Obituary - Ada Ethel Smith Schwarck

Mrs. Ada Schwarck Dies At Hospital

Funeral services were held Friday at the Eldora Church of Christ for Mrs. Ada Schwarck, 74, who passed away Monday afternoon at the local hospital. Revs. Leonard Wilfong and Charles Albin officiated with burial in the Sheller Cemetery east of Eldora. Pallbearers were Richard McWhetrer, Lyman Schwarck, Stephen Schwarck, Dennis Strauss, Robert Strauss and Darwin Wolford with honorary bearers James Crosser, Ralph Kaufman, Marion Lord, Lyman R. Lundy, Albert Price and Ray Stover. Mrs. Lester Farmer, Mrs. Pleas Hobson and Mrs. Edgar VanPatter were in charge of flowers and Mrs. Dennis Trimm and Paul Williams were vocalists accompanied by Mrs. Larry Dole.

Mrs. Ada Schwarck was born April 5, 1891, in Owen county, Ind., the daughter of Elias and Lydia Boyer Smith. She was married to John Wolford on Feb. 12, 1911, with two children born to this union, Mrs. Carl (Lucille) Strauss of Eldora and Richard Wolford of Burlington. She moved from Indiana to the Ivester community southeast of Eldora in 1917 and was married to Alonzo Lyman Schwarck on Dec. 28, 1918. Nine children were born to this union. Her husband preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 1934. Mrs. Schwarck lived on a farm until moving into Eldora a few years ago. She was a member of the Ivester Church of the Brethren and later the Eldora Church of Christ. She was active in the Blue Star Mothers.

She is survived by her 11 children, Mrs. Strauss, Dale, Victor, Glen and Maurice Schwarck, all of Eldora, Richard Wolford of Burlington, Mrs. George (Margaret) White of Marshalltown, Milo Schwarck of Elma, Donald Schwarck of Conrad and Carl and Paul Schwarck of Grundy Center. Also 43 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and five sisters, Mela Greenwood of Anderson, Ind., Mary Hostettler of Linton, Ind., Bessie Neiswinger and Myrtle Smith Thomas, both of Bowling Green, Ind. and Augusta Pearson of Georgetown, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and four sisters.

--The Grundy Register, Grundy Center, Iowa, January 27, 1966

Learn more about Ada on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/smith/ada-ethel-smith.

Obituary - Robert Eugene Crippen

Robert Eugene Crippen, the son of John and Gladys (Krause) Crippen was born on February 6, 1933 in Iowa City, Iowa.

He attended Burlington High School and received his GED through the US Navy. He enlisted in the US Navy in February of 1953 and received training as a Hospital Corpsman. Bob retired from the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer with 21 years of service. After retiring from the Navy, Bob worked as a Water Treatment Specialist in Palm Springs, California, as a bowling alley owner and manager, and retired from the US Postal Service in 1991 in Cedar Rapids after 10 years. He had many interests in his life, among these his enjoyment of bowling, golf, coin collecting, origami, and numerous other sports.

On June 7, 1956 Bob married Joan Marie Morgan of Burlington, Iowa, from that union raised 5 children; Darcey and Victor Kendl of Racine, WI, Robert and Laurie Crippen of Fairport, NY, Kimberlee and Edward Herman of Palm Desert, CA, Victoria Galvan of San Antonio, TX, and Kellena Crippen of San Antonio, TX; and 12 grandchildren.

On June 14, 1985, Bob married Joyce Mount and resided in Palm Springs, CA, Bancroft, IA, Duluth, MN, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Horseshoe Bend, AR. Step-children include Scott Mount of California, Tammy Springer of California, Margaret Mount of Florida, and Richard Mount of Iowa; and 7 grandchildren.

On September 14, 2002, Bob married Lillian A. Wheat of Waterloo. Step-children include Kathy and Jeff Stafford of Lenior, NC, Tracy Wheat of Waterloo, Marnae Tucker of Cedar Falls, and Karyn and Dennis Salmon of Cedar Falls; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lillian; half-sister Dorothy Warren; sister Loretta Standard; brother Marvin Selby; and all of his children and step-children.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his first two wives, Joan and Joyce; his sisters Joan Crippen and Jeanette Young; his brother Dirk Wheat; and his half-brother Charlie Owens.

--Published by Legacy Remembers on April 10, 2010

Learn more about Robert on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/crippen/robert-eugene-crippen.

Obituary - Phyllis A. Pearson Taylor

Phyllis A. Pearson Taylor, 86, of Rochester, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025. She had been a resident of the Villas of South Park, in Chatham for six years.

Phyllis was born on November 28, 1938, in Indianola, IL, the daughter of Dean and Irene (Jackson) Pearson. She married Jack K. Taylor on July 12, 1959. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2022.

