1955-2024

Susan M. Hansen, age 69 of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on July 31, 2024. 

Susan was born May 21, 1955, in Panora. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Virginia Hansen, of Panora. 

She is survived by her sister, Karla VanWinkle, brother Carl “Skip” (Teresa) Hansen, her son, Cameron (Kelly) Rodgers, her daughter, Rebecca (Brandon) Foster Newcom, her stepson, Mike Corbin, and her very much-loved grandchildren, Samuel, Laine, Whitnye, Brooklynn, Braylen and Brycen.

Sue first began her career in The United States Army, serving as a M.P. After her last station at Fort Campbell, she joined the Clarksville Police Department. Throughout her career, Sue displayed unwavering commitment and dedication to serving others. She went on to give almost 30 years of dedicated employment to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. She retired in October of 2022 as Sergeant Sue M. Hansen.

In addition to loving her country and being a true patriot, Sue was an avid lover of gardening, reading, cooking, the great outdoors, and time with her family. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was particularly fond of sharing her passions with those she held dear — evident in her attempts to teach her daughter the art of canning. 

Services were held Aug. 11 in Clarksville, Tennessee. Sue’s family received friends at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, followed by a memorial service that celebrated her life at 3 p.m. In honoring Sue’s legacy of dutiful service to her community, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard reverently concluded the services with the rendering of honors. 

Sue’s family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Panora Community Center from noon to 3 p.m. 

Sue will be missed by her family, friends and her community she proudly served. For friends and colleagues who were not able to attend in person, condolences and words of comfort may be shared with her family at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com.

1937-2024

Rita Jo Halsey, daughter of Carl and Dorothy (Anderson) Paup, was born July 10, 1937, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll. She died peacefully at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center Aug. 8, 2024, with family beside her.

She graduated from Scranton High School and then went on to attend beauty school at Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines, Iowa. On Aug. 11, 1958, she married G. David Halsey at St. Mary’s Church in Guthrie Center. To this union, five children were born.

She enjoyed playing the organ, crocheting, feeding the birds and caring for her many beautiful flowers, especially her orchids. She had a very green thumb when it came to flowers and gardening. The Green Bay Packers was her and David’s team to watch until Aaron Rogers went to another team. She was an excellent cook, especially when it came to Christmas time. Her homemade candies and T-rings were enjoyed by so many as she gave them away for many years as Christmas gifts. Her pickled beets and lime green pickles were a hit at any family meal or gathering. The number of beautiful afghans she gave as gifts for graduations, weddings, new babies, special occasions, etc. were endless. Even with five children, her home was always in pristine shape. Some of her kids now claim that she had OCD before it was a “thing/disorder.”

She operated an in-home beauty shop for more than 50 years and even cut hair when she went to The New Homestead Independent Living in her early 80s.

Left to cherish the memories are her children, Tony (Sarah) Halsey, Paula Behrens, Alex (Patty) Halsey, Adam Halsey, Merici (Russell) Sheeder; sister, Jane (Gary Sherman) Higgs; grandchildren, Randi (Jon) Cretsinger, Austin Hertz, Grant (Lauren) Sheeder, Becky (Ryan) Elgin, Emily (Mark Charlet) Sheeder, Katie (Cole) Fenske, Maria (Paxton) Mareno, Patrick (Samantha) Halsey, Phillip (Allison) Halsey, and Nic (Nick) Halsey; as well as 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David, in 2013; parents and parents-in-law; special friend, Andy Foster; sister-in-law, Donna Feeley; niece, Teresa Feeley; sisters Donna MacDonald and husband, George; Peggy Scheffler and husbands, Francis and Cliff; nephew, Kim Laursen; brother-in-law, Norman Higgs; and son-in-law, Jeff Behrens.

1943-2024

Craig Alan Ditsworth, 80, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 in Des Moines. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Aug. 16 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Des Moines Golf and Country Club (1600 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines).

Craig was born on Dec. 5, 1943, to Robert and Wanda Ditsworth in Algona and was raised in Bancroft; Ray, North Dakota; and Jefferson with his two siblings, Gary and Cheryl. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1962. He attended college at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri, and joined Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He graduated with a degree in accounting in 1966 and worked as a CPA at Meriwether Wilson & Co. for more than 45 years, serving as their managing partner for more than 20 years.

Craig was preceded in death by his loving wife of more than 40 years, Vickie Whiton Ditsworth. He is survived by his children, Kari Hensen (Andy), Jeff Ditsworth (Heather); brother, Gary (Reta); sister, Cheryl Hart (Ronnie); his four grandchildren, Juliet, Kelsey, Drew and Maxwell; his nieces and nephews; many dear friends he considered family; and his special friend, Pam Curtis.

Craig was an exceptional business leader and mentor, whose sharp instincts and strategic vision helped shape Meriwether Wilson & Co. into a firm of distinction. As the senior partner for more than two decades, his leadership, deal-making acumen, and critical decision-making were instrumental in driving the firm’s steady growth and building an unparalleled reputation in the industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Craig’s love for flying was a defining aspect of his life. Soaring through the skies in his Beechcraft Bonanza or sharing his passion for aviation with others, flying was more than a hobby — it was a cornerstone of his persona. Craig’s deep appreciation for the outdoors — whether fishing, hunting or camping — was a legacy he passed on to his children and grandchildren, ensuring that his adventurous spirit will continue to thrive through them. Craig was a storyteller, the life of the party and a loyal friend who cherished his relationships. He enjoyed golfing, exploring new technology, traveling and cheering for his beloved Iowa State Cyclones. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.