Barbara S. Crear, 87, of Danville, died Friday, October 25, 2024 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, West Burlington. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Darlene Nuss Stevens Spencer, 89, of Burlington, formerly of Danville, died Thursday, October 24, 2024 at her home. She was born November 2, 1934 in Burlington to Kendal Victor and Marjorie Nellie Nuss Stevens. On July 6, 1963, she married Edwin Carl Spencer in Burlington; he died May 10, 2003.
She was a 1952 graduate of Burlington High School and attended Harmony Bible Church. Darlene worked for Mason & Hanger-Silas Mason; as a secretary at Danville Community Schools; and later volunteered at Great River Medical Center. She loved to cook and bake, enjoyed sewing, reading, spending time with family, and traveling.
Survivors include her sons, Steve (Trina) Spencer of Danville and Mark (Lana) Spencer of Burlington; eight grandchildren, Kirstie, Erik, Taylor, Travis, Maria, Nathan, Ethan, and Tobey; seven great-grandchildren; her sister Sandra Kay Avritt of Las Vegas; one niece and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Tom Spencer; and sister Molly Lou Dockendorff.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 am, at Elliott Chapel, New London with Mr. Dan Dingus officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, with the family receiving friends from 10:00 until the time of the service. Inurnment will follow the service at Jaggar Cemetery, rural Danville. A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Emily Townsley, 88, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in Fort Myers, Florida. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Oakgrove Cemetery, Letts, Iowa, north west of Cranston. Following graveside services, the family will greet friends at a luncheon being held at the Columbus Junction American Legion from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Memorials have been established for Louisa County 4-H, Grandview-Letts Lions or Letts United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Emily’s arrangements and her family.
Emily Beth Estle was born on December 23, 1935 in Iowa City, the daughter of W. Hall and Sylvia (Foster) Estle. She was a 1953 graduate of Letts High School. On December 13, 1953, Emily was united in marriage to Noel Townsley at the Letts United Methodist Church. Emily was a devoted homemaker and farm wife. She was a past member of the Letts United Methodist church and currently was a member of Punta Gorda Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Letts Federated Club. She loved music, sharing her talents as the church organist for many years and sang in both, church and community choir. Emily enjoyed flower gardening, sailing, traveling and genealogy.
Emily will be deeply missed by her sons, Mike (Diane) Townsley of Deep River, Iowa, Greg (Dana) Townsley of Wapello, Chris (Susan) Townsley of Haines City, Florida and Randy (Annette) Townsley of Letts; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Emily was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Noel on May 19, 2023, and siblings, Shirley Estle, Ivan Estle and Marjorie Chapman Abernathy.
Born February 9, 1944, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Milton W. and Norma Sovern Schmicker. On April 10, 1960, she married Raymond Karl Brobston. He preceded her in death on September 1, 1973.
Cheryl worked for Exide Technologies for 29 years and retired in May 2001. She then worked for Generations/Area Agency on Aging, Second Wind Program and went on to work for Southeastern Community College in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program as an Employment Training Specialist.
She was a member of First Christian (Church Disciples of Christ). She was also a past member of UAW Local 1829, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and a lifetime Alumnus of Southeastern Community College. Cheryl enjoyed fishing, going to church and she dearly loved spending time with her family.
Survivors include her son, Todd Lynn (Colleen) Brobston of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Ryan Brobston, Anthony Brobston, Amber Brobston, Johnny Tucker, Christine Hogg; 10 great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Gydion, Pandora, Aizen, Odin, Elea, Sophy, Athena, Jaya and Chryssy.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Terri Lee Tucker.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Cheryl’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Sandra Lee (Rolf) Nolte, 87, of Burlington, Iowa, died Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
Sandra, known as “Sandy” to her family and friends, was born July 6, 1937 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of John Frederick Rolf and Emily Christine Peterson Rolf. She married Robert Frederick Nolte, Jr. on September 2, 1961.
Sandy was a 1955 graduate of Burlington High School. She worked as a secretary over a span of 29 years in the following businesses: Riley Brothers, Inc.; CB&Q West Burlington Shops; Des Moines County Farm Bureau; International Resistance Co.; James Madison Middle School; and Burlington Community High School. She met and dealt with many people over the years, and totally loved her work!
Sandy was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Luke United Church of Christ, where she and husband Bob were actively involved in its programs. She was a member of Sarah Circle and the Women’s Fellowship, and served as church secretary. She wrote and directed programs for family nights, banquets, birthday luncheons and special events. She directed the Youth Choir during the 1970s. She joined the Adult Choir at age 15 and sang with the group for 60 years, serving as director for the last 23 – a great joy of her life. Known for her beautiful soprano voice, she often was asked to sing for weddings and funerals at numerous churches throughout the Burlington area.
Sandy and older sister Jackie both began singing at the age of five, often performing duets together throughout their school years and beyond. Sandy had her first solo in first grade, in the Christmas program for P.T.A. at Grimes Grade School. She sang “Silent Night” that day and kept singing throughout her lifetime. Sandy took piano and voice lessons, and also had artistic talent and loved to draw. She designed several music program covers for Horace Mann Junior High concerts. She later appeared in one play and four musicals at the Player’s Workshop, singing the lead in “The Fantasticks” at age 25.
One of Sandy’s greatest joys was joining Bel Canto Chorale. She and her sister were original members, singing with the group for ten years. Husband Bob and brother-in-law Ray joined the group as well, and Sandy and Bob performed a duet in one of Bel Canto’s programs. She also designed program covers for the group’s concerts, and even hand-painted several huge tri-fold scenery backdrops for the group’s “After 8” performance.
