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LAURA LUCILE BENSON
Laura Lucile Benson, daughter of Dellitt and Elva Maude (Atwood) Thompson, was born on March 1, 1915 at home in Liberty township, Ringgold county, north of Mount Ayr, Iowa, and died on December 27, 1999 at the age of 84 years, nine months and 26 days.
Her childhood was spent in and around Mount Ayr except for a short period of time when the family moved to Republic, Michigan. She attended the Mount Ayr school district and graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1932.
On January 21, 1933, she was united in marriage to Wayne Benson at Grant City, Missouri. They had three children: Dale Wayne, Darryl Dean and Shirley Ann Benson. They established their first home at Diagonal after living the first year with his parents. Two years later they moved to Liberty township where they lived and farmed for 39 years. She worked the fields and raised livestock right beside her husband for the duration of their life on the farm.
On March 1, 1975, they moved into Mount Ayr where she continued to live until entering the nursing home.
Lucile did cleaning for various people, including Lawhead Dental firm and Iowa Southern for many years. She also did sewing for many years.
Lucile and Wayne celebrated 50 years of marriage. Wayne Benson died on December 21, 1983. In May of 1985, she met Lloyd Reynard, her special friend from Creston, Iowa, and they celebrated a 14 year friendship and loving relationship and he stood by her and cared for her during her failing health.
Lucile was a member of the First Christian Church of Mount Ayr and loved her work for the church. She loved her family and lived life to the fullest. Her great passions were sewing and dancing. Her loss will be felt by many. Lucile made her first dress at the age of seven and sewed until two days before entering the nursing home. She made several wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses and figurines; her pillow case dolls are probably in every state as she made hundreds.
She was a big walker until she lost her health. She was a volunteer at the Ringgold County Hospital, she volunteered at the blood bank and she helped serve the Lenton breakfast for 18 years. She volunteered at the Clearview Home helping with bingo for 15 years. She helped raise money for the present church by serving meals at the Iowa State Fair to the workers for 10 years, getting up at 4:00 a.m., going to the fair, making and serving meals and returning back to Mount Ayr anywhere from 10:00 p.m. to midnight to get up and do it again.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Benson; her son-in-law Corwin Ingram; her parents, Elva and Dellitt Thompson; a baby sister Hilda Thompson; two brothers, Alvan Thompson and Joe Thompson; and a sister Eleanor Campbell.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her special friend Lloyd Reynard of Creston; sons, Dale Wayne Benson and wife Barbara of Davenport, Iowa and Darryl Dean Benson and wife Mary of Springfield, Ohio; daughter Shirley Ann Ingram of Perry, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Randy Ingram and wife Kathy of Las Vegas, Nevada, Becky Schultze of Perry, Debra Ingram of West Des Moines, Iowa, Penny Phillips of Davenport, Lori Martin of Davenport, LaDonna Posten of Davenport and Darryl Benson, Jr. of Mediapolis, Iowa; seven great-grandchildren, Brittany, Taryn and Lexi Schultze of Perry, Neal Edward and Ashley Phillips of Davenport, Anthony and Kristen Dowell of Davenport; one sister Phyllis Moore of Azusa, California; three sisters-in-law, Ollie Benson of Diagonal, Theola John of Omaha, Nebraska and Cleone Thompson of Mount Ayr; and other relatives and many, many friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 30, 1999 at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr with Reverend John Brillo and Reverend Doris Kinton officiating. Mrs. Malcolm Eighmy and Butch Chapin provided music. Casketbearers were JR Campbell, Bill Thompson, Phil Martin, Marvin Campbell, Larry Thompson and Charles Campbell. Honorary pallbearers were Mack McCall, Robert Keller, Barbara Walter, Lila Overholtzer, Edward Thompson, Cleone Thompson and Lawrence Kilgore.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery , Mount Ayr.
CURTIS ALAN HOLMES
Curtis Alan Holmes was born May 17, 1959, at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa, and departed this life on December 20, 1999, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Curtis was born to Amy Ruth and Wilson Homes and grew up in Kellerton, Iowa with his brothers John Holmes and baby-brother Rodney Eugene Holmes. He also spent much of his young life in rural Mount Ayr with his sister Kathryn, her husband Edwin (whom he called Dad), grandpa and grandma Still, Douglas, Ronche and Gregory Still.
Curtis worked in Des Moines training guard dogs for Blanket Security in 1979 until becoming ill. While Curtis was in the hospital in Des Moines, he met the love of his life and soulmate, Martina Morgan (whom he lovingly called "Toddy"). With sincere dedication, Curtis devoted his life to Toddy and Christina Marie ("Marie").
