Gerald D. (Gary) Hill

August 4, 2005

Gerald D. (Gary) Hill, 68, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion, following an extended illness.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 4, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion at 10:30 a.m. There was no visitation as Hill was cremated.

Gary D. Hill, was born on November 24, 1936 in rural Clarion, the son of Bernard and Mary (Reiland) Hill. After attending Clarion schools, Gary served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57.

Gary and Elsie Boyer, were married on September 6, 1958, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dalton, Nebraska. He worked at the Wright County Implement until he bought the Sears Catalog Store in Clarion in 1965 and operated it until 1993. He currently owned and operated Gary's Laundry.

Gary enjoyed driving a school bus for the Clarion-Goldfield Schools very much during his retirement. He received the Clarion Distinguished Service Award in 1976 and the Clarion Boss of the Year Award in 1978. Gary served on the Clarion Volunteer Fire Department from 1961 to 1981 and served for a time on the City Council. Gary enjoyed his morning and afternoon teatimes with friends, and enjoyed spending time with his many grandkids most of all.

Gary is survived by his wife, Elsie; daughters, Susan Hulne and husband, Joe of Altoona, Lauri Demetres of Glendale, Arizona and Nicole Toerber and husband, David of Lone Tree, Colorado; sons, Harlan Hill and wife, Carolyn of Fort Collins, Colorado and David Hill and wife, Rhonda of Clarion; 16 grandchildren; two sisters, Lorine Meyer of Clarion and Pat Mickelson and husband, Keith of Eagle Grove; one brother, Bob Hill and wife, Donna of Clarion; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Hill of Grundy Center.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Kenny; and brother-in-law, Clair Meyer.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Lee Jorgensen

August 11, 2005

Lee Jorgensen, 84, died on Friday, August 5, 2005, following a brief bout with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 10, at the Park Church of Christ in Goldfield. Former Pastor Tony Brandt officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Lee Jorgensen was born on October 21, 1920 in Holmes, the son of Otto and Laura (Larson) Jorgensen. He lived in the Holmes/Goldfield areas his entire life, attending rural Wright County Schools. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as part of the 601 Field Artillery Battalion Mule Pack in both the European and Pacific Theaters. He was present at the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp near Germany.

In 1955, he married Florence Rasmussen DuHamel at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Florence is living at the Humboldt North Care Center. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on Thursday, August 11th.

Lee owned a welding shop in Goldfield for a number of years. He also worked for an area hatchery and the Co-op Elevator in Goldfield before retiring in his 50's due to disability from rheumatoid arthritis. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, having office coffee with his friends, and especially fishing.

Lee is survived by his wife, Florence; four children, Judy Wilson and husband, Bob of Eagle Grove, Joyce Messerly and husband, Jim of Fort Dodge, Galen Jorgensen and wife, Sheryl of Havelock and Gary Jorgensen and wife, Pat of Moorland; two brothers, James Jorgensen of Eagle Grove and Glen Jorgensen of Tacoma, Washington; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harry and his twin, Leo; and two sisters, Harriet Gearhart and Esther Larson.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

 
Richard J. "Dick" Inman

August 18, 2005

Richard J. "Dick" Inman, 73, of Wichita, Kansas, died on Friday, August 5, 2005.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 16, at the Lakeview Funeral Home.

CDR. Inman, U.S.N.R. (Ret) was born on December 8, 1931 in Wichita, Kansas. He graduated from high school in 1949 from Salina and joined the Navy in 1951. Boot camp and diesel engine training was in Great Lakes, Illinois. This led to combat boat landing engineer with the naval amphibious forces Pacific at Coronado, California. He was deployed to the Far East in support of the United Nations operations in Korea aboard the U.S.S. Noble APA-218. In 1952, Richard went to Naval Aviation Cadet training at NAS Pensacola, Florida and NAS Hutchinson, Kansas and was commissioned March 9, 1954. He was sent to Barbers Point, Oahu where he met and married his wife of 49 years, Mary Lois Tallman.

CDR Inman retired in June 1976 and then took a job as corporate pilot for Beech Aircraft and retired from there in November 1992.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Dave Inman and wife, Debbie of San Diego, California, Carol Hoover and husband, Lee of Liberty, Missouri, Nancy Kennedy and husband, Kevin of Lenexa, Kansas and Mike Inman of Wichita, Kansas; ten grandchildren; one great-grandson; two brothers, Paul F. Inman and John P. Inman.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Doris Jean Walrod

August 11, 2005

Doris Jean Walrod, 78, of Belmond passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2005, at the Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 10, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. Pastor Mike Druhl officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment will be held at a later date.

