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

Ballew, Brenda Twiggs -

Prayer services for Brenda Twiggs-Ballew, age 46, of Lenox, were held Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.

at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Brenda died Saturday, November 27, 2004.

Cremation followed the prayer services. Memorials can be directed to the Lenox Public Library.

Arrangements were by Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Brenda Joyce Twiggs-Ballew was one of eight children born to William M. Twiggs and Imogene L. Wright Twiggs

on November 2, 1958 in Texas. Growing up she and her family lived in various states around the United States.

She graduated from Spanaway High School in Washington and attended college at Pierce Community College

in Bellevue, Washington. In 2003, she was diagnosed with cancer and in May of 2004, she moved to Lenox to be

with her sister Shirley Brown.

Brenda loved to collect dolls and traveled extensively to get them. She was a lady who always liked to 'look her best'

and truly had a "free spirit."

Left to cherish Brenda's memory are her mother Imogene Twiggs of Roy, Washington; her son Michael

Twiggs and wife Bobbie Jean of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three brothers, three sisters; special friends Mark Foth and Kevin

Cosley, both of Bellevue, Washington; and many new friends from Lenox.

Preceding Brenda in death was her father William and a brother.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 1, 2004

 

Brand, Verlene Firkins -

Verlene Brand, age 85, passed away at her home in Sharpsburg on December 2, 2004.

She was born May 12,1919, in Guss, IA to George Washington and Gertrude (Branan) Firkins.

She was united in  marriage to Carl Gailen Brand on October 29,1938 in  Woodward, IA.

She was a homemaker, and drove a school bus for 11  years for the Sharpsburg School

District before it was combined with the Lenox District.

She was a long-time member of the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church. She was an avid

quilter and gardener. There was open visitation on Dec. 5 at the Coen-Beaty-Pearson

Family Funeral Service, Lenox. The service was held at the Sharpsburg Presbyterian

Church with the Rev. Tim Maxa, officiating. Burial was in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Guss.

She is survived by daughters Donna ( husband Terry) James, Excelsior Springs, MO;

Helen (husband Gary) Mains, Huxley, IA. Beverley Bender, Sharpsburg, IA.; daughter

Opal (husband Bob) Saddoris, Pinewood. MN; Carol (husband Bill) Scott, Randolph, IA.;

Betty (husband Dennis) Caryl, Topeka, KS; sons Kenneth Brand, Sharpsburg, and

John Brand, Whitewright, TX.; sister Ethel Finley, California; brother-in-law, Marvin

Imel, Arizona; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1987; daughter-in-law Linda

Brand; granddaughter, Pretty Brand; brother: Cecil Firkins; sisters: Anita Firkins, Vernita

Firkins,: and Leda Imel; son-in-law, Jack Cribbs; and brother-in-law, Clarence Finley.

She had 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

Jenkins, Eldon Merle -

Funeral services for Eldon Jenkins, age 82, of Creston, formerly of Lenox, who died Dec. 1 at his home,

were held Dec. 4 at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. 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

directed to Green Valley Hospice or to the Lenox American Legion. Arrangements were entrusted to the

Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Eldon Merle Jenkins was born June 7, 1922 in Griswold, Iowa the son of John Edwin Jenkins and Abbey Ellen

Forsyth Jenkins. He grew up on a farm southeast of Griswold where he attended rural schools and the

Griswold High School. He also attended Aircraft Maintenance School in Omaha. In 1941, he was united in

marriage to Ruth L. Burton in Lincoln Center. Four children were born to bless this union, David,

Dennis, Debbie and Deann. He and Ruth later moved to Los Angeles, California where he worked for an

aircraft factory.

He was drafted into the United States Army Air corps and served during World War II as a Gunner and

later in Maintenance working as a Flight Crew Chief on B-17's and B-29's. After the war, he returned to

Griswold where he went to work for Lloyd and Meredith for a short time. He then rented a farm from

Matt Meredith and later purchased that farm in 1957 located near Cumberland.

In 1963, he purchased Harry Reese's farm near Stringtown, also purchasing other farms in the area. On Nov.

17, 1967, he was united in marriage to Isabelle Thompson in Lincoln, Nebraska, born to bless this union was

a son Eric.

In 1992, he semi-retired and continued to help his son-in-law and daughter, Kevin and Deb, on the family

farm. In March of 2003, he and Isabelle moved to Creston.