Curtis enjoyed all of nature and especially hunting with his family and friends. Some of his most memorable hunting experiences were with his brothers and "Friget, Bach and Triple J." He was never too busy to stop and have a few laughs and some serious debate. He loved his dogs and became a breeder of German wirehair terriers. Curtis served 10 years on the Kellerton volunteer fire department until his health no longer permitted.
The highlights of his life were his nephews, Chad and Travis Holmes, and his three grandsons, Shawn, David and Shelby. His admiration was obvious to anyone who would look at his wallet with its twenty-some pictures.
He was preceded in death by his father Wilson Henry Holmes, and his mother Amy Ruth Holmes. His mom passed from this earth less than one month ago, and Curtis is with his mom, catching up on all of the Kellerton gossip at this time.
Left to cherish his memories are: loving spouse and mate Martina Holmes of Kellerton; daughter Christina Holmes of Des Moines; son-in-law David Keller, Jr., and grandsons, Shawn, David and Shelby of Kellerton; sisters, Kathryn Still and Janet Holmes of Springfield, Missouri; and brothers, David Holmes and family of Oakton, Virginia, John Holmes and family of Ringgold county and Rodney Holmes and family of Kellerton. Others whom Curtis knew as brothers were Douglas and Ronche Still and families of Mount Ayr, and Greg Still and family of Creston.
Many will remember Curtis for his laugh, his adoration of children, his love of animals and his ability to tell those tall tales that made you laugh longer and harder each time that you heard them. We will all miss his smile and those group hugs that were so much a part of our family.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 23, 1999 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home with Reverend Jeff Flagg officiating. Casketbearers were Brad Still, Doug Frost, Mike Stark, LeRoy Morse, Billy Stark and Mr. Fridget Roe. Honorary pallbearers were Barry Schuster, Marion Stark, Jamie Reetze, Barry Jackson, Bobby Branchcomb, Brian Pointdexter, Melvin Doolittle and Jimmy Juergens.
Interment was in the Maple Row Cemetery , Kellerton.
MERRILL VERNON PERRY
Merrill Vernon Perry was born on April 7, 1932, in the guest bedroom at the family farm seven miles northwest of Prescott, Iowa, the fourth of six sons of James Olin and Eva Laurene Perry. He was baptized at the Carl Methodist Church where he later became a member. His lifelong love of music began at this church with a revival led by the original Blackwood Brothers Quartet. It was at that time that he accepted Jesus as his Saviour.
He attended country school--Carl #5 in Adams county--grades one through seven and Plainview school for the eighth grade. His freshman year was spent in Corning with brother Clair who was a senior. The remaining three years, he attended the Prescott Consolidated school where he received his high school diploma. Merrill attended Tarkio College, Tarkio, Missouri, earning a bachelor of arts in music in 1953.
In 1952, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Hulett and from this union two children were born, Lenora Elise in 1953 and David Mark in 1957. Merrill spent two years in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. Later he taught three years in the Conway Consolidated school where his duties consisted of music K-12, high school English, assistant coach, substitute bus driver, assistant janitor and principal pro tem.
He then went to the Maxwell Community school for three years, teaching high school and junior high music. While at Maxwell, he earned his masters degree in music education from Drake University. In the summer of 1961, Merrill and his family moved to Mount Ayr, Iowa where he developed a very successful band program. He was known as the "Old Band Man" even when he was young. His bands earned numerous first place awards in concert and marching band areas, with his students earning dozens of first place honors in solo and ensemble competition. Several of his students earned the honor of performing in the Iowa All State Band and Chorus, including his daughter Lesa. He was one of the first band directors in Iowa to start a jazz band.
On August 1, 1970, Merrill and Susan Avitt were united in marriage. They had been introduced by a former student, Phyllis Bastow Harover. This merger brought together two families: Lesa 17, Mike 14, Dave 13 and Mark 12. An interesting time was had by all. In 1980 Merrill and Susan were given an opportunity to raise their two oldest grandchildren, Caleb and Cody Couts. Both have now graduated from high school, Caleb in 1991 and Cody in 1993.
In 1984 Merrill resigned from the Mount Ayr Community schools after 29 years of teaching. He then became an insurance agent for Farm Bureau for nine and one half years until poor health forced him to retire. After retirement he began a hobby of making lamps from old musical instruments.
