Area Obituaries

Robert Michael Wilt, born December 5, 1946, in Alta, Iowa, to Frank and Mary Wilt, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024, at the age of 77. Robert, fondly known as “Bob” to his friends and family, was a man of adventure, kindness, and enduring love. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy, Robert’s…

Thomas Dennis, the youngest of two boys, was born November 14, 1928, to Vernon R. Dennis and Carrie Emma (Oxford) and was reared by both parents in the farming community of New Market, IA. His older brother Ivan predeceased him as did both parents, his wife Ann Dennis and two grandchildren, Andrew Stephen Dennis and…

Helen Louise Grout, daughter of Percy Bloomfield and Lena Helen (Swanson) Stone, was born December 18, 1923, in Thayer, Iowa. Helen graduated from Princeton High School in 1942. Helen was united in marriage to Donald Irving Grout on August 21, 1949, in Tingley, Iowa. They settled in the Tingley area where she was an active…

Dorothy Lavaun Reynolds was born September 25, 1929, to Frank and Mamie Calhoun on the farm near Kellerton, Iowa. She was welcomed by older brother Bob and 7 years later, sister Emma Kay. Dorothy’s early years were spent on a farm near Mount Ayr. She and brother Bob rode the Shetland pony to the country…

Terry Plowman, 76 of Creston, Iowa passed away at home on Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., Monday, July 8, 2024, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center. The Rev. Mary O’Riley will officiate. Terry will be laid to rest in the Maple Hill…

Warren Gary Giles, son of Warren Giles and Raola (Feeback) Giles, was born on October 19, 1944, in Creston, Iowa and passed away May 31, 2024. Gary spent most of his youth growing up on a farm in Tingley and Ellston, Iowa. He moved to Cedar Rapids Iowa in 1965. Gary married Marilyn (Combs) Giles…

Betty Marie Gage, daughter of Doyle Vern & Joan Hope (Grannaman) Konopasek, was born January 23, 1957, in Hatfield, MO. Together with her siblings, Linda, Glen, and Jeannie, she grew up in a loving home. Betty lived in Eagleville, MO until the 6th grade when the family moved to Kellerton, IA. Betty attended and graduated…

James “Jim” Robert Sobotka, age 82 of Glade Valley, NC; passed away Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at Trinity Village in Hickory, NC. Jim was born August 5th, 1941, in Ringgold County, IA to the late Robert Milton and Shirley Irene Loudon Sobotka. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife…

Mary Katherine Ferriss Calkin, age 99, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024. Mrs. Calkin was born June 12, 1925, in Chattanooga, TN to the late Clarence Jack Ferriss, Sr. and Ruby Jarrell Frost Ferriss. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Homer Leonard Calkin, brothers, Roy Wilbur Ferriss, James Ferriss,…

Arlene “Teen” Pearce, daughter of George Henry and Tanzy Florence (Scott) Thurman was born July 15, 1936, in Missouri. Arlene was raised in a large family and lived her early years mostly in Missouri. Throughout the many seasons of her life, one theme was constant for Arlene: family. She came from a large, loving family…

Jimmie Henry Pearce, son of Charles Henry & Elsie (Brooner) Pearce, was born February 14, 1933, on the same farm where he lived the majority of his life and raised his own family. On March 7, 1955, Jim was united in marriage to Arlene Thurman. To this marriage, five children were born: Sally, Jimmie, Keith,…

JuLee Renee Caldwell, age 62, of Creston, Iowa formerly of Mount Ayr, Iowa was born July 26, 1961, in Albany, Missouri. She was the oldest of 6 children. JuLee graduated from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1979. She married Roger Johnson on July 29, 1979. They had 2 children, Jenni and Joshua. JuLee later…