Doris "Jean" Ryan, was born on September 18, 1926 in Rockwell City, the daughter of James and Minnie (Ehler) Ryan. She lived on farms near Rockwell City, Dows and Rowan. She grew up in a large family of five brothers and four sisters, being born between two sets of twins. In 1944, she graduated from the Rowan High School. After graduation, she worked as a teletype operator for Western Union in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1946, she met William (Bud) Walrod and they were married on January 15, 1947.

Jean enjoyed the role of homemaker and mother. She worked for 12 years in the Medical Records Department at the Belmond Community Hospital.

Jean was always a willing volunteer. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Belmond, serving at various times on the Administrative Council, Trustees, and Staff Parish. She also served faithfully in the United Methodist Women and Rebecca Circle. She had been a member of the Progress Club since 1967. She also worked in the bereavement program for the Wright County Hospice. She was active in the Democratic Party, volunteering many hours for various candidates over the years.

Jean is survived by one daughter, Veloice Huck and husband, Peter of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; one son, Todd and wife, Ann of Leland; five grandchildren; one brother, Ed Ryan and wife, Marge of Kanawha; two sisters, Elsie Rockow-Schroeder and husband, Wilbur of Dows and Darlene Aldrich of Belmond; two sisters-in-law, Melba Ryan and Vernie Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; a son, Ricky; four brothers, Harold, Walter, Glen and Daryl; and two sisters, Alice Slatkoske and Ethel Korth.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Delores M. Jackson

August 11, 2005

Delores M. Jackson, 70, of Rowan, died on Monday, August 8, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 11, at the United Church of Rowan. Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiated at the 10:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery, Rowan.

Delores M. Lycke, was born on July 27, 1935 in Grundy Center, the daughter of Kenneth and Gladys Whitten Lycke. She graduated from the Rowan High School with the class of 1953.

Delores lived in Webster City for five years from 1960-65. She returned to Rowan in 1965, where she has since resided. Delores was united in marriage with Jim Jackson in Rowan.

Delores enjoyed morning coffee at the Town Mart in Rowan. She was an excellent cook and was well known for baking pies, especially her apple pies. She enjoyed crocheting and embroidering and also caring for her flower garden. Over the years Delores did baby-sitting for many children in Rowan. Delores was a member of the United Church of Rowan.

Delores is survived by her husband, Jim; one daughter, Barb Hyland of Rowan; one son, Richard Taylor of Rowan; one brother, Ivan Dean Lycke and wife, Elsie of Alden; four step-children, Gary Jackson, Dwayne Jackson, David Jackson and Diane Vasquez; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Carolyn Jane White

August 18, 2005

Carolyn Jane White, 68, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died at her home on Monday, August 8, 2005.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 13, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. Pastor Paul Stone officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Carolyn Jane Skafte, was born on December 14, 1937 in Clarion, the daughter of Lloyd B. and Vivian A. (Tedrow) Skafte. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from the Goldfield High School in 1955. In January, 1961, Carolyn graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Carolyn was united in marriage to Gerald A. Kuehn and they were the parents of two sons. Carolyn later married Riley D. White.

Carolyn taught elementary school in Iowa for 25 years. She taught in Fort Dodge, Boone, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Lansing and Earlham School Districts. Retiring from teaching in 1985, Carolyn moved to Lake Tahoe and then Las Vegas, where she and her husband, Riley had worked for Harrah's Casino.

Carolyn was an active member of the Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. She enjoyed her church, the music and was an integral part of two programs within the church. One was helping to provide clothing for the homeless families and also Kid's Kloset, which helped underprivileged children purchase school supplies.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Riley White of Las Vegas; two sons, David L. Kuehn of Cedar Rapids and Lloyd W. Kuehn of Denver, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Elizabeth (Skafte) Farrari.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

 
Dora Ann "Miki" Quigley

August 18, 2005

Dora Ann "Miki" Quigley, 68, of Belmond, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2005, in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 12, at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Belmond. Fr. Chris Podhajsky officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Dora Ann Meleney, was born on February 10, 1937 in Britt, the daughter of Leo William and Ann Eva (Mary) Meleney. She attended the Garner High School.

