Funeral services for Lucile John, age 87, of Lenox, who died Monday, April 25, 2011 at the Lenox Care Center will be held Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be held Thursday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to7. Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in Lucile’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Nora Lucile (Hawkins) John was born February 1, 1924, in Floris, Iowa, the daughter of William Hawkins and Bessie (Thompson) Hawkins. She grew up in the Floris area attending rural schools, graduating from the Bloomfield High School with the Class of 1942. She met Lyle John through one of their mutual friends and the couple was united in marriage on August 8, 1942, in Memphis, Missouri. Lyle entered the United States Army and Lucile lived in Ottumwa. They moved to Bloomfield before moving to Prescott in 1949 the couple later moved to Lenox in 1950, where Lyle ran the Eclipse Lumber. The lumber yard burned down and the family moved to Fairfield for several months until they returned to Lenox to run the Country Boys Lumber Company, later purchasing the business in 1969. In addition to raising her family, Lucile worked at the Lenox Care Center for over 25 years and owned John’s Liquor Store for a number of years. When her children were younger, Lucile enjoyed being a Cub Scout Den Mother and a member of the Lenox American Legion Auxiliary.

Lucile was involved in her children’s activities . . . being a ‘true sports mom’ for many years! She always looked forward to “March Madness” diligently filling out her brackets for the tournament play. She also enjoyed playing cards . . .you name it . . .she played it! Both Lucile and Lyle were active in area card clubs as well as dancing when she could talk him into it. Lucile also enjoyed playing bingo and the slots at area casinos. One of the families’ great memories are of the many day long . . .and all night long fishing trips they enjoyed in their youth.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend are her four children, Steve John of Lenox; Linda Harbin and husband Jack of Lenox/Corning areas; Danny John of Coralville; and Roger John and fiancé Mary Halligan of Odessa, Missouri; a sister Gladys Karr and husband Pat of Albia, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Lucile in death are her parents, William and Bessie Hawkins; her loving husband Lyle on August 19, 2002; three brothers and five sisters.

Lucile will be missed by her entire family and many friends. We will hold the memories of her gentle spirit and wonderful sense of humor as a gift of encouragement. She will live on in our hearts forever

Graveside Services for Lucile E. Veatch will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox, Iowa with Reverend Tim Maxa of the Lenox United Presbyterian Church officiating. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery for services.

Larry P. Hart 69, of Maryville, MO passed way Thursday, April 28, 2011 at his home with his family at his side.

Larry was born in Quitman, MO on July 2, 1941, his parents were Pearl Andrew and Beulah McAtee Hart, and preceded him in death. He was also preceded by a brother, Leon Hart, a sister, Evelyn Seipel, several nieces and a nephew.

A 1960 Maryville High School graduate, Larry was a lifelong resident of the Maryville area. In 1958 he started at Superior Cleaners, and was later promoted to manager. In 1973 he started working at Uniroyal Manufacturing, Maryville, and in 1978 was promoted to Production Scheduling Manager. He held that position until they closed in 1983. He then started his own business, Hart’s Pest Control in Maryville, and ran that business until retiring four years ago.

Larry enjoyed playing the drums, and played with many bands through the years.

Larry was a Mason, and was a member of the Xenia Lodge #50, AF & AM, Hopkins, MO. He attended the Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville, and had formerly belonged to the Eagles Lodge.

On August 22, 1965, Larry was united in marriage to Sharon M. Blackford, she survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughter Tonya Wilmes, Hopkins, MO, his son Ricky, and wife Ellen Hart, Maryville, two sisters, Bonnie Messner, and Betty Langley, his sister in law, Frances Hart, all of Maryville. He is also survived by six grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at the Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville, the burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, also of Maryville. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 P.M. Tuesday May 3, at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home.

Masonic services by the Xenia Lodge #50, will follow the Tuesday evening visitation at the funeral home

012Funeral services for Leona M. Carver, 84 of Maryland Heights, Missouri, will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be following the service at the Braddyville Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 6-7:00 p.m. Friday evening at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Leona Carver Memorial Fund

Leona Mae (Halberg) Carver was born on September 24, 1926 in Storm Lake, Iowa; the daughter of Leonard and Bessie Halberg. She attended and graduated from Jefferson High School in Jefferson City, Missouri and obtained her Bachelor's degree in Musical Education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Leona married Del Carver and to this union were born three sons: Craig, David and Timothy. Leona had a passion for music and enjoyed singing.

Leona passed away Friday, April 29, 2011 at the National Health Care Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri at the age of 84. She is preceded in death by her parents; sons Craig Carver and Tim Carver; and husband Del.

