Obituary -- Paul "Frank" Ross 1950-2017

Paul Franklin "Frank" Ross, 67, of Ames, IA, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at the Gilbert Middle School (201 E Mathews Dr., Gilbert, IA 50105) with a time of fellowship to follow. Frank's ashes will be scattered later in a private family service. 

Frank was born on January 10, 1950, in St. Joseph, MO, to Charles "Clayton" and Marie (Hauber) Ross. Frank graduated from Worth County R-I High School, Grant City, MO, in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Missouri, obtaining a B.S. Degree in Chemistry in 1972. In 1987, he completed his Master's Degree in Food Technology. He married his wife Karen (Hardy) on July 29, 1972, in Grant City, MO. The couple was blessed with three sons.

Frank worked as an Analytical Veterinary Toxicologist for the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 1973 to 1977. From 1977 to 2007 he was Supervisory Chemist for the Chemistry and Analytical Services Section at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, IA. During his career at NVSL, Frank was instrumental in the development and management of a nationally respected chemistry-toxicology service laboratory. He published numerous scientific articles and was a cofounder of the Midwest Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). He received the Harvey W. Wiley Award in 1992 in recognition of his significant contribution to the field of Analytical Veterinary Toxicology. In addition, he served on the board of directors of the AOAC International for several years, including serving as president from 1995-96.

A member of the Gilbert Lions Club since 1975, Frank worked in various club roles to help others, including as president. In 1987, he served as District 9 X 7 Governor for Lions International.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Frank worked with the Gilbert Athletic Boosters Club, helping with basketball and wrestling tournaments and other sports concessions to raise funds for Gilbert's athletic programs. In 1997, he received the Gilbert High School Friend of Athletics Award.

As his young sons were growing up, Frank coached their teams in a variety of sports, including baseball and soccer. From 1998 to 2010, he coached the Gilbert High School Boys' Soccer Team, first as an assistant coach and later as the head coach. He was known as "Coach Knarf" by many of his players. 

Since 2006, Frank served as president of the board of directors of the Worth County Education Foundation, benefiting the students of his alma mater. 

An avid sports fan, Frank enjoyed cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, ISU Cyclones, Missouri Tigers, and Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats.

He will be remembered by those who knew him for his leadership, involvement in the community, and impact on young athletes.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; sons, Zachary (Lisa) Ross of Green Isle, MN; Jacob (Jessica) Ross of Nevada, IA; and Brandon (Kim) Ross of Brownsburg, IN; grandchildren Matthew and Lauryn Ross of Brownsburg, IN; siblings, Charles (Diana) Ross of Liberty, MO and Clella (James) Goodwin of Denver, MO; and many nieces and nephews. 

Frank was preceded in death by his father in 1991 and his mother in 2008.

Memorial contributions may be made in Frank's name to the Gilbert Athletic Boosters Club or the Worth County Education Foundation.

Online condolences and memories can be shared on Frank's page at www.stevensmemorialchapel.com

Obituary -- Bonnie Ann Broughton 1948-2017

Bonnie Ann Broughton, age 68, of Emden, Missouri passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the Salt River Community Care Center, in Shelbina, Missouri.

Bonnie was born July 30, 1948, in Disco, Illinois, the daughter of Rufus Rueben Miller and Mary LaVaughn Briggs.  She was united in marriage to Stephen Kendrick (Ken) Broughton Jr. on August 6, 1966 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelbina, Missouri.  He survives. 

Bonnie is survived by three children, Peggy Hull (Jason) of Jefferson City, Missouri, Stephanie Blaine (Jeff) of Sheridan, Missouri, and Travis Broughton (Linda) of Mequon, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Haylei Bock (Kyle), Rylee Osborn, Ashley Heideman (Derek), Paige Cain (Jason), Mollie Blaine, Jeshua Blaine, and Julien Broughton; three great grandchildren, Avery Heideman, Addyson Heideman, and Jaxon Cain; and siblings, Sam Miller (Joan), Julie Stephens, Darlene VonThun (Barry), Faye Livers, and Rueben Miller (Tami).

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clifford, Larry, Charles, and Danny Miller; and sisters, Betty Hartsock, Arlene Davis, and Mary Louise-Miller.

Bonnie was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Shelbina, and served both on the Altar Society and as a CCD teacher for the church for several years.  Bonnie also served as 4-H Community Leader.  She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, sewing, and dancing.  Most of all, she cherished her time spent with family, especially her grandchildren.   

