Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

Richard was born January 13, 1930 to Carl and Jenny (Davis) Maddy near Weller, Iowa. He grew up there on a farm and graduated from Lovilia High School in the class of 1947.  He was on the Lovilia Lions basketball team.

After school he served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict as a military policeman.

On June 11, 1955, he married Lois Clark in Albia, Iowa. They were blessed with three sons:  Michael, Max, and Mark.

Richard and his brother, Ben, owned and operated a Conoco gas station in Albia. Then the family moved to a farm north of Albia that he farmed until he died.  He was also a warehouseman at the Knoxville VA until retiring in 1985.

Richard enjoyed boating, camping, and gardening especially raising sweet corn.

He is survived by his wife, and three sons families and grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were: his parents; brothers Russell, Ben David , and Wayne; granddaughter Kaylea; and daughter-in-law Apryle.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia,  starting at 2 p.m. and family present from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10 a.m., officiated by Suzanne Rider at Sinnott funeral home.

Burial and military rites by Albia, Melrose, and Lovilia American Legion at Union Chapel Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136 or Welcome Home Soldier.

Ruth, age 81, of Lovilia died February 16, 2017 at her home.

Ruth was born on December 13, 1935 to William Bill” and Jessie (Bettis) De Tar in Albia, Iowa. She was educated in Albia and graduated with the high school class of 1953.  Wiley Hutchinson and Ruth were united in marriage on October 30, 1954 and shared 62 years of marriage.  They were blessed with two children, David and Debra.

Ruth was a homemaker her entire life and enjoyed cooking, sewing, and working in her flower garden.  She and Wiley traveled over several states where they planned, arranging, and hosting square dance events for over 30 years.

She is survived by her husband; son, David (Melinda) Hutchinson of Lovilia; and daughter, Debra (Cory) House of Ottumwa.  Also, nine grandchildren:  Dustin (Karrie) Hutchinson, Ken Hutchinson, Jess (Alana) Hutchinson, Austin Hutchinson(Sarah Kahler), Tyler Crall (Jessica Brady), Josie (Brock) Davis, Cody House, Kaylee House, and Makenna House.  She also leaves 6 great grandchildren and a brother, Vernon (Becky) DeTar.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. , Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating.  Burial will follow the services at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Monday, February 20, 2017 with the family present from 5-8 p.m. at Tharp’s.

May she rest in peace.

Monroe County Democrat Scholarship Fundraiser

Democrats had a spaghetti supper and dessert auction Sunday, Feb. 19th at the Albia Christian Church fellowship hall.  Attending from Lovilia were Meg Kasper and Susan Beary.  Martha Viner, former postmaster in Lovilia, was elected to the chairmanship of the Democratic central committee.  Around $1000 was raised for scholarships for graduates from Albia and Eddyville.  Guests came from Ottumwa, Knoxville, Centerville, and Des Moines.  Three potential governor candidates spoke as well as the Democratic leader of the Iowa house.

New Buxton Book

My brother presented me with a copy autographed by the author and I have enjoyed looking through it.  The book is mostly pictures and quotes from former residents.  I was tickled to find quotes from Lovilia residents who you will remember.  Some quotes were from Nellie King, Sister Maureen Sofranko, Earl Smith, and Charles Lenger.

Jim Keegel, who currently owns the Buxton land site, is quoted  and his photo is in the book too.

The book is called “Lost Buxton” by Rachelle Chase and is available at the Book Vault store on the west side of the square in Oskaloosa.  It is a fun trip to the past to thumb through its pages.  It is a 2017 publication.

Kathryn, age 100, died at Monroe County Hospital in Albia.

She was born on July 23, 1916 to Edmond and Margaret (Kelly) Welsh in Weller, Iowa.  Joe Ballalatak and Kathryn were united in marriage at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia, Iowa on Feb. 16, 1942.  They were blessed with four sons:  Bill, Larry, Dean, and Gary.  Joe passed away in October 1982.

Kathryn was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia and the church’s Altar and Rosary Society.  She enjoyed cooking and baking and playing cards.  Family time and time with grandchildren was special to her.

