 of Corning, who died Wednesday, December 28,

2005, at the Corning Nursing & Rehab Center we're held Saturday, December 31, 2005

at 2:00 p.m. at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home in Corning with Reverend Jeff

Hontz officiating. Interment was held in the Strand Cemetery. Memorials can be

directed to the Grace Baptist Church of Corning. Arrangements were entrusted to

Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Thelma Joy Larson was born April, 11, 1911,. in Montgomery County, Iowa the daughter of Lars

O. Larson and Rebecca Mae (Irwin) Larson. She grew up attending the Mayflower School

in Douglas Township which was 2-1/2 miles northeast of Morton Mills, Iowa. She then attended

two years at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, later attending and graduating from the

Omaha Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. Although Thelma never married, she found great

joy serving the Lord as a Missionary in the  United States, teaching Bible classes in Kentucky,

Tennessee and Montana as well. In her later years, she worked for the Larkin Funeral

Home in Corning. Thelma was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Corning.

Left to cherish Thelma's memory are a niece, Ella Maye Johns; five great nephews,

Alan Ruhl, Gary Ruhl, Lyle Ruhl, Michael Johns and Randy Johns; and a great niece,

Nancy Phillips.

Preceding Thelma in death were her parents; a sister Lillie Westerlund; four

brothers, Oliver, Willis, and Darwin Larson and Bernard at infancy; and a niece, Nadine Ruhl.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 4, 2006

 

Leach, Gladys Viola Purdum -

Gladys Viola (Purdum) Leach was born November 27, 1918, at Guthrie, Oklahoma.

She was the second oldest, of six children born to Bertha Alice (Thomas) Purdum

and Aaron Richard Purdum.

Gladys left us on December 4, 2005, at the age of 87 years and 7 days. When Gladys was

a young girl her family moved to a farm located near Lenox, where she grew up and

attended school. On October 15, 1938, she was united in marriage to Harry "Pete" Newton

Leach. To this union were born three daughters: Barbara Ann, Mary Ellen and Carol

Ann. During the early years of their marriage she and Pete lived on farms in the Lenox

and Clearfield areas. In 1950 they moved to a farm outside of Clearfield. Although Gladys

spent most of her life keeping their home, she worked for a period of time at the

Clearview Nursing Home. In 1964 Gladys and Pete moved to Colorado, where Pete pursued

a career as a carpenter. They lived in Fort Collins and Walden during their years in

Colorado, and enjoyed living in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. When they

retired in 1979, they moved back to Lenox, where she lived until health problems required

her to live at the Clearview Nursing Home.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen Spurrier of Clearfield; her two grandsons,

Cory Spurrier of Des Moines and Clint Spurrier and his wife Kris of Mount Ayr; her four

great grandchildren, Kylie Spurrier of Santa Ana, California, and Jake Steen, Caleb Steen

and Jazmine Spurrier, all of Mount Ayr; her two brothers, Clifford Purdum and his wife

Leone of Creston, and Dale Purdum and his wife Bertha of Lenox, and a host of nieces,

nephews and good friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, two of her daughters, her sister, Lucille

Goldsmith and husband Francis, her sister Jean Lewis and husband Carlton, her brother

Raymond and wife Deloris, her son-in-law Richard Spurrier, her brother-in-law Harvey

Leach and wife Oleta, and her sister-in-law Myrtle Ford and husband Leo.

Gladys loved cooking and decorating her home with her own crafts, including painted rocks,

decoupage with jewelry, Easter eggs, beaded bells and quilts. Gladys will be greatly

missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005 at the Christian Church in Clearfield

with Rev. Eydie Stephens officiating, Interment was in West Fairview Cemetery,

Lenox.

Wilson-Watson and Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 7, 2005

 

Mills, Wilford -

Funeral services for Wilford Mills, age 86, of Lenox, Iowa, formerly of Jameson, Missouri

will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Coen-Beaty Pearson Family

Funeral Service in Lenox. Burial will be in the Grand River Cemetery in Jameson, Missouri at

1:00 p.m. on Wednesday Rev Eydie Stephens will officiate the service. Memorials may be

directed to the Lenox Christian Church. On-line condolences may be left at

www.pearsonfuneralhome.com.

Wilford Mills was born November 2, 1919 in Jameson, Missouri the son of Joseph H.

Mills and Lillie Houghton. On June 22, 1941 he was united in marriage to Wilma Grace

Whitt in Jameson, Missouri.