Eldon had been a long-time member of the Stringtown Church prior to moving to Creston where he became a

member of the Creston Christian Church. He was a lifetime member of the Parkinson American Legion Post

No. 250 in Lenox.

During Eldon's life, some of his favorite things were farming, airplanes, playing cards and traveling. He loved to

visit with people and was an excellent storyteller. After moving to Creston, he enjoyed his new friends and neighbors

at Quiet Harbor and especially enjoyed watching 'The Price Is Right' and 'Jeopardy' on TV.

Left to cherish Eldon's memory is his wife Isabelle of Creston; three sons David Jenkins and wife Judy of St. Peter.

Minnesota; Dennis Jenkins and wife Dona of Lenox: and Eric Jenkins and wife Linda of Prescott; two daughters Debra

Sweeney and husband Kevin of Lenox; and Deann Jenkins of Creston; three step-children, Jack Butler and wife Kelly of

Independence, Missouri; Kady Russell and husband John of Grimes, Iowa; and Kelly Butler of Prescott; two brothers,

J.L. Jenkins of Mesa. Arizona: and Delbert Jenkins and wife Margie of Red Oak, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren, Todd

Jenkins; Brian Jenkins and wife Jodi; Scott Jenkins; Stephen Jenkins and wife Dianne; Chad Jenkins; Shane Sweeney

and fiance Meghann Wild: Courtney Brown and husband Ryan; Kerry Sweeney; Trenton. Logan and Gabriellc Jenkins;

Tyler Brokaw; Taylor Butler: Malissa Richardson and husband Aaron: Chris Hogan and wife Nicole; T.J. Butler and wife

Reagan: Jay Russell and wife Kandace: Trisha Boughn and husband Todd; ten great-grandchildren. Jordan. Emily, Paige

and Abbey Jenkins: Kristen Brown: Colton and McKinna Hogan; Will Butler. Keegan Russell: and Macy Boughn;

along with a host of family members and friends.

Preceding Eldon in death are his parents; his first wife Ruth in 2002: a sister, Annette Jenkins and a sister-in-law,

Flossie Jenkins.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

Kilgore, George Samuel -

George Samuel Kilgore was born August 5, 1923 and passed away November 8, 2004 at Alegent Health Mercy

Hospital, Corning.

He was born at the home of his parents, Zenas R. and Eunice E. (White) Kilgore on the family farm North of

Diagonal. He grew up there first attending Mortimer rural school and then Diagonal High School, graduating in 1941.

After graduation, George continued in an expanded family farming operation, ultimately being quietly disappointed to be

classed as an essential farm worker by the local draft board in lieu of induction for military service in World War II.

On June 28, 1946 George was united in marriage with Clara V. Clay of Leon after a long term, long distance

courtship, a marriage which was to be "after the war was over". To that 58 year union 7 children were born: David,

Kerry, Kevin, Charles, Anne, Gordon and Margaret. George left the family farming operation in 1952, working as a farm

laborer in the Diagonal and Clearfield area for several years.

Subsequently, he was an employee of Taygold Coop then MFA. After retirement in 1985, he re-assumed a farming

operation, retiring again in 1994 to engage in scrap metal recycling. At various times in his life, George was active in

4-H, was a Deacon in his Church, and served on the Clearfield City Council. He was a member of the Clearfield Fire Dept,

and was a law enforcement auxiliary for the Clearfield Police. As a younger man he was the star attraction at the

Clearfield Lions Club Fourth of July celebrations as a wrestler.

George was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife, Clara,

Clearfield; children, David (wife Beverly) Auckland, New Zealand, Kerry Saville (husband Richard), Lenox, Kevin

(wife Cathy) Diagonal, Charles (wife Renae). Lamoni, Anne, Clearfield, Gordon, St. Joseph, MO and Margaret, Poway,

CA. He additionally leaves to mourn his passing an uncle, 2 brothers, and a sister, numerous well loved cousins,

grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The services were held on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at the Wilson-Watson-Armstrong Funeral

Home, Clearfield. The Rev. Len Garrison officiated.

The Casket Bearers were: John Pirtle, Dwayne Cason, Lewis Larson, David England, Larry Brammer, and Gerald

England.

Burial was in the Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield, IA.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 24, 2004

 

Kopp, Donald P -

Memorial services for Donald Kopp, age 82, of Lenox, formerly of the Bedford area, were held Dec. 8 at Ritchie

Funeral Home in Lenox. He passed away Nov. 21, 2004.  Interment of cremated remains was held in the Lexington

Cemetery north of Bedford. Memorials can be given in Donald's name. Arrangements were by the Ritchie Funeral

Home of Lenox.

