1948-2026

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, life partner and a friend to many, Nyal Eugene Hodges. Nyal completed his life’s journey on Sept. 7, 2026, at the age of 78 years.

Nyal, born May 18, 1948, was the only child of James Roy (J.R.) and Reva Maxine (nee Jones) Hodges. He grew up as a member of a hardworking farm family in Panora. The family possessed a strong faith in God, valued integrity and generosity, and cherished their love for and strong bonds with one another and the community. These virtues guided Nyal throughout his life.

Nyal graduated from Panora-Linden High School (now Panorama High School) in 1966. A month before his death, Nyal celebrated his 60-year high school reunion with fellow classmates. A four-sport participant in high school, Nyal’s athletic ability was legendary in the Panora community, especially as a star running back on the school’s football team. For decades, Nyal held the school record for the longest run from scrimmage (99 yards), caught a 95-yard touchdown pass in the same game, and held the season and single game rushing records until both were broken nearly 40 years later by a favorite Panorama High School football player Nyal proudly coached.

Following high school, Nyal attended Iowa State University, graduating in 1970 with a degree in animal science and accounting. In 1972, Nyal married Jacki Downing. The following year ,Nyal and Jacki purchased a farm three miles east of Panora where they raised their children, Bret, Walker and Kelly. Nyal worked tirelessly to support his family, managing cow/calf, sheep and farrow-to-finish crossbred-hog operations, and he farmed 1,000 acres of cropland with his father. At the same time, Nyal actively supported his children’s participation in 4-H, FFA and school athletic events while also serving as an elected member of the Panora Cooperative Elevator and Panora Telecommunications Boards of Directors.

In 1992, Nyal secured certification as a football coach, inspired in part by son Walker’s exceptional performance as a Panorama High School (PHS) running back. He began his 27-year coaching career at PHS as a volunteer, later hired as the team’s running back and offensive coordinator. Nyal often stated his goal as a coach was not about the paycheck or even the X’s and O’s, but about teaching young men that what they learned on the football field would serve them well in the future (i.e., playing and living with passion, respecting self and others, following rules, accepting consequences, striving for excellence). In a 2020 local newspaper article about Nyal’s coaching career, former head coaches and players characterized him as “…extremely dedicated to the kids and community.  He loved football and wanted Panorama to be the best…He was a father-like figure to a lot of kids who looked up to him.”  Until the day he died, former football players, many who were now fathers with sons who played football for PHS, respectfully addressed Nyal as Coach or Coach Hodges.

After Nyal and Jacki divorced in 1996, Nyal turned over his row crop operation to son, Bret, while continuing to raise Hereford cattle and sheep. He continued to coach football, helped Bret with his growing farming operation, continued to nurture and support Kelly who was becoming an increasingly independent young woman, worked for seven years as a finish carpenter for Barnett Construction, and worked briefly as a certified substitute teacher in surrounding community schools. In 2013, Nyal began work in the Hometown Foods meat department, retiring when his health began to deteriorate several weeks before his death.

In January 1999, Nyal met and fell in love with Dixie Dupey who, at the time, resided in Des Moines. After a flourishing long-distance relationship during which time Nyal patiently transitioned Dixie from city-girl to country-girl, Dixie joined Nyal on the farm in 2005. Their mutual love of animals grew the farm from a small herd of beloved Hereford cattle to a place Dixie lovingly named the Hodges Zoo, replete with animals large and small, four-legged and winged.

Outwardly, Nyal presented himself as a down-to-earth, hard-working man who loved farming, coaching, animals and, of course, Mountain Dew. Those who knew him best knew that, above all else, he loved his children and grandchildren most. He had a kind and passionate heart, had a wonderful sense of humor, was not loud or boisterous, was rarely angry or mean, and deeply regretted the few choices he made that hurt those he loved.  