Sandy Rolf Nolte loved her family dearly! She cherished friendships made over the years met regularly with “Red Hat” and “Lunch Bunch” groups. She loved all social events where she could visit and catch up on friends’ news. Sandy had a smile for everyone, and as she would tell you, “Always look for the joy in every day.”
Survivors include one daughter, Leann Nolte of Fairfield, Iowa; three nieces and one nephew: Jean Taylor Bailey of Parker, CO; Stacey Taylor of Amarillo, TX; Cheryl Dreiling Stewart of McKinney, TX; Chris Dreiling of Carrolton, TX; and several great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, brother-in-law Ray Taylor, sister-in-law Jane Dreiling, and nephew Steve Taylor.
The funeral service for Sandy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 28, 2024, at St. Luke United Church of Christ with Rev. Randy Webster officiating. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service where the family will be meeting with friends. Burial will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Lunning Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.
Charlie was born April 3, 1962 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Joseph R. and Donna D. (Wilcox) Newman. On June 26, 2008, he married Deb Porter in Fort Madison. She survives.
Mr. Newman was a 1980 graduate of Dallas City High School. Shortly after high school, he began a 33 year career with Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. He also worked within the family business, Porter Cleaning.
Charlie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, especially turkey hunting. He had a love for animals and took pride in caring for his chickens, ducks, cats and dogs. He also enjoyed watching his favorite movie: Secretariat. He was a member of the NWTF and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City. He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Besides his wife, survivors include four children: Rachael Newman, Amber (Jason) Moats, Angie (Nathan) Dunham, Anthony (Brittany) Siefken; one daughter-in-law: Dawn Quick; many grandchildren; three brothers: Carl (Sharon) Newman, Ronald Newman and Kris Newman and his bonus parents: David and Patricia Johnson and Sharon Porter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son: Joey Quick; one daughter: Heather Newman and one great-grandson: Atlas.
Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City with Fr. Tony Trosley as Celebrant.
Cremation will be entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home following the service. Burial will be at a later date in Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for his grandchildren’s education. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Charlie’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Sandy had a life long connection to YMCA Camp Jorn in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, first as a camper during her youth and then as a councilor during her high school and college years. This led to an everlasting love of mentoring young people and an appreciation of nature, especially tall pine trees, blue skies and crystal blue lakes.
Sandy was born August 14, 1947 in Waukegan, Illinois, the daughter of Orell and Georgia (Sandstrom) Hibbard. On June 27, 1970 she married Blair Callaway in Waukegan.
Sandy was a graduate of Waukegan Township High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. She worked various jobs throughout her life, most notably as Librarian at the Carthage Public Library for many years.
She enjoyed crocheting, journaling and crafting, especially crafting with her grandchildren. She loved being “Nanny” to her grandchildren. She was a member of the Burnside Christian Church and the former Mississippi Mudders through the Hancock County Extension Office.
Survivors include her husband: Blair; three daughters: Amy Hennings of Rock Island, Illinois, Erin (Bryan) Blakemore of Waverly, Illinois and Emily (Finley) Edwards of Woodway, Texas; eight grandchildren: Joseph and Lynsey Hennings, Ellie, Micah and Adam Blakemore and Abigail, Anderson and Alvin Edwards and one brother: Scott (Sylvia) Hibbard of Chicago.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson in infancy: Archer Edwards and one brother: Bill Hibbard.
Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Dallas City is assisting the family.
Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Burnside Christian Church in Burnside, Illinois, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service for Mrs. Callaway will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Burnside Christian Church with Pastor Mark Nichols officiating. For those unable to attend the visitation Friday, the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until times of services Saturday at the church.
Burial will follow in Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City.
A memorial fund has been established for the Burnside Christian Church or Maple Grove Memory Care. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Sandy’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Jill Ann Hittle, 56, of Burlington, died Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Born October 20, 1967, in Plymouth, IN, she was the daughter of Lloyd Eugene and Jacqueline Roehrborn Hill.
She enjoyed gardening and collecting angels. Jill loved spending time with her grandchildren and she will be fondly remembered for always saying: “I love you to the moon and back”.
Survivors include her mother, Jacqueline Hill of Burlington; daughter, Allee (Matt Brown Jr.) Hill of Burlington; son, Jonathan Hill of Burlington; four grandchildren, Gunner Hill, Matthew Hill, William Hill and Calvin Lair; three sisters, Sherry (Brian) Locke of Burlington, Michelle (John) Oliver of Plymouth, IN and Julia (Bill) Miller of Plymouth, IN; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She will also be missed by her dogs and cats.
She was preceded in death by her father and the love of her life, Mike Verootis.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jill’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Dennis Roy Miller, 69, of Burlington, died Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born June 20, 1955, in Burlington, IA, he was the son of James Leroy and Marilyn Gieselman Miller.
He graduated from Mediapolis High School.
Dennis was a lifelong farmer.
Dennis enjoyed morel hunting, sky diving and loved to spend his winters in Mexico. These last few years he had become an Iowa Women’s Basketball fan because of Caitlin Clark. Dennis was also well known for socializing with his friends, he would go to town every night for at least a few hours.
Survivors include his father, James Leroy Miller; brother, Bob (Traci) Miller of Winfield; sister, Penny (Rick) Dopler of Burlington; three nieces; one nephew; many great nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
Family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Mr. Miller will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Pastor Wally Reynolds officiating. Private family burial will be in Old Stone Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House and Old Stone Cemetery.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dennis’ obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.