Donald P. Kopp was born Jan. 17, 1922, on a farm south of Clearfield, Taylor County Iowa the son of Fred

Kopp and Gail Parks Kopp. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from the Clearfield High School with the Class

of 1939. After high school, Donald worked in the eastern part of the United States until a disability occurred. Donald

returned to the family farm north of Bedford and continued to reside there until his mother, father and only brother,

Dale Kopp, passed away on Nov. 4, 1984. Donald began to reside at Country Haven in Corning and on January 4, 1985,

he moved to Taylor Ridge Estates in Lenox where he remained until the time of his death.

Donald enjoyed reading, doing big search crossword puzzles and enjoyed listening to any kind of music, especially

gospel tapes.

Left to cherish Donald's memory are cousins Velma Hanson of Clearfield: Marjorie Payne of Diagonal; Beverly

Uric of Oakdale, Minnesota: Wilma Santiago of O'Fallon, Illinois: Gail Scroppo of Oak Brook. Illinois: along with

many other family members and friends.

Preceding Donald in death were his brother Dale Kopp, his mother Gail Kopp: father Fred Kopp and his aunt Alice Bladon.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

McFee, Kenneth Darwin -

Funeral services for Kenneth McFee, age 85, of Lenox, who died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at Greater Community

Hospital in Creston were held Dec. 8 at United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Interment was held in the North Fairview

Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to the church. Arrangements were by Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Kenneth Darwin McFee was born Sept. 27, 1919 north of Lenox, the son of Lewis Wellington McFee and Bertha

Isabelle Jones McFee. He was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Lenox High School with the Class of

1937.

On August 31, 1940, he was united in marriage to Mary Dolores Purviance. Kenneth farmed as well being

a partner with his brother, Wayne McFee, in the Lenox Bowling Alley, which they operated for 40 years.

Kenneth was an active community member serving on the Lenox City Council for 14 years; he was also a 74-year

member of the United Presbyterian Church where he had served as an Elder and Trustee. He enjoyed being a Boy

Scout Leader when the boys were young. Kenneth was an excellent woodworker and craftsman, having built three

grandfather clocks, the Chancel arrangement at the Presbyterian Church. He also helped his brother Wayne build

the Lenox Bowling Alley.

He and his family enjoyed taking many vacations, often going to the Black Hills in South Dakota. He was a sports

enthusiast, attending most of the Lenox athletic events throughout the years and watching sports events on TV.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Mary McFee of Lenox; two sons, Terry McFee of Phoenix, Ariz.,

and Galen McFee and wife Sharleen of Goshen, Ind.; four grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; a sister, Bonita

Mohler of Altoona: and a host of friends.

Preceding Kenneth in death were his parents and brother Wayne McFee.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

Miller, Gerda Brenner -

Funeral services for Gcrda Miller, age 69, of Lenox, were held Monday, Dec. 6, 2004 at 11:0() a.m. at the United

Methodist Church in Lenox.

Interment was held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Gerda's name.

Arrangements were by Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Gerda passed away Dec. 2, 2004. She was born June 26, 1935, in Weinsbwrg, West Germany, the third of five children

born to Albert Landwirt Brenner and Margarete (Ellsasser) Brenner.

Gerda grew up during the war and endured many hardships. The family owned a farm and orchard, raising

fields of fruits and vegetables. She went to school through the 8th grade and went to trade school to become

a seamstress.

In 1953 Gerda met Benne C. Miller, who was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Heilbronn, West Germany.

Not having permission from the Army, Gerda and Benne were secretly married in September 1953. At age 18,

speaking very little English, Gerda boarded a plane by herself and went to the United States while Benne went

by boat with the Army.

They were united in marriage on Feb. 16, 1954, in Lenox. To this union a son Marvin and a daughter Shirley

were born.

Benne and Gerda owned and operated a farm near Lenox where she was busy being a housewife and mother.

She kept busy sewing clothes and gardening. Gerda was very active in many card and neighborhood clubs,

including past matrons. She was very active in Eastern Star, belonging for 36 years, being an officer for 35

of those years. She attended Grand Chapter numerous years.

She became a Master Gardener and was very proud of her flower garden. Gerda had over 600 daylilies and 500

irises. She hosted numerous garden walks. Her gardens were featured on a national tour in 1996 and were

also featured in the Eureka Book and other magazines.