Wilford farmed most of his life in the Jameson area. He was a Charter member of the Lions

Club in Jameson, Missouri and a member of the Christian Church in Gallatin, Missouri.

Survivors include his wife Wilma Mills of Lenox, daughters Karen Shawler of

Lenox and Phyllis (Bill) Combs of Morrisville, NC, four grandchildren, Todd (Crystal)

Shawler, Carlisle, IA, Lisa (Dane) Parrish, Des Moines, IA, Amy (Rich) Combs-Lane,

Morgantown, WV, Jason (Amy) Combs, Greensboro, NC, two great grandchildren,

Morgan Lane and Garrett Lane, Morgantown, WV.

Wilford was preceded in death by his parents.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday January 18, 2006

 

Rundlett, Glenn Alexander -

Glenn Alexander Rundlett, age 80 passed away in Omaha, NE December 15, 2005 at

the Immanuel Hospital.

Glenn was born August 25, 1925 in Adams County, IA to Ralph Lowell and Eva Pearl

(Alexander) Rundlett. He was married to Donna Stone.

Glenn started working for the Earl May Garden Center and was a manager for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; and two daughters: Linda (Donald) Norton;

Lorrie (Bob) Wacker; and two sons Tom Rundlett and Deb Colbert; and Tim (Stacy)

Rundlett. Twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A sister; Sarah Falconer and two sisters-in-law: Jean Gildersleeve and Joan Hurd.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His services were held Monday, December 19, 2005 with burial in the Lenox

Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 21, 2005

 

Shehan, Stephen Roy -

Funeral services for Steve Shehan, age 57 ofTunnel Hill, Georgia, formerly of Bedford,

who died Wednesday, December 7, 2005, were held Monday, December 12, 2005

at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Reverend Randy Allman

officiating, Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American

Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be

directed to Hospice of Chattanooga. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie

Funeral Home of Bedford.

Stephen Roy Shehan was born September 21, 1948, in Maryville, Missouri the son of

Robert Martin Shehan and Ethel Mae Newkirk Shehan. He grew up in Bedford,

graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1967. He answered the call

to serve his country by entering the United States Army, serving a tour of duty

in Vietnam. Steve met Helen Motsinger in 1968 and on January 3, 1969 the couple

was united in marriage in, Papillion, Nebraska. After his discharge in 1970, the couple

lived in Glenwood and ran Shehan's Department Store, until 1979, when the family

moved to Albany, Missouri where Steve and his brother John ran the family

department store. Steve did other jobs as well. In 1983, they moved to Texas.

In 1989 Steve went to work for Walmart's Automotive Department. He helped open

many Walmart Stores for over sixteen years.

Steve had previously been a member of the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department,

Rotary and Jaycees. He enjoyed playing country music on his guitar. Steve had an

adventuresome spirit and was always up to the challenge of something new. He was a

handy mechanic and could build most anything, always being persistent and dedicated

to the task at hand. Steve always put his family first, and enjoyed being involved in their

activities. Together he and Helen enjoyed RV'ing and car races. Steve enjoyed working

on and driving his 1960 Triumph, TR3, a car he has owned for over 40 years.

Left to cherish Steve's memory are his loving wife Helen of Tunnell Hill, Georgia;

his mother, Ethel May Hanshaw of Bedford; a son, Robert Martin II of Chattanooga,

Tennessee; a daughter, Jennifer Johnson and husband Chris of Dunlap, Tennessee; a

brother, David Shehan and wife Vicki of Sandersville, Mississippi; two sisters, Pat

Shehan and husband Jon Ryan of Coriroe, Texas; and Joyce Shehan of Clarinda;

a step-sister, Kay Ware and husband Lynn of Florida; two grandchildren, Blair

Johnson of Dunlap, Tennessee and Robert Martin III of Hixson, Tennessee; two

step-grandchildren, Sammy and Chasi Johnson of Dunlap, Tennessee and several nieces,

nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Steve in death were his father, Robert Shehan; step-father Clif

Hanshaw, a brother John Shehan,  two sisters, Susan  and Janice Shehan and a step-

brother Jim Hanshaw.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 14, 2005

 

Sundell, Ruth Bruner -

Funeral services for Ruth Sundell, age 92 of Lenox who died Wednesday, November

30, 2005 at; the Lenox Care Center in Lenox were held Saturday December 3, 2005 at

10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment was held in the North Fairview

Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be made to the United Methodist Church in Lenox.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Ruth was born March 10, 1913, on a farm southwest of Clearfield, the daughter of

