Area Obituaries

Charles E. Bryan passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Calvin Community. Charles Edwin Bryan was born in Redding, Iowa on February 21, 1932, to Roy and Ruth Bryan. He was the third of six boys. He was known as Ed to his family and friends as he grew…

Margaret Louise Pacha Swank died February 7, 2025. She was born April 15, 1922, to Alfred and Avis Benson Pacha at home, northwest of Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa. Margaret graduated in 1939 from Diagonal School and worked in homes after graduation until she was married to Raymond Swank of Kellerton, on May 4, 1940. They…

Phillip Dan Stamper died December 24, 2024, at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Phillip was born October 19, 1931, to Grant Albert and Mildred Pearl (Keller) Stamper on a farm on the old “High and Dry”, Ringold County, near Diagonal, Iowa. He was educated in the Diagonal School, graduating with the Class of 1950.…

Guelda Barbara Stamper Barker, daughter of Grant Albert Stamper and Mildred Pearl Keller Stamper, was born January 26, 1923, on a farm in Grant Township, Ringgold County, Diagonal, Iowa. She lived all her life in Ringgold County with the exception of 7 years spent in Creston, Iowa as a child, where her father had employment…

Stephen Eugene Worthington was born August 31, 1951. He was adopted by Laverene and Maxine Worthington in October 1951. He was welcomed home by older sister Linda and later joined by sister Loretta. Steve graduated from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1970. He continued his education at Indian Hills Community College and completed the…

Mari Ellen Rees, middle child of Ralph and Ellen Charlotte “Lottie” (Barnett) Rees, was born January 30, 1935, at the couple’s rural farm home a few miles south of the Mount Ayr Country Club. She was welcomed by 2 ½ year old brother, William Ralph, sister Jo Ann was born March 21, 1937, and completed…

Virginia McAlexander, 97 years old was called by her Lord on January 16, 2025. She lived on the Walters Heritage Farm until she was 94 years, then for health reasons, moved to Mount Ayr Health Care Center Assisted Living and then to the nursing home. Ginny, as she was known by many people, was born…

Darrell Wayne Stewart, born December 4, 1948, in Creston, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication. He was the son of Warren Stewart and Ramona Shiflett. Darrell grew up in Mount Ayr, Iowa, and graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1967. Following graduation, he…

Kathy Irene Rains, 73, of Kirksville, MO, passed away on December 20, 2024, at Boone Health Hospital in Columbia, MO. Kathy was born on May 11, 1951, in Mount Ayr, IA, to William “Billy” Duffield and Daisy Duffield (Davis). She grew up in Mount Ayr, where she developed her strong work ethic and love for…

Dean Leo Stuck, age 92, of Chandler, Arizona passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Dean, the son of Leo and Edna (Milligan) Stuck, was born at home on February 21, 1932, in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Dean grew up in Mount Ayr and attended Mount Ayr High School, where he played football and basketball,…