Surviving Nyal are his son Bret (Brandy) Hodges, son Walker Hodges, and daughter Kelly (Joel) Tyler; grandchildren James, Gracie, Blake and Bella Hodges; beloved life-partner Dixie Dupey and her sisters, children and grandchildren; and his faithful companion and chore dog, Eddie. Nyal was preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Reva Hodges.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Faith Bible Church, Panora, with visitation two hours prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora. Please join Nyal’s family for lunch and a Mountain Dew toast at the church following the service.  

Memorial contributions may be made in Nyal’s honor to any organization of your choosing that supports the care and well-being of animals and children, veterans or the Panora community.

Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services. 

1938-2026

Marlene Janice Frettim, 87, of Adair, daughter of Arkle and Ina (Cory) McGee, was born Oct. 23, 1938, in Bayard. She passed away suddenly on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at her home.

Marlene graduated from Bayard High School. She then went on to graduate from the Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines. In August of 1954, she was united in marriage to Harold Frettim in Bayard. They made their home in Bayard for a short time before moving to Long Beach, California, while Harold served in the United States Navy for three years. Following his honorable discharge, they moved back to Iowa, living in the Jefferson area, before moving to Marshalltown for a few years. They then moved to their present home in Adair. Marlene operated her own beauty shop in Adair for many years, selling the business about 10 years ago. She then worked part-time doing hair at the Heritage House in Atlantic for about five years.

Marlene enjoyed gardening, flowers, vegetables, sewing, quilting and camping. She loved her cats.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Harold Frettim of Adair; daughters, Julia (Dennis) Downing of Panora and Joni (Tom) Purcell of West Des Moines; son, David (Janine) Frettim of Stuart; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Ronald (Mary Ann) Kackley of California. She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson and a great-grandson.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, followed by a visitation until 5 p.m. at the Adair Community Center, Adair.

Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.

1944-2026

Marilyn Hansen, 82, of Peru, passed away at her home on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset. Burial will take place at a later date at the Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center.

Marilyn Mae Hansen was born on Feb. 28, 1944, in Guthrie Center to Charles and Margaret Tallman. One of 12 children, Marilyn grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. She graduated from Guthrie Center High School and later moved to Des Moines, where she met the love of her life, Roger Hansen.

On Aug. 30, 1962, Marilyn married Roger at the Guthrie Center Methodist Church. Together they built a life and family that remained deeply important to her throughout her life.

Marilyn spent much of her working life in the insurance industry. Outside of work, she found joy in the simple things in life. She loved gardening, planting flowers, watching the birds, spending time outdoors and sharing time with her family and friends.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Roger Hansen; her son, Timothy (Yvette) Hansen of Huxley and her daughter, Traci (Chris) Davis of Peru; her grandchildren, Jozeph Hansen, Elyssa Hansen, Alexis Davis and Brooke Davis; her siblings, Jack Tallman, Norman Tallman, Shirley Tallman and Bill Tallman; many nieces and nephews; and her godson, Doug Porter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Margaret Tallman, and her siblings, Henry Tallman, Jarrold Tallman, Denny Tallman, Charles Tallman, Donald Tallman, Darrell Tallman and Jim Tallman.

Marilyn will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her ability to remember everyone’s birthday, her easy-going personality, her kindness, her appreciation for the beauty found in nature, and the many memories she created with those closest to her. Her flowers, the compassion she gave to every person she met, and the time spent together with family and friends will serve as a lasting reminder of a life that touched so many.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

1944-2026

William Ray “Bill” Hillyard, 82, of West Des Moines, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 21, 2026. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31 at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines. Following the service, there will be a celebration of life and luncheon held at AMVETS Post No. 2, 2818 Fifth Ave., Des Moines, and casual dress is suggested. Memorial contributions may be left in Bill’s name to the Food Bank of Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.  

He was born on Aug. 8, 1944, in Des Moines, to Vivian Bolich Grimes Hillyard and Edwin Ray Hillyard. Bill grew up in Des Moines and graduated from North High School. He was a proud Polar Bear, Class of 1962. He went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa, then known as Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, where he earned his B.A. teaching degree in mathematics with a minor in business education and accounting. He later continued his studies at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he earned both his master’s degree and his sixth-year professional degree in education administration and supervision. He was a lifelong learner who valued education not only as a profession but as a calling.

