Janie Ballanger age 72 of Coatsville, Missouri, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2017 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 11-12:30.  Funeral Services will be held at 12:30PM Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville, Iowa with Reverend Jerry Weller officiating.  A memorial has been established to the Zoar Church or the Schuyler County Cancer Relief Fund and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 South 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544.  Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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GAY J. DONNELLY

OTTUMWA – Gay J. Donnelly, 88, formerly of 626 S. Davis St. died at 7:14 a.m. January 22, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.

He was born July 15, 1928 at home on Milner St. in Ottumwa to Gay P. and Birdie Mae McCarty Donnelly.  He married the love of his life, Martha L. Reeb October 17, 1948 in Jackson, MI. She preceded him in death on February12, 2007.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1946, he then enlisted in the U.S. Army.   Upon completion of his military service he attended Iowa Success School.  Through the persistence of his older brother, Dwight, he took a civil service exam, and followed his brothers and father and became an employee of U.S. Postal Service.  After serving many positions in the postal system he retired after 30 years, in the position of accountant in1980.  After retirement he worked as a payroll clerk for a company that was involved in the building of the power plant in Chillicothe.  He drove a bus for various companies including school buses through the years and he sold Bullock garages for a few years.

He was a man of varied interests and a man of vast knowledge.  He always enjoyed gardening and he took the master gardening course offered through Iowa State Extension and became a master gardener.  He also was a Boy Scout as a child and a Boy Scout leader for Troup #26 which he truly

enjoyed.  He was so very proud of the young men that he was involved with through the years.  Several of the young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  They also had a great deal of respect for him, and remained in contact with him through the years.

When his children were young he was involved with horses and became a very meticulous self taught farrier.  He spent many enjoyable times sitting on the back of his horse, “Sir Rajah”.  He purchased Rajah as a young colt and he saw the potential of a horse that was just perfect for him to enjoy.

He passed on his interest of history to his children and grandchildren.  He was always pleased to receive a book as a gift.  He always had a couple of crossword puzzle books that he would be working on, and filling in the answers with his very neat and unique left handed penmanship.  His legacy will be remembered as a man who loved his family, and a family that adored him.  He definitely was an Irishman, and he was very proud of his Irish heritage.  He had the Irish gift of storytelling, and the countless memories and stories will be remembered and treasured by his family.

He was a member of the Willard Street United Methodist Church, having served as adult Sunday school teacher for a few years.  He also was a member of BPO Elks Lodge #347 and the Republican National Committee.

Surviving are four daughters, Kathleen (Ralph) Swann of Stockton, CA, Eileen (Greg) Weller and Colleen (Brad) Todd both of Ottumwa and Jeanine (Jeff) Owens of Oskaloosa; one son, Brian Donnelly (Amy Day) of Andover, KS and 15 grandchildren; 22 great -grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Loretta LeAnn Brown and two brothers, Kermit P. Donnelly Sr. and Dwight M. Donnelly Sr.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 30, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Brooks officiating.  Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, January 29, 2017 with the family present from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons, Aaron Swann, Derrick Skinner, Sean Owens, Braden Donnelly, Drake Handling and Dalton Handling.

Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Society Hospice or St. Joseph’s Indian Reservation.

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BILLIE JONES

TROY – Billie Lee Jones, 87, of Troy and formerly of Eldon, died at 5:45 p.m. January 20, 2017 at the Bloomfield Care Center.

He was born December 17, 1929 in Davis County to Charles Roy and Sylvia Gladys Bradberry Jones.  He married Fannie Kinman and they later divorced.  He married Beverly Pettit and she preceded him in death September 22, 2005.

A graduate of Moravia High School, he was a Master Electrician.  He worked for KTVO, KBIZ and 16 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 1992.

He attended Open Bible churches, enjoyed talking on his Ham Radio and listening to Polka music.

Surviving is his companion, Iva Dell Roberts; three children, Mary Louise “Cookie” Jones of Omaha, Bill Leslie “Skeeter” (Joan) Jones of Council Bluffs and Joseph (Melody) Jones of Eldon; four step-children, Steven (Renea) Jackson of Given, IA, Dianna Marks of Oskaloosa, Donna (Richard) Tully of Eldon and Linda Jackson (Mike Cox) of Eldon; 17 grandchildren; many great- grandchildren; a brother, Robert Jones of Redding, CA.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Roy “Buddy” Jones and Paul Jones; a step-son, Roger Jackson; a sister Ruth Sageser and a half-sister, Marcella Wells.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Alan Paris officiating.  Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday with the family present from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Society Hospice, 1111 N. Quincy Ave., Suite 127, Ottumwa, IA 52501

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CALLIE WAKELIN

OTTUMWA- Callie Michelle Wakelin infant daughter of Stephen James and Christina Michelle Covington Wakelin died at 12:31 p.m. January 20, 2017 at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

She was born January 16, 2017 in Iowa City.

