Funeral services for Blanche C. Rankin, age 96, of Omaha, Nebraska, who died Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Montclaire Nursing Home in Omaha, will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in Blanche's name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Blanche C. Rankin was born July 27, 1915, in Sheridan, Missouri. She was one of two children born to Clyde Elijah Cummings and Florence Ella (Herbert) Cummings. She grew up attending country school in Taylor County and graduated from Bedford High School in 1933.

On March 22, 1936 Blanche was united in marriage to Dale Rankin. To this blessed union two children, Ben and William, were born. Blanche worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company until her retirement in 1973. Blanche was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She always put others' needs before her own and always had her family's best interest in mind. Blanche enjoyed playing music on her piano and watching her family grow through the years.

Left to cherish Blanche's memory are her son, Dr. William C. Rankin of Winterpark, Florida; daughter-in-law, Beverly Rankin of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren; James Rankin of Geneva, Florida, David Rankin of Maitland, Florida, Katherine Halstead of Hayesville, North Carolina, J Rankin of Omaha, Nebraska, Lee Rankin of Omaha, Nebraska; and many great grandchildren.

Preceding Blanche in death were her parents Clyde and Florence Cummings; husband, Dale Rankin; son, Ben Rankin; and brother, Carl Cummings.

Celebration of Life services for Mary (Bentley) Sheeks, age 83, of Nebraska, formerly of Blockton, who died Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Golden Living Home in Valley, Nebraska will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Blockton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be held at the Rosehill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in Mary's name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Mary Louise (Bentley) Sheeks was born on November 6, 1928 in Blockton, Iowa the oldest of six children born to George Milford Bentley and Grace (Jennings) Bentley. She grew up attending school in Blockton, graduating with the Class of 1947 as Valedictorian. After school she worked for six years for Dr. Bosingham in Clarinda, Iowa. In January of 1952, she was united in marriage to Clayton Sheeks. She later moved to Kansas City where she worked for over 30 years in the accounting department of Business Men's Assurance Company. After retiring from there, she sold real estate for a time and later worked part-time for Cramer Trailer Service. In order to be closer to her family, she moved to Omaha in 2006. Mary was a member of the Midwestern Baptist Church in Omaha.

Left to cherish her memory are her four brothers, Duane Bentley of Clarinda; Dean Bentley and wife Melba of Council Bluffs; Kenneth Bentley and wife Judy of Omaha; and Terry Bentley and wife Becky of Wyoming; a sister-in-law, Sue Bentley of Fremont, Nebraska; eight nieces and nephews, Brian, Heidi, Kimberly, Scott, Jill, Mark, Todd and Steve; 21 great-nieces and nephews; along with many other relatives and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Bentley; and one brother, Gene Bentley

Funeral services for Peg Annan, age 90, of rural Coin, Iowa, who entered into peace Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa, will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Carl Phillips officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Polsley Cemetery, rural Yorktown, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Page County Extension-4-H Program or to the Polsley Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Agnes Gertrude Annan was born January 27, 1921, at Tabor, Iowa to Walter Harrison and Lillian (Good) Harrison. She grew up in the Tabor area and graduated from Tabor High School. Peg continued her education at Peru State College and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Northwest Missouri State College at Maryville, Missouri. Peg was united in marriage July 8, 1943 to Melvin "Mick" Annan at Tabor, Iowa. They were blessed with four children; Maribeth, Bill, Nancy and George.

Peg met Mick when she began her teaching career at Yorktown school. She taught at Tabor and at camp Lejeune, North Carolina while Mick was in the Coast Guard. Upon their return, Peg taught at Coin and retired from South Page Community Schools after twenty eight years of teaching. Peg was a mentor to many young teachers. She was also very involved in 4-H. She guided generations of 4-H teams as they prepared their demonstrations. Her love for teaching truly lasted a lifetime as she thoroughly enjoyed tutoring a student during her stay at Westridge Care Facility.