She is survived by her sons: Bill (Betty) Ballalatak of Grimes; Dean (Vicki) Ballalatak of Lovilia; Gary (Karen) Ballalatak of Lovilia; daughter-in-law, Joyce Ballalatak of Marshalltown, Iowa.  Also, nine grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren are left to cherish her memory.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, son Larry, and brothers Bill Welsh and Edward Welsh, and infant Wilford Welsh.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia.  Father Mark Yates will be officiating and assisted by Deacon Ed Kamerick.  Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lovilia.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017, It will open at 1 p.m. and family will be present from 5-7 p.m. at Sinnott Funeral Home, Gilbert Chapel in Lovilia.  Wake service will be at 6 p,m.

Memorials may be directed to the family wishes.

May she rest in peace.

We have an opportunity to meet the author, Rachelle Chase, and see the new book called, “Lost Buxon”.  She will be at the book store, Book Vault, on the west side of the Oskaloosa square on Saturday, Feb. 18th.  At 1 p.m. she will give a presentation about her new book and you can ask questions and even have her sign your copy if you buy one.  That is one of the fun things about going to meet the authors at Book Vault.  Also, snacks will be served.

Since the historical marker for Buxton is in Lovilia at Gibson Park beside Highway 5, Buxton holds special interest to Lovilia folks. Hope some of you will take advantage of this great oportunity to learn more.  I hope to see you there!

Geraldine, age 87, died Jan. 24th at the Monroe Care Center in Albia.

She was born July 28, 1929 in Weller, Iowa to William Martin and Mary Ann (Bingaman) Flahive.  She was a Lovilia High School graduate with the class of 1947.   On October 2, 1948 Geraldine married Paul Robert Grimes at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia. They were blessed with four children:  Darlene, Jeff, Beverly, and Mark.  They shared 52 years of marriage before his death in 2001.

Geraldine was a homemaker and store clerk.  She was a member of St.Peter’s Church and the Altar and Rosary Society there.  Pastimes she enjoyed were dancing, card playing, crocheting, gardening, and watching Hawkeye basketball.  She was well known as an excellent cook.

She is survived by her children:  Jeffrey (Mary) Grimes of Lovilia; Beverly (Scott) Selby of Colorado Springs; and Mark (Sally) Grimes of Marysville, Iowa.  There are also 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are five sisters and one brother:  Mary Theresa Grimes of Albia; Marjoire (Edward) Martin of Cave Creek, AZ; Florence (Donald) Welch of Winterset, IA; Catherine (Jack) Thomas of San Marcos, CA; Delores Littlejohn of West Des Moines; and Jim (Diane) Flahive of Albia.

Preceding in death were her husband; daughter ,Darlene; parents; brothers: Edward, William, John; and sisters:  Madeline, Jo Ann, and Bernice.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Michael E. Volkmer and Father Mark Yates officiating.  Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in albia

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. Her family will be present from 4-8 p.m.  A rosary will be led by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society at 4 pm. and a wake service will be held at 6 p.m.

Memorials may be designated to either Monroe Care Center in Albia or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

May she rest in peace.

Jack, age 70, died Jan. 5, 2017.  He raised livestock and farmed in the Melrose area.  His sisters are:  Sandra Wade of Lovilia, Crystal Stansberry of Oskaloosa, Arlene Riesser of Walcott, and Tamie Watson of Albia .  He also has one brother of Melrose, James Wade.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of his Live will be 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on January 16, Monday at the Lovilia Community Building with his family present.  As per his wishes the body was cremated and a private family burial will be at a later date.  A memorial has been established to the family.

May he rest in peace.

Dayton Kendall Died January 7, 2017

Services are pending at Tharp’s Funeral Home of Albia.  Many will remember him as the owner and manager of the Albia Gambles Store for several years with his wife Linda.  He also played in the country western band called Larry Johnson and the Roadrunners in the local area for 30 years or more.  He and Linda have many relatives and friends in the Lovilia area.

Alice “Coleen” Lenger Died January 8, 2017

She was Born Sept. 12, 1939 to Orland and Alice (Howard ) Sterner in Mahaska Country.  She graduated from Bussey High School with the class of 1957.  On June 20, 1959 she was married to Dan Lenger at St. Peter’s Church in Lovilia, Iowa.  They were blessed with six children:  Timmy, Denise, Ann, Mary, Danny and Jim.  Coleen and Dan shared 52 years of marriage until his death in 2011.