Surviving are her parents; two brothers, Aaron & Vincent Wakelin at home; grandparents, Jim & Diane Wakelin of Moravia and Cheryl Bennett of Ottumwa; great grandparents, Doris Christensen of Audubon, Marion “May” Wakelin of Summerfield, FL, Virginia & Joseph Musick of Grayslake, IL; aunts & uncles, Jessica (Jake) Wakelin-Matthews of Omaha, Amanda Wakelin, Steven (Crystal) Covington, Lisa (Bryan) Rouze and Lynn Lawrence all of Ottumwa; several cousins including Mandy and Marissa Lawrence.

She was preceded in death by great grandfathers, Dallas Christensen and Rev. Howard O. Wakelin.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Davis St. Christian Church with Rev. James H. Wakelin officiating.  Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date.

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BETTY MARTIN

OTTUMWA- Betty June Martin, 91, of 102 W. Finley and formerly of 1051 S. Hancock, died at 3:40 a.m. January 24, 2017 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

She was born July 20, 1925 in Ottumwa to George and Mary Mae Marsh Clark. She married Frank Raymond Martin on April 3, 1943. He preceded her in death on February 23, 2004.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Betty had lived in Ottumwa all her life. She had worked in the dietary kitchen at Jefferson Square Manor and Ridgewood Care Center. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she had served as an ordained deacon.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving are two daughters, Diana (Buzz) Bacon of Schertz, TX and Becky (Bill) Griffiths of Ottumwa; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and five great- great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a great- great-granddaughter, Avery Preston; a sister, Della Langgin; and three brothers, Roy Clark, Bill Clark, and George “Mike” Clark.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. David Klanderman officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Memorials may be made to Hospice serving Davis and Wapello Counties, 927 Pennsylvania Ave. Ottumwa, IA 52501.

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JIM HAINES

OTTUMWA-James Ralph Haines, 89,  of Ottumwa, died at 8:15 p.m. January 22, 2017  at Ridgewood Specialty Care in Ottumwa.

He was born March 3, 1927 in Agency to Ralph “Pete” and Edith Thompson Haines.  He married Ruth Millard-Ruskey on November 14, 1956 in Lancaster, MO.

Jim served with the U.S. Army and retired from John Deere Ottumwa Works.

He was a long time member of Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars, O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and the Ottumwa Saddle Club.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth; three sons, Jim (Rexanna) Haines, Jesse (Linda) Haines both of Ottumwa, Bill (Debbie) Haines of Memphis, MO; five daughters, Dianna Haines (Gary Martin) of Ohio, Linda Holsten of Fremont, Connie (Murray) Beinhart of Bloomfield, Carol (Gregory) Coody of Alexandria, LA, Rose Dunsmore of Chariton; 15 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lavon (Betty) Haines and Lonnie (Liz) Haines both of Ottumwa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Phyllis Crain; three sisters and two brothers.

Graveside services and burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Brooks Cemetery west of Ottumwa with Pastors Mike and Vicki McCoy officiating.

Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home. The family will be present from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  Thursday.

In lieu of flowers,   memorials may be made to Care Initiatives Hospice, 4 S. Main, Albia, IA 52531.

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FRANCES LEEDOM

OTTUMWA-Frances R. Leedom, 74, of Ottumwa, died at 1:38 a.m. January 25, 2017 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

She was born January 2, 1943 in Ottumwa to Benjamin and Mary Thompson Kershner.  She married Lloyd “Bud” Leedom on February 11, 1960 and he preceded her in death on September 15, 2006.

A resident of Ottumwa all of her life, Frances had worked as a CNA at Good Samaritan for almost 20 years, retiring in 2004.

She enjoyed sewing, gardening and fishing.

Surviving are her four daughters, Mary (Terry) Craft of Swisher, Pamela (Jay) Hollnagel of Onalaska, WI, Lisa Leedom (James) Hoover of Champaign, IL and Christie Norris of Albuquerque, NM; and 7 grandchildren, Eric, Stacy, Kristina, Kyle, Jake, Elissa and Macie.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Charolette Urich; three half-brothers, Charles, Richard and Ronald Musick; three half-sisters, Edna Thompson, Helen Snow and Irene Phillips and her favorite dog, Cosmoe.

