Irene V. Nelson, 85, of Cantril, Iowa, passed away on December 27, 2018 at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua, Iowa. She was born on August 12, 1933 in Fairfield, Iowa to Claude W. and Ella Mae Laughlin Findlay. Irene grew up on a farm near Douds.   As a school aged child, Irene’s father took her and the other area school children to school on a bus pulled by a team of horses.  Irene graduated from Douds High School with the class of 1952. Irene then married Peter N.C. Nelson on June 8, 1952 at the Leando Methodist Church and together they had seven children.  They later separated.

Irene worked for Scotland County Nursing Home for better than 34 years before her retirement.   She was passionate about caring for her patients as a CNA, CNA mentor, CMA & Restorative Aide.   Irene was friendly, but also a quiet person.  Her family raised horses and she enjoyed going on wagon rides.   She also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles and tending to her plants. Most of all she was a caring mom, grandma, and great-grandma that will be greatly missed.

She is survived by four children, Malinda Nelson of Pulaski, Iowa, Peter Nelson Jr. (Bernise Wallace) of New London, Iowa, Laura Nelson (Danny Thomas) of Keosauqua, Iowa, Karla (Todd) Sheetz of Keosauqua, Iowa; her husband, Peter N.C. Nelson; three grandchildren, Ella Mae McCallum, Amanda Nelson, Travis E. Hughes; three great-grandchildren, Ryan McCallum, Duncan McCallum, Danielle Hughes; a brother, Clifford (Della) Findlay; a sister-in-law, Violet “Jake” Findlay; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Steven D. Nelson, Victoria L. Hughes, Pamela J. Nelson; three brothers, Hugh Findlay, Earl Findlay, Ronald Findlay; and a sister, Lorene Shipley.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 31, 2018 at the Cantril Christian Church with Pastor Doran Bollman officiating. Burial will follow the service at Sunnyside Cemetery in Milton, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 30, 2018 with family present to greet friends from 2 – 4:00 p.m. at Pedrick Funeral Home – Keosauqua. Memorial contributions in Irene’s honor may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be directed to www.pedrickfuneralhome.com.

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Josephine Kauzlarich Diotte, age 91, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away Friday, December 28, 2018 at Centerville Specialty Care.

Private services will be held. In Lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Centerville American Legion, Post #0214, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 South 18^th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544.  Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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Nellie Jane Bowman, age 84, of Rathbun, Iowa, passed away Monday, December 31, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville.

According to Nellie’s wishes, cremation has been accorded.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date in Colorado.  Memorials have been established to the family of Nellie Jane Bowman, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 South 18^th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544.  Condolences may be shared online atwww.langefh.com.

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Rose Marie “Mic” Schwering, age 85, of Centerville, passed away on Friday, January 04, 2019 at her home.

Rose was born on January 26, 1933 in Williams, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Margaret (Staebler) Doyle.  She graduated from Corpus Christi Academy in Fort Dodge with the Class of 1951.  Rose was united in marriage to Kenneth Schwering on May 28, 1956.  To this union, 7 children were born, Gail, Dale, Dennis, John, Scott, Wesley, and Robert.

Rose loved her family very much, and enjoyed spending time with them, especially all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She thoroughly enjoyed Sundays, because she got to see her family and make her weekly meal for all of them.  She was very fond of Ms. Pacman (Atari), playing card games such as canasta, huckley buck, and pitch, crossword puzzles, putting puzzles together, dancing, gardening, and watching her westerns.

Rose worked at the Ackley canning factory before moving to Omaha (Putnam County), Missouri.  She then went to work for Union Carbide/Viskase, eventually retiring from there in the late 90’s.

Rose was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centerville for numerous years.  She was a devout catholic.  When St. Mary’s Catholic School was open, she would volunteer to help with the classes.  She was known for helping out with the Keyboarding class especially.  Rose helped with any funeral dinners or anything she could that needed done at the church.  She loved helping Ken with the Knights of Columbus dinners.  She was also a member of the Eagles in Centerville.