Miki was united in marriage with Patrick Quigley on November 7, 1953 in Belmond.

Miki devoted her life to her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader and excellent cook. She was a member of the St. Francis Catholic Church in Belmond.

Miki is survived by her husband, Patrick; one son, William and wife, Sheryl of Clear Lake; two daughters, Patricia Ostermann and husband, Scott of Woden and Pamela Gifford and husband, Vern of Kanawha; eight grandchildren; and five brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Robert Quigley; grandson, Waylen Bonte; and infant grandsons, Wade Ashley and Anthony Micheal Burt.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

James E. Judson

August 18, 2005

James E. Judson, 80, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, August 12, at the Holmes Baptist Church. Pastor Pat Odle and Pastor Dan Fields officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service.

James E. Judson, Jr., was born on February 26, 1925, the son of James E. Judson Sr. and Lucy Amelia Maryhew Judson. He was born and received his education in the Dows area, the youngest of six children.

Jim was united in marriage to Bonnie Larsson on August 21, 1949 at Galt.

He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He worked for John Deere, the Chicago Great Western Railroad as a conductor/brakeman, and as a florist/designer, along with his wife, Bonnie as owners of Weitman's Flowers in Clarion from 1973 until 1998.

Jim was an coin collector for 47 years, enjoyed gardening, was a Dixieland Jazz fan, fished near the Iowa River, and was an avid crossword puzzle fan.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Clarion; children, Jeff Judson of Clarion, Jennifer Judson-Harms of New Hampton, Janelle Judson Rohrer of Burnsville, Minnesota, James E. Judson, III of Thomson, Illinois and Jonathan Judson of Dedham, Iowa; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one older sister, Marge Squier of Iowa Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two older sisters; one older brother and an infant brother.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Jean Rose Stetson

August 18, 2005

Jean Rose Stetson, 86, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 18, at 2:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, 602 North Main, Clarion. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 17, from 6-8:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Jean Rose Stetson, was born on October 18, 1918 in Leeds, Maine, the daughter of Eugene Rose and Amy Records Rose. She graduated from high school in Kents Hill, Maine and also the Bliss Business School in Lewiston, Maine.

Jean was united in marriage to Joseph Eugene Stetson on February 19, 1938 in Wayne, Maine. He preceded her in death on February 12, 2002.

Jean Stetson lived in Leeds, Maine and in May of 2000, Jean and her husband, Joseph moved to Clarion. She was currently a resident of the Meadows in Clarion. Jean attended the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion.

Jean is survived by a daughter, Patricia DeCoster and husband, Jack of Clarion; four grandsons; eight great-grandchildren and one "promise" to be born in January.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph; a son, Joseph E. Stetson Jr. on June 1975; and five sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Wright County Hospice or the Wright Medical Foundation in memory of Jean Stetson.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Ethel Mae Basinger

August 25, 2005

Ethel Mae Basinger, 104, a long time resident of Goldfield, died on Saturday, August 13, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion.

Ethel Mae Roulet, was born on May 16, 1901 in Pulaski, Iowa, the daughter of Elizabeth (Wagler) and William Roulet.

She graduated from the Pulaski High School and Bluffton College, receiving a B.S. in Domestic Science. Before her death, she was the oldest living graduate of Bluffton College. Following her graduation, she taught domestic science at Alexander, Iowa.

She married (Doc) Bryon L. Basinger of Pandora, Ohio in 1923. They met at Bluffton College and lived briefly in Blakesburg before moving to Goldfield with their two sons, Harold and William, in 1930 where they lived for many years. Dr. Basinger practiced medicine in Wright County for 40 years and Ethel sometimes assisted him at the office and with his "T&A" clinics.

Ethel was an active member of the Goldfield Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women and a strong supporter of local and global missions. She loved teaching and spent hours preparing lessons as a Sunday School Teacher and circle leader. She was a member of the Bayview Study Club and several bridge clubs. She loved to read, cook and travel.

In 1993, she moved to the USA Health Care Center where she resided until the time of her death.

She is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Cochran of Upland, California; a son, William Basinger and wife, Jean of Des Moines; daughter-in-law, Esther of Mason City; eight grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Lyle Lawrence Lewellyn

August 25, 2005

Lyle Lawrence Lewellyn, 90, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2005, at the North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 18, at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Lyle Lawrence Lewellyn, was born on July 16, 1915 on a farm north of Clarion, the son of Albert R. and Myrtle (Henry) Lewellyn. He attended eight years of country school in Lake Township and then graduated from the Clarion High School in 1933.