Her body has been cremated.

A time to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Reece Funeral Home.  The family will be present one hour prior to greet friends.  Private inurnment will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.

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DALE W. SMITH

OTTUMWA-Dale William Smith, 83, of 412 S. Ferry St., died at 10:35 p.m. January 22, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.

He was born June 27, 1933 in Fairfield to William Arthur and Anna Margaret Gohn Smith.  He married Sharon Hawkins on November 22, 1952.

Dale was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years, retiring as the Scottsbluff, NE postmaster in 1989. He then managed the Super 8 Motel in Ottumwa for 9 years, retiring in 1998.

He attended First Pentecostal Assembly of God.

Dale served on the board of River Community Credit Union and on the board of the First Church of the Open Bible.  He was a member of the Kiwanis in Fairfield and Scottsbluff, NE.

Surviving is his wife, Sharon; his children, Marcia (Mike) Ernst of Branson, MO, Joleen (R.G.) Scott of Mt. Pleasant, Julie (Ron) Callas of Ottumwa, Becky (Jim) Adam of Fairfield, Jill (Brent) Kilthau of Scottsbluff, NE and Chris (Tricia) Smith of Ottumwa; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Flossie Pearson of Waldport, OR, Pauline Nord of Centerville,  Velma Schniepp of Decatur, IL and Patty DeBoef of What Cheer; and good friend Finis Foust.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Ruth Smith, Margie Weston, Florence Peterson  and Dorothy Morrison.

Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday at First Pentecostal Assembly of God with Pastor Richard Schlotter and Pastor John DeBoef officiating.  Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to First Pentecostal Assembly of God or Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa for the Memory Unit.

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BOB PUMPHREY

BATAVIA – Robert Pumphrey, 71, of Batavia, died at 8:45 p.m. January 27, 2017 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

He was born May 30, 1945 in Ottumwa to Rollo Frank and Mary Isabelle “Marybelle” Fabritz Pumphrey.

Having attended Bladensburg Country School, he graduated from Cardinal High School in 1963.

He worked for Rockwell in Fairfield for 33 years and for the City of Batavia for 7 years.  Bob enjoyed sprint cars, riding his motorcycle and Budweiser.  He always had a smile on his face.

Surviving is a daughter, Jenny (Joshua) Patrick of Bloomfield; a son, Brian (Nicole) Pumphrey of Albia; 5 grandchildren, Ashlynn, Aiden, Ava, Aubrey and Ben; two brothers, Jack (Betty Lou) Pumphrey of Batavia and Jim Pumphrey (Nancy Hall) of Springville; a sister, Nancy Thomason (Bob Glen) of Middle Amana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Dick Pumphrey; a sister-in-law, Dee Ann Pumphrey and a niece, Jackie Pumphrey.

His body has been cremated.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home.

Graveside services and inurnment will be 3 p.m. Friday at Batavia Cemetery with Pastor David Albert officiating.  A time to further celebrate his life will follow at 5 p.m. Friday at BPO Elks Lodge in Ottumwa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice serving Davis and Wapello Counties, 927 Pennsylvania Ave. Ottumwa IA 52501 or to the family.

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DORIS BARTON

OTTUMWA – Doris Lucille Barton, 90, a lifelong resident of Ottumwa, died at 6:04 a.m. January 29, 2017 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

She was born December 13, 1926 in Ottumwa to Arthur Randolph and Mabel Elizabeth Shepherd Heasley.  She married Robert E. Barton February 26, 1949.  He preceded her in death on November 19, 2015.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Doris worked 5 years for John Morrell & Company. She had also worked 22 years for the Community Schools Food Service and retired in 1989.

She was a member of East End Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder and deacon.

Surviving are her children, Ron (Linda) Barton of Ottumwa and Doug (Brenda) Barton of Montrose; four grandchildren, Jon Swailes,  Chris Swailes, Joe Barton, and Tiffany (fiancé John Woodruff) Barton; a great grandson, Zach Swailes; a brother, James Heasley of Ottumwa.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Wilson and a brother, John Heasley.

Her body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Jane Martinez officiating.  Inurnment will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

The family will be present one hour prior to the service to greet friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice serving Davis & Wapello Counties, 927 Pennsylvania Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501.