Surviving Leona is her son David of St. Charles, Missouri and sister Betty Artus of Louisiana, Missouri.

Funeral services for Leona M. Carver were held Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda, Iowa. Burial was following the service at the Braddyville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Leona Carver Memorial Fund. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements

Private family memorial services for Doris Weese, age 90, of Lenox, who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield will be held at a later date. Doris has been cremated. Memorials may be given in her name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Doris Margaret (Moore) Weese was born October 24, 1920, in Taylor County, Iowa the daughter of John Moore and Nellie (Worm) Moore. She graduated from the Lenox High School with the Class of 1938. On October 3, 1938, she was united in marriage to Edgar H. Weese in Lenox, Iowa. Together they celebrated 53 years of marriage and the birth of seven children. Doris was a homemaker who enjoyed sharing her life with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved cooking, going fishing, hunting asparagus, gardening and playing cards with her many friends and neighbors. Doris truly enjoyed her road trips with Edgar throughout the Iowa countryside.

Left to cherish her memory are five of her seven children, Margaret Million and husband Bob of Hereford, Arizona; Deloris Hansen and husband Rod of Pittsburg, Missouri; Barbara Bennett and husband Mick of Creston, Iowa; Stanley Weese and wife Connie of Grove, Oklahoma; and Billie Dean Weese and wife Sue of Gulf Breeze, Florida; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Rosie Hupman of Nevada, Missouri; and Arline Elliott of St. Joseph, Missouri. Along with her adopted family being made up of the residents and staff of the Clearview Nursing Home; Rocky, along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Doris in death are her parents John and Nellie Moore; her husband Edgar Weese in 1992; two daughters, Juanita Weese at infancy and Rosalie Norton and her husband L.V. Norton; two brothers, Clarence and Bud Moore; a sister, Vernita Ware-Dudley-Tull

Monica Mary Ann (Mickey) Ebrecht 65, of Skidmore, MO passed away on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 at the St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, MO from complications due to an automobile accident in April 2011.

She was born on July 19, 1945 in Conception, MO to Ferdinand and Angeline Wiederholt Wolfer, they preceded her in death; she was also preceded in death by siblings: Ferdinand, John, Catherine, Daniel, Vincent, Joanne, Jim, Joseph, Andy and Charlie.

Mickey lived all her life in the area and retired from Eveready Battery in Maryville after 25 years. Prior to that, she had worked for 15 years at the St. Francis Hospital, also of Maryville. She was raised Catholic.

Mickey loved to flower garden, to walk, to spend time with her grandchildren, and to clean. She was always willing to help others.

Left to mourn her passing are her children; Brenda and husband Bill Latta, Maitland, MO. Virgil and wife Annetta Ebrecht, Parnell, MO, Tina and husband Tim Stiff, Maryville, MO. Her grandchildren; Chris and wife Amber Latta, Misty Latta, and Brad Million, Megan Ebrecht, Tabitha Ebrecht, Adam Ebrecht, Mason Stiff, Amber Ebrecht, Olivia Stiff, and Ava Stiff. She is also survived by a sister Edna Ramos, Maryville, MO, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO, Rev. Paul McKim will be the officiant. The burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Skidmore, MO. The Family will receive friends from 6-8:00 P.M. Friday, May 6, 2011 at the funeral home

Nancy Lou Long, 74, of  Maryville, Missouri, (formerly of Maitland, Missouri), passed away

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville.

Nancy was born November 19, 1936 in New Point, Missouri, the daughter of Raymond and Annie (Edwards) Kunkel.  She was a 1954 graduate of Graham High School, Graham, Missouri  On October 1, 1955 Nancy and Merrill LaVerne “Jack” Long were married in Maryville.

A member of the Maitland United Methodist Church, Mrs. Long had worked for the Maitland Farmers Bank and the Exchange Bank in Mound City, Missouri, retiring in 1998. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, on February 19, 1986 and her parents.

Survivors include her daughters: Jacquelyn Kim Swyers, Ravenwood, Missouri and Kelli Ann

(Mike) Brownfield, Maryville; grandchildren: Melissa Peter, Mikayla Peter, Brent Knisley and Jordyn Swalley; step-grandchildren: Clarissa and Brandon Brownfield; great-grandchildren: Kyle and Kameron Ptasnik; brothers: Byron Kunkel, Mankato, Minnesota; Chester Kunkel, Oregon, Missouri and Jack Kunkel in California; sisters: Merrianne Cain, Nashville, Tennessee and Twila Derr, Oregon, Missouri; step-sisters: Rowena Boswell, Oregon, Missouri and Elaine Thompson in California.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 PM Friday April 29, 2011, at Price Funeral Home Chapel Maryville, Missouri.  Inurnment: Prairie Home Cemetery, Graham, Missouri

Kenneth Charles Carr 81, Skidmore, Missouri passed away Monday, April 25, 2011 at Heartland Regional Medical Center, St Joseph, Missouri.