Gerda worked at Hy-Vee in Creston for over 10 years. She loved to entertain and cook; she was known for her great

German cooking and wonderful desserts.

Survivors include her son Marvin J. Miller and wife Georgia of Lenox; daughter Shirley D. and husband Jeff

Miller of Hastings, Iowa; four grandchildren, Brandie Miller of Grimes, Iowa; Suzanne Sulzer and husband Bryan of

Dubuque, Iowa; Jason Miller and Jordan Miller of Hastings, Iowa; two sisters. Ilse Stultz and husband Werner of

Untergruppenbach, Germany; Rose-Marie Kauder and husband Jurgen of Zornheim, German; sister-in-law

Josephine Schomberg of Villisca, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Gudnun and husband Jurgen Lindorfer; Brigitte and

husband Wolfgang Megerle; Dirk Kauder and wife Seval; all of German}'; Jim Schomburg of Villisca, Iowa; Marjory and

husband Phillip Bradford of Traskwood, Arkansas; and many other family members and friends.

Preceding Gerda in death were her parents; husband Benne in 1996; brother Eric Brenner; an infant sister; a

nephew Gunther Stutz and a brother-in-law, Ed Schomburg.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

Oxley, Paul H -

Funeral son ices for Paul Oxley, age 81, of Sharpsburg were held Thursday. December 23. 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the

Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No.

250 & Moore Rutledge American Legion Post No. 578 of Gravity were held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Memorials can be directed to the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church or the Lenox Stock & Saddle Club. Arrangements

were by Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox. Paul passed away Sunday, December 19, 2004 at Alcgent Health Mercy

Hospital in Coming

Paul H. Oxley was born July 6, 1923 on a farm west of Sharpsburg, Iowa the son of E:L. Oxley and Mable

Pleasant Hixson Oxley. Paul and his older sister Freda grew up on a farm west of Sharpsburg attending country

schools. His family moved to his grandparent's farm near New Market where he graduated from the New

Market High School with the Class of 1941. After graduation, he returned to Sharpsburg where he farmed.

On March 14, 1943, Paul married Jenola Lewis and friend Deanne Johnson married Donnis Walton in a double

ceremony at the United Methodist Church in Maryville, Missouri. The two couples remained close throughout

their lives. In January of 1944, he answered the call to serve his country entering the United States Army,

serving during World War II in the Pacific Theatre on the Island of Siapan. After his discharge, he and Jenola returned

to Sharpsburg to farm. In 1956, the couple moved to Waukee for six years where they were involved in Brown Swiss

Cattle. Paul also worked for John Deere in Dallas Center in the 1950's and early 1960's. In 1962, they returned to their

present home near Sharpsburg.

Paul was a member of the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church for over fifty years, having served as an Elder. He

was a long-time member of the Lenox Stock & Saddle Club and served on the Board of Directors. Paul spent many hours

keeping the rodeo grounds in good condition and working the calf shoot at every rodeo. Paul enjoyed horses enough

to ride in the Taylor County Sheriff's Posse during the 1960's and early 1970's. Serving on the Board of Directors

for Camp Sunnyside was also a favorite of Paul's. Terry and Paul were able to pass the boot in front of their home one

year during the Pony Express ride. Paul also served as an officer for the southwest low a Sheep Association in the

late 1980.

Paul truly loved farming and the lifestyle it provided. He especially enjoyed the planting and harvest seasons. Although

they had no children of their own, Paul and Jenola were involved in the lives of several boys. Paul always instilled

good work ethics in everyone who stayed with them. From the age of ten Terry Booth began farming with Paul. Terry

started by pulling weeds in the soybeans and haying. Together they farmed several acres, including cattle and

lambing up to 300 head of sheep. Terry continues to farm today with row crop, cattle and sheep. Paul also enjoyed

working as a Ringman at local auctions.

Left to cherish Paul's memory is his wife Jenola; a son Terry Booth and wife Holly and their children Kindra and

Kasey all of Sharpsburg; a sister Freda Bailey of Bedford; nephew Howard Bailey and wife Vivian of St. Joseph,

Missouri; nieces Linda Dittemore and husband Tom of Littleton, Colorado; and Diana Baak and husband Paul of

New Market, along with their families; and the families of the late Dean and Donnis Johnson, and the families

of Richard Gold of Council Bluffs and the families of John Brand of Texas; and many friends.