She was a farm wife and she worked 28 years for Mahaska Bottling Company in Oskaloosa.  Coleen was an active member of St. Peter’s Church and Altar and Rosary Society.  She considered the church ladies as dear friends and she also enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, traveling with Dan, and family time.

Coleen is survived by her children:  Denise Fisher of Lovilia, Ann McCloud of Albia, Mary (Pat) Wynn of Albia, Danny Lenger of Newton, and Jim Lenger of Anamosa, Iowa.  She also has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also her sister Karen and her brother, John.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son Timmy and a sister, Linda.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 12, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Albia.  Father Mark Yates and Father Michael Volkmer will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Albia.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with family present from 3-8 p.m.  At 4 p.m. a rosary will be led by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society.

Memorials have been established to HCI Hospice, St. Mary’s Cemetery, or St. Peter’s Altar and Rosary Society.

May she rest in peace.

Barbara Gillette  of Ames Dies

She was born in Lovilia on May 9, 1928 to Robert and Catherine (Carr) Ross. Her parents moved to Milwaukee, Wis. where she attended school and graduated from the Mercy High School in the 1946 class.

She worked as a medical technician at Marquette Univ. in Milwaukee and then at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Barbara met her husband at Purdue and they were married in West Lafayette. They later moved to Ames, Iowa.  She was an active volunteer in her community and her church, St. Cecilia Catholic Church, in Ames.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Pat;sister, Bridget; brother, Daniel; and brother, Tim.

Barbara died Dec. 1, 2016 in Ames and burial was in Ames Municipal Cemetery.  May she rest in peace.  For those who may not know, her mother Catherine along with Eleanora Sofranko wrote the Lovilia History Book and the St. Peter’s Catholic Church history book.

Delbert died at Accura Health Care in Knoxville, Iowa.  He was 78 years old.

He was born on December 10, 1938 to Oral and Francis (Gladson) Gray.  Delbert graduated with the Lovilia High School class of 1956.  In March 1959 he was joined in marriage to Shirley Walter.  They were blessed with three children:  Brad, Shelli, and Lisa.

Delbert farmed and raised cattle most of his life. Some of the land he farmed was homesteaded by his family in 1855.  He was a Cedar Township trustee for 48 years. Also he was a Monroe County Cattlemen’s Association member.  Things he enjoyed were:  pheasant and quail hunting, raising cattle, his Tennessee Walking horses, going to sales, playing black jack at casinos, watching westerns and ball games on television, talking politics, and his dog, Lady.

He is survived by his wife of Lovilia; son, Brad (Denise) Gray of  Albia; daughter, Shelli (Kevin) Parmenter of Overland Park,Kansas; and daughter,  Lisa (Brian) Scala of Albia.  His grandchildren are Kaley, Ethan, and Caleb Gray, Kyle and Kelsi Parmenter, and Brooke and Emily Scala.  Also, one niece, Jill Bonnett and her daughter, Jessy.  And a very good childhood buddy, Jim Beary.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister Marlene Sampson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. , Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Brad Gray officiating.  Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.27, 2016 at Tharp Funeral Home. His family will be present throughout the day and evening to greet friends and family.  Delbert’s family encourages anyone attending to please wear flannel or plaid shirts to the visitation in Delbert’s honor.

Memorials have been established to the Monroe County Cattlemen’s Association.

Jerry, age 84, died Oct. 28, 2016 in Marshalltown, Iowa.  He was born December 22, 1931 to Henry and Vera (Allison) Peterson in rural Monroe County. He was educated in Lovilia schools and graduated there in the class of 1949.

On October 29, 1954 he married Maxine Gillette in Albia, Iowa. He was a Korean War veteran, a farmer, and a factory worker as a machinist.  His joys were the outdoors, woodworking, family cookouts, and family time.

HE is survived by his wife; daughter, Vicki Colwell; son, Dennis Peterson; son Dave (Carol) Peterson; son, Curtis (Kaylene) Peterson; and son, Merrill (Melissa) Peterson; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sister, Donna Post; brother, Harold “Pete” (Sharon) Peterson; and sister-in-law, Mary Peterson.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Walter “Jack” Peterson, and a grandchild, Skyler Reid Peterson.

As per his wishes the body was cremated and a private family burial with military rites will be at a later date.

