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VALE U. THOMSON, D.V.M.
Vale Ulan Thomson, 86, of Clearfield, Iowa, died September 2, 2001, at Clearview Home in Clearfield. He had a stroke August 13, 2001, and had been transferred to Clearview Home on August 22, 2001, from Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
He was born February 1, 1915, the first child of Herbert C. and Harriet Pearl Conklin Thomson, at their farm south of Griswold, Iowa.
Vale attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Atlantic high school in 1932. He received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1938 from Iowa State College and subsequently purchased the veterinary practice of Dr. Hines in Gravity, Iowa.
On July 28, 1938, he and Annabelle Mabel Herbert married at the home of her parents near Atlantic.
On August 12, 1942, he entered the Army Veterinary Corps as a first lieutenant and was discharged in 1946 at the rank of major.
He moved his family to Clearfield in 1946 and practiced veterinary medicine until his retirement in 1985.
On August 1, 1980, he married Mona Mae Beemer.
In retirement he enjoyed woodcraft-ing, fishing, traveling, administration of family farms and visiting with many friends.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Clearfield Lions, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Legion Post #97, and the Iowa State Alumni Association.
He is survived by a daughter, Jo Ann Avey of Chandler, Arizona; son John U. Thomson, D.V.M. and wife Kay of Starkville, Mississippi; grandchildren, Daniel U. Thomson, D.V.M. and wife Cindy of Greeley, Colorado, Holly B. Avey and husband Steve Rapp of Decatur, Georgia, David J. Thomson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Josh T. Avey and fiancée Coleen Brown of Green Valley, Arizona; three great-granddaughters, Kelly May, Katelyn Annabelle, and Tory Grace Thomson of Greeley, Colorado; a sister, Rita Mehaffey and husband Raymond of Atlantic; and friend Vera Morey.
He was preceded in death by his parents and both wives.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 5, 2001, at United Methodist Church, Clearfield with Reverend Lynn Garrison officiating. Musicians were Maralene Longfellow and Chantelle Jennett. Casket bearers were Daniel Thomson, Cindy Thomson, Holly Avey, Steve Rapp, David Thomson, and Josh Avey.
Military rites were conducted by American Legion Post #97, Clearfield.
Vale was laid to rest in the Clearfield Cemetery , Clearfield.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
BETTE WEBSTER
Elizabeth M. "Bette" Webster was born September 5, 1919, at Mount Ayr, Iowa, to Leonard and Leona (Canney) Rusk.
Bette graduated from Mount Ayr high school in 1937. She served in the USMCWR, Women's Marine Corps, during World War II.
Bette was united in marriage to Clifford L. Webster on September 8, 1947, in Mount Ayr. They lived in Mount Ayr, later living in Casper, Wyoming for several years before moving to Arizona where she was a supervisor with Motorola in Phoenix, retiring in 1982. They retired to Kellerton, Iowa before moving to a farm south of Mount Ayr.
In 1988, they bought a house in Mount Ayr but Clifford died before they moved in. Bette continued to live here until moving into the Clearview Estates on August 1, 2001. Bette enjoyed living there.
Bette died suddenly on September 2, 2001, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Bette was a member of the First Christian Church, participating in a ladies' circle and helping with funeral dinners. She was a life member of the American Legion, Ringgold Post #172, and enjoyed being a V.I.C. club member until health prevented.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Clifford; and one brother Rex Rusk in 1984.
Survivors include her sister-in-law Barbara Rusk of Des Moines; a nephew Steve Rusk of Bettendorf, Iowa; a niece Nancy Wissink of Des Moines; cousins and a host of friends.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, September 4, 2001, at Rose Hill Cemetery , Mount Ayr, with Reverend John Brillo officiating. Honorary pallbearers were residents and staff at Clearview Estates.
Military rites were conducted by Ringgold Post #172, American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, American Legion Post #172 or a charity of the donor's choice.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
VESTA MAXIENE SMITH
Vesta Maxiene Smith was born March 26, 1919. She was the daughter of Cora Keller Conley Byerly. She grew up in Knowlton, Iowa.
