Verda Margaret Reynolds 1910 - 2009

VERDA MARGARET REYNOLDS

The light of heaven was glowing, the angels were in flight, at 5:25 a.m., July 14, 2009, the Lord came with his hand extended, she put her hand in His and peacefully went home to join her Lord and family. It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we gather to honor our mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, Verda Margaret (McIntire) Reynolds.
Throughout the course of her life, and especially the last days, she had incredible courage and faith in her Lord. She never complained and was a very independent woman.
Verda was born February 8, 1910 in Wayne County, Iowa, the first child of Walter and Grace (Johnston) McIntire. She grew up and attended school in Wayne County, graduating from Corydon High School in 1928. After graduation she taught school for one year in a rural school. She attended the University of Iowa for two years before returning to teach again in the county.
She married Arlan Reynolds in 1934 and they made their home in Russell for three years. They moved to Houston, Texas and remained there for eight years. Verda did substitute teaching in the Houston schools. Returning to Russell, Verda taught at Ragtown rural school, then in Russell and Chariton. While teaching, keeping house and raising three children, she managed to earn her BS in Education from Drake University in 1957.
Verda was a Methodist all her life, a member of the Faith Methodist Church in Russell. She was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and belonged to the White Shrine, Delta Kappa Gamma, Retired Teachers and Chariton Community Education Association.
Verda was preceded in death by her husband, Arlan Robb Reynolds, son, Gary Dean Reynolds, parents, Walter and Grace McIntire, two brothers, Marvin and Leo McIntire, sister, Twila McIntire, granddaughter, Tracy Yarbro and great grandson, Mac Griffith.
She is survived by son, Jim Reynolds and wife Roberta of Russell, daughters Sue Yarbro and husband Bob of Hillsboro, Texas, and Janice Blubaugh and husband Bernard of Colfax, Iowa. Grandchildren, Kimberly Abou Deif, Scott Yarbro, Kelly Griffith, Cindy Blubaugh, Terri Neuendorf, Kathy Hale, Lisa Blubaugh, Bob Reynolds and Ben Reynolds. One step-grandson, Mike Yarbro, great grand-children, Katrina Yarbro, Robert Yarbro, Gregory Yarbro, Trevor Neuendorf, Courtney Neuendorf, Mariah Bhatti, Layla Villegas, Drew Griffith, Blake Hale, Natalie Hale, Stephanie Reynolds, Elena Reynolds, Celia Reynolds and Brian Blubaugh, foster great-granddaughter, Amy Bhatti. One step-great grandchild, Faith Horrell and two step-great great grandchildren, Ethan and Evy Horrell. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Martha McIntire of Dallas, Texas and Wilma Reynolds of Chariton, Iowa, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Now Special Lady, you are on your final journey. Your love and devotion is a memory that each of us will have to cherish the rest of our lives. May this journey lead you to eternal peace. We will always love you and will forever miss you.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2009 at Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton with Pastor Alva Skiles officiating. Music was provided by Shari DeBok as soloist and Margaret Phippen as organist. Burial was in the Russell Cemetery.
Obituary courtesy of Charles M. Wright

You may also want to read the oral interview done with Verda on August 17, 2004.  This can be found in the 2012 Russell History book or at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library in the Oral History Notebook.  Ask one of the volunteers to help you.

Sarah L. Thorne

Sarah L. Thorne is celebrating her 99th birthday on April 26, 2013.  Her family is hosting a card shower in her honor.  Please send cards to Sarah Thorne:  Chariton Nursing and Rehab; 1200 N. 7th St.; Chariton, IA  50049

Jesse and Verland "Boo" Larrington 70 Years Together

After 70 years together

 the Larrington's are still in love.  On February 27, Jesse and Verland "Boo" Larrington celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Love has kept this couple together through disagreements, raising six children and trials and tribulations of life.

Both had parents who set an example, each with one, a long-time marriage.  They also have friends and siblings who have demonstrated that marriages can last for a long time.  Boo's brother is also celebrating a 70-year anniversary this year.

Each loved and respected their in-laws.  Boo's mother lived to be 103, living independently until her death.  For 14 years, Jesse helped Boo care for his mother.  They made daily trips to her house to check on her after his father died at age 89.  The couple also made trips to Lucas to stay close to Jesse's parents.

The couple was slow to give advice to today's couples about marriage, even though the 70 years and the lightheartedness that surrounds the couple is a testament to their success.  Age wise, Jesse was a  young 18 and Boo was 23 when they got married.  Jesse lived in Lucas and Boo lived on the west side of Chariton.  They met on a blind date.

The Larrington's called their marriage a partnership.  They made decisions together even though they trusted each other's judgment.  They have lived on the same farm for 68 years, raising cows and hogs - many less now that the children are married and gone from the homestead.  

Each credited the other for being good parents - another personal attribute each valued in the other.