Bill devoted his life to teaching, mentoring and guiding students with patience, humor and high standards. He began his career at Blissfield Community Schools in Michigan, where he taught mathematics to students in grades nine through 12 from 1966 to 1969. He then traveled overseas to Institut Montana in Zugerberg, Zug, Switzerland, where he served as a mathematics instructor for grades six through 12 from 1969 to 1973. During that time, he also served as assistant dean of the American School, where his responsibilities included boarding school supervision, dormitory living, class scheduling, and organizing tours and activities for students.

From 1973 to 1975, Bill taught at the American School of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he instructed students in grades seven through 12. He also served as head of the math department, director of testing for SAT, content mastery, and related programs, and director of student activities. He later taught at Greens Farms Academy in Greens Farms, Connecticut, where he was a math instructor for grades seven through 12, a ninth-grade adviser, a math team coach and a work program organizer. At Wilton High School in Wilton, Connecticut, he served from 1982 to 2004 as a math instructor for grades nine through 12, director of student activities, student government adviser and class adviser. He also wrote curriculum during the summers and directed ACT, SAT and PSAT testing, and he spent one summer working with the assistant superintendent as an intern for his degree program.

Bill also shared his knowledge as an adjunct instructor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he taught algebra, precalculus, finite math and calculus in both semesters and summers from 1983 to 1987. He later taught finite math and calculus at the University of Bridgeport from 1988 to 1989. His commitment to mathematics education extended beyond the classroom, as he coached for the Connecticut State Math Team in national competitions from 1979 to 2004. He helped prepare students for competition at Penn State, organized local math competitions throughout Connecticut, and wrote questions for both state and local school competitions. His students benefited not only from his knowledge but also from his encouragement and belief in their potential.

During his college summers, Bill worked at Crescent Beach Lodge in Milford, also known as Okoboji, where he managed the office at the lakeside resort in northwestern Iowa and cooked for the restaurant. That experience reflected the same work ethic and versatility that marked every chapter of his life. He was dependable, capable and always willing to help wherever he was needed.

Bill was a Christian whose faith was reflected in the way he lived and served others. He was known for his generosity and for the steady kindness he extended to those around him. He organized and served spaghetti dinners and worked in soup kitchens for many years, and he spoke often about those experiences because they mattered deeply to him. He also enjoyed playing in his church’s Bell Choir, where his love of music and fellowship found a natural home.

He had many interests that brought joy to his life. Bill loved the theater and music, and he attended hundreds of Broadway and off-Broadway productions over the years. He collected playbills from the shows he saw and could often be heard singing a show tune, sometimes pausing to ask others what show it came from. He was an avid bridge player and enjoyed the challenge and companionship the game provided. He also loved to travel and accompanied students on many trips to Berlin, Munich, Dubrovnik, Budapest, Paris, Rome, Verona, Venice, London, Moscow, Leningrad, Barcelona, Madrid and destinations throughout Scotland and Switzerland, as well as many places across the United States. His curiosity about the world and his joy in sharing it with students made those journeys especially meaningful.

Bill was a conversationalist. He loved to visit with anyone who would give him an ear.

Bill decided to purchase a home on Lake Panorama in the early 1980s. He would go there during his summer vacations from teaching where he spent valuable time with family and friends. He later demolished that home and built a new one on the same land. He hosted all of his family at this huge banquet of deliciousness for Thanksgiving each year until he sold his home and retired to West Des Moines.

Bill always had, by his side, man’s best friend. His dogs meant the world to him. Over the years, he had Maxwell, Euclid, Emma, Maxwell II, Emma II and now Kit. They were his children, and he loved them so.