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 31, 2017 at 10 am at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelbina, Missouri, with Father Angelus Minj as the celebrant.  Burial will held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Shelbina, Missouri following the service.  A scripture service will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 2:30 pm to 3 pm, followed by a visitation from 3pm to 6pm at the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, Missouri.  Memorials may be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Hospice Compassus, or the Salt River Community Care Center.

Online condolences may be made to:  greeningeaganhayes.com

Missouri Granted Extension on Real ID Compliance

Missouri was granted an extension to comply with Federal Real ID requirements until October 10th by Homeland Security Chair John Kelly, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Missouri Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt had requested the extension, along with Missouri Governor Eric Greitens. After October 10th, state licenses will no longer be accepted at federal facilities and nuclear power plants unless they are Real ID compliant. Missouri still faces a January 22nd deadline for airports and some federal facilities and bases.

On August 28th, a Missouri law allowing residents to obtain Real ID compliant driver’s licenses that was passed by the legislature will take effect. Before that, legislators had fought tooth and nail against complying, citing privacy concerns.

Among other forms of acceptable identification as listed by the TSA include passports and passport cards, DHS Trusted Traveler cards, US Military ID, permanent resident or border crossing cards, airline or airport-issued ID, or US Citizenship & Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

Sheridan Horse Fun Show Saturday, August 19th

The Sheridan CBC will have a new Horse Fun Show Saturday, August 19th. Registration will start at 4 pm at the Sheridan Rodeo Grounds, with the show starting at 5 pm. There will be four age groups – 8 & under, 9-13, 14-18, and 19+. Entry will be $5 per event. There will be barrels, poles, key hole, and a flag race. There will be 50% payback on prizes. This event is sponsored by the Sheridan CBC.

Sheridan CBC Releases New Calendar

The following is a list of the Sheridan CBC’s events for the rest of the year. All events are at the Sheridan Community Hall unless stated.
August 19th – Horse Fun Show, 5 pm, Sheridan Rodeo Grounds.
September 17th – Horse Fun Show, noon, Sheridan Rodeo Grounds.
October 14th – Sheridan CBC Soup Supper, 6-8 pm. There will be an adult scavenger hunt at 7:30.
October 22nd – Horse Fun Show, noon, Sheridan Rodeo Grounds.
October 29th – Sheridan CBC Lunch Buffet, 11 am to 1 pm.
November 11th – Sheridan CBC Hunter’s Brunch, 8 am to noon.
November 25th – Sheridan CBC Soup Supper, 5-7 pm. There will be a lighted Christmas parade at 7:30. There will also be a raffle of a Henry .22 Lever Action Gun.

Defense Bill Gives Troops Pay Raise, Aids Rosecrans

The US House Friday passed a bipartisan defense bill that went beyond President Donald Trump’s requested increase. It passed by a vote of 344-81. It must now pass the Senate, which is working on its own version of the defense bill. The two bills must be reconciled and then sent to the President for his signature or veto. The total price tag is $696 billion, which is also beyond sequestration limits that were set in 2011.

Congressman Sam Graves, who voted for the bill, noted in a news release that the bill contains the biggest pay raise for soldiers in eight years, with a 2.4% increase. The bill would also allow the Pentagon to recruit new personnel and modernize the Air National Guard’s C-130H fleet. Rosecrans Airport, in St. Joseph, houses many of the nation’s C-130H planes.

In a separate release Friday, Senator Roy Blunt said that the Senate version, which passed unanimously out of committee, said that one priority was $10 million to Rosecrans to construct a communications facility there.

Increasing military spending had been one of President Trump’s main campaign promises on the trail last year. One of his favorite lines was, “We’re going to build a military so big, nobody’s going to mess with us.”

Obituary -- Charles Verbick 1966-2017

Charles Verbick was born December 1, 1966 in Albany, Missouri to Clinton and Alberta (Cox)  Verbick. He passed away July 10, 2017 at the age of 50.

Charles graduated from Grant City High School in 1985. He was a hand scaper for Northwest Missouri State University.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Clinton H. Verbick Jr.

He is survived by his two children: Michelle Ann Verbick of Barnard, Missouri and Dustin Charles Verbick of Maryville, Missouri, his mother: Alberta Verbick and brother Clinton Harold Verbick, both of Grant City and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Interment will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Ravenwood, Missouri.

Visitation will be 6:30-8:00 P.M. Wednesday.