On September 8, 1940, Lyle was united in marriage to Mildred Jacobson at the home of her parents. The couple farmed for two years north of Clarion, four years north of Dows, and then moved to a farm north of Galt in 1947, where they farmed until 1978 when Lyle retired. In 1982, the couple moved to Clarion.

Besides farming, Lyle was a 4-H Leader for four years, County Committeeman, Township Assessor in Lake and Lincoln Townships for five years, Wright County Extension Director for four years, ASCS Committeeman for 10 years, and Farm Bureau Vice-President for two years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Clarion and served on several committees.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Mildred of Clarion; four sons, Donald and wife, Marnie, Dale and wife, Elaine, Larry and wife, Sue and Richard and wife, Shari; one daughter, Janet Albrecht and husband, Kevin; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Isel King of Poplar Grove, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four infant brothers; two brothers, Donald and Vern; and three sisters, Mary, Ruth and Vera.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Dr. George N. Daniels

August 18, 2005

Former Clarion resident, Dr. George N. Daniels, noted veterinary practitioner, innovator, and educator, died on June 26, 2005, in Ames at the age of 85.

A memorial for Dr. Daniels is planned for Saturday, August 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the Unitarian Fellowship, 1015 North Hyland Avenue, Ames. His ashes will be laid to rest next to those of his wife in Longmont, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a memorial for the Heritage Room at Iowa State University.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Alvin C. Hansen

August 25, 2005

Alvin C . Hansen, 89, of Goldfield, died on Thursday, August 18, 2005, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center, Fort Dodge.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 22, at the Lake Lutheran Church, rural Goldfield. Pastor Truman Larson officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Lake View Cemetery, rural Goldfield.

Alvin C. Hansen, was born on March 18, 1916 in Port Clinton, Ohio, the son of Peter and Matilda (Swanson) Hansen.

Alvin is a combat veteran, having serving in the United States Army during World War II, 1942-45 with the 2nd Armored Division as a radio man and gunner in an armored car. He served in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and at the Battle of the Bulge in Europe. He received six Bronze Battle Stars, a Purple Heart, Belgium Fourragere and a World War II Victory Medal.

On February 16, 1946, Alvin was united in marriage with Ruth E. Rasmussen at the Lake Lutheran Church. They farmed for 55 years on the family farm from 1946 until retiring in 2000.

Alvin was a long time member of the Lake Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, hunting and the hobby of taxidermy.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Ruth of the Belmond Care Center; five children, Dianne Klasse and husband, Ron of Fort Dodge, Mark Hansen and wife, Mona of Renwick, Steve Hansen of Cedar Rapids, David Hansen of Fort Dodge and Carolyn Maine and husband, Jeff of Bettendorf; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Leighton Hansen and wife, Mildred of Fort Dodge; and one sister, Arlene Sampson and husband, Lewis of Goldfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mildred Hansen and Gladys Lenning; and three brothers, Harold, Ray and Donald.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Ronald Eugene Olmstead

August 25, 2005

Ronald Eugene Olmstead, 61, of Clarion, died on Friday, August 19, 2005.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 23, at the First Lutheran Church, Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen officiated at the 1:00 p.m. service. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Ronald Eugene Olmstead, was born on September 23, 1943 in Webster City, the son of Harvey and Lila Olmstead. He was raised and educated in the Webster City area. Ron married Katherine Pogge on February 14, 1974 in Russellville, Arkansas.

Ron worked as a police officer for 25 years, serving in Clarion and then in Goldfield as Police Chief. He owned and operated Ron's Restaurant in Goldfield for 14 years. He most recently worked with Juvenile Court Services where he enjoyed helping young people.

He was an avid motorcyclist, loved to go camping, fishing and taking trips to the Iowa State Fair. He enjoyed listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Katherine of 31 years; three children, Amy Olmstead of Cedar Falls, Bryan Olmstead of Boone and Krista Olmstead of Clarion; two sisters, Linda Frost and Karen Furman of Stratford.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

David William Middleton

January 19, 2006

David William Middleton, passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at the Kadlec Medical Center.

David pursued his interest in aviation as a Civil Air Patrol Instructor during World War II and obtained his private pilot's license after moving to Washington State in 1944. He worked at Boeing and then at the Applied Physics Laboratory of the University of Washington until the war ended.

