1930-2025

Rita Mae Powell (Sanborn), 95, passed away in comfort at the Stuart Community Care Center on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Menlo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Rita was born to Merle Morrison and Margaret Lavina (Stevenson) Sanborn on Oct. 17, 1930, in a farmhouse northeast of Menlo in rural Guthrie County. She moved with her family to a farm south of the railroad tracks behind the under bridge east of Menlo on the White Pole Road at the age of 9. She attended country schools until high school. When she was 10, the family moved to a farm they bought in rural Adair County, a mile east of the Schildberg Rock Quarry. She graduated from Menlo High School in 1949.

Following high school, Rita went to work for Banker’s Life in Des Moines and lived at Esther Hall. After several months, she was chosen by her employer to attend school for keypunch operation. After graduation and working a few months, she married Donald B. Powell on Sept. 24, 1950, at Menlo Methodist Church, which she had attended since childhood. She was also baptized at that church. Rita attended youth conferences, including a trip to Cleveland, Ohio, by train, where she met her future husband. To this union, two children were born: Lisa Marie and Kevin Donald.

Her United Methodist membership later transferred to the Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in 1958. Rita was a Sunday school teacher, served as vice president of WSCS one year, and was a lifelong member. She also oversaw the Children’s Christmas program beginning around 1966, serving as both Jr. and Sr. High UMYF Supervisor from 1968-1973. Throughout her years in the church, she served in many ways.

Rita also worked as a substitute elementary school teacher’s aide at Casey schools. She served as class parent several years when her children were in school and supported her husband in his farming operation from 1958-1964. She later worked for the federal government in Des Moines part-time from 1965-1978 and also spent a year in Guthrie Center working at a cassette factory. She then moved to Adair for nurses’ aid training and graduated.

When her husband was stationed in the military for one year in Trenton, New Jersey, Rita went with him and lived with family. She worked as a keypuncher. They decided she would go home to live with her parents while Don was stationed for two years in Japan. Rita worked as Dr. Osborn’s personal medical assistant at the Dexter Clinic and Hospital from approximately 1952-1954. When the family returned to Stuart, she served as a 4-H leader from 1966-1968 and was also an Adair County 4-H judge for several years. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the women’s league from 1959-1960 and even won a poem contest published in The Great Poems of the Western World. She also volunteered at the Stuart Community Care Center.

In 1972, the family moved to Menlo, where they lived for several years. Rita chaired her class’ 50th high school reunion and remained active in her church and community. She and Don continued their Methodist membership at Stuart for the rest of their lives. Rita was a member of several Menlo area clubs, including the Menlo Rural, Stuart Rural, and Menlo Retired Clubs — pitch and pinochle being among her favorites. She assisted at the Menlo Library, belonged to a rural home book club, and also crocheted booties for an organization in Des Moines.  

In 1970, Rita and her family were extras in the movie “Cold Turkey,” filmed in Greenfield. She and Don enjoyed winters in Bella Vista, Arkansas, after purchasing property there, and they loved camping, traveling and decorating for holidays and family gatherings. Rita continued to cook and bake at “The Willows” and managed her Adair County farm from 1969 onward. Her greatest love was her pond, where she spent peaceful hours fishing.

Rita is survived by her children: Lisa Marie (Daniel) Sheller of Urbandale, and Kevin (Janice Piatt) Powell of Stuart; grandchildren: Nathanial Kevin (Holly Peterson) Powell of Earlham, and Natalie (Chris) Starostka of Earlham; and great-grandchildren Ryker Nathanial and Harper Elizabeth Powell. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Doris) Glidewell of Greenfield; brothers-in-law, Charles Varley of Stuart and Dave Powell of Tucson, Arizona; and 16 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; brother, Virgil; parents, Merle and Margaret Sanborn; sisters-in-law, Lavonne Mowry, Dorothy Varley and Dorothy Sanborn; brothers-in-law Dean and Bill Powell; parents-in-law, Burton and Leola (Hubbard) Powell; and two nephews and one niece.

Professional arrangements by: Johnson Family Funeral Home and Crematory – Stuart.

1936-2025

Iris Jean Wiese was 89 years old when she passed from natural causes. She passed at Cogir at Glenwood in Vancouver, Washington, surrounded by family on Oct. 26, 2025.