She spent most of her years in the Diagonal and Mount Ayr, Iowa area, except all but about five years when she lived in Oregon.
On September 10, 1936, she married Cecil J. Smith. To this union 12 children were born. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Cecil E. Smith and wife Dorothy of Clearfield, Iowa, Betty Jean Schnackenberg and husband Myron of Diagonal, Irene Ayres and husband Bud of Mount Ayr, daughter-in-law Terri Smith of Winterhaven, California, Phyllis Cregeen and husband Dale of Rockford, Illinois, Jerry Smith and wife Robin of Utica, Missouri, Barb Strange and husband Bob of Mount Ayr, Gary Smith and wife Brenda of Diagonal, John Smith of Yuma, Arizona, Roxie Fletcher and husband Charlie of Diagonal.
Also she will be sadly missed by her 33 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister Retha Herrold of Diagonal; brothers, Donald Conley and wife Pauline of Kansas City, Missouri, and Ronnie Conley and wife Betty of Mount Ayr; and numerous other family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil Smith; mother Cora Byerly; infant twin sons, Dee and Lee Smith; son Richard Smith; grandsons, Kenneth Carson and John Coverdell; sister Marjorie Pruitt; brother Gilbert Gail Conley; and brothers-in-law, Jr. Pruitt and Vincent Herrold; and son-in-law Leonard Watts.
Funeral services were held September 7, 2001 at the United Church of Diagonal in Diagonal, with Pastor Karen Garrison officiating. Providing music were Margaret Bickers and Mary Trullinger. Casket bearers were Steve Sobotka, Bob Sobotka, Mike Sobotka, Robert Grace, Scotty Young and Dave Zollman. Honorary casket bearers were her many grandchildren.
Vesta was laid to rest in the Knowlton Cemetery , Knowlton.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
ERNEST GLEN SISSEL
Ernest Glen Sissel was born March 5, 1909 to California and Mattie Mae Penney Sissel at their home on the farm south of Kellerton, Iowa, and departed this life September 18, 2001, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 92 years, six months and 13 days.
Glen attended country school at Buffalo Ridge in Athens township and graduated from Kellerton high school in 1928.
He was united in marriage to Evelyn Grace Pollard September 16, 1939, and they made their home on a farm south of Kellerton until the death of his father in 1951 at which time they moved to the home place.
To this union were born two children: Suzanne Louise and Jane Ellen.
Glen liked being a farmer as he enjoyed planting and harvesting crops, taking care of livestock, and working in his shop. He enjoyed rising to the challenge of making a difficult task easier by making or remodeling some of his own farm equipment. He made a wind charger to generate electricity at home before rural electricity.
In his younger days Glen was a member of a thrashing crew that thrashed south of Kellerton, Mount Ayr and Lamoni. These friends and experiences remained important to him throughout his life. He was always ready and willing to help his friends and neighbors.
Family life was important to him, and he always had times for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Glen was a member of the Kellerton United Methodist Church, the Methodist Men, Lions Club, Kellerton Order of the Eastern Star, and a 58-year member of Topaz Lodge #438.
Glen was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Ralph; his sister Mae Watson; and his daughter Jane Ellen Smith.
He is survived by his wife Evelyn; his daughter Suzanne and husband Wayne Brown of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; a son-in-law David Smith of St. Kiets, West Indies; two granddaughters, Andrea Smith of Maryville, Missouri and Cynthia Brown Miller and husband Kevin of Des Moines; a great-grandson Jack Emery Miller; four nephews, six nieces and numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, September 21, 2001, at United Methodist Church in Kellerton with Pastor Rick Hawkins and Joe DeBarthe officiating. Louise Meadows and Richard and Camille Jackson were the musicians. Casketbearers were Richard Schwalbe, Dave Rainey, Terry Barnes, Monte Akers, Jim Hoffman, and Gene Noftsger.