Bill will be remembered as quirky, intelligent and generous. He had a quick wit, a sharp mind and a warm heart. He made an impression on students, colleagues, friends and family alike through his humor, his dedication and his genuine care for others. His life was one of service, learning and connection, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

He is survived by his sister, Sue Grimes Freerksen; his nieces and nephews, Tim Grimes, Barb Argenta (Mark Bishop), Jim Grimes (Deb), Chuck Grimes, Howard Freerksen (Jenni Scott) and Laura Stalzer (Jay); his great-nieces and great-nephews, Bailey Grimes, Michael Argenta, Mindy Argenta, Chaz Cawley, Kevin Grimes, Scott Grimes, Landon Stalzer and Drew Stalzer; and his great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Evan Argenta and Savannah Davis; and his loving fur baby, Kit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian Bolich Grimes Hillyard and Edwin Ray Hillyard, and his brother, Ronald Grimes.

Bill’s life was a gift to those around him, and his memory will continue to bring comfort, laughter and gratitude to all who loved him.

Bill’s family wants to thank everyone who ever checked in on him, brought him meals, mowed his lawn, went shopping for him, cleaned his house, hung out with him, cared for his dog or cared for him in any way during his final months and days with us. You are a blessing and we are so grateful.

Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.

1947-2026

Joan Lea Millhollin, 79, daughter of Billie and Helen (Knowlton) Heiland, was born April 2, 1947, in Jefferson. She passed away on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, at her home in Yale.

Joan grew up in Panora along Main Street.  She graduated from Panora-Linden High School in 1965.  She attended Northwest Missouri State from 1965 to 1967. On June 30, 1968, she married John Millhollin in Panora. They made their home in Panora for a short time before moving to Jamaica, where they lived for 15 years. In 1984, they moved to their current home in Yale. Joan worked as a legal secretary for attorney John Donahey for around 10 years. In July of 1989, she went to work for the local phone company, Panora Telco, retiring in 2011.

Joan enjoyed reading, being with her family, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

She is survived by her husband, John Millhollin of Yale; daughters, Amy (Brian) Summy of Colfax, Carrie Millhollin of West Des Moines, and Annie (Matt) Drewis of Madrid; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, James Heiland and John Lynn Heiland.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be left to Hospice of the Midwest.

1943-2026

Carolyn Kay (Wall) Griffith, 83, daughter of Ted and Aura (Shoesmith) Wall, was born Feb. 16, 1943, at her grandparents’ home in Redfield. She passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at her home in Guthrie Center.

Carolyn and Aura were living with Aura’s parents while Ted was serving in the Army during WWII. When Ted came home from the war, the family moved to a farm south of the Monteith Cemetery. Carolyn attended Monteith school until the family moved to Guthrie Center when she was in second grade. Carolyn was an only child for seven years, and on her seventh birthday a baby brother, Tommy, was born — the best birthday present ever (at least that’s what Tim always told her). Eventually, Carolyn and Tom were blessed with two more sisters, Marijean and then Pam.

Carolyn loved life on the farm and enjoyed going to do chores with her dad. She also loved their home in town across from the fairgrounds. It was the best place to grow up because it was partly like being in the country (there was seven acres with their property) yet close to uptown, the city park and swimming pool, county fair and the Dairy Sweet. What more could a kid ask for?

Carolyn cultivated a love for flowers early on from her paternal grandparents and her mother. All of her life, Carolyn enjoyed houseplants, especially African violets (starts from her grandma) and come spring she and Amy always went on a shopping spree for flowers to set out. Carolyn also loved to raise a garden every summer.

After high school, Carolyn attended and graduated from Thompson School of Beauty Culture in Des Moines. Carolyn opened her own beauty shop, Griffith’s Beauty Nook, in downtown Guthrie Center and then at her home for about 20 years.

On Oct. 18, 1964, Carolyn married Jim Griffith from Prentiss, Mississippi. They were married at the First United Methodist Church in Guthrie Center. Every time people found out Jim was from Mississippi, they would ask Carolyn, “How did you two meet?” Carolyn took a week’s vacation to New Orleans to visit a Guthrie Center friend and her husband. The friend introduced Carolyn to their neighbor, Jim, on the day she arrived, and they spent every day of her vacation together, then wrote letters back and forth for a few months. Then the friend and her husband moved back to Guthrie Center, and Jim came with them. He brought a diamond engagement ring with him, and he and Carolyn got engaged in September and got married a month later, and, as they say, the rest is history — 60 plus years of history. To this union, two beautiful children were born, Amy Marie in 1971 and James Ted in 1974.