Garland, Mary Roach Recognized at Allendale Breakfast

Garland and Mary Roach of Grant City were recognized at the Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast last Tuesday. They were the oldest man and woman present at the gathering. They have been married for 71 years, making them one of the longest-married couples in Worth County. Garland fought in World War II, making him one of the last surviving veterans of that conflict. He served in the Navy with his three brothers on the same ship.

Harold Fletchall, another veteran, was another candidate for the oldest man at 89 years young. “I’m still a farm boy in good health,” said the long-time custodian at Worth County.

The contest for farthest away was closer this time. Jewell Marcum, from Monahans (TX), was back for her family reunion. She is the sister of long-time Worth County teacher Evelyn Groom-Ruby; all six sisters and one brother got together for the first time in six years earlier, on July 1st. She lives in western Texas.

Charles Popelka, from Venice (FL) came slightly farther, from Venice (FL). But the farthest away was John Carr, from San Francisco, who came back and visited with family and friends as well as take pictures.

The youngest girl was Malea Ridge, daughter of Logan and Alissa (Miller) Ridge. The youngest boy was Sam Clarkson, son of Ben and Abbey (Harding) Clarkson.

Over 800 people once again showed up for the breakfast, running continuously since the 1950’s. The Family Circle Singers and Richard Williams entertained with patriotic music.

Male Beauty Contest Raises Over $1,000 for Camp Quality

The Male Beauty Contest at the Hopkins Picnic Saturday raised $513.30 for Camp Quality. Participants were “Debbie” (Mike Crowe), “Kitty” (Dan Coleman, “Angel” (Tim Hoepker), “Bambi” (Bart Oberhauser), “Tequila Rose” (Denny Dow), “Paa” (Dakota Johnson), “Tricia” (Dustin Rowen), “Daisy” (Richard Frampton), “Dorothy” (Harold Dye), “Owena” (Owen Coleman), “Rogetta” (Roger Frueh), and “Buttercup” (Brian Komers). Subsequent to Saturday night's show, an individual who couldn't make it to the show donated another $500 to the cause. It costs $1,500 to send a kid to Camp Quality. As of Tuesday afternoon, the total was $1,333.30 and counting.

Among the winners, the overall winner was “Kitty.” Most authentic was “Bambi,” who dressed in a Mustangs cheerleader outfit. Wildest was “Buttercup.” Sexiest Legs went to “Daisy.” The Hair and Accessories award went to “Bambi.” Most Thought Out and Dressed was “Angel.”

Despite dire threats of being taken out by experienced mud wrestlers and twins “Paa” and “Tricia,” the judges, picked from outside the community, stuck with their overall choice of “Kitty.” The judges were apparently intrigued by “Kitty’s” secretive nature, clean livin’ style, and extensive workouts. Apparently, the judges didn’t have the money to pony up $199.99 for “Angel’s” problem solving.

They are still taking donations for the cause. To donate, contact Sara Wyer Coleman, Dan Coleman, Richard Frampton, or Roger Frueh.

Two Injured in Teen Wreck Near Pickering

Two were injured in a teen wreck near Pickering Thursday evening at around 5:30 pm. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 1994 Ford Mustang driven by Justin Strough (17) of Pickering was northbound on 148 about three miles north of Pickering when it traveled off the east side of the roadway, struck an embankment, became airborne, and came to rest in a ditch facing northeast. Strough, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured in the wreck. A passenger, Krystal Kelly (21) of Maryville, received moderate injuries and was taken to St. Francis. She was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Another passenger, Alexis Strough (13) of Pickering, received minor injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Gwen Rolofson, Trenton Roberts Reign Over 129th Hopkins Picnic

Gwen Rolofson and Trenton Roberts were chosen to reign over the 129th Hopkins Picnic Thursday. They were crowned by last year’s winners, Owen Coleman and Zoey Phillips. Other contestants were Gannon Stricker, Kloey Langley, Zoey Pearson, Tristen Wray, Luke Clements, and Hudson Alexander. The event was emceed by teacher Angie Davison. Judges were chosen from outside the community.

David Parman Honored for Service to Country

Over 100 people attended a special dinner and surprise party in honor of David Parman Friday night. He served his country from 1970-2004, a time period spanning 34 years. He received an honorable discharge from Vietnam, with letters of thanks from both President Richard Nixon and General William Westmoreland. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve, serving in Desert Storm, Bosnia, and then Iraq.

In addition, Parman served as a coach at Coffey, Jameson, and Worth County. “We had a lot of fun in Coffey,” he said. That school was even smaller than Sheridan by the time it closed, producing 1-3 seniors a year, with five graduating in its final year of existence with no 8th graders coming up. Coming up to honor him were around 10 of his former players, friends, and co-workers, including former Principal Rob Dowis, who hired him, along with Max Courter, who was the board president at Coffey and who later served with Parman as a prison guard.