Phyllis worked as secretary for the Rochester Christian Church for 10 years but her most cherished role (especially by her family) was being the best wife, mother, and grandmother. Her daughter affectionately referred to her as "Ms. Better Homes and Gardens" because she took care of everything to make her home a beautiful and welcoming place both inside and out. She was an avid reader, crossword puzzle solver, excellent cook, and gardener. She also loved playing volleyball, tennis, and Yahtzee.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Erin Taylor; brother, Howard Pearson (wife, Connie, deceased), and sister, Esther Hires.

She is survived by daughter, Natalie Taylor; son, Stuart (Pam) Taylor; 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley (Jonathan Lescisin), Alex (Steph Simon), Hailey, and Gage Taylor; 3 step grandchildren, Mel (Nate) Shaughnessy and Mitch and Jake Populorum; 3 great grandchildren, Riverly, Memphis & Axel Taylor; 2 step great grandsons, Liam and Luke Shaughnessy.

Per Phyllis's wishes, cremation will be accorded by Park Funeral Homes, and a service will be held at a later date. Memorial may be made to the Rochester Friends of the Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester, IL. 62563 in Phyllis's name. Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.

Learn more about Phyllis on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pearson/phyllis-a-pearson.

Obituary - Marjorie M. Jackson Weir

Marjorie M. Weir, 88, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 12:25 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2011, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman. She was born on September 21, 1923, in Edgar County, the daughter of Edgar and Verna Madge (Pearson) Jackson, both deceased. She was united in marriage to Ernest Lee Weir on February 2, 1943, in Georgetown, until his passing 1971.

She is survived by her son, Bruce (Donna) Weir of Effingham; four grandchildren, Bryan (Kristi) Weir of Danville, Jamie (Jason) Gosnell of Ridge Farm, Stephanie Miles of Ridge Farm and Scott (Paula) Weir of Coulterville; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Wanda Weir; two sons Joe and John Weir; four brothers, Don, John, Jim and Frank Jackson; and three sisters, Irene Pearson, Bernice Ingram Graham and Della Priest.

In her early years, Marjorie was a secretary for the Ridge Farm School District and later retired from the Frey Tire Company in Danville as a bookkeeper. She was a former member of the Ridge Farm Nazarene Church. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, crocheting and Bible study.

A celebration of Marjorie's life will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2011, at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown with Pastor James Blue officiating. Visitation will be 4:30 p.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in her name to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman.

--Commercial News, December 18, 2011

Learn more about Marjorie on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/jackson/marjorie-m-jackson.

Obituary - Verna Madge Pearson

Madge was 86 years old when she left her earthly life to go be with the Lord. She left this world at 3:45 p.m. on a Monday at USMC, Sager Campus. She had been a resident of Pleasant Meadows Christian Village Healthcare Center in Chrisman, IL. for two years.

She is the daughter of Roy and Sophelia Cooke Pearson. She married Ed Jackson, who died November, 1950. Ed and Madge had eight children. Survivors: three son's, Roy Franklin (Donna) Jackson of Georgetown, John (Kay) Jackson of Ridge Farm and James (Carol) Jackson of Vermilion Grove; four daughters, Mrs. Irene (Dean) Pearson, Bernice Graham, and Della Priest, all of Ridge Farm, and Marjorie Weir of Georgetown; 19 grandchildren, several great and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Donnie Jackson, a brother, Earnest Pearson, and two grandchildren, Wanda Weir and Denny Jackson.

Madge was a member of the Ridge Farm Church of the Nazarene. She had worked in grocery stores in Ridge Farm for several years. She enjoyed crocheting and needlework.

Services were on a Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Ridge Farm Church of the Nazarene, with Rev. Larry Hopkins officiating.

Learn more about Verna on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pearson/verna-madge-pearson.

Obituary - Wanda Irene Jackson

Irene Pearson, 73, of Ridge Farm, died at 5:17 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 1992, at United Samaritans Medical Center, Logan Campus, Danville. She was born August 29, 1919, in rural Indianola, the daughter of Edgar M. and Verna Madge Pearson Jackson. She married Dean E. Pearson November 7, 1935 in Danville. He survives.

Also surviving: one son, Howard (Connie) Pearson of Sunset Beach, N.C.; two daughters, Phyllis (Jack) Taylor of Springfield and Ester Hires of Lakeland, Fla.; two brothers, Roy F. (Donna) Jackson of Georgetown and James (Carole) Jackson of Vermilion Grove; three sisters, Bernice Graham of Ridge Farm, Marjorie Weir of Georgetown, and Della Priest of Ridge Farm; six grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded by her parents, two brothers, and one grandchild.