Bertha Mathes Celebrated her 97th Birthday

Bertha Mathes celebrated her 97th birthday on March 3, 2013.  Her family hosted a card shower in her honor.  Cards may be sent to 31414  547th St. Chariton, Iowa 50049.

McCormick Family Combined Years over 450

Pictured from left to right, are Lois Akins, Eulalia Holmquist, Leola Mikesell, Elzora Town, Kenneth McCormick and wife, Martha.

More than 55 descendants of James and Nora (Edleman) McCormick gathered at the Chariton Community Center, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, with the late Richard Stone and James McCormick, Jr, both of Chariton, who were desceased since last year.

James and Nora had 17 children, five of which were in attendance.  The combined total of the ages of the five was over 450 years.  Those living were Leola Mikesell of Chariton (104 years), Elzora Town of Milo (99 years), Eulalia Holmquist of Newton (94 years), Kenneth McCormick of rural Lucas (93 years), and Lois Akins of Knoxville (90 years).

Many of the family live in Iowa and 19 other states of the United States, as well as Guam, Afghanistan and Greece.

James and Nora's descendants were successful in many careers, which include farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses, college professors, computer specialists, photographers and many more.

Esther Rouse, 101 years old

Graveside Services for Esther Rouse, 101, were Friday, October 12, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Goshen Cemetery in Lucas, Iowa.  Open visitation was Thursday October 11, 2012 from noon until 5 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.  Online condolences may be left at www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com .  Esther Viola (Tickel) Rouse was born August 5, 1911 to Levi and Edith (Browner) Tickel in Dallas, Iowa.  She married James Robert Rouse and they were blessed with a son, Robert Patrick.
Esther was always there for her family and enjoyed helping other families out.  She and Jim welcomed their nieces and nephews into their home.  Esther was a great cook and enjoyed her home.
Esther passed away October 9, 2012 at the Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center. 

Vera Clanin Turning 106 Years Old

Vera Dixon Clanin will be turning 106 on October 9th.  A birthday card would be a wonderful way to wish her "Happy Birthday" and make it a special day.  Send the card  C/O Chariton Nursing and Rehab at 1214 North 7th  Chariton, Iowa 50049.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if she received 106 cards?

Wendell Skinner Celebrates his 101st Birthday

Wendell W. Skinner celebrated his 101st birthday on Sunday, September 23, 2012.  A family celebration was held for him at Northridge Assisted Living Center.  Greetings can be sent to:  Northridge Assisted Living Center - 1110 N. 6th St.  #20 - Chariton, Iowa 50049.

Leola Mikesell 104 Years Old

Leola Mikesell celebrated her 104th birthday on June 21, 2012. 

Daisy Chapman Celebrated 99th Birthday

In February, the family of Daisy Chapman celebrated her 99th Birthday (February 6th) at the Community Center in Russell.  Daisy still lives in her own apartment in Russell and gets out when family can take her.  She makes several pot holders each year and her kids, grandkinds, and great-grandkids get to pick the one's they want.  She has several big pots of flowers outside her apartment each summer and you will see her out each evening that it is nice watering them and taking good care of them.  Daisy does most of her own cooking and even bakes cakes and homemade chocolate chip and raisin cookies at different times.

She says she doesn't care to live to be 100 years old.  Her family reminds her when God wants you home, He will take you and until then He still has work for you here.  She had fun at her party.

Gladys Ruby (Evans) Sibert, 97

Gladys Ruby (Evans) Sibert, 97, was born November 9, 1914 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa to William Alva Evans and Edith Myrtle (Twilliger) Evans.  At the age of five years old they moved to Confidence, Iowa.  She had four sisters and one brother. 

Gladys attended Bunker Hill Country School and attended Chariton High School and graduated in 1933.  After graduation she went to Des Moines to work and then got her teaching certificate on April 14, 1939.  She taught school in Wayne and Lucas Counties.

Gladys was united in marriage to Earl Dale Sibert July 22, 1940 by Elder Henry Castings, Pastor of the RLDS Church in Des Moines, Iowa.  To this union were born 5 children, daughter Verdella Pearl; son, Earl Dale Jr.; two daughters, Gelene Kay and Marcia Jeannette and son Gary Lynn.

Earl and Gladys rented and farmed on three different farms before buying their own 250 acre farm south of Russell on December 8, 1954.  They sold their farm in 1963 because of Rathbun Lake being built and it was going to back up on their farm land.  Leaving the farm they bought Scritchfields home across from the Chariton High School and lived there until the school decided they needed parking for the school and they sold it to the school.

Gladys was baptized in the RDLA Church, June 19, 1937.  She was very active in her churches.  She played the piano for Center Community Church for years.  She also taught Bible School there and was also involved with the young people at the RLDS Church in Chariton after moving.