Iris was born July 10, 1936, in Guthrie Center. Her parents were William Lee Kirkpatrick and Fraces Jane Gustin. Iris married the love of her life, Wilfred Wayne Wiese, on March 5, 1955, in Denver, Colorado. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Iris’ occupation was a homemaker and caretaker. She enjoyed singing and playing her guitar and spent most of her life sharing in song at family events, nursing homes and when requested for specific events. She particularly had a heart of hospitality whenever guests were visiting. She loved being surrounded by people. Iris was involved with The Salvation Army church in The Dalles, Oregon, and the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Guthrie Center. Iris moved to Vancouver, Washington, in 2011 and was involved with the Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge.

Iris is survived by her husband, Wilfred W. Wiese, of Vancouver, Washington; Ralph W. Wiese of Portland, Oregon; Daniel G. Wiese of Germantown, Tennessee; Patrick K. Wiese of Vancouver, Washington; and Rhonda E. Walz of Vancouver, Washington. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: James Wiese, Amy Crichton-Tunai, Timothy Wiese, Micah Wiese, Faith Gandy, Elisha Nelson and Jacob Nelson, as well as 14 great-grandchildren: Isabella Wiese, Manatu Crichton-Tunai, Keiliani Crichton-Tunai, Kaleyah Crichton-Tunia, Manuia Crichton-Tunai, Penelope Wiese, Ramona Wiese, Lucas Wiese, Joel Wiese, Anthony Wiese, Kassie Gandy, Jackson Gandy, Lucy Gandy and Cody Gandy.

A celebration of life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Saturday Nov. 8, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. led by Bill and Laurie Heiselman. Graveside service following memorial. For more information, call 360-931-4296. 

1932-2025

Joseph Louis, 93, was born Oct. 22, 1932, on a farm just south of Dwight, Illinois, the fifth child of Ludwig and Margaret (Goley) Louis. He was a graduate of Saint Paul Catholic High School class of 1950 in Odell, Illinois. Joe worked for Caterpillar Inc. as a crane operator in Joliet, Illinois, for a brief period before serving in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he attended the University of Illinois where he would receive his B.S. in mechanical engineering. 

While attending U of I, and during a visit back home, he met the love of his life, Joyce M. Coughlin. They were married in Kinsman, Illinois, on Sept. 8, 1956. Joe worked his entire career (35 years) for Sundstrand Corporation, initially in Rockford, Illinois, then loading the station wagon with their five kids to transfer to the new factory in Ames. Joe and Joyce remained in Ames until his retirement from Sundstrand in 1993, when they built and moved to their retirement lake home in Panora. They enjoyed their time on Lake Panorama boating, golfing, and teaching their grandchildren water sports. They also enjoyed wintering in Lakeland, Florida. Several years after Joyce passed, Joe relocated to a very nice independent living facility in Leawood, Kansas, in 2024 where his family visited him often.

Joe was always focused on his faith and family, and his interests included golfing, boating, hunting, woodworking and problem solving. He never argued but loved spirited discussions, sometimes stating, “I’m probably telling you more than I know.” Joe was a devoted Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and eventually joined a veterans’ group in Florida. 

Survivors include his five children: Michael (Kim) Louis of Ames; Robert (Diane) Louis of Davenport; Kevin (Ronnie) Louis of Casa Grande, Arizona; Jane Wasel of Scituate, Massachusetts; and Gary (Loretta) Louis of Overland Park, Kansas. He had 14 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death were his wife of 55 years, Joyce; his parents; his siblings: Mary Margaret (Lee) Masching, John (Kay) Louis, Vince (Jean) Louis, and Louise (Clarence) Masching; and a grandson, Joey Louis.

Services will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Panora on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and mass starting at 11:30 a.m. A veteran’s graveside service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in rural Guthrie Center. 

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas City Hospice House.

2005-2025

Devon Michael Ernst, age 20, of Adair, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. 

Memorial Services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Adair with Pastor Andy Dunn officiating. Luncheon at the church will follow the service.

Open visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, with the family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair. 

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair is caring for the Ernst Family at this time.

Devon Michael Ernst was born on Aug. 8, 2005, in Atlantic, the son of Michael Oscar Ernst Jr. and Billie Jo (Christensen) Ernst. 

He attended School at Adair-Casey/ACGC. Devon worked for Rose Acre Farms and was recently promoted to assistant manager. 