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DAVE BENGE

BLAKESBURG-Robert David Benge, 58, of Blakesburg, died at 11:41 a.m. January 29, 2017 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

He was born October 9, 1958 in Ottumwa to James “Jim” and Margaret Hotz Benge.  He married Kyla Gillen on July 22, 1974.

A 1977 graduate of Blakesburg High School, Dave owned and operated the Dairy Bar along with his parents.  He was a school bus driver, had worked at the power plant in Chillicothe, had worked at The Keg in Blakesburg for 17 years, and worked the past 10 years for the City of Blakesburg.

Dave enjoyed cooking, camping, his dogs and loved to have a good time.

Surviving is his wife, Kyla; his siblings, Larry (Alice) Benge of Blakesburg, Nancy (Steve) Haff and Danny Benge (Betty Jane Ross) both of Ottumwa, Jack (Nichole) Benge of West Des Moines; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Betty Gillen and his dog, Tessa.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Russ Gillen and a nephew, Robert Benge.

His body has been cremated.

Graveside services and inurnment will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Blakesburg Cemetery with Pastor Jim Ellis officiating.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society, PO Box 1149, Ottumwa, IA 52501

Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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MARGARET BAILEY

OTTUMWA-Margaret A. Bailey, 70, of 307 S. Davis St., died February 1, 2017 at her home.

She was born July 13, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA to Floyd and Martha Moore Arnold.  She married Max E. Bailey on January 7, 1967.

Margaret was a 1964 graduate of Ottumwa High School and of the Iowa Success School.  She had worked at Cal’s Jack & Jill, Newsland and retired from Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

She was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.  Margaret was a member of Ottumwa Women’s Bowling Association where she served as secretary and had won an Ottumwa City Championship.

Surviving is her husband, Max; her children, Steve E. Bailey, Aaron D. (Wendy) Bailey and Stacey L. (Chad) Ingle all of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren, Nathan and Anthony Bailey, Payton and Bailey Ingle and Hope Schakel.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Darrell Arnold.

Her body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Olson officiating.

The family will be present one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Serving Davis & Wapello Counties, 927 Pennsylvania Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501.

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MAX VON SCHRADER, JR.

OTTUMWA- Max von Schrader, Jr., 87, of West Des Moines and formerly of Ottumwa died February 4, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 11, 1929 in Ottumwa to Max and Esther von Schrader.  He married Mary Nash Crofoot on October 18, 1952.  Max graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1947 followed by   Trinity College in Connecticut 1951. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 before joining Union Bank and Trust Company, now part of US Bank, where he worked until retiring as CEO in 1990.

Max was deeply involved in the civic fabric of his community.  He held a number of community leadership roles, including that of President of the Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce and Ottumwa  Area Development, President of Junior Achievement and served twice as President of the Wapello County Foundation board.  He was also a member of Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry, and served as a board member of Ottumwa Regional Health Center, YMCA, Ottumwa Planning & Zoning commission, Ottumwa Heights College, Boy Scouts of America, Iowa Southern Utilities, Banks of Iowa and Tenco Workshop.  Max was chair of the Salvation Army Kettle Drive, worked with Boy Scouts of America as a scout leader and was named Jaycees Outstanding Youth Mentor in 1965

In addition to his civic engagements, Max loved his family, Ottumwa, golf, birds, travel, and summers at Okoboji.  He was always a trendsetter in his healthy lifestyle, walking or riding his bike to the bank, running in his Converse high tops and later challenging his family to “jog golf”.  He was an avid reader,  often reading as many as five books at a time.

Surviving are his wife, Mary of 65 years; his children, Katy Hurley (Chris) of Madison, WI; Tom von Schrader of Seattle, WA;  Amy  Puelz (Bob) of Dallas, TX;  Mary Jean O’Hair (Mike) of Boulder, CO; Sarah von Schrader (Matt) of Ithaca, NY; his grandchildren, Claire and Drew Hurley, Charles and David Puelz, Lauren, Jake and Tom O’Hair and Frances and Oliver Klemm; and his sister, Julie Brinkema (Bruce) of Amherst, NH.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday February 7^th at Trinity Episcopal Church in Ottumwa with The Reverend Mary Cole-Duvall officiating.  Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

The family will be at the church for visitation one hour prior to the service

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in West Des Moines, the Ottumwa YMCA or the charity of your choice.