He was born January 11, 1930 in rural Barnard, Missouri, the son of Ira and Edna (Coulter) Carr. After graduating from Barnard High School in 1948, Kenneth joined the US Army and served in the Korean Conflict.                                  

On March 20, 1972 Kenneth and Lois Pauline Miller were married in Miami, Oklahoma.

A retired construction worker and farmer. Kenneth was a member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post #442, Maryville, Missouri and Laborers Local #579, St Joseph, where he served as a Union Steward.     

Preceding him in death were his parents.  

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of their home in rural Quitman, Missouri; step-children:  Bob Miller, Dodge City, Kansas; Bill (Karen) Miller, Rockwell, Texas; Mike (Marilyn) Miller, Columbia, Missouri; Jason (Mollie) Miller, Eldon, Iowa; Ellen (Rick) Hart, Maryville and LuRinda Struthers;  sisters: Iris Davison, Savannah, Missouri; Ruth (Mel) Lindsey, Jacksonville, Florida and Marilyn (Kelton) Smith, Liberty, Missouri;   several  step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Kenneth’s body has been cremated.  His family will have a private burial service at a later date.   

Memorial donations may be made to the VFW Post #442, the American Diabetes  Association or the American Red Cross

Joe McNulty, 91, Ravenwood, Missouri, died April 21, 2011, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St Joseph, Missouri.

Joe was born January 20, 1920, in Mound City, Missouri, the son of Charles and Emma (Cozad) McNulty.

McNulty was a career US Army person, serving during World War II until his retirement from the service.  He then became a custodian serving the Camdenton School district until moving to Ravenwood, where he served the Northeast Nodaway School system until his retirement in 2004. 

Survivors include a sister, Ruth McNulty, Denver, Colorado and numerous nieces and nephews, including Trudy Kinman and her husband, Marlin, Ravenwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Norma Yoshimura and Mary Hicks;  and brothers, Andy, Glen, Frank, Carroll, Dale, and Kenton "Pete" McNulty.

Visitation is 6-7 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2011, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

Services are 10 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2011, at the Price Funeral Home Chapel, Maryville, with burial in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mound City.   Graveside Military Services will be provided by the Missouri Military Honors Program at graveside.

Memorials may be made to Mount Hope Cemetery Veterans Memorial, Mound City, Missouri

024 Clifford Sunderman, 90, passed away on Sunday afternoon, May 8, 2011, at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah.

Survivors include his two daughters, Karlette Thornton of Coin and Charmaine Sunderman of Omaha. He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine E. (Warner) Sunderman in 2006.

Memorials may be directed to the Coin Fire and Rescue. Burial Elmwood at Coin.