Memorials have been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Albia, Iowa or to the family’s wishes.  May he rest in peace.

Ronald Duane “R.D.” Paulsgrove Dies

Ronald, age 69, died Oct. 17, 2016 at VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was born in Arizona and moved with the family later to the Galesburg and Raritan, Illinois area.  There he graduated with the Galesburg High School class of 1965.

Ronald then enlisted in the United States Army in 1966.  While serving with the 101st Airborne, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart along with the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster and the Army commendation medal with a V.

In the 1970s Ron moved to Lovilia, Iowa and operated the Lovilia Tire business for seven years.

He is survived by his two daughters:  Billie Boerre (Lasse)  of Grimes, Iowa and Lindsey Smith (Kevin) of Attica, Iowa.  He also leaves behind five grandchildren.

Celebration of life services were held Oct. 29th at the American Legion Post in Galesburg, Illinois.

Private family burial with military rites will be at Iowa Veteran’s cemetery at Adel, Iowa at a later date.  May he rest in peace.

Halloween Party

Saturday, October 29th, a children’s party was held at the Lovilia Community Building hosted by Brandi Manser and Jessica Manser.  Decorations for the event were set up by Harold Manser and photographer was Diane Beal.  Approximately 16 kids attended in each age group.

Chaperones were:  Jessica Manser, Brandi Manser, Shannon Wilson. Milo Comstock, Harold Manser, Jessica Caudill, Melissa Uribe Comstock,Glacia Nichols, Darriean Spaur, Alexys Chamberlain, Shakota Rhodes, Denise Bower, Loita Williams, Sadie Dykstra, Amanda Kirsch, and Tiffany Spaur.

Tiffany Spaur, of Parents as Teachers, made masks with the children for two hours.

Costume winners were chosen in each age group:

Highschool: Glacia Nichols

6-8th grade: Kellie Stevenson

2-5th grade:  Corbin Schippers

Birth-1st grade:  Joni Marie

Pumpkin painting winner was:  Adi Wilson

Fees at the party were donated to the following funds:

Twin Cedats Elementary Tag:  $60

Twin Cedars FFA: $70

Mary Sauter’s Christmas:  $50.

Thanks goes out to all the volunteers who gave their time for the kids to have a spooky safe party. We hope all the kids had a Boo u tiful good time!

Election Day is Nov. 8th, Tuesday

Remember to go the polls at the Lovilia Community Building and vote.  If you are not registered, you can register at the polls, bring a photo id, and a current utility bill or some proof you live at the address that puts you in this precinct.  This is for new voters or those who recently moved here.  All you old time voters just show up and vote. Every vote is important.

Lorraine died at age 88 on October 15, 2016 at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia, Iowa. She was born on May 19, 1928 in Burlington, Iowa to Francis and Dora (Thorne) Tice.

Robert Comstock and Lorraine were married on  September 17, 1944 in Grinnell, Iowa.  She liked square dancing, chicken on Sundays, music, card games, crossword puzzles, family gatherings, and was welcoming to strangers.

Their marriage was blessed with thirteen children.  Children surviving her are:  Barbara Comstock of Lovilia; Mary (Dave) Roberts of Victor, Iowa; John Comstock of Albia, Iowa; Jeff (Pam) Comstock of Lovilia, Iowa; Jean (Patrick) Giroux of Palmetto, Florida; Marla (Rick) Clement of Natural Bridge, New York; and Milo (Annette) Comstock of Lovilia, Iowa.  Preceding her in death were:  Sgt. Robert James Comstock, Jerry Wayne Comstock, Joey D. Comstock, Michael Comstock, Kathy Evans, and Dennis Comstock.

She is also survived by two siblings and many grand and great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, six siblings, three grandchildren, and one great grand daughter.

Funeral services were Oct. 19, 2016 at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia, Iowa with Pastor Jeff Comstock officiating.  Burial was at Chester Cemetery, north of Grinnell, Iowa.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  May she rest in peace.

Oct. 22, Saturday, Clean out Your Medicine Cabinet Safely

Unused or expired medicine may be taken to the Monroe County Law Center, 114 19th Ave. West, Albia, Iowa on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.. (This new center is on hwy 5 just south of the AY McDonald’s factory)  This is sponsored by Monroe Co. Sheriff dept. and the Albia police dept.  This is a chance to dispose of these medicines safely away from children, pets, etc.