Carolyn loved attending the kids’ school activities and never missed a music or band concert, football game or track meet. Tragically, Jimmy was killed in a firefighting explosion at the age of 26, a loss that never leaves a mother’s heart. Carolyn and Jim remained very close to Jimmy’s fiancé, Kelley, and her family, and, for that, Carolyn has always been very grateful.

Carolyn’s greatest joys in life were her children; grandchildren, Erica and Grant; and, in later years, her great grandchildren and her bonus kids, grands and great grands.

For the first 15 years of their marriage, Jim and Carolyn would spend six weeks in Mississippi with Jim’s family. Carolyn loved those visits because it allowed her and the kids to get well acquainted with their far-away cousins and Jim’s mother and sister. Carolyn loved Jim’s mother’s southern cooking and learned a lot about southern living. 

Carolyn loved family gatherings and, for many years, never missed celebrating birthdays and holidays with her parents, siblings and their families.

Carolyn and Jim played in a monthly card group and also spent lots of weekend time with friends. They loved to camp and spent many happy weekends at Springbrook with their kids, friends and, later, their grandkids. She was also a member of the Guthrie Center Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, and she and Jim enjoyed supporting the Arts Council, Art on State, and the Iowa Firefighter’s Memorial.

Carolyn enjoyed traveling and had trips to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans and Mardi Gras, Alaska, Hawaii and some memorable family reunions in Michigan, Colorado and California.

Carolyn loved her church family and has been a member there since 1960. She sang in the choir since high school, taught Sunday School, was an MYF sponsor and belonged to United Methodist Women’s group. She gave children’s stories, served as worship assistant, and helped in the church kitchen many times. She always considered being a part of the church family a true blessing and cherished the many relationships built there.

Carolyn and Jim worked part time for Guthrie Center Assembly putting together bolts for Illinois Tool Works for several years, and, during that time, Carolyn served on the Guthrie Center Assembly Board. After retiring from the beauty shop entirely, Carolyn worked in the Guthrie County Hospital laundry for seven years. After that job ended, she kind of fell into, or rather walked into, a job as a teacher’s aide in the Title I reading room at Guthrie Center Elementary. It was her favorite job of all time because she always wanted to be a teacher and loved kids. This job fulfilled that dream, and she worked there for 12 years until full retirement at age 72. Shortly after she started the job at the school in 2004, she was diagnosed with breast cancer but managed to continue working while going through chemo and radiation. She always said she had a very understanding principal and very supportive coworkers. God blessed her with another 20-plus years. After retiring, Carolyn’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids whose generous parents saw to it that it happened. Carolyn once read a saying that she said she always liked: “Grandchildren are our reward for having children.”

Passing before Carolyn were her parents, Ted and Aura Wall; Jim’s parents, Jewel Griffith and Harold Griffith; her son, Jimmy; her sister, Marijean Coffman; and her nephew, Bryant Floyd. Left to celebrate her life are her husband, Jim Griffith of Guthrie Center; daughter, Amy (Chuck) Cleveland of Guthrie Center; daughter-in-love, Kelley (Chism) Orr of Winterset; grandchildren Erica (David) Finster of Guthrie Center, Grant (Leigan) Cleveland of rural Panora, Josie (Dalton) Neuerkirk of Lorimor, and Jenna Orr of Winterset; great-grandchildren, Lawson, Olivia and Layne Finster and Creed Cleveland; brother Tom (Lynette) Wall of Davenport; sister Pam (Doug) Grow of Rippey; and many nieces, nephews and bonus grandkids and great-grandkids Zac (Cassie) Cleveland, Briley and Kaiden, Blaine Finster and many others whose life she blessed.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Guthrie Center.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.