David and Helen moved to Wapato, Washington, in 1945 where they raised their two children. David taught physics, chemistry and photography at the Wapato High School from 1945 until he retired in 1976. They moved to Richland in 1998 to be near their daughter, Julie.

He worked with Cub and Boy Scouts in Wapato. After his retirement, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was a SHIBA Counselor.

Frank Middleton of Clarion is the only surviving brother.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Lilnora E. Flores

August 25, 2005

Lilnora E. Flores, 73, died on May 6, 2005.

A memorial service was held in Waukee, at Point Grace Church on May 9, 2005. Graveside services with interment of the cremains will be held on Saturday, August 27, at 11:00 a.m., at the Union Cemetery, Humboldt.

Lilnora E. Kee, was born on January 31, 1932 in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Kenneth and Mable Kee. She was a homemaker and also worked for the Iowa Foundation of Medical Care for several years, retiring in 2001.

She was recently a member of the Red Hat Ladies Club and enjoyed spending time with her husband of 46 years, listening and dancing to Latin music.

She is survived by her husband, August Phillip Flores of Waukee; sons, Phillip Charles and wife, Maggie of Waukee and Scott Alan of West Des Moines; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association-Iowa affiliate.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Steven Douglas Eivins

September 8, 2005

Funeral services for Steven Douglas Eivins, 40, of Clarion, were held on Tuesday, September 6, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Rev. Curt Miner and Fr. Chris Podhajsky officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Steven Eivins passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2005.

Steven Eivins, was born on January 2, 1965 in Ames, the son of Fred and Ramona (Goodrich) Eivins. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1984.

On August 24, 1985, Steven married Jodi Reyna. To this union two children were born, Stephanie and Steven. On November 17, 2000, Steven was united in marriage to Tammy Tegland at the United Church of Christ Congregational. Steven and Tammy made their home in Holmes with son, Stevie.

Steven worked for Electrolux Home Products in Webster City for six years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching football with his son, Stevie. He loved to laugh and loved life.

Steven is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Tammy; son, Steven 16; daughter, Stephanie 18; parents, Fred and Ramona Eivins, all of Clarion; brothers, Mike and wife, Deann of Iowa City, David and wife, Angela of Belmond, Matthew of Dubuque, Rollin and wife, Misty of Kanawha and Jeffrey and wife, Leigh of Clarion; mother and father-in-law, Becky and Ed Womack of Clarion; sisters-in-law, Tina Stegen and husband, Bill, Tiffany Goodpaster and husband, Dan; and eight nieces and six nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Zachary; brother, Daniel; paternal grandparents, Rollin Ira and Hazel Eivins; and maternal grandparents, Frank B. and Gloria Jeanne (Ackerly) Goodrich.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Blanche Beatrice Bardwell

September 15, 2005

Blanche Beatrice Bardwell, 95, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 3, at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home in Clarion. The 1:30 p.m. service was conducted by Pastor Patrick Odle.

Blanche Beatrice Davies, was born on October 16, 1909 in Montezuma, Indiana, the daughter of Chester and Orpha (Holaday) Davies. At the age of 15 the family moved to Belmond.

On August 12, 1928, Blanche was united in marriage to Leo Bardwell. She was a hard working farm wife and mother of five children.

Upon leaving the farm in 1965, she worked as a cook in numerous county facilities. She spent five years working with her son, Leo in Connecticut and then returned to Clarion.

In 1958, Blanche lost her youngest son, Otis in the Armed Services and her oldest son, Emery in 1960 due to complications of diabetes. After losing her husband to cancer in 1977, she went to work as a cook at the Clarion Care Center. She worked at the care center until health problems forced her to retire.

Blanche enjoyed traveling and was called "Traveling Granny" by her family. She lived at the Southtown Apartments before entering the USA Health Care Center where she resided for nine years.

Blanche is survived by one son, Leon Bardwell and wife, Barbara of Tariffville, Connecticut; two daughters, Maxine Moeller and husband, Howard of Walcott and Evelyn Fibikar of Clarion; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one brother, George Davies and wife, Gene of Lafayette, Indiana; one sister, Bertha Gue of San Diego, California; one half-brother, John Hites of Portland, Oregon; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, Otis and Emery; four brothers, Charles, Clarence, Roy and Chester Davies; and one grandson, Roy Fibikar.
© Wright County Monitor 2005