Honorary pallbearers were Bill Swank, Richard Barnes, N. H. Campbell, Harold Akers, Gene Hoffman, Jack Hoffman, Lawrence Combs, Joe DeBarthe, and Richard Fisher.
Glen was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery , Kellerton.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
FERN LEONE MCPHERSON BADGER
Fern Beymer Badger, 84, was born to George Alonzo and Mary Estella Shafer Beymer in their home in Mount Ayr, Iowa, February 3, 1917, and departed this life in Maple Manor Care Center in Rochester,
Minnesota on September 26, 2001. She was the last of nine children.
Fern attended the Mount Ayr school system where she was a good and serious student, always pleasant and enjoyed a good time. She graduated in 1934 from Mount Ayr high school where she was later employed. While living in Mount Ayr she was also an assistant to Dr. J. W. Hill in his medical practice.
Fern and Charles McPherson were united in marriage on August 7, 1939. They made their home in Mount Ayr moving later to Cedar Falls, Iowa. Their son Gene was born October 11, 1942. Charles died suddenly March 11, 1949. Fern and Gene then returned to Mount Ayr where Fern worked for Fred Daughton, land agent.
Fern and Warner Sorensen were married November 23, 1951. They moved to a dairy farm near Tonganoxie, Kansas and later moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Fern was employed by Lawrence National Bank where she was the long time secretary to Riley Burcham, bank president, for many years. Warner died suddenly on May 30, 1972.
Fern married Jim Badger January 9, 1977, and after her retirement they moved to Rochester,
Minnesota to be near Gene and his family. James died June 14, 1993.
She was preceded in death by her three husbands; her parents; brothers, Paul, Mark and Luther Beymer; sisters, Olive (Mrs. Neil Johnson), Esther (Mrs. Orlo Johnson) and Beth (Mrs. Paul Eason); and all of her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Left to mourn her passing are her son Gene McPherson; grandchildren, Nani McPherson and Scott McPherson and their mother Onea McPherson, all of Rochester,
Minnesota; many nieces, nephews and friends.
She is laid to rest by her husband Charles McPherson in Rose Hill Cemetery , Mount Ayr.
Graveside services were held Saturday, September 29, 2001, with Reverend Eydie Stephens officiating.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
HUBERT BENNETT HERROLD
Hubert Bennett Herrold was born February 11, 1910 at Mooresville, Missouri to John and Diana Long Herrold. Hubert passed away September 30, 2001, at the age of 91 years.
Hubert spent all of his life farming except the years he spent in World War II. He entered the U. S. Army on March 11, 1942 and was discharged on November 18, 1945.
Hubert was a life member of the American Legion Morris Herrold Post #396 in Diagonal, Iowa and the V.F.W. Post #1797 at Creston, Iowa.
Hubert was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Homer, John, Jr., Leo and Vincent; and one sister Lula May Claybaker.
Those left to cherish his memory include his sister Ruth Dideriksen and husband Chris of Gravity, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Retha Herrold of Diagonal and Margaret Herrold of Tucson, Arizona; several nephews and nieces and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 3, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with Reverend Karen Garrison officiating. Musicians were Judy Newton and John Allen. Casket bearers were Ed Fletcher, Charlie Fletcher, Roger McCay, Richard Taylor, Delbert Routh and Trent Johnston.
Honorary pallbearers were Jim Taylor, Jack Taylor, Harold Cornelison and members of the American Legion Morris Herrold Post #396.
Military graveside rites were conducted by Morris Herrold Post #396 American Legion.
Hubert was laid to rest in the Clearfield Cemetery , Clearfield, Iowa.
DONNA MARIE (LILES) PICKENS
Donna Pickens, 66, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died September 30, 2001, at her Cherokee home after a lengthy fight with cancer.
Donna was born September 16, 1935, at Thayer, Iowa to Jay and Opal (Hazen) Liles. She was the eighth of nine children.