Left to cherish Rose’s memory are her children, Gail Schwering-Woollums of Centerville, Dale (Cindy) Schwering of Centerville, Scott Schwering of Centerville, Wesley (Mary) Schwering of Richland, Iowa, and Robert (Lora) Schwering of Centerville; a daughter in law, Dawn Schwering;  a sister, Rita Bianchi of Fort Dodge; a friend of over 40 years, Harriett Pettengill of Livonia, Missouri; 26 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; six nieces and nephews; many cousins; and her caregiver, Pam (Chuck) Grimm, whom will all miss her dearly.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Schwering; her parents, Ed and Margaret Doyle; two sons, Dennis Schwering and John Schwering; two grandchildren, Amber Lursen and Logan Schwering; two infant siblings; a sister, Ruth Harms; a sister, Norma Doyle at the age of 2; a brother, Ronnie Doyle; and a niece, Suzanne Bianchi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centerville with Father Bill Hubmann officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville.  A Visitation will take place Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 4:00-6:00PM.  A Rosary will be conducted at 6:00PM on Tuesday. Memorials have been established to the Family of Rose Marie Schwering, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 South 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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Christine “Tina” Margaret McCleary, 49, of Batavia, IA passed away Thursday, January 3, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at the Cranston Family Funeral Chapel in Batavia, IA with Pastor Mark Clark officiating.  Burial will be in the McCleary Cemetery near Batavia immediately following the service.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at the Cranston Family Funeral Chapel and last until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family and mailed to Margaret McCleary, 705 Church St., Apt B2, Batavia, IA 53533.  Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Christine Margaret McCleary was born March 16, 1969 in Fairfield, IA to David and Margaret Rivera McCleary.  She grew up in Batavia, IA and attended Cardinal High School, graduating with the class of 1987.  Upon graduating from high school, she worked several different jobs and lived in several towns before returning to Batavia.  Christine enjoyed baking, listening to music, and reading.  She loved watching WWE wrestling on TV and always made sure to cheer for the Dallas Cowboys.  Christine always enjoyed good conversation and didn’t know a stranger.  She always cherished any time she was able to spend with her nephews. Throughout the ups and downs in life she always remained positive.  She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

Christine was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father, David McCleary, and her daughter, Neko Marie.

Left to share her story is her mother, Margaret (David Blevins) McCleary of Batavia, IA; one brother, David McCleary of Batavia, IA; one sister, Vicky (Brian) Rupe of Batavia, IA; three nephews, Montana, Paiden, and Gavin Rupe, as well as many extended family and friends.

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Dorothy Elizabeth Poole, age 97, of Centerville, Iowa, formerly of Ottumwa, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 12, 2019, surrounded by her family, at Centerville Specialty Care.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Pastor Brian Hargrave officiating.  A Visitation will take place, Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 10:00AM-11:00AM.  Burial will be held at a later date in the Shaul Cemetery, Ottumwa.  Memorials have been established to either EveryStep Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 South 18^th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544.  Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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Bill (William) Lee Clinkenbeard, age 73, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville.

Bill was born on May 11, 1945 in Unionville, Missouri, the son of Wilbert and Anna (Hodges) Clinkenbeard.  He graduated High school with the Class of 1965 in Monroe, Iowa.  He was united in marriage to Rhonda Harmison on September 29, 1996 in Monroe, Iowa.

Bill was a Pastor at Open Arms Baptist Church in Monroe for a long time.  He also worked at Meredith Publishing Company in Des Moines in the printing department for many years.  After moving to Unionville, Missouri, he repaired lawn mowers and small engines at his business, Bill’s Small Engine Repair and Etc., located in Unionville.

Bill enjoyed watching Western and Lethal Weapon movies.  He also enjoyed watching TV shows, including one of his favorites, Professional Wrestling.  He was very fond of Classic Cars, and would try to attend any car shows that he could. He collected knives, enjoyed making lamps, crafting, fishing, eating popcorn, being on his computer playing pinball, enjoyed animals-especially cats, and loved listening to Gospel Music.  Bill was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Unionville, Missouri.  He would help with the church services at the nursing homes, and with anything that was needed at the Assembly of God Church.

Left to honor Bill’s memory include his wife, Rhonda Clinkenbeard of Unionville, MO; his children, Ronda, Kim, Rikki, and Kathy; a good friend, Ami Hartwig; an uncle, George (Marge) Clinkenbeard; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; as well as numerous other family members.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Anna Clinkenbeard; and a sister, Sherry Smith as well as several other family members.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00PM, Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the Assembly of God Church in Unionville, Missouri, with Pastor Howard Luscan officiating.  A Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the Assembly of God Church in Unionville, Missouri, with the family greeting friends from 3:00-4:00PM.  Burial will take place at a later date in the Mt. Herman Cemetery, Chariton, Missouri.  Memorials have been established to the Assembly of God Church in Unionville, Missouri, 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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Dorothy Elizabeth Poole, age 97, of Centerville, Iowa, formerly of Ottumwa, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 12, 2019, surrounded by her family, at Centerville Specialty Care.

