Area Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of John Franklin Euritt on October 19, 2026, at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 24, 1939, in Kellerton, Iowa, John was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend who left an indelible mark…

Stephen A. Sickels, son of Jimmy and Helen Sickels, was born on July 9, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up on a farm 3 miles North of Kellerton and graduated from Grand Valley Community School before moving to Mt. Ayr. He spent his life building connections with the people and community he loved.…

Jessica Lee Doolittle was born September 11th, 1986, to Rio and Sheryl (Turner) Doolittle, and Brother Mitch, at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She began her life as a premature fragile little baby in the NICU with the sole purpose of changing the world around her. Diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome early on, she was…

Helen Loraine Weeda passed away on October 30, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on a farm south of Chillicothe, Missouri on February 25, 1928, to parents Leonard and Ruby O’Neal. Helen was the first born of 5 brothers and sisters, all who preceded her in death; Marian, twins Alan and Anne,…

Donald (Don) Eugene Stephens Sr passed away on October 26, 2026, in the presence of family at Mount Ayr Healthcare. Donald Eugene Stephens Sr. was born on March 22, 1931, to Clarence and Hazel (Lucas) Stephens. When his older sister, Bette was introduced to him, she told her parents to “send the red-faced kid back”.…

Lloyd Raymond Drake entered the world on November 5, 1935, weighing a whopping 13 pounds—a sign from the very beginning that he would leave a big impression on everyone he met. He was born to Loren Russell and Velma Juanita (Hailey) Drake and was welcomed home by his older siblings, Juanita and Harold. A few…

Caryl Maxine Dukes, 87, was received into Heaven Saturday evening, October 24, 2026. She took her last earthly breath at Brio in Johnston, Iowa, after spending her final days surrounded by the love of many family and friends. Caryl was born on August 6, 1939, to Harold and Margaret Taylor near Tingley, Iowa. Two years…

James “Jim” Arthur Nichols, 85, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away on October 14, 2026. He was born on April 21, 1941, in Estherville, Iowa, to parents, the late Ralph W. and Lillian D. (Tirevold) Nichols. Jim married the love of his life, Denise (Kloster) on August 24, 1962, in Mallard, Iowa. They enjoyed a wonderful…

Jerry Duane Barker, 83, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at Henry County Health Center. He was born on April 17, 1943, in Creston, Iowa, to Guelda (Stamper) and Donald Shrimpton. Jerry’s father Donald was killed in action January 10, 1945, at Luzon during WWII, and he was later adopted…

Doris Jean Redman (Dukes), born March 1, 1949, passed away on September 28, 2026, at the age of 77. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose sense of humor and ability to make people laugh touched the lives of those around her. Doris was born to Vincent and Lela Dukes. Throughout…

Thomas Drue Kelly, son of Earl & Nellie (Price) Kelly, was born April 12, 1948, in Creston, Iowa. After graduating from high school, Tom went to Iowa State University to further his education. Tom operated Kelly Tire & Exhaust in Redding, Iowa selling Goodyear tires. At one time, Tom was Iowa’s highest selling Goodyear tire…