Area Obituaries

Kathryn Eloise Hughes, age 99, passed from this life on August 30, 2025, at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center in Mount Ayr, Iowa. She was born on April 3, 1926, in Decatur County, Iowa, the daughter of Alvie Daniel and Louie Sindia Evelyn (Bronson) Durell. Kathryn grew up with her siblings and attended country…

Rosa LEE Fifer (1935-2025) Rosa Lee Fifer, daughter of Billie Moore and Opal Irene (Vanderpool) Robison, was born May 10, 1935, at home near Maloy, Iowa. Rosa grew up along with her two sisters, Ruby and Loretta. Rosa’s faith would lead her through her life as she attended revivals at Ellston that left a mark…

Linda Lorraine Swank Swanson (1942-2025) Linda Lorraine Swank was born December 2, 1942, in Creston, Iowa to Lawrence and Wilma (Greenman) Swank. Linda married Bob Swanson on January 20, 1963, at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr.  Together, they raised two sons, Gary Lynn Swanson and Ronny Duane Swanson. Over the years, they lived in…

Daniel Cory Willis (1972-2025) Daniel Cory Willis was born on October 20, 1972, in Mount Ayr, Iowa, to Francis and Elaine Willis. Older siblings Craig and Kim welcomed him home, then later came another brother, Cole. Cory was baptized as a child at the Mount Ayr First Baptist Church. He grew up following Craig and…

Carl Leroy Lilly (1940-2025) Carl Leroy Lilly, son of Herman “Pink” and Margaret (Miller) Lilly, was born June 2, 1940, at home in Union County, Iowa. Carl grew up at Afton with a strong work ethic. He farmed in addition to working several years at a quarry between Winterset and Greenfield. Carl married Barbara Kenagy…

Maxine Washburn (1925-2025) Maxine Washburn, lifelong resident of the Hatfield, MO area passed away peacefully August 26, 2025, at the age of 100 years and 36 days old. She had been residing at the Worth County Convalescent Center for 10 months. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication to her family and…

Alta Hazel (Ward) Vanderflught (1934-2025) Alta Hazel (Ward) Vanderflught, better known as Hazel, was born September 24, 1934, in Leon, Iowa. She was the oldest daughter born to Floyd “Curly” and Virginia (McAdam) Ward. Hazel was united in marriage to Donald Eugene Vanderflught on January 17, 1952. To this union was born 6 children: Randy…

Michael G. Walkup February 3, 1951 – August 24, 2025 Mike Walkup, 74, of Winterset, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Azria Health Center in Winterset. Mike was born February 3, 1951, to Harold & Annabel Walkup. He grew up in Redding and graduated from high school in 1969.…

Cindy Baker (1949-2025) Cindy Baker, of Clearfield, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 76. Born Cynthia Jean Gordon in Des Moines, Iowa, to Dr. Marvin Gordon and Jean Francis (Slocum) Gordon on January 16, 1949, Cindy was the eldest of four sisters, including Kathy, Connie, and Christie. She spent…

Richard “Dick” Hammond, Jr. (1946-2025) Richard “Dick” Hammond, Jr., 76, of Creston, formerly of Diagonal passed away Saturday August 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. The service will be live streamed. Theodore J.…