Clifford Harry Sunderman was born on August 31, 1920 on the family farm northwest of Clarinda, Iowa, the son of Emil Frank and Minnie Clara (Meyers) Sunderman. Clifford entered into eternal peace on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa at the blessed age of 90 years.
Clifford attended Immanuel Lutheran Church which was north of his home. He was baptized on September 12, 1920 and confirmed on March 25, 1934. His memory verse was “He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died from them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5-15. Clifford was very serious about his faith and walked with the Lord throughout his entire life. He attended the Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade. He then attended the Clarinda High School and graduated with the Class of 1938. A youthful highlight, at age 15, Clifford placed 1st in his division and 3rd overall with his Angus steer at the American Royale in Kansas City, MO.
On March 17, 1946 he was united in marriage to Maxine Elizabeth Warner in the Bethesda Lutheran Church. The couple resided in on a farm in rural Coin where Clifford and Maxine raised their daughters. He retired from farming in 1983 and the couple moved to Shenandoah in June of 1984.
Clifford had a passion for raising crops. He began his farming career in 1938. His also enjoyed tending to his farrow to finish purebred SPF Hampshire herd and selling breeding stock for twenty years.
He served on the board of Star Telephone in Coin and was a member when they converted to the “dial” system now known as IAMO Telephone Company. He also served on many church boards and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. He was also named and advertised in the Hampshire Herdsman Magazine. Clifford was an avid reader throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed reading up on his hog operation and how to make it better. He also spent many hours reading his Bible. Later in life he enjoyed listening to the Lutheran Hour on the radio and made dozens of cassettes of church sermons and special music so that he could enjoy listening at his leisure. During his retirement he enjoyed woodworking and making many projects for his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of sixty years, Maxine, two brothers Mervil Sunderman and Roger Sunderman, sisters-in-law Mabel Sunderman, Lyda Sunderman, Milda Sunderman, Florence Sunderman and Mary Brownlee and two nephews David Sunderman and Mark Sunderman. He is survived by his daughters Karlette (Dennis) Thornton of Coin and Charmaine Sunderman of Omaha; grandchildren Jake (Jillinda) Thornton of Coin, Aaron Sunderman of Omaha, Jamie (Paul) Hutt of Sidney, Josh (Karen) Thornton of Braddyville and Nathaniel Thornton and friend Melissa Comstock of Shenandoah; great-grandchildren Samantha Thornton, Kayleigh Hutt, Braidy Hutt, Emily Hutt, and Isaac Hutt, Austin Taylor, Chase Sherwood, Cole Thornton and Tanner Thornton; brothers Otis Sunderman of Lincoln and Arlo (Roseanna) Sunderman of Braddyville; brothers-in-law Bruce (Elinor) Brownlee of West Des Moines and Charles (Joan) Warner of Clarinda; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

025 Mary Rose Book passed away on Tuesday afternoon at the Fair Oaks Care Center.

A memorial is currently being established. Rose Hill Cem Shenandoah.

Mary Rose (Leahy) Book died on May 10, 2011 at the Fair Oaks Care Center at the age of 90 years.

Mrs. Book was born on the Imogene farm to Alton and Rose (Higgins) Leahy on November 2, 1920. She graduated from Imogene High School and continued to keep house for her father on the farm until her marriage to Harold V. Book of Shenandoah in 1946.

They originally rented a farm near Shenandoah and were eventually able to buy the farmstead where Harold still resides.

As a farmwife, Mrs. Book provided many skills. She was an excellent cook and fed many farmhands. While Harold gardened, she canned and froze the produce. She started doing needlework as a young child and continued that throughout her life. She also enjoyed crochet and dominos. She traveled extensively with her husband, first trailering and later in Florida for the last 20 years.

Coming from the large Irish-Catholic Leahy family, she always enjoyed all the shenanigans of the Irish and Imogene. She particularly loved the newsletter, “The Imogene Hub”.

Mrs. Book loved her family and was a good mother. She doted on her children, grandchildren, and was thrilled by the newest great-grandchildren. She and Harold were married for 65 years.

Mrs. Book is survived by her husband Harold Book of the family farm; brother Donald Leahy of Los Angeles; son Jim Book and wife Vicki of Winterset; daughter Pat Demarest and husband Jim of Durango; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and infant daughter, Mary Virginia, and a brother Leo Leahy

026 Ruth Benjamin passed away on Monday morning at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah. Memorials may be directed to the St. John's Episcopal Church in Shenandoah. Sidney Cem.

Ruth Marie (Sims) Benjamin was born on May 2, 1920 in Corning, Iowa, the daughter of John and Vesta (Richey) Sims. Ruth entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 9, 2011 in Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 91 years.

Ruth graduated from Farragut High School with the Class of 1937. She then attended the American School of Commerce in Omaha and returned to Sidney, Iowa to work in the AAA office. She married Jack Benjamin on April 13, 1930. The couple had two children, a son John Stanley and a daughter Luanne Marie.

They moved from Sidney to Shenandoah where Ruth worked for Mount Arbor Nursery and Economy Stock Powder Company. During World War II she worked in the Navy Yard at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as secretary to the Machinery Superintendent of the Navy Yard. When the war ended they returned to Shenandoah.

In 1950 they started, along with partners Frank and Kay Walden, the Shenandoah Printing Company. Later they bought the Walden’s interest in the printing company, and started Rodeo Printers. Both companies furnished rodeo advertising for rodeos across the United States and Canada. Due to Jack’s health problems, the shop was sold to their son John in 1972. During this time Ruth also worked at Central Surveys and Tidy House, before leaving work full time in the print shop.

After Jack died in 1974, Ruth started spending the winter months in Bullhead City, Arizona as long as her health permitted.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack; and her daughter Luanne. She is survived by her son John Benjamin and wife Peggy; granddaughter Lori Stevens and husband Jim; grandson Todd Benjamin and wife Debra; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special friend Lynda Dickerson; and several cousins

027 Raymond Headley passed away on Wednesday morning, May 11, 2011 at the Shenandoah Medical Center in Shenandoah. MtHope cem at Nyman.