Dorothy was born on January 11, 1922 in Ida Grove, the daughter of Jon and Stella (Zimmerman) Broshuis.  She graduated from Ida Grove High School.  She was united in marriage to Raymond Poole, and to this union, three children were born, Patricia, Jim and Mike.

Dorothy worked at S.S. Kresge in Ottumwa for 15 years.  Later, she worked as the Office Manager at Kmart in Ottumwa for 28 years, until her retirement.

Dorothy enjoyed her 1970 Mustang very much.  She also loved camping, flowers, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She was a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville.

Left to cherish Dorothy’s memory are her children, Jim (Beckie) Poole and Patricia (Ray) Bennett; seven grandchildren, Joshua (Angie) Poole, Mary (Micah) Baird, Raymond (Jana) Bennett, Matthew (Stacy) Bennett, Megan (Todd) Grooms, Libby (Matt) Ehmke, and Lucy (Justin) Poole; sixteen great grandchildren, Lauren Poole, Matthew Poole, Hunter Poole, Ayah Baird, Emerson Bennett, Grayson Bennett, Leo Bennett, Oliver Bennett, Madeline Bennett, Ben Ehmke, Sam Ehmke, Macy Grooms, Elizabeth Grooms, Jackson Grooms, Lennox Jennings, and Mya Jennings.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Poole; her parents, Jon and Stella Broshuis; a son, Mike Poole; and a brother, Raymond Broshuis.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Pastor Brian Hargrave officiating.  A Visitation will take place, Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 10:00AM-11:00AM.  Burial will be held at a later date in the Shaul Cemetery, Ottumwa.  Memorials have been established to either EveryStep Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 South 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544.  Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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Judy Kaye (Showers) Belzer, age 67, of Mystic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia.

Judy was born on November 10, 1951 in Chariton, Iowa, the daughter of Johnnie Walter Showers and Gwyneth Iona (Miller) Showers.  She was united in marriage to Frank Belzer on November 27, 1965.  To this union, three children were born, Judith, Joni and Julie.

Judy worked hard her entire life.  She worked for McGraw-Edison, Viskase, Star Printing and John Deere.  Most of the years worked, were at Viskase.  She enjoyed gambling, fishing and raising Koi fish.  Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Left to cherish Judy’s memory are her mother, Gwyneth Iona Showers Long; her husband, Frank Belzer of Mystic; her children, Judith Belzer (Dean) Ruegg of Troy, Missouri, Joni Belzer of Mystic, Julie (Chad) Sheets of Centerville; a sister, Iona (Clarence) Simatovich of Newton; and six grandchildren, Jennifer Cvikel, Frankie Martin, Walter Ruegg, Kennedy Weishaar, C.J. Sheets, and Cody Sheets.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Johnnie Walter Showers; and a sister, Janet Dunham.

A Visitation will take place Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 5:00-7:00PM.  Burial will take place at a later date at Highland Cemetery in Mystic.  Memorials have been established to the Family of Judy Belzer, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 South 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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Gladys Hall, age 92 of Cincinnati, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at her home.

Private services will be held. Memorials have been established to the family of Gladys Hall, 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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Violet Lee Houston, 82, formerly of Milton, Iowa passed away on January 19, 2019 at Keosauqua Health Care Center in Keosauqua. She was born on August 29, 1936 to Lloyd M. and Ada C. Ott Pilcher in Mt. Sterling, Iowa. She grew up in rural Bonaparte and graduated from Farmington High School. She married Jack W. Houston on August 6, 1960 in Fairfield, Iowa. Together Jack and Violet raised three children on the family farm outside of Milton. Jack preceded her in death on February 9, 2013.

Violet worked through high school and after at Smith Hotel in Farmington. She was also employed at the Universal Factory in Fairfield and the Van Buren County Home. Her most important role was a dedicated farmwife and mother. She loved being outside gardening, working in her flower beds and tending to the farm animals. Violet was a member of the Town and Country Garden Club for many years. She loved crocheting, putting puzzles together, baking, reading, and enjoyed collecting mugs and vases.

Violet’s family was her world. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her sweet smile and hugs for everyone will be greatly missed.