Parman also kept a watch on water quality while in Sheridan and in Coffey. “The water tastes better in Sheridan than it did in Arizona,” said Chuck Zook, who lived in Sheridan, moved to Arizona, and has recently moved back to Maryville. While he was alive, the late Mayor Bud Allee, at one point, sought to bottle and sell the city’s water due to the high quality. “He is what an American is,” said Rachel Rush, who emceed the program.

In recent years, Parman has taken up even more hobbies. He continues to run Weekend’s, an antique and thrift store which also sells pop and ice cream; it draws customers in from outside the community. One person who came was a DNR man who inspected the city’s water system and then, after retiring, came back to check out Parman’s store. Parman started a fireworks show several years ago; with volunteer help, the show goes on. Fireworks were shot in town Friday night as usual after the program honoring Parman. Parman also has taken up art, painting some patriotic pictures on the side of his building.

Other veterans were also recognized, who had served in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraq.

Obituary -- Rosalie Hart 1937-2017

Rosalie Hart was born April 29, 1937 in Mt. Moriah, Missouri to Charles Ward and Nora Bell (Thomas) Franklin. She passed away July 9, 2017  in Maryville, Missouri at the age of 80.

     

Rosalie was united in marriage to Roland Keith Hart on December 26, 1958. She loved living on the farm, gardening and worked hard canning and providing for her family and enjoyed sewing and embroidery.  She was an excellent cook. Some of Keitha’s favorites were her cinnamon rolls, noodles, chocolate upside down cake and pies with meringue.

     

Rosalie was a kind person, always putting others first, she always had a positive comment. She spent  much time picking out just the right card and picking out the right wording for each card she sent. She loved her children and grandchildren, Crystal, Carrie, Kara, Christi and her great-grandchildren, they were the sunshine of her life. She

     

Rosalie was preceded in death by her husband Keith, parents: and sister Thelma Jean Frazier. She is survived by 2 children: Donald Wray Hart and wife Sharon of Sheridan, Missouri, Keitha Irene Nance and husband Jim of Maryville, Missouri, grandchildren Crystal Combs and husband Will, Carrie Dannar and husband Brett, Kara Downing and husband Blake and Christi Nance, and 6 great-grandchildren: Kylie and Leah Combs, Carter and Annalyn Dannar and Izzy and Alivia Downing.

  

Funeral Services will be 3:00 P.M. Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Interment will be in the Sheridan Cemetery, Vanskyock Addition in Sheridan. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.

Obituary -- Allen Fletchall 1926-2017

     Allen Fletchall  passed away on July 7, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born July 2, 1926 in Worth County, Missouri. He was the son of Gordon and Mildred (Rowen) Fletchall.

     Allen served in the United States Army during World War 11. He worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator.

     In 1947, Allen married Venita VanHoutan. To this union 4 children were born: Randy, Marsha, Kevin and Lora. The couple later divorced.

     Allen spent his retirement years as an independent equipment operator and working on his acreage in Grant City, Missouri. He enjoyed being outdoors and going to auctions.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Janis Newcomer and Cleta Ahrens, two brothers: Gerald and Jerry Fletchall and one granddaughter: Tonya Fletchall.

     Surviving are his four children, two sisters: Margie Conard and Faye Heintz, brother Kenneth Fletchall, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

     Graveside Services and interment will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the Knox Cemetery in Worth, Missouri. Visitation from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Monday at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City.  

Obituary -- Elmer Smith Davidson 1954-2017

Elmer “Smith Rock” Davidson, age 63, Grant City, Missouri died Monday, July 3, 2017 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Elmer was born February 27, 1954, the son of Chase Ellis and Leona Faye (Fletchall) Davidson.
Elmer graduated with an associate degree in welding from Southwestern Iowa Community College at Creston, Iowa.

In 1991, Elmer was married to Christie Martin at the Grant City Baptist Church. To this union one son was born, Lucas. They were later divorced.

Elmer was currently employed as a Direct Support Professional with Rolling Hills Creative Living, Inc., Albany, Missouri.

Preceding him in death were his father, Chase, sister Connie Findley, brother Dudley and sister Deidra Hunt.