Lovilia Blood Drive, Monday, Oct. 24

Blood donations may be made from 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Lovilia Community Building.  You must bring a photo ID with you to donate.  New donors are welcome.  Previous donors arrive at their assigned appointment time.  You never know when you may need blood for an accident, surgery, or illness.  So join the donors and help us have blood ready for everyone when it is needed.

United Methodist Church of Lovilia Kid’s Club

Kid’s club is held from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.  on Wednesdays at the church. Included are snacks, a craft, a lesson, and videos. The club will be meeting on Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov.9, and Nov. 16.  All children are welcome from Kindergarten age – 8th grade.

Halloween Party Oct 29, Saturday

Noon-2p.m.  infant-first grade: $3 per child, adult must accompany the child

2-4p.m. second grade-fifth grade:  $3 per child

5-7 p.m. sixth grade-eighth grade: $4 if no costume, $3 entry if in costume

8-11 p.m. ninth-12th grade:  $5 if no costume, $3 entry if in costume

Party will be at the Lovilia Community Building.  If you have a question, call party planner, Jessica Manser : 641-218-0156.  Parties will include costume contests, photo taking of costumed kids, crafts, games, and dancing.

If you want to paint or decorate a pumpkin (NO Carving) you can bring it to the building between 9-11 a.m. Those who bring a pumpkin get $1 taken off their entry fee to the party.  Judging will be on different age levels:1-5, 6-12, 13-16, and 17+ ages.

Lovilia Trick or Treat Night

The city council has designated trick or treat night to be Oct. 31, 2016 from 6-8 p.m.  If you are handing out treats, turn on your porch light and the little goblins will find you.  Boo!

Steve “Tank” Lee Smith, age 63, of rural Lovilia, died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 at the Monroe County Hospital emergency room.  Steve was born in Albia, Iowa to Elwood Oliver and Josie (Godfrey) Smith on January 30, 1953.

Tank married Vickie Burk on November 5, 1977 at the Knoxville Open Bible Church. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Jason and Melissa.

He worked as a school bus driver. His interests included hunting, fishing, animals, trucks, and collecting many types of things.

Surviving him are his wife, Vickie; son, Jason (Chelsea) Smith; daughter, Melissa (Archie) Little; six grandchildren:  Kevin Little, Rebecca Little, Hannah Smith, Ryan Little,  Titus Smith, and Corban Smith, all of rural Lovilia.

Also he has a sister, Ida Mae Hidlebaugh of Redfield, Iowa and a brother, Michael “Spook” Smith of Lovilia.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and one brother, Oliver Smith.

A Celebration of Life Potluck will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at the Lovilia Community Building from 4-8 p.m.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottfuneralhome.com.  May he rest in peace.

St Peter’s Picnic Results

The parish was grateful to all the people who joined us for the dinner.  The home cooked meal was served to 230 guests.

Following the meal was an auction and ended with having a small child draw out raffle ticket winners.  Winners of the raffle were $500 Marc Wynn of Lovilia, $200 Daniel Beary of Lovilia, $100 Mike Kearney of Newton, Iowa; $100 Sharon O’Donnell of Curlew, Iowa (who donated the winnings back to the parish); $50 Dionne Tyrell, mother of Angie Welsh of Lovilia;  and $50 Steve Reed, Oskaloosa, Iowa.  Congrats to all!

Old Hardware Building on Main Street Collapses

Most recently this building across from city hall was the recording studio/music lesson building of John Bain. John, still the owner, moved his music business to the Lovilia school building.  Before this it was the DeLong screen printing business which was a branch of the Grinnell business and it closed down.

Most people remember  it as a hardware store: purchased in 1960 by Slofkoskys (Mike & Velma), and last sold as a hardware store in 1973 to Charles Godfrey’s.

Wed. Oct.5, 2016 the roof suddenly collapsed and the weight pushed down the north wall of the building to the street below.  Fortunately, no one was nearby or injured.  The motion, noise, etc. set off the Bussey Bank burglar alarms across the street.  Lathrop construction is cleaning up the site after just recently doing the same  to the old drug store.

Only one two story building remains in the business district, the Soul Barn, which years ago was Miner’s Hardware.  The times they are a changing and so is Lovilia’s main street.