Daniel Bruner and Blanche (Knox) Bruner. She graduated from Clearfield high school and

upon graduation began teaching school. Ruth taught three years until her marriage to

Karl Sundell on June 16, 1934, Together she and Karl farmed and raised their family of

three beautiful children on a farm south of Lenox.. While on the farm Ruth enjoyed

raising a flower and vegetable garden each year. Then, in 1956, Ruth continued her passion

of teaching. She attended Northwest Missouri State University, and took correspondence

classes, Saturday classes, and Summer school. In 1964, she graduated from NWMSU with

a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She continued her graduate work at Drake

University in areas of Special Education and Learning Disabilities. Ruth continued to teach

elementary school until her retirement in 1975. After her retirement she continued to

teach adult basic education classes at the Taylor County Care facility and did summer

tutoring until 1981. Ruth was also a member of Alpha Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa

Gamma, a national teacher's organization.

Ruth's family was the center of her life. Most importantly, she enjoyed being involved in

their lives. Ruth was always proud of her family and their activities. She was a very loving

and generous person who enjoyed quilting and giving away her many works. This included a

quilt for each grandchild and many more to others. Ruth was also a wonderful cook.

Having come from a large family where her responsibility was to cook; she honed her skills.

There were many favorites "dishes" in the family, but her specialty was her noodles, Ruth

was also a member of the Lenox United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish Ruth's memory are her loving children, Beverly Stream of Lenox; Karl

Sundell and wife Joyce of St Joseph, Missouri; and Vada Calhoon and husband Wayne of

Spencer, Iowa; two sisters, Mildred Matthews of Clearfield; and Helen Lyddon of Clearfield;

along with nine grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, seven great greatgrandchildren.

Preceding Ruth in death are her parents, Daniel and Blanche, husband Karl, two brothers,

Fred and Roland, and three sisters, Bernice, Marietta and Alice.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 7, 2005

 

Tribolet, Clara Elizabeth Johnson -

Funeral Services for Clara Tribolet, age 82 of Bedford who died Wednesday, December

21, 2005, were held Monday, December 26, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home

in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. In lieu of flowers,

the family requests memorials be given in her name. Please leave a message of tribute to

the Tribolet family on our web Page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Clara Elizabeth Johnson Tribolet was born November 20, 1923, in Taylor

County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Leroy Ellis and Mary Melvin Johnson. She

grew up in the Gravity area and graduated from Gravity High School. During World

War II she moved to Des Moines where she worked at the Ammunition Plant packing

bullets. In January of 1946, on a blind date, she met the love of her life, Donald

Tribolet. They were united in marriage just four months later on May 18, 1946 in Troy,

Kansas. This union was blessed by ten children: Joyce, John, Karen, Larry, Richard,

Robert, Linda, Donna, Terry and Timothy.

Don and Clara farmed southeast of Bedford for more than thirty years. Clara held

second jobs occasionally at the Skylark Cafe, Junction Cafe, Places Dime Store and the

Bedford Sale Barn. She was a life-long member of the Berea Church of Christ. In her

spare time (!) she also helped with various 4-H Clubs the children belonged to and was a

member of the Rebekah's, Lioness and Travel Clubs.

Her children, and their friends, were her life. She always said she knew how many

kids were asleep when she went to bed, but she didn't know how many would be

in the yard when she woke up.

Left to cherish Clara's memory are nine of her children: Joyce Sparks, Karen and

Jim Simpson, Larry and Nanci Tribolet, Richard and Janet Tribolet, Robert Tribolet

and Georgie Scurfield, Linda Van Dyk, Donna and Mark Gregory, Terry Tribolet,

and Tim and Kimberly Tribolet; fifteen grandchildren: Diana and Mike Sparks,

Joshua Simpson, Christopher and Angie, Jonathan and Jennifer Tribolet, Tanner

Tribolet, Danielle O'Farrell, Emmett and Casey Tribolet, Lizzie Van Dyk, Pat and

Tiffany and Dan Gregory, Cole and Emily Tribolet; seven great-grandchildren: Jared

Arnold, CJ King, Cheyenne Spurgeon, Mikala and Caitlyn Sparks, Taylor and Baylor

Gregory; a sister Irene Neibling; three brothers, Ed and wife Mildred Johnson,

Russ and wife Shirley Johnson and Brice and wife Carolyn Johnson; along with many

nieces, nephews, relatives and a whole community of friends.

Preceding Clara in death were her parents Leroy and Mary Johnson, husband

Donald, son John, a brother Ivan and twin grandsons, Donald and David Sparks.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 28, 2005