Survivors include: his son, Lucas Davidson, Grant City, mother, Leona Davidson, Grant City, two brothers, Harold (Debbie) Davidson, Parkville, Missouri, William (Sherry) Davidson, Grant City, sister-in-law Carmen Davidson, and two brother-in-law’s, Bob Hunt and Robert Findley, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Andrews-Hann Funeral Home in Grant City. Burial will be in the Grant City Cemetery.

Obituary -- Beverly June Duncan 1929-2017

Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Beverly Duncan, age 87, of Bedford who passed away Friday, June 23, 2017 in Maryville, Missouri were held Monday, June 26, 2017, at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was held one hour prior to services. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be given in Beverly's name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford where we 'Celebrate Life'. 

Beverly June (Thompson) Duncan was born August 7, 1929 in Rural Nodaway County Missouri the daughter of Paul Clarence Thompson and Opal Marie (Thummel) Thompson. Beverly grew up in the Hopkins and Bedford areas and graduated from Bedford High School. Following her graduation from high school Beverly attended Northwest Missouri State where she completed normative training, allowing her to teach country school, which she did for many years. 

On June 11, 1954 she was united in marriage to Delbert Wayne Duncan in Bedford. Wayne and Beverly lived in the Conway area for many years until moving to Bedford in 1994. Following Wayne’s passing in 2000, Beverly continued to live in Bedford. 

Many community members will remember that Beverly and Wayne had a large chicken operation they ran together for many years. Beverly also enjoyed collecting and painting China dolls and also doing tole painting. Through the years the couple loved to travel and following Wayne’s retirement he and Beverly spent eighteen winters in Mexico where they helped tutor young boys and girls in English for free. Beverly and Wayne also spent many summers in Canada fishing. 

Beverly is survived by a son Duane Duncan and wife Patricia of California; a daughter Kathy Duncan of Bedford; a sister Mary Jo Sleep (Robert) of Bedford; a brother Tommy (Jan) Thompson of Maryville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Teather, DeeDee, Thomas and Aaron, along with may nieces, nephews and sister-in-law Margaret Thompson. 

Preceding Beverly in death are her husband Wayne; her parents, Paul and Opal; and a brother, Donald Thompson.

We will forever hold your precious memory in our hearts.
May you be at peace in God’s loving care.

At Least Five Tornadoes Hit Area; Massive Flooding and Rains Wednesday

At least five tornadoes struck the area Wednesday along with massive flooding and anywhere from 6-13 inches of rain. In Sheridan, rain started around 4 pm and around four inches of rain fell over the next two hours. Rain fell throughout the night as a tornado watch, originally set to expire at 10, was extended to midnight.

Among the tornadoes spotted, two were spotted in Denver and did extensive damage to trees, broke windows, and flooded homes. One more was spotted near Gentry, one large one was spotted near Maryville, and one was spotted north of Sheridan just across the Iowa line. 

The Sheridan twister, which was visible from the town, destroyed a home and all the outbuildings around it, knocked down power lines and trees, and tore the roofs off three hog confinement facilities.

Flooding was bad, with some places that had escaped the Flood of 1993 being flooded. At one point, it was not possible to get in or out of Sheridan as the bridge east of town is still closed until September and ditches south of Gaynor and north of Gary Hart’s jumped the bank and went over the road. Route H was nearly impassable north of Sheridan, with one truck hauling hay having to plow its way through water to get out. The Rodeo Grounds were underwater, as was the street just west of MFA. By contrast, the Flood of 1993 came up to the edge of Sheridan, but never inside it.

There were plenty of other places that were flooded as well. Runoff from the flooding was so bad that the West Fork and Middlefork jumped the banks between Stanberry and Albany. Casey’s was not able to pump gas for customers there. Route 136 north of Ravenwood was closed due to flooding, making it difficult Thursday morning for people to get to work in Maryville that day.

Power was out in Sheridan from 6:30 to 10:30 in the evening Wednesday, with power once again going out from 9 to 10:30 Thursday morning as Ravenwood was hit hard by the storm. In Grant City, the power was out all night until 11 Thursday morning. In Denver, multiple power lines and tree limbs blew over Route M, forcing the closure of that road.

One Denver resident, Joe Marshall, said that the Jam Session ended early in Grant City Wednesday night due to the storm. He attempted to go home the normal way, on Route M, but the road was already closed due to power lines being down. He said he had to go around through Allendale and had to stop and remove some tree limbs from the road in the driving rain in order to get back home. He said that one twister had come from Ravenwood, while the other one came from Stanberry. “As far as I’m concerned, they can keep their tornadoes,” he said.

Correction -- The damage to the Allendale Rodeo Grounds was done by a storm the week before.