Raymond Edwin Headley was born April 6, 1931 in Brownville, Nebraska, the son of Carl, Sr. and Abba (Carlberg) Headley. He passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2011 at the Shenandoah Medical Center at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 5 days.

Ray grew up in the Brownville area and moved to Farragut at age 10. Following high school, Ray joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 20 years during the Korean and Vietnam eras. He retired from the Air Force in 1971. On April 8, 1956, Ray was united in marriage to Naomi Swanson at the Mamreland Lutheran Church in Stanton, Iowa. This union was blessed with two children, Tracy and Tamara.

In 1973, Ray went to work for Eaton Corporation in Shenandoah. He retired from Eatons in 1986. Ray was a member of the American Legion, Lu & Al’s Coffee Club and was an avid NASCAR fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Abba Headley; parents-in-law, Alf & Inez Swanson; a brother, Larry Headley; brothers-in-law, George Keep and Darwin Swanson.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Naomi Headley of Shenandoah, Iowa; his children, Tracy Headley and his wife Debra of Yankton, South Dakota, Tamara O’Neil and her husband Frank of Shenandoah, Iowa; grandchildren, Lucas Headley of Omaha, Nebraska, Miranda Headley of Yankton, South Dakota; Terra Reents and special friend Skyler Jones of St. Joseph, Missouri, Jared Hiser of Shenandoah, Jason O’Neil and his wife Shelby of Shenandoah, Iowa, Josh O’Neil of Shenandoah, Iowa, Jamie Steckelberg and her husband Brian of Shenandoah, Iowa; great grandchildren, Taylor, Taryn, Teigha, Zane, McKayla, and Olivia; siblings, Faye Rolf and her husband Donnie of Shenandoah, Iowa, Sonny Headley of Shenandoah, Iowa, Lois Keep of Shenandoah, Iowa, Delbert Headley and his wife Myrna of Council Bluffs, Iowa; In-laws, Sharon Swanson of Glenwood, Iowa, Glen Swanson and his wife Alice of New Hampshire, Bobby Swanson and his wife Joyce of Omaha, Nebraksa; along with many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

028 Dorothy Lee Johnson was born November 29, 1925 in Hamburg, Iowa, the youngest child born to Charles Ernest and Mary Jane (Adkins) Brown. She passed away on Tuesday afternoon, May 10, 2011 at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 11 days.

As a child, Dorothy enjoyed playing with her sisters. At the age of 7 and again at the age of 11, Dorothy contracted rheumatic fever. To combat this disease, Dorothy was bedfast for about a year and her mother would give her whiskey in warm water. Dorothy didn’t care for the smell of the concoction, but thought it was better than her father’s cold remedy of kerosene and sugar mixed in water.

While in high school, Dorothy met her future husband Denny. Following high school, Denny and Dorothy were united in marriage on March 19, 1943 in Coin, Iowa. The couple had one child, Faye Lee. Dorothy was a homemaker, helping Denny on the farm and raising their daughter. She had been a member of the Coin United Methodist Church and most recently the Nishna Valley Christian Church in Shenandoah. She enjoyed her McDonald’s Coffee Club and her church family. Most of all she loved her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Denny; her daughter, Faye Martin; and six sisters, Fern Stambaugh, Hilda Waite, Nora Porter, Ernestine Duncan, Mary Jo Irvin, Ruth Darlene Rutledge.

Survivors include her grandson, Douglas Martin and his wife Bridget of Independence, Missouri; her great grandchildren, Brayden and Sydney Martin; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Elmwood Cem at Coin, Iowa.

030 Helen H. Joseph was born April 18, 1924 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of Ike and Marie (Godwin) Black. She passed away on Sunday afternoon, May 1, 2011 at her home in Shenandoah at the age of 87 years and 13 days.

Helen grew up in Shenandoah and attended Shenandoah Schools. She was a homemaker and worked as a housekeeper at a local care center for many years. She also worked for J.C. Penney in Shenandoah. Helen enjoyed cooking and playing cards, but most of all, she loved her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Harry and Tom Jensen; six brothers and sisters, Arden Coad, Albert Isaac Black, Harvey Black, Charlie Black, Lucille Black and James Black.