Remembering Peg is to remember her love of cooking and sharing her meals with anyone that drove in the driveway. Her family especially remembers her wonderful fried chicken. She enjoyed gardening, canning the produce and filling the freezer so that she could make a meal at a moments notice. Peg was always grateful for the friendship of the close neighbors. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. Peg's family was very important to her and she loved bragging about her grandchildren.

Preceding Peg in death were her parents; husband, Melvin (Mick) Annan (02/17/2009); daughter, Maribeth Mellencamp; daughter-in-law, Vicki (Carlberg) Annan; son-in-law, Joel Wagoner; brothers, Bryce Harrison and Almor Harrison; brother-in-law, George Annan and wife Elsie; sister-in-law, Irene Moore and Rex Moore; brother-in-law, Jim Steigerwald.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Bill Annan and wife Sara of Shenandoah, Iowa, Nancy Wagoner of Clarinda, Iowa, George Annan and friend Julie of Coin, Iowa; son-in-law, Merle Mellencamp and wife Lynda of Clarinda, Iowa;grandchildren, Jeff Barlow and wife Stephanie of New Providence, New Jersey, Steven Mellencamp and wife Julie of Chicago, Illinois, Ashley Mellencamp of Tampa, Florida, Anne Wagoner and Elizabeth Wagoner of Kansas City, Maria Annan of Shenandoah, Iowa and Mitchell Annan of Des Moines, Iowa; great grandchildren, Megan and Matt Barlow, Victoria Beth and Charlie Mellencamp;; brother, Carlos Harrison of Shenandoah, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Harrison of Tabor, Iowa, Fern Steigerwald of Fallbrook, California; nieces; nephews and many, many friends

Funeral services for LaVeta Davidson, age 78, of Maryville, Missouri, who died Friday, December 9, 2011 at St. Francis Medical Center in Maryville, Missouri will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation will be held Monday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at White Oak Cemetery in Pickering, Missouri. Instead of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the White Oak Cemetery Memorial Fund or the Pickering Community Center. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

LaVeta Marie (McClurg – Brown) Davidson was born February 20, 1933 in Maryville, Missouri the daughter of Vilas Thomas McClurg and Mina Helen (Harvey) McClurg. She grew up on a farm south of Pickering, Missouri attending country school and then Horace Mann High School in Maryville graduating with the Class of 1951. In 1952, she was united in marriage to Robert Brown. To this union three children were born, Connie, Richard and Wayne. Robert passed away in 1967. On November 5, 1967, LaVeta was united in marriage to Dean Davidson and to this union a son, Kelly was born. LaVeta and Dean lived on a farm south of Bedford for many years. In 1990, they sold their farm and moved to Maryville.

LaVeta was active in genealogy and enjoyed working at the Taylor County Museum. She was a 'people person' who never knew a stranger . . . sharing a cup of coffee and great conversation with her friends whenever possible. Family was always Laveta's passion and joy. She looked forward to her 'family get-togethers'. The internet was very important to her and allowed her to keep in touch with her family and friends. It also allowed her to work on her genealogy. When it came to LaVeta's grandchildren . . .she just loved 'em! LaVeta was a member of the Maryville Church of Christ. She had been the head of the AFS and had a student, Georgie Scurfield, stay with them.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend are her loving husband of forty-four years, Dean Davidson of Maryville, Missouri; three sons, Richard Wendell Brown and wife Deb of Clarinda, Iowa; Wayne Thomas Brown and wife Michele of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Kelly James Davidson and wife Beth of Indianola, Iowa; two brothers, Dean McClurg of Weston, Missouri; and Gerald McClurg, of Edwards, Missouri; a sister, Lorraine Lesan of St. Joseph, Missouri; grandchildren, Christopher Brown and wife Deanna; Joshua Diggs and wife Kelley; Rachel Diggs-Hunt and husband Brian; Matthew Diggs and wife Lindsay; Erica Davidson, Connor Davidson; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding LaVeta in death are her parents, Vilas and Mina McClurg; her first husband Robert W. Brown; and four children, Robert W. Brown, Jr., Donna Sue and Susan Kae Davidson, twin daughters who died at infancy; and Connie Diggs who died in July of 2011

Joe Creese Brammer was born on October 31, 1925 to Rolla and Ethel Brammer of Creston, Iowa. Joe joined the Armed Forces in 1942. Upon returning to Iowa he married Lometa Reed on October 9, 1946. He and Lometa lived in the Sharpsburg and Lenox area where they raised four children.