Preceding Paul in death were a brother-in-law, Harold Bailey, and a nephew Kenneth Bailey.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 22, 2004

 

Shaver, Joanne Elaine Wilson -

Joanne Elaine Wilson Shaver died peacefully at home November 10, 2004, surrounded by her family, bringing full

circle a life of adventures.

Joanne was a charming, sharp and feisty woman with the beautiful pale blue eyes. She was born June 15, 1922

in Emmettsburg, Iowa, to Floyd V. Wilson and Agnes Burgess Wilson. Joanne was reared in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,

where she graduated from Marquette University in 1943 with a BS in Nursing. Her adventures had barely begun.

Joanne crossed the Pacific Ocean on the first commercial Philippine Airlines flight following WWII,

joining her husband, Monson William (Bill) Shaver in Manila, Philippines. She worked as their Trans Asiatic

Airline stewardess until the birth of Patricia Anne in 1947. Elizabeth Jane followed in 1949.

The Shaver family moved to Tokyo, Japan a few years later, where her third daughter, Mary Kathryn Shaver, was

born while Joanne visited her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After a few years living in Taipei, Taiwan, Joanne moved her family to Bangkok, Thailand. With the tenacity,

intelligence and humor she was known for, she took on the challenge of yet another culture and language, keeping her

family healthy through numerous epidemics. Sundays her home was an Open House Curry Luncheon which airline

pilots and CIA employees laying over in Bangkok always attended. In 1958, after driving herself across the city in the

pre-dawn hours, her long-awaited son, Monsou William Shaver III, was born.

Joanne took moves to yet more countries, including Laos, as adventures. She relished both learning and teaching

opportunities, and treasured the feelings of "family" she developed with her friends, staying close to them up to her

last days.

Joanne's move to the USA after thirty years in Asia landed her in North Ogden, Utah, where she enjoyed a new

sense of independence with her work at H&R Block.

Following the sun to St. George, Utah, Joanne brought smiles and delight to all who encountered her. A guiding

light has left our lives.

The Shaver family would like to thank Joanne's wonderful hospice team members of Health Care Odyssey for

the love, compassion and ease of her last weeks.

Private graveside services will be held Monday, December 13, 2004, at the West Fairview Cemetery in

Lenox. Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family Funeral Service of Lenox is in charge of the arrangements.

Joanne is survived by her husband:. Monson Shaver, Sr. George, Utah; three daughters: Patricia (husband John)

Schier, Austin, Texas; Elizabeth Jane (husband Corky) Olsen, Ogden, Utah; Mary Kathryn (husband Johnny)

Brown, Renton, Washington; one son: Monson Shaver, III, Salt Lake City, Utah; two grandchildren: Elizabeth and

Christina Schier, Austin, Texas; one brother: Bill Wilson, Escondido, California; one sister: Jeanette Kostritza,

Milwaukee, Wisconsin; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents and one brother: Bob Wilson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

Sollars, Ernest Darwin -

Ernest Darwin Sollars. 84, of Clearfield passed away on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004, at the Clearview Nursing Home in

Clearfield.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 29, at United Methodist Church in Clearfield with Rev. Len

Garrison officiating. Music was provided by Emma Ditrinco. and John Allen. Casket bearers were John

Jacobs; Mark Perez, Dale Bickel, Matthew Sollars, J Bradley Sollars and Brian Bickel. Burial was in Clearfield Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were by Wilson-Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home.

Darwin was born July 14, 1920, to Ernest and Vesta (McCoy) Sollars in Coal Hollow near New Market. Darwin

attended grade school in Missouri and Iowa and graduated from Gravity High School in 1938. Following high school

Darwin went to work on a farm for Frank Bender, near Clearfield.

Darwin married Hazel Lavon Routh on Dec. 4, 1939. To this union were born Wendell Jay and Ernest Roe.

Darwin was a charter member of the Clearfield Lions Club and served as Tail Twister and Zone Chairman. He was

the first chairman of the Iowa State Fair Shuttle Bus for the Lions Club in 1964and 1965. As a young man, he was a

referee at many high school basketball games in the area.

After more than 20 years of farming, Darwin sold his farm equipment in 1965 and entered the life insurance

business. His success as a salesman took him to companies in Missouri and Ohio. In 1971 Darwin helped found and

became president of Golden Investors Life Insurance Company in Indianapolis.

After years of success in Indiana, Darwin continued his career with life insurance companies in Georgia and Florida.