Survivors include her children, Dick Jensen of Branson, Missouri, Ketta McNew and her husband Kevin of Shenandoah, Iowa; grandchildren, James, Jeri, Jennifer Stogdill & husband Beaner, Julie Kirk & husband Todd, Jay Jensen & wife Allison, Lindsey, Nick, Jeffrey, Jeana, and Jordan; great grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, Thomas, Mandy, Zach, Torri, LeAnn, Jamesey, Payton, Hadley and Deacon; daughter-in-law, Janet Jensen of Shenandoah, Iowa; nieces, Mary and Savannah Whipple of Shenandoah, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends

Rose Hill Cem, Shenandoah.

Services for Norman “Norm” Mier age 59, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Sunday, May 8, 2011 at Alegent Health Immanuel Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska will be held Thursday, May 12, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church, Clarinda with Pastor Daryl Tompkins officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 11 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Page County 4-H or to a Clarinda High School Scholarship. 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.

Norman Lee Mier was born February 14, 1952, at Clarinda, Iowa, to Martin and Doris (Schaefer) Mier. He passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at the age of 59 at Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Norman graduated with the Class of 1970 from Clarinda High School where he excelled in athletics. He attended college at South Dakota State University and graduated in 1974. He worked for four years in the Fremont/Wahoo area as a loan officer for Production Credit Association. His love of farming brought him back to Clarinda in 1978 to farm with his dad.

On December 22, 1984, Norm and Linda (Jones) Mier were united in marriage at the College Springs Presbyterian Church. They were blessed with three children, Sean, Megan and Jennifer.

In addition to farming, Norm was a full time bus driver. He always had a special way of relating to and interacting with children. He enjoyed driving to all the sporting events and cheering on the Clarinda teams.

Norm was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He was an active church member serving as Vice President, Elder, Trustee, LYF Leader and various other committees. He looked forward to the Page County Fair each year where he served as Assistant Beef Superintendent for many years. It brought him great joy to watch his children’s involvement in 4-H and the livestock area. He also served on the Co-op Board of Directors and was active in Jaycees both in Clarinda and Fremont, Nebraska.

Most important to Norm was his family. His love for Linda, Sean, Megan and Jennifer was always so evident. He always made time for his family and gave his children a good foundation for their future endeavors. Because of his genuine interest in his children’s friends, he was considered a second dad to many.

Norm was always kind and friendly to everyone. He always saw the good in every situation. He was a fun person to talk to because he loved to tell stories of his family, of travel and of life. When you talked to Norm you could tell he was really interested in what you were saying. He loved people and people loved Norm.

Left to cherish the memory of a loving husband and father are his wife, Linda Mier of Clarinda, Iowa; son, Sean Mier of Los Angeles, California; daughters, Megan Mier and Jennifer Mier of Clarinda, Iowa; sister, Karen LaCroix and husband Willie of Paynesville, Minnesota; sister, Marilyn Manning and husband David of Huntingtown, Maryland along with nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents; Martin and Doris Mier and brother, Glenn Mier.

Norm well be greatly missed by his family and many friends. His coffee times with the other bus drivers will forever have a void without Norm’s wit and humor. Norm’s love and inspiration will live on in all their hearts forever. May God grant comfort and peace to those that mourn his passing

James Michael Huelskamp 81, beloved husband and father, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, May 7, 2011 in Sun City West, AZ.

James was born on August 30, 1929 to Martin J. And Clara Gerber Huelskamp in Fowler, Kansas. He grew up on a farm near Fowler where he met his future wife Margaret Houser. They were united in marriage on August 8, 1950 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fowler. In 1951, he enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Anchorage, AK. James received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg in 1958 and later also earned his Master of Science. He then earned a Specialist in Education Degree from Drake University. James spent his career in education in Iowa first as a teacher/coach at Minburn. He moved into administration as a high school principal at Melcher-Dallas and then at Bedford from 1963 to 1972. In 1972 James and Margaret moved to West Burlington where James became the Superintendent of Schools. After a long and rewarding career as a school administrator, James retired in 1989. James and Margaret moved to Sun City West, AZ in 1991 where he was a devout member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He was also a member of various organizations including: American Association of School Administrators, American Legion, Northwest Valley Korean Veterans, Kiwanis Club, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Knights of Columbus where he was a Fourth Degree.