Joe worked construction before settling in Sharpsburg and purchasing the service station in 1962. Throughout Joe's life he found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He especially enjoyed his pigeons as well as coon hunting and fishing. Joe was honored by the Sharpsburg Fire Department for 50 years of volunteer service for his community in 2011. Joe was also a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church in Sharpsburg.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Lometa, son Billy, and an infant daughter.

Joe is survived by a daughter Jolene and husband Gary Umphry of Stanberry, Missouri; son Larry and wife Michelle of Clearfield; daughter Cindy and husband Jack of Clearfield; also Dennis Cribbs of Saint Charles, Iowa who was like a son to Joe. A brother Dick and wife Evelyn Brammer of Lenox; long time companion Phyllis Breach and her children, Linda and husband Harold; Carol and husband Dennis; Roger and wife Jill; Susie and husband Jim; and their families. Joe is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, and countless friends and extended family members

Funeral services for Olin "Stub" Perdew, age 68, of Conway, who died Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr will be held Friday, December 23, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 PM. Cremation will follow the services with interment of ashes at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity on Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 10:00 AM. INSTEAD OF FLOWERS memorials can be given in Stub's name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Olin Dean "Stub" Perdew was born December 17, 1943 in Adams County, Iowa the son of Leonard Perdew and Marie (Jackson) Perdew. Stub grew up southwest of Corning, moving to the Lenox area in 1948. In 1954, the family moved to Conway. He had also lived in Clearfield for a short time, settling back in Conway. On June 17, 1973 he was united in marriage to Jan Tilk in Bedford, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Monte, Ashley and Krystal.

Stub spent his life working with heavy construction as an equipment operator on several interstates along with highways in Oklahoma and Texas on the LBJ Freeway. He was also an excellent woodworker refinishing antiques. Stub was baptized in the Bedford Baptist Church, however, he attended the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed working on cars, especially Chevelles and had a passion for his Harley-Davidson that he put together from scratch. His family was his number one priority and he enjoyed spending time with them. Stub enjoyed life and was always up for a good time . . . always wanting to be where the action was! Stub also enjoyed fishing with his children . . .and if there was a pond they wanted to fish . . he would find a way to get to the pond. He also loved to go coyote hunting and using his CB with his handle being "Captain Zig-Zag".

Left to cherish Stub's memory are his wife Jan Perdew of Conway; two sons, Todd Perdew and wife Toni of Bedford; Monte Perdew and wife Christina of Charlotte, North Carolina; two daughters, Ashley Perdew of Conway and Krystal Perdew of Creston; two brothers, Terry Perdew and friend Lolinda Campbell of Creston; and Dennis Perdew and friend Juanita Heimke of Conway; two sisters, Norma Finnell and husband Walter of Conway; and Zonette Beemer and Hank Erickson of Conway; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Perdew of Conway; and a special niece, Melanie Ruby and husband Doug of Diagonal, who took great care of Stub during the last several years; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Stub in death are his parents Leonard and Marie Perdew and a brother, Otis Perdew

Esther Rebecca (Becky) Combs 75, of Maryville, MO passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Maryville, with her family by her side.

Becky was born on May 17, 1936 in Grant City, MO to Leslie Virgil and Beulah Emily (Simmons) Carroll. They preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Leon Combs on August 17, 2011; her daughter Vera Emily Combs, on October 25, 1978; and by brothers, Dean, Buck, and Curtis Carroll, and an infant brother.

Becky was a homemaker and a waitress. She owned and worked in several restaurants in Maryville throughout the years. She owned the Little Chef, Becky’s Café, and had worked at Kings Restaurant.