Devon enjoyed riding his motorcycle, spending time with family and friends, and working out. When he wasn’t busy with work, you could find Devon turning wrenches or building his house. These activities were particularly special to him because they were enjoyed with his stepfather, Allen, who taught him many lessons not just about work, but life. Devon will be remembered for his humor and his many funny pictures. 

Left to cherish his memory is his dog, EZE; mother, Billie Ernst of Adair; father, Mike Ernst Jr. of Guthrie Center; brother, Brad Patterson of Moses Lake, Washington; sister, Mariah Ernst of Adair; grandmother, Charlotte Acker of Des Moines; uncles: Mark (Paula) Ernst of Waukee, Mitch (Christi) Ernst of Adair, and Daniel Christensen; along with many cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Devon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mike Sr. and Diane Ernst; grandpa, Bob Coe; stepfather, Allen Reynolds; aunt, Jennifer Flores, and uncle, Shawn Christensen.

1926-2025

Joyce Marie (Shalley) Ray, aged 99, passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2025, in the presence of her family. Born on Sept. 1, 1926, in Nevada, Story County, Iowa.

Joyce was the daughter of Lawrence Earl Shalley and Elva Pearl Briley. She graduated from East High School in Des Moines and earned a bachelor’s degree from Drake University in December 1973, graduating cum laude with departmental honors. Her academic achievements reflected her lifelong commitment to scholarship and personal excellence.

On Nov. 22, 1949, Joyce was united in marriage to Marlowe Edward Ray in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they were foster parents to 19 children, providing a nurturing environment and steadfast guidance throughout their married years.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Marlys Jean (Ray) Houston and Jewel Michele (Ray) Rey; grandchildren, Kara Doles, John J. Doles, Jr., Lindsay (Doles) Balmer, Kellie (Rey) Smith, Kristopher Rey, Kyle Rey, Jason Houston, Kevin Houston and Justin Houston; and great-grandchildren, Jake Doles, Lily Doles, Emma Doles, Eve Balmer, Jude Balmer, Elanor Balmer, Mae Balmer, Ethan Smith, Dashiel Smith, Wyatt Smith, Joshua Houston, Jonathan Houston, Jeremy Houston, Tyler Houston, Natalie Houston, Peyton Houston, Madelyn Houston, Reagan Houston and Ian Houston, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlowe Edward Ray; her parents; and her sisters, Charlene Oxley and Bonnie Paine.

Throughout her career, Joyce held several positions, including roles at Younkers Men’s Department in Des Moines, R.H. Donnelly Corp. in Nevada, Collegiate Manufacturing Company in Ames, and the Army Air Force Base Depot in Topeka. Her vocation as a special education teacher at Guthrie Center Elementary and Junior High Schools, as well as her service as an adult education instructor at Des Moines Area Community College, distinguished her as a dedicated and compassionate educator.

Joyce was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and later of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her involvement extended to numerous organizations including: Area XII Developmental Disabilities Council, Iowa Association for Retarded Citizens, Guthrie Center Association for Retarded Citizens, 4-H Club (Camp Leader and Recreation Director), Girl Scout Leader and Camp Leader, Hawkeye Recreatory Committee, Order of the Eastern Star, Altoona, Iowa, Hospice of Central Iowa, Hospice of the Rapidan, Culpeper, Virginia, Daughters of the American Revolution, Silver Senior Club, Culpeper, Virginia, AARP Widowed Person Services, Friendship Force of Des Moines, Iowa, Culpeper Virginia Literacy Council and the Museum of Culpeper History, Culpeper, Virginia.

Her commitment to her faith and community was further demonstrated through her service at church youth camps, Special Olympics, teaching in Saltillo, Mexico, and her work at the Manuelito Children’s Home, Gallup, New Mexico, Navajo Mission, as well as a winter mission at the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Joyce’s love for her family and devotion to her students was evident throughout her life. She valued time spent with relatives and friends, especially her great-grandchildren, whom she encouraged through games and learning. Her legacy is one of kindness, educational advancement and selfless service.

A graveside service will be held at the Nevada, Iowa Cemetery (1025 First St.) on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. and a memorial service in Culpeper, Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, dedication to community and enduring love for her family. Her example will continue to inspire those privileged to have known her.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada, Iowa, has been entrusted with the arrangements for Joyce. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.