James and Margaret were married for 58 years sharing a love of travel and meeting many wonderful friends whom they kept in contact with over the years. He was well known for his kindness and sense of humor. James had a competitive nature whether playing cards, gardening, golfing or following sports. He was a lifelong Notre Dame football fan, but also closely followed the sporting activities of his grandchildren. He had many life experiences to share including growing up during the dust bowl, working for the railroad, adjusting crop insurance and piloting his own plane. He liked to participate in the political system. James spent many hours as a volunteer for various organizations. He especially enjoyed volunteering at local schools reading books to children. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his wife Margaret in 2009. Left to cherish James’s memory are his children Debra Gray and husband Steve of Bedford, IA; Greg Huelskamp and friend Sallee Borneman of Phoenix, AZ; Julie Roth and husband Garvin of Farmington, IA; granddaughter, Amanda Sockrider; five grandsons, Nick Gray and wife Danielle; Wyatt Gray and wife Melinda; Jared Gray; Eli Roth and wife Heather; Jason Roth and wife Jennifer; 8 great-grandchildren, Caleb, Asia and Avery Sockrider; Alexis, Gabriel, Nevaeh and Mailey Gray; Henry Roth; brother, Leroy Huelskamp and wife Stellie of Fowler, KS; three sisters Florence Hampel and husband John of Wichita, KS; Betty McCullough and husband Art of Liberty, TX; and Helen Spachek and husband Bob of Marion, KS; several nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Memorial services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fowler, KS on May 27 at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sun City West St. Vincent DePaul Society

Services for Geneva Evans age 79, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa, will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor James “Buck” Buckhahn officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, May 10 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery, Northboro, Iowa. Memorials may be given in Geneva’s name. 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.

Geneva Ann Evans was born August 7, 1931 at Rockport, Missouri to William Flower Strange and Bessie Lavonia (Huff) Strange. She grew up in Rockport and later moved to Shenandoah, Iowa where she worked at the Henry Field Nursery. On April 11, 1969, she was united in marriage to Theron Evans and they lived in the Northboro/Coin area.

Geneva enjoyed her fifteen years of working as a cook at the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1992. She took care of Theron until he passed away in 1996; Geneva then moved to Braddyville. She later moved to Clarinda where she resided at the time of her death.

Geneva loved to fish, having the patience to “wait em out”; the bigger the fish, the better. The family enjoyed camping and later on she and Theron traveled extensively around the Midwest and especially enjoyed Branson. Cooking and crocheting were two of her favorite pastimes. Her family was everything to Geneva and she enjoyed her time with them. She especially enjoyed cooking their favorite foods. Geneva had a special relationship with her sisters and later her nieces.

Preceding Geneva in death were her parents; husband, Theron Evans; son, Robert Herr; daughter, Barbara Archer; brothers, Frank, Oscar, Allan, Floyd and Harold Strange; sisters, Margaret Compton, Mary Weaver, Bessie Miller and Eva Smith.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Rebecca Rine and husband David of Clarinda, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Jackie Herr of Shenandoah, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren; nieces; nephews and many friends

Funeral services for Eleanor Harrison, age 95, of Corning, who died Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the Corning Nursing & Rehab Center, will be held Monday, May 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home in Corning. Visitation will be one hour prior to services with the family greeting friends. Interment will held in the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Corning. Memorials can be directed to the Corning Public Library. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Eleanor Juliette (Roland) Harrison was born November 30, 1915, in Corning, Iowa the daughter of Boyd N. Roland and Eva M. (Nelson) Roland. Eleanor was a life-long Corning resident. She grew up attending school, graduating from the Corning High School with the Class of 1934. On May 23, 1934, she was united in marriage to Burdette F. (Sugar) Harrison in Ivyville, Iowa. The couple was blessed with the birth of three children, Carolyn, Donald and Larry. Burdette passed away on November 23, 1991. Eleanor continued to live on her own until April of 2008 when she moved to the Corning Nursing & Rehab Center.

Eleanor was one of the oldest life-long members of the Corning United Methodist Church at the time of her death. When she was a young girl, Eleanor took great joy in playing the organ for the Sunday evening services at the church. She enjoyed traveling and the many trips she and Burdette were able to take. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends and family. Eleanor’s family was always very important to her and her Norwegian heritage was always a source of great pride for her. When her children were younger, Eleanor was always very active in all of their activities. In later years she enjoyed watching the birds.

Left to cherish the memory of Eleanor are her daughter, Carolyn Engel and husband Donald of Corning; and son, Larry Harrison and wife Mary of Council Bluffs, Iowa; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Eleanor in death are her parents Boyd and Eva Roland; her loving husband Burdette in 1991; a son Donald Harrison in August of 2008; and three brothers, Russell, Francis and Kenny Roland

Wilda Joan Sportsman 75, of Graham, MO passed from this life on May 10, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Maryville, MO.