Survivors include her son, Leslie (Eva) Combs, Maryville, MO, her grandson, Mike (Shelley) Combs, Pickering, MO, her granddaughter, Wendy Combs, and special friend, Kimberly Nielson, Maryville, MO; her great granddaughter, Taylor Combs, Pickering, MO; her 3 step great grandchildren, Rachel, Donnie and Krista Fultz; her brother, Virgil (Dot) Carroll, Kidder, MO, her sister, Leona Hayes, Skidmore, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. The burial will be in the Swinford Cemetery, Arkoe, MO

Born February 2, 1925 in Stanberry, MO to Claude and Eva Florence (Canaday) Lawrence, she had been a resident of Maryville since 1966. She had also lived in Keokuk, IA, and Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

Lucille was a graduate of Stanberry High School, and then in 1949, received her B.S. in Education from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. She later did her graduate work at the University of Missouri, NWMSU, Western Illinois University, and Central Missouri State University, and received her Master’s in Education degree.

An elementary school teacher, Lucille taught in Gentry County Missouri, Keokuk, IA, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Ravenwood, MO, and Graham, MO. She retired after 29 years of teaching. She later worked as an attendant at Walter Brothers Station in Maryville.

Lucille loved to travel, to go camping, and to visit museums. She enjoyed her flowers, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and her pets. Her memberships included the First United Methodist Church, Maryville, and she was a 50 year member of Order of the Eastern Star, of Albany, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Thomas Lawrence of Stanberry, MO; and a sister, Etheletta Sylvester, of Santa Barbara, CA.

Survivors include her children; sons, Larry Guthrie, Maryville, and Lon (Paula) Guthrie, also of Maryville, MO, and her daughter, Linda Gray, White House, TN; two sisters, Betty Shoemaker, Plattsburg, MO, and Kathryn Dollars, Stanberry, MO. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, a nephew, and 3 nieces.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Maryville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Saturday at the funeral home

Margaret M. Calfee 91, of Elmo, MO passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville.

Margaret was born on July 22, 1920 in Omaha, NE. She graduated high school there and was a resident when she married Everett W. Calfee on June 3, 1947 at St. John’s Catholic Church. Her parents were Francis and Agnes Mahoney.

Margaret and Everett were residents of Kansas City, MO before moving to Elmo over fifty years ago. They owned and operated Calfee’s Grocery Store in Elmo, and also farmed in the area. Everett passed away in 1989 after 42 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and infant daughter, Teresa Calfee; 3 brothers, Jim, John, and Ray Mahoney, and a sister Agnes Maxwell.

Margaret was a member of the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Burlington Junction, MO, and the American Legion Auxiliary, Bradley Carver, Post 492, Elmo, MO.

Survivors include her children, Mike E. Calfee, Elmo, MO, and children, Jeremy (Melissa) Calfee and Jill Calfee, Hopkins, MO, and step daughter, Jennifer Wray, Pickering, MO; Coleen (Paul) Leeper, Goldsboro, NC, and daughter Alicia Leeper, Centerville, OH; John F. (Allison) Calfee, Hopkins, MO, and step children, Raeann Ramsey, of the home, Hopkins, MO, and Luke Ramsey, Bedford, IA; James R. (Sheila) Calfee, Elmo, MO, and children, Kendall, Alan, and Kristina Calfee, Elmo, MO. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, December 10, 2011 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Burlington Junction, MO. The burial will be in the Lamar Cemetery, Elmo, MO.

The family will receive friends from 7-8:00 PM Friday, December 9, 2011 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. A family and parish rosary will be recited at 8:00 PM. Friday at the funeral home

Lois was born on August 5, 1928 in Chicago, IL to Edwin and Myrtle Corrine (Lingren) Heiniger, they preceded her in death; she was also preceded by her husband Gordon Stillman Monk on December 28, 2007; and by 2 sisters, Mary Heiniger, and Elizabeth Madary, and by 2 brothers, Jack Heiniger, and Paul Heiniger.

Lois was an Optician and a former teacher. She and her husband moved to Maryville in 1970, and owned and operated the Spec Shoppe there for many years. Lois and Gordon were married on September 9, 1949 in Chicago, IL.