Merrill was always active in community affairs, serving two terms as city councilman and one term as mayor. He was active in many organizations during the 38 years he lived in Mount Ayr, including the Lions Club, American Legion, Sheriff's Posse, Masons, Ringgold Singers and Methodist Men. He was also an original member of the Jolly Boys Club.
Merrill was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. This was one of the things that kept him in Ringgold county.
Through his work with Farm Bureau, Merrill earned trips for he and Susan to Vienna, Austria, the Caribbean and Florida.
Merrill is survived by his wife Susan; a daughter Lesa Nuri of Oskaloosa; a son David and wife Lisa of Maryville, Missouri; two stepsons, Mike Avitt of Des Moines and Mark Avitt of Lewisville, Texas; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Jay and wife Beth of Creston, Doyle and wife Marilyn of St. Louis, Missouri and Russell and wife Starla of Richmond, Virginia; and a sister-in-law Joyce Perry of Sharpsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eva Perry; two brothers, Eugene and Clair; and his first wife Mary Lou.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 31, 1999 at the United Methodist Church in Mount Ayr with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. Prelude music was 1968 and 1971 recorded performances of the Mount Ayr high school band. Special music, "We've A Story To Tell," was by the choir and postlude music was from The Canadian Brass. Casketbearers were Daryl Holden, John Newton, Dennis Sychra, Donald Dailey, Fred Stark and Dan Day.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery , Mount Ayr. Military graveside rites were given by Ringgold Post #172 American Legion.
Memorials have been established to the Mount Ayr Public Library and Mount Ayr Band Boosters.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
VENETA B. GRANT
Veneta B. Grant was born August 18, 1900 at Clearfield, Iowa to Ulysses S. and Maude (Richards) Grant. She passed away December 22, 1999 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield at the age of 99 years, four months and four days.
Veneta was a lifelong resident of Clearfield. She graduated from Clearfield high school in 1918, with a class of 10 girls and 10 boys. Veneta had been a resident of Clearview Home since 1989.
She was employed in a dress shop, then the post office and as a clerk in a grocery store until her retirement in 1967. She was a past matron of the Order of Eastern Star and a member of the United Methodist Church of Clearfield.
Veneta always had a pleasant disposition and loved visiting with family and friends.
Survivors include two nieces, Cleone Ullstead and husband Harold and Betty Dixson and husband Donald, all of Palm Harbor, Florida; two nephews, Harry Grant, Jr. of Fairhope, Alabama and William F. Grant of Mohave Valley, Arizona; and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ulysses and Maude Grant, and two brothers, Loyd D. Grant and Harry Grant.
Graveside Services were held Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at Clearfield Cemetery , Clearfield with Reverend Alan Rusk officiating. Casketbearers were LBanks Wilson, LeRoy Beggs, Erwood Huffman, Charles Jackson, Marvin Boyer and Alan Larsen.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
ULA JEAN STRINGHAM
Ula Jean Stringham, daughter of Ivan and Deva Wilson, was born June 4, 1918, in Allendale, Missouri. She departed her life December 27, 1999 at the age of 81 years, six months and 21 days at Fountain West Health Center, Des Moines, Iowa.
She was united in marriage to Vern Stringham on December 22, 1934 in Maryville, MO. They had no children of their own, but they had her brother, nieces and nephews who stayed with them and whom they loved with all their hearts.
Ula Jean lived in Mount Ayr, Iowa most of her life. She spent a short time in Grant City, Missouri while her husband was in the service. She moved to Creston, Iowa about 10 years ago so she would be closer to Pam and Ula Agnes. She had to give up her apartment in Creston due to poor health in September. She was at Urbandale Health Center and Fountain West Health Center in Des Moines from June until her death.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Deva Wilson, and her husband, Vern Stringham.
She is survived by her brother Bob C. Wilson; sister-in-law Naedine of Scottsdale, Arizona; and a number of nephews, nieces, great-nieces and a host of relatives and friends.
Graveside services were held on Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at the Rose Hill Cemtery in Mount Ayr with Reverend John Brillo officiating.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
BERNICE FLETCHALL
Bernice Louise Vaughn, daughter of Susie and Dora Vaughn, was born on a farm east of Benton, Iowa on June 23, 1912. She passed away on December 24, 1999.
She attended the Benton school and graduated with the class of 1930. She attended normal school in Shenandoah, Iowa and taught in the country schools in Ringgold county, Iowa for several years.
She was united in marriage to Charles Fletchall on June 18, 1935.
Bernice and Charles lived in Des Moines, Iowa for several years before moving to Grimes, Iowa in 1937 where they made their home for almost 60 years. They had a second home in Mesa, Arizona where they wintered for over 20 years. They moved to a retirement center in 1997.