In 1982, Darwin and Hazel retired to Sun Valley Lake in Ellston, and spent their winters in Las Vegas. After suffering

a stroke in 1999, Darwin returned to Clearfield where he was cared for by his wife Hazel until his passing.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Altha Martz; two brothers-in-law, Willard Martz and Cecil

Miller; and one nephew, Robert Martz.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Hazel, his two sons, Wendell and special friend Monica Jacobi of

Ellston; and Roe and wife Margaret of Tampa Fla., four grandchildren, Sherry Jacobs and husband John, Sandy Perez

and husband Mark, Matthew Sollars and fiancee Emma Ditrinco, and Bradley Sollars and girlfriend Gwen Gruber

two great-grandchildren, Cody Hills and Dalton Hills, a brother-in-law, Delbert Routh and wife Bernadine; and

sister-in-law Betty Jo Miller.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 1, 2004

 

Veatch, Eugene (Gene) -

Graveside services for Eugene "Gene"' Veatch, age 84 of Lamar. Colorado, formerly of Lenox, who died Nov. 28 at

the Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. Colorado were held Dec. 3, at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Memorials can be given in Gene's name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Eugene Veatch was born in rural Orient, Iowa on September 5, 1920, the son of Charles A. Veatch and

Florence L. Dawes Veatch. Gene grew up on rural farms in the Kent and Creston areas. He attended country schools in

the same area. On October 7, 1941, he was united in marriage to Lucile Purviancc of Cromwell, Iowa.

Gene worked mostly at farming occupations. Many years were with Barker's John Deere Implement Company of

Lenox. Iowa. He moved to Lamar, Colorado in June of 1975.

At Lamar, he worked at various occupations including driving trucks. He worked at Anderson Seed Company

driving trucks delivering seed products. He retired in October of 1985 at which time he moved to South Fork,

Colorado.

Due to health problems, he moved back to Lamar in February 1993, remaining in Lamar until the time of his death.

Left to cherish Gene's memory are his loving wife of sixty-three years, Lucile; his daughter and son-in-law Sandra

and Doug Nevius all of Lamar, Colorado; three grandsons, Scott Nevius and wife Tami of Rural Lamar, Colorado; Jeff

Nevius and wife Deanna of Winchester, California; Rob Nevius of Norco, California; six great-grandchildren, Tanner,

Travis, Kaci, Brandi, Ryan and Mary Nevius; a great-great-granddaughter Kaylee Nevius; a sister Arda Brown of

Tempe, Arizona; a brother Walter Veatch and wife Leona of Prescott, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Ione Veatch of

Creston; and many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.

Preceding Gene in death were his parents, brothers Estel, Marion, Howard and Olen Veatch and a sister Viola

Sandstrom.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

Weeda, Delbert William -

Funeral services for Delbert Weeda, age 60, of Lenox, who died Wednesday. November 17, 2004 at the Greater

Community Hospital in Creston were held Monday, November 22, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Presbyterian

Church in Lenox. Interment was held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Delbert's

name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Delbert William Weeda was born October 12, 1944, in Ringgold County, Iowa the son of William Raymond Weeda and

Mary Floy VanLoon Weeda. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Lenox High School with the Class of 1963.

After high school he was united in marriage to his "high school sweetheart" Joyce Evans, in Sharpsburg, Iowa on May 31,

1964. To this loving union three children were born, Todd, Kip and Tami. The couple moved one-quarter of a mile from the

family farm and started a farming operation themselves, where they have successfully farmed for the past forty-one

years.

Delbert loved life and living it to the fullest. He was a steward of the land who also enjoyed farming, hunting,

fishing and the ''Iowa Cattle Drive". He also enjoyed spending Saturday nights at the Adams County Speedway

and Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR races.

Left to cherish Delbert's memory are his mother, Floy Weeda of Clearfield; his loving wife Joyce of Lenox; three

children. Todd Weeda and wife Tammy, and their son, Tyler of Falcon, Colorado; Kip Weeda and wife Miranda and their

daughter Giulia and son Garrit of Manhattan, Montana; and Tami Hulett and husband Chuck of their sons Keaton, Kadon

and Kolby of Creston: a brother, Harold Hancock of Clearfield; and two sisters, Darlene Stamps and husband Curt of

Diagonal; and Georgia Hays of Creston; along with many other family members and a host of friends.