Reece Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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JOYCE RICHARDSON

OTTUMWA-Joyce R. Richardson, 72, of 550 S. Davis, died at 3:45 a.m. February 4, 2017 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

She was born August 30, 1944 in Ottumwa to Vance and Virginia Garrett Gorden.  She married Ronald E. Richardson on June 28, 1959. He preceded her in death on May 29, 2007.

Music was a big part of her life; she sang and played the saxophone in the Starlighters band and played in nursing homes.  In her younger years, she loved cooking and canning. Later in life she enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and spending time with her friends and family.

Surviving is a son, Nicholas (Dixie) Richardson of Richland; a daughter, Kimberly (Mark) Rhoads of Ottumwa; three grandchildren, Matthew (Marlena) Rhoads, Melissa Rhoads (Scott Frieden) and Jerrod Richardson; one great granddaughter, Paizlee Rhoads; three sisters, Virginia (Gilbert) Leal of Dallas, TX, Sally (Paul) Paulos and Mona (Chuck) Dean both of Ottumwa; a brother, Douglas Gorden of Ottumwa; and special friend Tom LaRue of Ottumwa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandmother, Myrtle Garrett Parker.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating.  Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Hospice serving Davis and Wapello Counties, 927 Pennsylvania Ave. Ottumwa IA 52501

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Lucille Illene Hootman, 91, of rural Floris passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday evening, February 5, 2017.  Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10, 2017 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Eldon, IA with Rev. Jerry Caughron officiating.  Visitation, with the family present, will be held one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be held in the Glasgow Cemetery immediately following the service.  Memorial contributions in Lucille’s honor may be directed to the family, and sent care of Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 10, Eldon, IA 52554.  Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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DAVID WRIGHT

ELDON-David Henry Wright, 73, of Eldon, died at 12:02 a.m. February 8, 2017 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.

He was born May 20, 1943 in Ottumwa to Leo Paul Jack and Rosetta Mae Ripley Wright.  He married Vivian Lea Fuller of Vinton and they later divorced.  He married Diane Marie Small on June 15, 1991.

David served 21 years with the U.S. Navy, retiring as Chief Petty Officer in 1981.  He had worked for Pinkerton Securities in Fairfield.

He attended Eldon Christian Church and had served as Scout Master of Troop #22 in Eldon.

David was a collector of many things and he enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and spending time with family.

Surviving is his wife, Diane; his children, David Russell “Rusty” Wright (Julia Fowler) of Vinton, James Wesley Wright (Gayla Young) of Ottumwa, Thomas Paul Wright (Cathy Lindsey) of Ottumwa, Christopher “Chris” Wright of Eldon; 11 grandchildren, Spencer Wright, Brett Wright, Charlyn Fowler, Justice Saylor, Samantha Fowler, Jazlyn Handy, Meleah Wright, Dawson Breese, Halle Wright, Phebe Wright, Karle Wright; a great-grandson, Lane Wright; two sisters, Linda (Steve) Overstreet of Ottumwa, Shirley (Jay) Hasley of Graniteville, SC; two brothers, Danny Wright of Beeville, TX and Leo (Sherry) Wright Jr. of Moncks Corner, SC.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Terry Wright.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor David Bowden officiating.  Burial will be in the Eldon Cemetery with military services conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

Visitation begins at 1 p.m. Friday with the family present from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eldon Christian Church or Eldon Senior Meals.

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VICKIE GRUWELL

OTTUMWA- Vickie G. Gruwell, 62, formerly of Des Moines, died at 8:40 p.m. February 6, 2017 at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa.

She was born January 17, 1955 in What Cheer to Willis E. and Mary Tolles Wells.  She married Ernest “Ernie” Gruwell on August 24, 1984.

Vickie was a graduate of the Indian Hills Community College Culinary Arts Program, having been well known for her desserts. She graduated from Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN.  Vickie was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Germany.  She worked for 28 years in the Department of Defense retiring as supervisor at the Military Entrance Processing Station.

She was a member of Life Church in Des Moines.

Surviving is her husband, Ernie of Ottumwa; her daughter, Kerrie Lynn (Leonardo) Diaz of West Des Moines; a sister, Arlie Wells of Oskaloosa; three half-sisters, Rosie Loy of Anaheim, CA, Laura Peel of Davenport, IA and Arlene Wallace of  Yuma, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Willis and Vernon Wells and two sisters, Patricia Eash and Cherry Morrow.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Jay Allison and Pastor. John Allard officiating.  Burial will be in the Chillicothe Cemetery with military services conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O. B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Thursday with the family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Memorials may be made to First Pentecostal Church in Oskaloosa.