Although they never had children, they considered their nieces and nephews their very own.
Bernice was employed by Bankers Trust and was retired from there.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles; her parents, Susie and Dora Vaughn; sisters, Lela Campbell and Ethel Hansen; and brothers, Perry Vaughn and Orlo Vaughn.
Survivors are a sister Viona Snyder and one brother Merle Vaughn, both of Des Moines.
Funeral services were held in Dallas Center, Iowa on December 30, 1999 with burial in the Masonic Cemetery
in Des Moines.
JOHN OSWELL TAYLOR
John Oswell Taylor was born October 22, 1917 at Beardstown, Illinois, the son of James Orville and Cora (Wagner) Taylor. He passed away on January 10, 2000 at the age of 82 years, two months and 19 days.
He attended local schools and became a member of Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church in Virginia, Illinois at an early age.
On November 12, 1939 he was united in marriage to Hazel Reichert. They had three children, Patricia, Neil and Steven. While living in Illinois he was a member of the school board for the Macon school district, Masonic Lodge, Farm Bureau member and a 4-H leader for several years in Macon, Illinois.
He farmed in Illinois until 1969 when they moved to Hatfield, Missouri where he farmed and raised cattle and horses. They moved to Iowa in 1984 and John became interested in team roping. He was proud of his horses and enjoyed roping. He was forced to retire in 1989 due to Parkinson's disease. He had worked at the sale barns for years, but gave that up, too.
He was a charter member of the Iowa High School Rodeo Association, former trustee of the Redding United Methodist Church and a current member of the Mount Ayr United Methodist Church.
John was preceded in death by his parents, James and Cora Taylor; a sister Catherine Siltman; and a brother-in-law Wilson Siltman.
Survivors include his wife Hazel of Mount Ayr, Iowa; daughter, Patricia Siltman and husband Waldron of Hillsboro, Illinois; sons, Neil Taylor and wife Sharon of Stansberry, Missouri and Steven Taylor and wife Cheryl of Mount Ayr; grandchildren, Debra Rhodes, John Siltman, Pamela McCumber, Jason Taylor, Shelly Whiting, Jill Weehler and Jamie Taylor; 12 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Earl Taylor and wife Mildred of Virginia, Illinois and Carroll Taylor of Clayton, Illinois.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Michael Druhl officiating. June Smith and John Allen provided music. Casketbearers were Hugh Terwilliger, Charles Pickering, Dennis Maxwell, Kyle Shaha, Charles Jeanes and Jim Denney.
John was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery , Mount Ayr.
CLEO MARIE LESAN
Cleo Marie Lesan was born June 25, 1902, the second daughter of Will and Laura Belle Whisler, near Kellerton, Iowa, and passed away on December 24, 1999 at Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
She attended rural school at Buffalo Ridge and graduated from Kellerton high school.
On February 2, 1924 she was united in marriage to Hugh B. Lesan in Mount Ayr. To this union were born three sons, Roger, who died at birth, Richard of Turlock, California and Marvin "Pete" of Kellerton.
All of her life was spent on farms in Ringgold county near Kellerton. Cleo was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Kellerton.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Will and Laura Whisler; husband, Hugh Lesan; one son; one sister Elva Hoffman; and a daughter-in-law Wanda Lesan.
She leaves to mourn her passing two sons, Richard and wife Theola, and Marvin "Pete."
She was proud of her seven grandchildren: Phyllis Lairson and husband Otto of Turlock, California; Rick and wife Janet of Turlock; Randy and wife Kim of Turlock; Ken and wife Rita of Hughson, California; Terry and wife Penny of Lamoni, Iowa; Marty and wife Mindy of Kellerton; and Tracy and wife Brenda of Bratislava, Slovakia.
Cleo had 21 great-grandchildren whom she enjoyed very much, making certain that each one received one of her crocheted rugs. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Her health was so that she could fly to California to be with family there twice a year and as late as August, 1999 she was able to remain in her home southwest of Kellerton until hospitalized.
Services were held on December 29, 1999 at the United Methodist Church in Kellerton with the Pastor Rick Hawkins and Reverend Lynn Wyatt of Grand Mound, Iowa officiating. Music was provided by Dick Jackson accompanied by Camille Jackson. Casketbearers were five of her grandsons, Rick, Randy, Ken, Terry and Marty Lesan and nephew Jack Hofffman.
Interment was in Maple Row Cemetery , Kellerton.
Cleo was proud of all her family who loved her dearly. She will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Kellerton.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