Preceding Delbert in death was his father William Weeda in 1968.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday November 24, 2004

 

Wurster, Anna Irene Hewitt -

Funeral services for Irene Wurster, age 86, of Lenox, who died Monday, Nov. 29 at the Greater Community

Hospital in Creston, were held Friday, Dec. 3 at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Interment was held in the

West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to the church. Arrangements were entrusted to the

Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Anna Irene Wurster was born July 4, 1918, on a farm in Lenox, Iowa the daughter of Charles Hewitt and Edith

Butler Hewitt. She grew up on the family farm east of Lenox and graduated from the Lenox High School. On Dec. 27,

1944, she was united in marriage to Russell Wurster in Creston, Iowa. This union was  blessed with the birth of three

daughters, Sandra, Suzanne and Kathy.

Irene and Russ farmed the Wurster Family Farm until their retirement in 1974 when they moved into Lenox.

Together they enjoyed spending several winters in Texas. In 1996, after Russell's death, Irene moved to Creston.

Irene was a life-long member of the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox and the S.C.G. Card Club. She was a

fabulous cook well known for her fried chicken, roast beef, and mashed potatoes and gravy, which she usually

prepared for a large number of people, including the hired hands on the farm! She enjoyed traveling, and

wintering in Texas with Russ. She enjoyed people, especially her family, and she was always looking forward

to their family picnics and get togethers.

Irene and Russ had a cabin on the Des Moines River and looked forward to when their friends and family

would visit. Russell was known to 'catch the fish' and Irene 'did the cookin!' She was a true people person

and you would rarely ever see her get excited or upset about anything.

Left to cherish Irene's memory are her three daughters, Sandra Faust and husband Jim of Rising Sun, Indiana;

Suzanne Kinyon of Creston; and Kathy Buck and husband Gary of Gardner, Kansas; five grandchildren, Debbie

Anderson and husband Ron; Amy Marmo and husband Phil; Phillip Thompson and wife Melissa; Holly Thompson; and

Wendy Kinyon and friend Ryan Hayes; six great-grandchildren, Janette and Marissa Marmo; Tanner and Kaylee

Anderson; Zoey Thompson; and Damon Hayes; a sister Helen Blazek and husband Gene of Creston; and a host

of relatives and friends.

Preceding Irene in death are her parents Charles and Edith Hewitt; her husband Russell in 1996; two sisters,

Velma Bentley and husband Orville; and Lucille Shawler and husband Orville; two brothers, Ralph Hewitt and

Ray Hewitt and wife Beatrice; two nephews, Bob Bentley and Jim Hewitt.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004

 

Young, Arthur Dean (Slim) -

Arthur Dean "Slim" Young, age 79 of Gravity passed away Tuesday morning, Nov. 23 at Shenandoah Medical

Center in Shenandoah following a lengthy illness. He was born Oct. 5, 1925 in Plad, Mo, the son of William Edward

and Katie Katherine (Barnes) Young.

On December 1, 1944 he was married to Lillie Knowles in Bailey Town, Mo. ,To this union three children were born:

William, Barbara and Lydia.

At age 7, he started helping his dad make a living for the family. At the age of 18 he was drafted twice by the

army but was turned down due to having no education. He continued to help his dad and learned how to count by sorting

railroad ties and learned to measure wood in feet and inches. His brother was able to get Art a job with a roofing

company in Kansas City, Mo.

Art and Lillie later moved to Lebanon, Mo. where Art worked for the Independent Stove Co. He later moved to

Bennett Springs, Mo where he was caretaker of a Christian Church Camp. Art later cut logs for a sawmill. Before

moving back to Iowa, Art drove a gravel truck for the Little and Rush rock quarry in Lebanon, Mo.

After moving back to Iowa Art worked as a carpenter and as a farmhand. In 1957 Art and Lillie bought their home

in Gravity. Art farmed and worked for Dr. J.F. Hardin raising cattle and hogs for several years until his home was

paid for. Art then got a job at the Farmers Co-Op Elevator in Bedford until he retired. He enjoyed the outdoors

and loved to hunt and fish. Art always had a story to tell; his grandchildren would rather hear one his stories than

watch television. He was a member, of the National Rifle Association and the Gravity Nazarene Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bert Young; sister, Susie Worley and sister-in-law, Geraldine

Young.