She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Georgetown. She enjoyed children, especially her own children and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed crafting, reading, bible study and gospel music.

Funeral services: 10 a.m. Friday at Bethel Baptist Church in Georgetown; Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown and one hour prior to services Friday at the church; Officiating: Pastor Ray Silver; Burial: Crown Hill Cemetery, Ridge Farm; Memorials may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church.

--Commercial News, October 16, 1992

Learn more about Irene on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/jackson/wanda-irene-jackson.

Obituary - Allen Rash

In Loving Memory...

Allen Rash

12/1/57 - 6/28/09

Allen Eugene Rash, 51, of Gilman died Sunday June 28th, 2009 at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center. A celebration of Al’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 3rd at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Miller Cemetery at Union. Memorials may be directed to his family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Al and his family, phone 641-844-1234.

Al was born December 1st, 1957 in Eldora, to parents Clyde and Grace (Smith) Rash. He attended school in Marshalltown.

In September of 1984, Al was united in marriage to Christine Schmidt in Hot Springs Arkansas. The couple made their home in Gilman, where they raised their children Erica and Danny.

Al was a gifted self-employed carpenter, who absolutely loved building things. He also enjoyed softball, having played slow-pitch for many years. Al was also talented in the wood-burning arts, model car building, and hitting 7s on the slot machines. He liked to go fishing and drive golf balls in his backyard.

Al’s early departure from this life will be greatly mourned by all who knew and loved him. Left to cherish Al’s memory, and celebrate his life is his loving wife Chris; his daughter Erica Carter of Joliet, IL; his son Danny Rash of Mankato, MN; his mother Grace Rash; his sisters: Elaine (Paul) Lindaman, Rose (Alex) Pence, Kathy Rash, and Terrie (Noel) Arnold; his brothers Stan “Sam” Rash and Rick (Gina) Rash. In death, Al has rejoined his grandparents, and his father.

Learn more about Allen on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/rash/allen-rash.

Obituary - William Anderson Pence

William Anderson Pence.

William Anderson Pence died at the home of his sister Thursday morning at 7:30 o'clock after an illness of long duration. The body will be shipped to Cassville, GA., for interment. Deceased leaves a sister, Mrs. V. A. Greene, of this city, and John H. Pence of Birmingham, Ala. He was 62 years of age.

--The Chattanooga News, Thursday, August 7, 1913

Learn more about William on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/william-anderson-pence.

Obituary - Noah Pence

Died at Cassville.

Mr. Noah Pence died at his home at Cassville last Sunday morning at 11 o’clock. He was in his 78th year and had been sick for quite a while. He was a clever, good citizen, possessing the respect of all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his relations and a large circle of friends. He had been for twenty one years a member of the Presbyterian church, of this place, but on account of his feeble condition, had been unable to affiliate with his brethren for some time.

He leaves a wife and three children, a daughter and two sons. The funeral services took place Monday and were conducted by Rev. E. M. Craig. The remains were interred at the Cassville cemetery.

--The Courant American, Cartersville, Georgia, June 14, 1900.

Learn more about Noah on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/noah-pence.

Obituary - Ida Mae Pence Whetsel

Rites Thursday For Mrs. Ida Whetsel

Services were conducted Thursday, August 20, from the Andrle and Creps Funeral Home for Ida Mae Whetsel, 83, who died at the Pleasant Grove Nursing Home in Lehi, Utah, Monday morning.

President Boyd Hamlin and Elder Wayne Linke officiated at the services with Mrs. Earnest Hoffa and Mrs. Darryl Trickler providing the vocal music. Mrs. Whetsel was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Organist was Mrs. Boyd Hamlin, with Michael Pence, Steven Pence, Larry Hickman, Wilbur Wheat, Howard Pence and Melvin Pence as casket bearers. Interment was in the Sheller Cemetery.

Ida Mae Pence Whetsel was born February 21, 1887 in Augusta County, Va., to John Henry and Elizabeth Lamb Pence. On June 11, 1951 she was married to Bert Whetsel of Lehi, Utah. She has been a resident of the nursing home for the past six years.

She was preceded in death by six brothers and her husband.

She is survived by four nephews and one niece, Harvey and Melvin Pence of Eldora, Laurence Pence of Grundy Center, Howard Pence of Conrad and Mrs. Georgia Wheat of Eldora.

--Hardin County Index, Eldora, Iowa, August 21, 1970

Whetsel Burial Set At Ivester

Eldora--(Special)--Mrs. Ida Mae Whetsel, 83, died Monday at Lehi, Utah. Services are set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Andrle-Creps Funeral Home here. Burial will be in Sheller Cemetery near Ivester.

Learn more about Ida on the Pence Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/ida-mae-pence.