Survivors include her children, Sharon Monk, St. Joseph, MO, David (Julie) Monk, Normal, IL and Justin, TX, and Kathy (Robert) Breen, Lincoln, NE; her sister Ruth Schroeder, Chapin, SC, her brother, James H. (Jim) Heiniger, Chicago, IL; her grandchildren, Bree Brutsman, St. Joseph, MO, Amy Thenor, Raeford, NC, Steven Breen, Central City, IA, Tara (Clint) Dye, Lincoln, NE, Kasi Breen, Lincoln, NE, Crosby (Karen) Monk, Haywood, IL, and Aubrey (Jacob) Warren, Keller, TX; 8 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Monk’s wish was to donate her body to medical science. The family will have a private memorial service at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO at a later date

James Donald (Jim) Henry 62 of Burlington Junction, MO passed at his home on Sunday, December 11, 2011.

Jim was born in Maryville, MO on April 28, 1950 to Donald Richard and Jean (Dolph) Henry. He was a lifelong resident of this area, graduated from West Nodaway High School in 1968, and was of the Christian faith.

Jim liked to work and to be outdoors; he had done mechanic work and had farmed for his uncle Clifford Henry. He had also been a laborer for Darrell Grace Construction, Burlington Junction, MO.

On August 17, 1968 in Tarkio, MO, Jim was married to Jackie A. Hutt, she survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughters, Rita (Donnie) Luke, Stanberry, MO, and Penni (John) Lujan, Cameron, MO; brother, Terry (Janet) Henry, Platte City, MO, sisters, Kathryn (Jim) Johansen, Burlington Junction, MO, and Joan (Norman) Maurer, Skidmore, MO, and brothers, Danny (Dee) Henry, Lewisville, NE, and Steven (Ronda) Henry, Elmo, MO. His grandchildren, Christopher Miller, Maryville, MO, Emily Wilmes, and Katie Wilmes, Maryville; two step grandchildren, Trevor Luke, Stanberry, MO, and Katie Lujan, Cameron, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant son, James Donald Henry, in 1975.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. No formal visitation is planned and friends make call after Noon Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service with inurnment in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Clearmont, MO at a later date

David Martin DeVers 63, of Maryville, MO passed away Monday, December 12, 2011 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, MO.

David was born in Maryville, MO on January 20, 1948 to John Willis (Jack) and Ella Roberta (Elliott) DeVers. He lived in the Maryville area prior to joining the Army, he later spent 12 years in Canada and returned to the Maryville area in 1992.

He was a graduate of Maryville High School and served two tours of duty in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, he was retired from Freedom Foods in Maryville.

David was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandparents, Ernest and Lois Devers.

Survivors include his children, Michael DeVers, and Stephanie Davidson, both of Manitoba, CA, and step daughter, Kerri Bentsen, Ottawa, Ontario, CA; his brothers, Bruce (Pam) DeVers, Maryville, MO, Paul (Beth) DeVers, Maitland, MO, Steven DeVers, Maryville, MO, and Scott DeVers, Maryville, MO; his sisters, Shirley (Gary) Montross, Maryville, MO, and Susan (Kelly) Wilmes, Conception Junction, MO; his aunt Florence DeVers, Maryville, a grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

David’s body has been cremated, and no services or visitation are planned at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO

Jean Rucker 86, of Ravenwood, MO passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at her home.

Jean was born in Stanberry, MO on February 13, 1925 to William H. and Cora Ann (Jennings) Arnold. She lived in Stanberry before moving to Ravenwood over sixty years ago. She was a member of the Ravenwood Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Max M. Rucker on August 9, 1976; and by 4 Brothers, and 4 Sisters.

Survivors; son, Ron Rucker, Ravenwood, MO; daughters, Janis Burns, Maryville, MO, Nancy Parman, Barnard, MO, and Karen Miller, Monument, CO; 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Rucker’s body has been cremated. No visitation or services are planned at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO

Fern E. Metcalf 85, of Maryville, MO and formerly of Maitland, MO passed away Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Golden Living Center, Maryville. Fern was born on January 7, 1926 in Skidmore, MO, and was a lifelong resident of the area. Her parents were James and Mearl (Smith) Reese, they preceded her in death. She was also preceded by 2 sisters, Charlotte Twaddell, and Lydia Yates.