Art is survived by his wife Lillie of Gravity; children, William Young and wife Linda of Pickering, Mo, Barbara

Miller and husband Richard "Tiny" of Hopkins, Mo, Lydia Brumfield and husband Randy of Gravity; brother, Henry

Young of Parnell, Mo; sister, Hazel Newell of Lebanon, Mo; brother-in-law, Charlie Knowles of Niagra, Mo;

sisters-in-law, Pauline Young of Athelstan, Juanita Willis of California, Eva Payne of Lebanon, Katy Payne of Lebanon,

along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 27 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford with Rev. Floyd Hall

officiating. Burial was in the Washington Cemetery at Gravity. A memorial fund is being established. Eickemeyer

Funeral Chapel in Bedford was in charge of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 1, 2004

 

Zabel, Ralph -

Funeral services for Ralph Zabel, age 86 of Lenox, who died Dec. 1, 2004 at his home, were held Dec. 4 at the Lenox

United Methodist Church with Pastor Gerry Kahler and Pastor Tim Maxa officiating. Interment with military rites

accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 of Lenox were held in the North Fairview Cemetery

in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to the Lenox Community Trust or to the United Methodist Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Ralph was born August 6, 1918, in Johnson, Nebraska, the sixth of the 11 children of farmers Fred and Minnie Zabel.

When Ralph was six months old, the family moved to a farm near the tiny town of Athol in north central Kansas,

where they endured the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.

After graduating from Athol High School, Ralph worked, briefly in Colorado before returning home to Smith County,

Kansas, where he began his banking career as a teller.

He served in the Army during World War II, and while stationed at Camp Philips near Salina, Kansas, he met a local

girl, his future wife, Frances "Johnnie" Johnson.

He subsequently served in the European Theater and, following VE Day, returned to the States, where he stopped

off in Lincoln, Nebraska, long enough to get married before shipping out for the Pacific Theater. The first atomic bomb

was dropped on Hiroshima on his 27th birthday, and with the war soon over, he spent several months in Japan with the

occupation force.

Following his discharge, the Zabels moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Ralph worked in a bank, and 15 months

later, with infant son in tow, they moved to Lenox, where Ralph accepted a position "with a future" in the First

National Bank. There, son Doug was soon joined by a sister, JoAnn.

In 1954, he went into partnership with his brother-in-law, Elmer Bose, to buy the bank, and over the next 18 years,

their willingness to back farmers helped expand the bank's customer base to surrounding counties and increased

their deposits and loans by more than tenfold.

After selling the bank in 1972, Ralph remained on as president for seven years until semi-retiring in 1979. His youngest

son, Gary, followed him into the bank and today heads the Lenox and Corning offices of what is now called Union Bank.

During his career, Ralph was elected president of the Iowa Independent Bankers Association, and he was active in

the Lenox community and his church.

As a member of the school board, he helped pass a bond issue to build a major addition to the Lenox schoolhouse. He

was a founder of the Lenox Development Corporation, which in its five decades has fulfilled his vision by helping to bring

several businesses to Lenox and financing numerous local infrastructure and civic improvement projects that have

helped keep Lenox viable and even growing.

As finance chair of the Lenox United Methodist Church, he led the drive to add the church's educational annex in the

mid-1960s.

Following his retirement, he served a term on the Lenox City Council and was twice elected mayor. He was a member

of the Lenox Rotary Club for 56 years, and he and Johnnie delivered Meals on Wheels until recently.

A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Ralph also waged a decades-long, generally losing battle with the game of golf,

and his two holes-in-one are a source of unending amazement to his offspring.

While Ralph enjoyed playing bridge with friends and watching local school sports, he didn't have many other

leisure time pursuits. Enjoying the company of family and friends, meeting new friends and improving the community of

Lenox were his adult life hobbies.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Johnnie; son Doug of Austin, Texas; daughter Jo and her husband Dennis

Tieszen of Waterloo; son Gary and his wife Karen of Lenox; grandson Ben Newport and his wife Corinne and daughter

Lexi of Cedar Rapids; granddaughter Chelsea Newport of Coralville; step-grandson Andy Brammer of Lenox;

step-grandson Rob Brammer and his wife Nicky and children Lane and Peyton of Bethesda. He is also survived by his

sisters Esther Bose of Lenox; Wilma Zabel and Arlene Higgins of Lincoln, Nebraska; Vema Flora of Denver, Colorado;

and Leola Janssen of Syracuse, Nebraska; and a brother, Ray Zabel of Decatur, Illinois.

Ralph was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Busche, and by brothers Elmer, Earl and Lawrence.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday December 8, 2004