She is survived by a son, James Houston (Sheryl Thompson) of Milton, Iowa; two daughters, Wauneta (Daniel) Philips of Birmingham, Iowa, Ruth Houston of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; two granddaughters, Megan (Josh) Coffin of Birmingham, Melanie (Jordan) Ramsey of Oskaloosa; a great-grandson, Logan Robertson of Birmingham; a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Ramsey of Oskaloosa; a sister, Lela Douglas of Farmington; and a brother, LeRoy Pilcher of Keosauqua.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Houston; two brothers, Harold Pilcher, William Pilcher; and three sisters, Iola McIntosh, Thelma Prayor, and Dillie King.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Pedrick Funeral Home – Keosauqua with Rev. Gordon Hawkins, EveryStep Hospice Chaplain officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the start of the service on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Pedrick Funeral Home – Keosauqua. Burial will be at a later date in Lebanon Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Violet’s honor may be made to the family and can be left at the funeral home or mailed c/o Wauneta Philips, 331 W. Cedar St., Birmingham, Iowa 52535. Online condolences may be directed to www.pedrickfuneralhome.com.

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Earl O. Whitcanack, 94, of Keosauqua, Iowa passed away on January 17, 2019 at Van Buren County Hospital. He was born to Benjamin and Dott Roush Whitcanack on January 26, 1924 in rural Keosauqua, Iowa. Earl attended Keosauqua High School and graduated with the class of 1942. He married Leona VanDerWall in 1950 in Birmingham, Iowa.

Earl served in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he worked at the creamery in Keosauqua and later as the produce manager for HyVee in Fairfield.  After retirement he enjoyed buying and selling antiques. He spent many happy hours gardening and raising flowers. His greatest love was being with his family. Earl was member of the Keosauqua United Methodist Church, the Beer-Barker Post No. 113 of the American Legion and a charter member of the Keosauqua Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Leona of Keosauqua; a daughter, Gay Lynn (Ken) Braddock of Danville, Iowa; two grandsons, Alden Braddock of Peoria, Illinois, Seth Braddock of Danville, Iowa; a sister, Betty (Glen) Hendricks of Keosauqua; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Earleen Whitcanack, Audrey Whitcanack Ehler; three brothers, Harold and Karl Whitcanack in childhood, Rex Whitcanack; three sisters, Pauline Shipley, Frances Dodds, and Mabel Wells.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Pedrick Funeral Home – Keosauqua with Pastor Mary Kathryn Hart officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Iowa. Memorial contributions in Earl’s honor may be made to the Keosauqua United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.pedrickfuneralhome.com.

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Donna Clara (Turk) Terry, age 87, of Numa, Iowa, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center, Long Term Care in Centerville.

Donna was born September 30, 1931 in Osceola, Iowa, the daughter of Melvin and Icie (Reynolds) Turk.  She graduated from Seymour High School.  After graduation, she continued her education at Graceland University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  She was united in marriage to Doyle Terry on May 30, 1953.  To this union, two children were born, Van and Sonja.

Donna taught elementary education for over 40 years, mainly in Seymour and Corydon.  She also volunteered for 15 years at the Appanoose County Fair.  She also loved spending time with The Red Hat Ladies, the Retired School Personal, and her flowers.

Left to cherish Donna’s memory include her husband of 65 years, Doyle Terry of Numa; her daughter, Sonja Terry of Numa; a sister, Beverly Cowan of Ankeny; sisters-in-law, Joann Terry of Colona, Illinois, and Jane Dillin of Bakersfield, California; close friends, Mark (Kathy) Purdum of Centerville, and Jon Davis of Centerville; and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Icie Turk; her son, Van Terry; her brothers, Ronald and Earnest Turk; In-laws, Raymond and Essie Terry; and brothers-in-law, Raymond Terry Jr., George Dillin, and Lloyd Cowan.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville, with Pastor Christy Ehrle officiating.  Private burial will take place at a later date.  A Visitation will take place on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 10:00-11:00AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to either the Van Terry Outdoor Living Classroom (Corydon Schools) or to the Faith United Methodist Church of Centerville Building 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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Shirley Conley was a long-time resident of Ottumwa, IA died on 2/1/19, at 11:30 p.m., at the age of 83 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

She is well known in the community for her work with Beta Sigma Phi, and activities with her husband at the Knights of Columbus.  She had just celebrated her 65^th wedding anniversary on June 13, 2018.  She was admitted to hospice on November 30^th, 2018.

She was born to Daisy and Harold Huddleson in Osceola, Iowa on June 2, 1935.

Shirley was preceded in death by husband Tom, who just passed away August 31 of this year, her son Stephen, her son-in-law John, siblings Norma, William and Robert.