Donna began school at a country school north of Mount Ayr, Iowa where she lived on a farm with her parents, brothers and sisters. Donna started third grade at the Mount Ayr public schools and continued her education there. She graduated in May 1954 from Mount Ayr high school. While in high school, she participated in music, band and was the homecoming queen her senior year.
Donna married her high school sweetheart, Earl F. Pickens, on May 30, 1954, at the Christian Church parsonage in Mount Ayr in the presence of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Liles and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pickens.
Donna and Earl moved to Ames, Iowa, where she worked for the Iowa State University Air Force ROTC as a secretary and Earl worked for Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc. They lived in Fort Madison, Bedford, Des Moines and Chariton, Iowa as Earl moved up in Hy-Vee before making their home in Cherokee, Iowa in January 1970.
Donna and Earl are the proud parents of seven children: Candace Sue Pickens (who died in 1987), Barb Jones (Steve) of Rockwell City, Iowa, Ann Ziskovsky (Dwane) of Swisher, Iowa, Robert Pickens of Vermillion, South Dakota, Michelle Eidem (Gary) of Vermillion, South Dakota, Rodney Liles of Cherokee and Richard Liles (Nicole) of Rockford, Illinois.
They have 10 grandchildren: Steve and Kari Jones of Clive, Iowa, Jason Jones of Fort Collins, Colorado, Aaron Jones of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Katie, Tony and Darren Ziskovsky of Swisher; Andrew and Courtney Eidem of Vermillion, South Dakota, Kayla Liles of Rockford, Illinois; and three great-grandchildren: Tori, Tyler and Madison Jones of Clive.
Raising their seven children in Cherokee, Donna was active in many service organizations, school activities, St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the neighborhood coffee club. At St. Paul's she taught Sunday school, was a youth leader in MYF and a life long member of Ruth Circle. She was a lifetime member of Sioux Valley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and served as president for one term.
Donna was a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She was chairman for many years of the Nutty Bar stand, the sorority's main fund-raising project. Donna was very involved with the activities her children were involved in such as being a Cub Scout leader, a swim team mom, Booster Club member and avid fan of the sports and music activities her kids were involved in. The Pickens' house was always open to everyone. You were treated as one of their own; just remember to take your shoes off at the back door.
Donna was an avid golfer and belonged to the Cherokee Country Club and Spanish Trails Country Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. She enjoyed the women's golf leagues and area golf tournaments that she played in.
While Cherokee was home as they raised all of their kids there, Las Vegas was Donna and Earl's special home. They loved the scenery and the home they made there. Donna and Earl became associate members of First Trinity United Methodist Church in Las Vegas.
Donna was preceded in death by their daughter, Candace Sue Pickens; her parents; a sister Myrtelle Liles; and a brother Hazen Liles.
She is survived by sisters, Lorraine Reasoner (Daughn) of Mount Ayr, June Rinehart of Mount Ayr and Iola Wernli (LeRoy) of Perry, Iowa; brothers, George Liles (Shirley) of Norwalk, Iowa, Robert Liles (Anne) of Sun City West, Arizona and Ronald Liles (Sue) of Des Moines, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Donna was proud of the life that she and Earl made together. In 2001, they celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. They were able to travel to places and do things she had never dreamed of as she was growing up in Mount Ayr. Grandma Doni loved to have her grandkids around her and always kept the cookie jar full of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.
Donna's only regret is leaving Earl and all of her loved ones behind. She has had great friendships and left lasting memories with many people and her passing will leave a large void in their lives.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 3, 2001, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cherokee with Reverend Gary Arm-strong and Reverend Jack Weida officiating. Pallbearers were Ken Lee, Mark Simonsen, Leroy Schoon, Milo Kindwall, Dennis Henrich, Dr. Tom Gary and Jim Miller.
Donna was laid to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery , Cherokee.
The family requests that memorials be made to Sioux Valley Memorial Hospice.
Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee was in charge of the arrangements.