Joan was born in Skidmore, MO on May 22, 1935 to Floyd Ausby and Barbara Jane Cunningham Johnson, they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband Junior Sportsman, her son Stephen Sportsman, her granddaughter, Hope Sportsman, and by five brothers, and five sisters.

She was employed at Uniroyal Manufacturing in Maryville until they closed, and had owned and operated her own restaurant, and a cleaning business.

On March 7, 1951, she was united in marriage to Ermal Sportsman, Jr., in Maryville, MO., he passed away in 2006.

Joan is survived by her children, Sandy Kaufman, Orange, TX, Susan and husband Doug Kline, Maitland, MO, Stan and wife Cathy Sportsman, Graham, MO, Stoney and wife Susan Sportsman, Lake Charles, LA, and Sherri Sportsman, Gladstone, MO. She is also survived by her brother, Mick and wife Joann Johnson, Shenandoah, IA, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO, Pastor Randy Grimm will be the officiant. Burial will be in the Prairie Home Cemetery, Graham, MO.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 P.M. Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home

Nancy Lou Long, 74, of  Maryville, Missouri, (formerly of Maitland, Missouri), passed away

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville.

Nancy was born November 19, 1936 in New Point, Missouri, the daughter of Raymond and Annie (Edwards) Kunkel.  She was a 1954 graduate of Graham High School, Graham, Missouri  On October 1, 1955 Nancy and Merrill LaVerne “Jack” Long were married in Maryville.

 A member of the Maitland United Methodist Church, Mrs. Long had worked for the Maitland Farmers Bank and the Exchange Bank in Mound City, Missouri, retiring in 1998. 

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, on February 19, 1986 and her parents.

 Survivors include her daughters: Jacquelyn Kim Swyers, Ravenwood, Missouri and Kelli Ann

(Mike) Brownfield, Maryville; grandchildren: Melissa Peter, Mikayla Peter, Brent Knisley and Jordyn Swalley; step-grandchildren: Clarissa and Brandon Brownfield; great-grandchildren: Kyle and Kameron Ptasnik; brothers: Byron Kunkel, Mankato, Minnesota; Chester Kunkel, Oregon, Missouri and Jack Kunkel in California; sisters: Merrianne Cain, Nashville, Tennessee and Twila Derr, Oregon, Missouri; step-sisters: Rowena Boswell, Oregon, Missouri and Elaine Thompson in California.

 Memorial Services will be 2:00 PM Friday April 29, 2011, at Price Funeral Home Chapel Maryville, Missouri.  Inurnment: Prairie Home Cemetery, Graham, Missouri

Wesley Carl Ward, 58, Skidmore, Missouri died Sunday May 8, 2011 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Missouri.

He was born March 8, 1953 at Maryville, Missouri, the son of the late Carl Wilson and Helen Marie (Godsey) Ward. 

Wesley was united in marriage to Sheila Denise Johnson, September 13, 1979 in Maryville. 

He was a graduate of Nodaway-Holt High School, a member of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church, Skidmore, where he also served on the Burr Oak Cemetery Board.  Wesley was a farmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wilson Ward.

Survivors include his wife Sheila of the home, Skidmore, three sons Patrick and Terry VanGundy, both of Maryville, and Jeffery VanGundy, Maitland, Missouri, one sister Gail (Lonnie) Morris, St. Joseph, five grandchildren, Shelbi, Julia, Halea, Jordan, and Kadyn VanGundy, niece Angie Lightner, and nephew Tim Ward McPherson.

Visitation will be from 10-10:30 AM Tuesday, May 10, 2011 followed by funeral services at 10:30 AM at the Burr Oak United Methodist Church, Skidmore, MO.  Burial will be in the Burr Oak Church Cemetery

Betty Linville, 81, of Skidmore, Missouri passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 at her home.

Betty was born April 8, 1930 in Gentry County, Missouri, the daughter of William and Nona

Mae (Piatt) Chapman.  She married Floyd Linville on November 28, 1957 in Maryville, Missouri. 

A farm wife and housekeeper, Betty was a member of the Skidmore Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister and brothers: Louis, Merle, Chester, Oscar, Ray and Marvin Chapman;

Survivors include her husband: Floyd, of their home in Skidmore; a sister: Sarah Messner, Grant City, Missouri and a brother: Glen Chapman, Stanberry, Missouri. 

Visitation is 1-2pm Friday, May 13, 2011 at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

Funeral Services are 2 pm  Friday at Price Funeral Home, with burial in Hillcrest Cemetery, Skidmore, Missouri