Area Obituaries

Anna Belle Rinehart, of Hatfield, MO, passed away surrounded by family on August 11, 2019. She was born to Sadie Mae Hensley and Ernest Eugene Black on June 10, 1936, at their farm south of Mount Ayr. She was the second of their five children, Betty, Anna Belle, Charlie, Mary and Jean. She attended country…

Scott Everett Walters was born February 27, 1970 to Dale Everett and Doris Kay (Sevier) Walters in Mount Ayr, IA. He was raised on a farm near Mount Ayr. Scott graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1988. He loved sports and earned 14 varsity letters. Scott worked several construction jobs through the years. He…

Ray, or “Papa”, was a true jack of all trades and a culinary expert; known as a chicken noodle master chef, a biscuit and gravy extraordinaire and an award-winning pie cruster. He was an avid golfer, bowling champ and a master of wit; a businessman and a social servant. He was a wheeler-dealer, a kind…

Cathy Lou McNear, 57, of Mount Ayr passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home.            Celebration of life will be Saturday, August 24 at the Eagles Lodge in Creston from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. Online condolences may…

Roena Adams, daughter of Albert Hosea and Grace Eugene (Dant) Snethen was born June 3, 1927 at Mount Ayr, IA. Roena attended and graduated from Mount Ayr Community School in 1945. Roena was an accomplished band Majorette. She was very talented at twirling the baton. On August 4, 1946, Roena was united in marriage to…

Helen Marie (Payton) Laird, daughter of Everett and Fern (Axtell) Payton was born in St. Joseph, MO on March 14, 1928. She was later joined by brother Rex in 1931. Helen graduated from Kellerton High School in 1947. On December 11, 1954 she was united in marriage to Donald Keith Laird. They lived most of…

Betty Lou (Dugan) Conley, the eldest daughter of Leland and Mary Ellen Dugan, was born on October 6, 1938 in Iowa City, IA. She was later joined by younger sister, Barbara, and younger brothers, Eddie and Mike. Betty spent her younger days in Maloy where she attended school until eighth grade. She continued her education…

Helen Maxine McGahuey, daughter of Omer “Casey” and Jenny (Kinder) Holtzman, was born May 14, 1924 in Ringgold County, IA. Helen always lived in Ringgold County and mostly in Mount Ayr. She attended Mount Ayr Community School and graduated from Mount Ayr High School. On June 25, 1941, she was united in marriage to Charles…

Eugene Allen Comer was born June 14, 1928, south of Murray, IA, to Alan Edward and Alice Ella (Ludwig) Comer. Gene had an older sister, Irene, and a younger sister, Beulah. He grew up around Osceola, IA and attended school in Murray, IA. Eugene was united in marriage to Eva Lucielle Hammons on June 10,…

LaVerne Marian Glendenning, daughter of Melvin and Ida (Bittner) Smith was born September 8, 1932 at Fontanelle, IA. LaVerne always referred to Fontanelle as “God’s country”. She attended and graduated from Fontanelle High School. LaVerne went on to graduate from Creston Community College with a teaching degree. She taught at Diagonal Community School. LaVerne also…

With immense courage and great spirit, Jim Smith of Beaconsfield made the journey to his Lord on Friday, July 5 2019, at the Ringgold County Hospital supported by his family. James Francis Smith was born September 21, 1940, in Creston, IA, the only child of Francis E. and Mildred DeLay Smith. He was raised on…