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LOUISE ALBONE

OTTUMWA-Louise Albone, 87, formerly of 215 Marianna St., died at 7:54 p.m. February 6, 2017 at Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa.

She was born December 25, 1929 in Lovilia, IA to Michael and Julia Rogan Stoffa. She married Fred Parcel in 1954. He preceded her in death in 1987. She married Norman Albone in 1993. He preceded her in death January 18, 2004.

Louise graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1947 and had worked for over 30 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works as a scheduler, retiring in 1993.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she enjoyed attending services and playing the organ.

She loved her animals and found great enjoyment in growing flowers.

Surviving are her children, Deena (Bill) Arndt of Ottumwa, Lori (Dave) Glick and Cheryl Covert of Hedrick, Mary Purvis of Scottsdale, AZ, John (Michelle) Parcel of Clearwater, FL; a step daughter, Shelee Summit-Broadbent of Upland, CA; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; a special friend, Diane Lockwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Misty Henry; a son-in-law, Ron Covert; a step daughter, Sheree Dixon;  two brothers, Floyd and Harold Stoffa; three sisters, Lucille Eskew, Ruth Jannusch, and Helen Bowie.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. James Preus officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will begin 10 a.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Trinity Lutheran Church or Heartland Humane Society, P.O Box 1149, Ottumwa, IA 52501.

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JUANITA MARIE COOK

SIGOURNEY – Juanita Marie Cook, 97, a resident of Albuquerque since 1983 and formerly of Sigourney, died Thursday, February 2, 2017.

She is survived by her son, Mark A. Cook and wife, Rose of Albuquerque; daughter-in-law, Joan Cook of Ottumwa, IA; grandchildren, Sheri Weber and husband, Fernando, Scot Cook and wife, Stephanie, Cheryl McLuckie and husband, Greg, and Michelle Gritzalis and husband, Niko; eleven great-grandchildren, Brittany, Kayla, Amber, Alexia, Dominic, Shawn, Zoe, Alex, Derrick, Ashley, and Penelope; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Richard A. Cook; son, Nile R. Cook; parents Walter and Stella Ulin; brothers, Charles and John; and sister, Almeta.  She was born in 1919 in Delta, Iowa and after marrying the love of her life, Richard Cook, in 1939 they farmed in different areas of southeast Iowa. They moved to Albuquerque, near their son, Mark, and started their own lawn service. She loved to garden, both vegetables and flowers. Juanita collected turtles and was known for her home-made noodles.  She also loved to play card games and collect knick-knacks.  Juanita was very generous, warm, hardworking, caring, and had a great sense of humor. She was a friend to all, and especially loving to her grandchildren and great

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LUCINDA SALLEE

OTTUMWA-Lucinda C. “Sassy” Sallee, 56, of Ottumwa, died at 11:40 a.m. February 9, 2017 at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

She was born September 11, 1960 in Ottumwa to Robert D. and Shirley Barnett Pilcher.  She married James R. Sallee on June 29, 1997.

Lu had worked in construction, for Wal-Mart, as security at Excel, at Ottumwa Country Club, as a turnkey in law enforcement for the City of Eddyville and had worked at Cargill Meat Solutions.

She loved spending time at the farm and on the river. She also enjoyed spending time camping, hunting, 4 wheeling and  tubing.  She loved her puppies, gardening, her flowers and Betty Boop.  She was straight forward, outgoing and loving.  She was supportive,  helping many kids through the years and loved her family, friends and especially her grandchildren.

Surviving is her husband, James; children, Tina McDermott, Jeffrey Whennen Jr. (Lesley McAllister), Clinton Sallee (Lacey Clark) and Tiffany Sallee all of Ottumwa;  grandchildren, Alivia, Ashlee, Kaylee, Jonathan, Michael, Annabell, Danica and Harrison, who is due to be born in March; her father, Robert Pilcher of Ottumwa; brother, Richard (Betty) Pilcher of Ottumwa; sisters, Connie (Rick) McFarland and Ruth (Joe) Richards both of Ottumwa, Terry (Ron) Irwin of Batavia; step-sisters, Casey (Ray) Palmer and Robin (Kelly) Horsman both of Ottumwa; step-brother, Jason Harter of Ottumwa.

She was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Shirley and Dick Stevens; an infant sister, Joy Marie Pilcher; a brother, David Pilcher; grandparents, Harold and Elberta Pilcher, Dick and Ruth Barnett.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation begins at 11 a.m. Sunday with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Memorials may be made to the family.

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