Gladys started a 4-H club in Washington Township and was the leader of that club.  Gladys was in charge of the Food Stand at the 4-H grounds for many years.  She was also involved with Freedom Bible Camps and helped while all her children attended it for a week each summer.

Gladys' sister, Daisy Chapman, is still alive and living in Russell.

Services for Gladys were held at 10:30am in Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Fielding Funeral Home. 

Interment was in the Russell Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the family or to the Care Initiatives Hospice in Albia, Iowa.

Verle E. (Johnson) Reynolds, 100

Graveside services for Verle E. Reynolds, 100, widow of Earl, mother of Leonard, Warren and Vern Reynolds and Mary Lou Pierschbacher and Sharon Scott were held 10:30am Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Chariton Cemetery.  Family greeted friends at the Fielding Funeral Home from 6-8pm Tuesday, January 10, 2012.  Interment was at the Chariton Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in Verle's honor to the First Baptist Church in Chariton, Iowa.
Verle Evelyn (Johnson) Reynolds, was born February 24, 1911 in Chariton, Iowa to John Arthur and Amanda (Tuttle) Johnson.  She was one of ten children.  Verle passed away January 8, 2012 at the Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center.
Verle attended school in the Chariton area.  She was married to Leonard Reynolds.  To this union were born three sons:  Earl Dean, Warren Lee and Vern William and two daughters:  Mary Lou and Sharon Sue.  Verle spent her life as a homemaker and a farm wife.

Cleo Arvetta (Grimes) Rafferty

Cleo Arvetta Grimes was born April 4th, 1913 in Cedar Township Monroe County, Iowa to Henry and Mattie Ritchey Grimes and departed this life on November 3, 2011 at the advanced age of 98.

In 1917, Cleo moved with her parents to a farm in Pleasant Township, Lucas County, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood.  Cleo attended the Coal Glen School and the Coal Glen Methodist Episcopal Church.  In 1931 Cleo was baptized by the Reverend James Bingaman and into a life with Christ.  On February 26, 1931, Cleo was united in marriage to Guy Rafferty.  To this union one daughter, Martha Guyletha, was born.  Cleo and Guy farmed in Pleasant Township until Guy's death in 1964.  Cleo worked at the Dairy Queen ice cream shop in Chariton and later worked for Gross Galesburg Overall Factory until her retirement in 1975.

After retirement Cleo traveled to many states and several countries.  In 1983, Cleo married Howard Beebout and did missionary work in Haiti.  After Cleo and Howard parted, Cleo returned to Chariton and enjoyed visiting her family, friends and neighbors.  She loved her dogs, her treasures and a good Pepsi.  She was active in Daughters of the Union Soldiers and the Chariton Garden Club, as well as the Columbia Methodist Church.

Services for Cleo Rafferty, were held Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11am at Fielding Funeral Home, Chariton, Iowa.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service also at the funeral home.  Burial was in the Coal Glen Cemetery.  She is survived by her daughter, Guyletha Storm.  Memorials may be made to Legacy Lodge or Columbia Fire Department.

Lucille (Snook) Funk, 100

Lucille Pauline (Snook) Funk was born May 29, 1911 in Wayne County, Iowa to Ralph and Minnie (Summers) Snook and died at Altoona Nursing and Rehab October 24, 2011.  After graduating from Derby High School in 1929, she married Charles Francis Funk in August 1929.  To this union three sons were born; Rolland, Marvin (Ray) and Charles (Rod) Funk.

She lived most of her life in Derby, Iowa and moved to Ankeny, Iowa in December 2006.  She was preceded in death by her husband Charles and son Marvin "Ray" Funk.  She is survived by sons Rolland (Roberta) Funk of Newton, Iowa and Charles "Rod" (Cindy) Funk of Ankeny, Iowa, four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services for Lucille Funk, 100, and widow of Charles, mother of Rolland and Charles, will be Friday, October 28, 2011 at 10am at Fielding Funeral Home.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service.  Burial will be in Derby Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Derby Community Center.

Gladys Sibert Celebrating her 97th Birthday November 9

Gladys Sibert celebrated her 97th birthday Wednesday, November 9, 2011.  Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren honored her with a card shower.  Cards may be sent to Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center, 1214 N. 7th St. Rm 73,  Chariton, Iowa 50049.

Lilly Southerly, 97

Lilly Leona Rice daughter of Charles Levi and Ethel Elsie Rice was born on October 5, 1914 in Cincinnati, Iowa. At a young age she was baptized in the Methodist Church in Murray. She lived most of her life in Union, Clarke, Polk and Lucas counties, but also lived in California and Nebraska. Lilly worked at Snodon's Sewing Factory in Osceola and Armours Factory in Osceola, and at Sears in Des Moines making drapes.