She is survived by her Children:  Cindy Kunzendorf (Tim) and Vicky Perdue, Theresa Kratofil, and her grandchildren:  Matthew Conley (Matthew Jr, Marlie, and Landon), Mark Conley (Stephanie and Stephen), Mike Conley, and Tom Kunzendorf.

Earlier in her life, Shirley had worked as a waitress at the Paramount Cafe and Peggy’s Cafe in Osceola, IA while attending high school.  That is where she met her husband to be.  She gained his attention by giving him extra helpings on his meals when he would come to eat after his shift at the railroad.

Shirley Ann Huddleson married Thomas Edward Conley, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Osceola, IA on June 13, 1953.  Their success and wealth were defined by faith and friendships that lasted a lifetime.   Shirley was a devoted mother and was very active in her community.  She had an honorary lifetime membership with the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and had been a past President of the local chapters many times, in addition to receiving the honor of Woman of the Year.  She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

She is an excellent cook and used salt freely, so all of her dishes were delicious.  She owned and operated Shirley’s cafe in Osceola IA when she was first married until her family began to grow.  She then spent time being a homemaker and providing a wonderful home to her husband and children.  She always had hearty meals for her family and we would break bread and discuss our day at the dining room table.  Many of her recipes are treasured and there was always enough to share.  During the early years she would work at department stores during the holidays to make sure that they could afford Christmas toys for the children.  It was her favorite time of year and she made the house come alive with decorations and holiday spirit.  Later when the children were older she would also work at the Burlington Northern Railroad with her husband for about 10 years.  In 1977 she moved to Ottumwa, Iowa where she worked side by side with her husband as a business owner of Atomic Termite & Pest Control until her retirement.  During the entire time she had a professional career she always put her family first and was tireless in providing her time to nurse her family, cook and clean for others, care for grandchildren and great grandchildren, and sacrifice for others without complaint.

She had grandsons, great grandchildren and was called by many as Grannie or “Old Aunt Shirley”.  With their combined families she had over 150 nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews and great great nieces/nephews.

She leaves a legacy of kindness mixed with witty remarks and candor.  She missed her husband terribly after his death, and is now reunited with him.

I can only imagine that heaven has gained two incredible angels and our losses don’t seem so great when we embrace the many treasured memories we had with them.

Her body has been cremated.  Memorial mass will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick Hilgendorf presiding.  Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The family will be at Reece Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday with a Christian Wake service at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice serving Davis and Wapello Counties or Heartland Humane Society.

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Melissa LeAnn Shepard-Strait, 41, of Ottumwa died February 1, 2019 at her home.

She was born August 21, 1977 in Ottumwa to Steve and Leslie Cain Shepard.  She married Steve Strait.

Surviving is her husband, Steve; a son, Sandler Strait; her parents, Steve (Leslie) Shepard; a sister, Michelle (Jim) Pirillo; and a brother, Steven Shepard.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, June Cain; her grandfather, Lester Cain; and a cousin, Bryan Shepard.

Her body has been cremated.

A Celebration of Life visitation will begin after 10 a.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to the family.

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Jimmy” James W. Mefford, 61, of Ottumwa died at 1:05 a.m. February 2, 2019 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.

He was born March 25, 1957 in Ottumwa to Earl and Joan Willhoit Mefford.  He married Christine Bormann on October 7, 2017.

A graduate of Hedrick High School and Indian Hills Community College, he had worked at Clow Manufacturing in Oskaloosa and for the last 21 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works.  Jim farmed with his father for 25 years.  He was an avid wood worker.

He was a member of Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church.  He had served as Mayor for the city of Hedrick, on the Hedrick City Council and the Keokuk County Extension Council.  He had been a volunteer fire fighter for 20 years for Benton Township, was a 4-H leader, a little league coach, was on the original committee for saving of Carl Craft Civic Center and helped with barn raising at Keokuk County Expo.

Surviving is his wife, Christine; three sons, Mike Mefford of Hedrick, Chris (Emily) Mefford of Vinton and Colt (Nina) Mefford of Hedrick; a daughter, Suzi Sobaski of Ollie; two step-sons, Jordan Bormann of Washington and Derek Bormann of St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren, Jaxon, Blake, Brix, Myla, Caraline and Loralei Mefford, Charlotte and Daphne Sobaski; his parents, Earl and Joan Mefford of Hedrick; a brother, Dennis (Amy) Mefford of Wataga, IL; a sister, Cindy (Al) Wolf of Geneseo, IL; and a special dog, Ruby.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a son-in-law, Andy Sobaski.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church with Pastor Tim Schoepf officiating.  Cremation will follow the service.  Inurnment will be in Packwood Cemetery at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hedrick Fire Department, Bras for a Cause, or Hospice Serving Davis and Wapello Counties, 927 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501.