On March 1, 1946 in Troy, KS, Fern was united in marriage to Sam Metcalf, he passed away on May 7, 1987.

Fern was a homemaker for most of her life, and had also been a cook at the Maitland school. She was of the Presbyterian faith and attended the Maitland Presbyterian Church. She loved playing pitch with her friends in Maitland, and she loved to bowl, do crafts and was fond of the show “M.A.S.H.” on T.V.

Left to mourn her passing are her children; Billy Jim (Mary) Metcalf, Karen J. (Phil) Wilmes, and Steven W. (Cindy) Metcalf, all of Maryville; her sister, Ruth Allen, Skidmore, MO; 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 6 step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Monday, December 26, 2011 at the Presbyterian Church, Maitland, MO. The burial will be in the Maitland Cemetery, also of Maitland. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Memorials can be directed to the Presbyterian Church, Maitland, MO. Services are under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO

Graveside memorial services for Laverne Briggs, age 63 of Clarinda who passed away Saturday, December 24, 2011 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Guss, Iowa at 2:00 PM. There will be no visitation prior to services. Memorials may be given in Laverne's name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuenralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda.

Laverne Emory Briggs age 63 of Clarinda died Saturday evening December 24, 2011 at Clarinda Regional Health Center. He had been a resident of Westridge Care Center since 2006. He was born April 23, 1948 in Montgomery County, Villisca, Iowa the son of Emory E. and Frieda (Ziehe) Briggs. Laverne attended Villisca and Corning Schools and had been a laborer and over the road trucker. Laverne served in the United States Navy and Corning National Guard. He loved to hunt and fish.

Laverne is survived by four sisters Alice Bates and husband Warren of Clarinda; and Elaine Tuttle and husband Bob Quinter, Kansas; Ruth Siefert and husband Dick of Lead Hill, Arkansas; and Reva Oaks and husband Jim of Zearing, Iowa.

Preceding Laverne in death are his parents Emory and Frieda Briggs.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Laverne's passing

Graveside memorial services for Leota DeVoe, age 77 of Bedford who passed away Saturday, December 24, 2011 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at the Lexington Cemetery in Bedford. Visitation will be held Monday, December 26, 2011 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Memorials may be given in Leota's name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Leota Ellen DeVoe, age 77, of Bedford was born September 16, 1934 in Lenox, IA, the daughter of Marvin and Alma (Stanger) Fleming. After living 23 years with Alzheimer's disease she passed away Saturday morning, December 24, 2011 at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center surrounded by her loving family.

Leota grew up in Lenox graduating from the Lenox High School in 1952. While in high school Leota met Doyle DeVoe at the skating rink and started dating shortly after. After high school she worked a short time at Mutual of Omaha while Doyle was deployed overseas. While Doyle was in the service they wrote letters almost daily. They were united in marriage December 18, 1954 at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. They lived their entire married life on a farm southeast of Conway until Leota moved to the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center in January of 2009. During their union they were blessed with 4 children, Steven Jay, Michael Dean, Sandra Jean and Kenneth Wayne (Short).

Leota had a passion for music and loved to play the piano and the accordion that Doyle sent her while he was stationed in Germany. Leota enjoyed gardening and always had a large vegetable garden from which she canned for the family. She also sewed for her family, making clothes, doll clothes and curtains for the house. She loved animals and usually had a dog and often a cat that one of the kids "rescued". For many years Leota and Doyle enjoyed spending their winters in Texas and Arizona.