Lilly married Marion Russell Overton on February 1, 1932 in Creston, Iowa. They were blessed with four children: Patty Lou, Charley Matthew, Donna Lea, and Donald Lee. Marion passed away on January 27, 1966. Lilly was married to James Southerly in 1969 and he passed away in 1977. Lilly lived at the Autumn Park Apartments in Chariton for the last 15 years.

She was very talented in many different ways.  She sewed and crocheted making many things for her family.  Lilly was also a good carpenter making a beautiful set of kitchen cabinets for her home in Murray.  She had a green thumb and loved flowers and plants both in and outside the home.  She enjoyed canning vegetables and fruits.  She loved country music and loved to dance.  Lilly also enjoyed birds, especially raising her canaries.  Lilly enjoyed life and always made the most of it.

Lilly passed away October 22, 2011 at the Legacy Lodge in Chariton after staying there for 11 months a the age of 97. She is survived by her children: Patty Deemer of Russell and Charley (Pat) Overton of Mingo; 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren and a great-great-great-grandchild.

Services for Lilly Southerly, 97, of Chariton, were held Wednesday, October 26, at 11am at Pierschbacher Funeral Home, Chariton. The family received friends at 10am prior to the service. Burial was in the Murray Cemetery at 2pm on Wednesday. Memorials are requested to the Legacy Lodge Circle of Life Hospice in Chariton. On line condolences for the framily may be left at
http://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com/ .

Pauline Barker Vincent, 98

Services for Pauline Vincent, 98, widow of Howard, mother of Jacob Vincent, Diane Mitchel, Elzan McMurry and Loy Hardesty will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 2pm at Fielding Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 12:30pm Tuesday October 11, 2011 until the time of services. Burial will be at Confidence Cemetery.

Pauline Barker Vincent was born to Minnie Alice Yocum Barker and John Milton Barker on April 25, 1913 one mile west of Confidence, Iowa. She passed from this life at her home on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at the age of 98. She moved to her beloved Blue Ridge farm in Wright Township in February 1914 at the age of ten months and spent nearly all of her life there.

She attended Dry Flat Rural School, where she would later, from 1931 to 1933, be a teacher. She attended Chariton High School (1925-29) and graduated from Chariton Junior College in 1931. She worked as deputy county superintendent for Wayne County Schools and later for the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.

She was united in marriage to Howard Vincent on Novemeber 25, 1936. Together they were involved in many community organizations and activities including Chariton Valley Electric Coop, Farm Bureau, Wayne County Extension Services, York College and others. Howard passed away in 1988.

Her most faithful ministry was reserved for her church. She was baptized into Christ in 1923 and was a faithful and active member of Sunnyslope Church. She began teaching Sunday School at a very young age, and then in later years expanded her teaching to very effective ladies Bible classes and extensive Bible correspondence courses and communications with students in Africa and other parts of the world.

Faith Boyce Celebrated her 99th Birthday

Faith Boyce and her grandson Chris Boyce (pictured) along with many friends and family celebrated her 99th birthday on October 1, 2011. Faith, formerly of Chariton, now lives at The Village in Indianola, where she is active and goes to church and social activites in the village.  Please help her celebrate by sending cards and birthday greetings to Mrs. Faith Boyce, 1209 North E. St. Apt 2310, Indianola, Iowa 50125.

Wilmina Edna Oelrich VerSteeg passed away at 100

Wilmina Edna Oelrich VerSteeg, age 100, passed away September 6, 2011, at Orange City, Iowa. Her husband, Rev. G. J. VerSteeg, was the Presbyterian minister in Russell, Iowa in 1956 and 1957 before his disability forced his retirement.

Mrs "V" was employed by Drs. Hermann and Egly in Russell for several years. Their children Mary Ann, Lorna, John, and Betty Lou graduated from Russell High School.

In 1964, the Versteegs returned to Orange City where she was employed as a secretary for the First Reformed Church for 16 years, retiring in 1981. Rev. VerSteeg passed away October 29, 1989, in Sioux Center, Iowa. Their son, Dr. John VerSteeg, also preceded his mother in death.

Surviving are Dr. Mary Ann and Greg Halbert of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lorna Jane and Dean Downard of Tucson, Arizona and Betty Lou and Ted Lamb of Denver, Colorado and daughter-in-law, Patricia VerSteeg, also of Tucson, Arizona, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law Belva Oelrich.

Merrill Pulliam Celebrated 100th Birthday

Merrill Pulliam will celebrate his 100th birthday on October 22, 2011.  Merrill's parents were Lawrence and Roxie Pulliam.  Lawrence was the son of I.N. and Mary Pulliam and the brother of Lucius Pulliam of Chariton.  The families of Merrill, Michael and Kay Pulliam and Robert and Jean Pulliam would like to honor their father with a card shower.  Merrill's address is 2102 Delaware Ave, Apt. B, Grafton, Wisconsin  53024.