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Betty Jean Fowler, 89, of Ottumwa, died at 4:50 a.m. February 5, 2019 at Vista Woods Care Center.

She was born August 20, 1929 in Davis County to Robert Edward and Bessie Lillian Dyer Amelang.  She married Hillard L. Fowler on October 16, 1949 in Bloomfield and he preceded her in death on November 28, 1985.

She was a homemaker, had worked at Swift & Co. for 7 years and was a volunteer at the Senior Citizens Center for over 20 years.  She attended Troy High School.  Betty enjoyed gardening, yard work and flowers and especially enjoyed her family.

Betty was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Surviving are her children, Rebecca (Bob) Koopmans of Burlington and Michael (Lily) Fowler of Ottumwa; 3 grandchildren, Sara (Ben) Buck, Wesley Lunsford and Susan Fowler; 4 step-grandchildren, Justin Koopmans, Jason Koopmans, Tammy Williamson, Lawrence Bossard; 2 great-grandchildren, Leshaun and Anissa Daniel; a sister, Mary Skinner of Grand Junction, CO and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Fowler; her parents;  4 brothers, Frank, Albert, Carl and Everett Amelang and  2  sisters, Anna Smith and Marie Boas; a step-grandson, Justin Bossard and her special companion of 24 years, Charles E. Hart.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church with Father Paul Walker officiating.  .Cremation will follow the services.

Visitation begins at 1 p.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.

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Vicki Jo Morrow, 74, of Ottumwa, died February 3, 2019 in Henry County, IA as the result of an auto accident.

She was born November 1, 1944 in Ottumwa to Joseph James and Rosemary Smith Tee.

Vicki had graduated from Ottumwa High School and Iowa School of Beauty.  She had worked as a hairdresser and had been assistant manager for Kum & Go.

She had attended Church of the Open Bible in Bloomfield.

Surviving are three sons, Jody Thomas of Ottumwa, Cory (Jeanie) Thomas of Eldon and Shawn (Dawn) Thomas of Puyallup, WA; four grandchildren, Megan Shelby of Liberty, MO, Aaron Thomas of Ottumwa, Tyler and Amanda Thomas of Puyallup, WA; great-grandson, Phoenix; two brothers, James (Susie) Tee of Savannah, GA and Patrick (Min) Tee of Glendale, AZ; two sisters, Marcy Tee and Rosemary Long both of Ottumwa; and very special friend, Mike Coulter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Michael Tee, grandchildren, Ariel and Travis; great-granddaughter, Cloe.

Her body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 5 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Courtney officiating.

A time of visitation will follow until 7 p.m. Friday.

Memorials may be made to family.

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Michael Patrick Dugan, 46, of Eldon, IA passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.  As were his wishes his body has been cremated. A memorial service in his honor will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at the Eldon Christian Church with Brother David Bowden officiating.  Visitation will be held Monday, February 11, 2019 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Eldon beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Michael’s honor may be directed to the Eldon Senior Meals or the Eldon Public Library.  Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.  

Michael Patrick Dugan was born March 10, 1972 in Fairfield, IA to Michael and Jeanni Boxx Dugan.  He graduated from Cardinal High School and furthered his education at the University of Iowa with a degree in Biology.  Michael was very intellectual and enjoyed seeking out answers and learning from a very young age. Upon completing his first degree, he returned to the University of Iowa where he obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree and began working as the pharmacy manager for K-Mart in Ottumwa.  Michael loved his job and he loved helping people. Michael always looked at the world around him as a place to learn. He was always a biologist at heart and spent many hours in nature and along the river fishing and camping. When Michael would relax and watch TV it was almost always a cooking show.  He loved to cook and spent time in his garden raising ingredients for his recipes. Michael embraced his Irish heritage and enjoyed anything Irish. He cared deeply for his family and friends and cherished the time he had with them. He loved to have fun and knew the value of laughter, which he shared with anyone he could.  He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Michael and Jeanni Boxx Dugan, and an Uncle, Porky Boxx.  

Left to share his story is his brother, Christopher (Anita) Elliot of Houston, TX; his nephew and neice, Nicholas and Katherine Elliott; his significant other, Denise Keasling-Radtke of Eldon, IA and her children, Makayla and Keegan, as well as many extended family and friends.

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