Left to cherish Leota's memory are her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Doyle; their children, Steve DeVoe and wife Lou, Mike DeVoe and wife Jill, Sandy Piercy and husband GL, Short DeVoe and wife Terry; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; her sister, Joan Thompson; sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Fleming, Donna Dawson and Lois Scott; uncle, Wendell Fleming; nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Leota was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Alma Fleming; brother, Robert Fleming; brothers-in-law, Vernal Thompson, Bill Dawson and Russell Scott; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Mildred DeVoe

Funeral services for Gwendolyn Jones, age 100 of Bedford who died Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 9:30 until service time. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Taylor County Museum or the Fairview Cemetery Association. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Gwendolyn Jones finally succumbs to her age

After 1200 mos and 26 days Gwen called it a life time and slipped quietly and peacefully away, under the extraordinary respect and good care of the entire Bedford Care Center staff and with members of her family at her side, and after celebrating her 100th birthday on Nov. 27th.

Just out of High School with a "normal training" certificate she rode horseback on mud roads to teach at Forest Grove and boarded with Emmett and Opal Osborne to teach at Willow Grove and paired up with Frank Jones for 67 years until his passing at 88 years in 2000. They attended every grand- child's high school and under-graduate college graduation from Cambridge, MA west to Salem, OR and from Northfield Minn. south to San Antonio, Texas, with stops at Bay City, MI, Toledo, Ohio, Indianapolis, Ind., Iowa City, IA, Denver, CO, Grinnell and Cedar Rapids, IA and Missoula, MT. All totaled her 11 grand children have compiled about 54 years of college.

An 85 + year member of the Bedford Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher, very active in the several ladies groups in the Baptist Church, (a stained glass window on the west side of the church sanctuary was dedicated to her great- great- grandfather John Evans). A 75 year member of the "Union" country club, a travel club, a long time 4-H leader, a very active farm wife and the mother of three children, the results of which are not her fault.

She had a taste for quality and quilted a quilt for every grand child and was an avid reader who believed that any book worth reading should be in hardback; and had many more positive experiences but it is not possible to condense all the friends and associates of 100 years in a brief obituary.

Albert and Carrie Dalton Turner were her parents, making Donnie Dalton, Bill Robinson, Dick Dalton (of Lenox) and their families her local Dalton relatives. Her brothers Gerald, Haldean (Dick-Betty Turner) Robert and sister Margaret Cobb (Wayne) predeceased her.

On the Turner side, Gerald's children, Phyllis Turner of Ft. Collins, James Turner of California and Donna Koontz recently deceased; Dick's children, Sharon Schmoll of Rochester, Minn and James of Council Bluffs; Margaret's children Lois (Jim) Howard, Madison Miss., Marilyn (Leon) Sanderson, Memphis, Tenn., and Steve (Beth) Cobb Springfield, MO and on Franks side, the children of his sister, Ruby Wintermute who are Louise Dukes, Dr. Dean Wintermute, Helen Moon, Howard Wintermute, Bertha Turner Knotts and Lee Wintermute and cousins Coryl Cox and Richard Jones.

She is survived by her sister "in-law" of about 75 years, Betty Turner, and by her three children and their long time spouses, Laura and Alan Jones and their children, Leslie (Dalton) Webster, Shannon (Jason) Bardales, both of Denver.

Phyllis and David Mainwaring and their children, David (Kim) Mainwaring of Salem, OR, Scott and Geoffrey Mainwaring of Missoula and Great Falls, MT and Kristin (Jason) McCulloch of Missoula.

Margery and Paul Jones and their children Winston Jones of Cambridge, Mass., Dan Jones, Tacoma, WA, Catherine (Rafael) Caballero, Tom (Barbara) Jones and Jennifer (David) Gassaway all of Portland, OR.

And 10 great grand children 9 of whom visited her at different times this past summer and had a genuine affectionate relationship. From Denver, Abigail Gwendolyn Bardales and Connor Webster. From Missoula, Kade, Kenadi, and Chloe McCulloch. From Portland, Adrienne Gwendolyn Gassaway, Sam Jones, Paul Caballero (2nd year at Gonzaga Univ. in Spokane) and Zachary Caballero. Mariah Jones (now 1st yr at the U of Montana at Missoula) could not make it because of a trip with church youth to Skagway, Alaska, counselor at a church camp near Portland and competing at the Oregon State Track meet in the discus throw