1932-2025

Barbara Jean Artist, affectionately known as Barb to her friends and loved ones, was a beacon of unwavering love and selflessness. Born on Sept. 28, 1932, at the home of her great-grandfather, Andrew Dove, in North Branch Township, Guthrie Center, to Kenneth and Lucille Charter, she embarked on a journey of compassion and dedication that would come to define her 92 years of life. On June 13, 2025, Barb departed this world as peacefully as she lived in it, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and optimism.

Barb’s early life was growing up alongside her siblings, Paul and Carolyn, in the nurturing embrace of her parents. Though her brother Paul and her parents preceded her in death, Barb cherished their memories. On June 30, 1951, she united in marriage with Delbert Artist, and together they lovingly raised six children: Rick, Craig, Randy, Teresa, Mike and Mark. Their home was a sanctuary of love, and hard work, with Barb’s kind spirit at the very heart of it.

Barb’s commitment to education was a testament to her belief in improving and preparing for life. After graduating from Guthrie Center Community School in 1950, she pursued the study of nursing but stopped in order to get married. However, 30 years later, she again pursued the study and received her LPN from Iowa Western Community College. Her career at the Exira Medical Clinic under Dr. Shaffer spanned two decades, where she was much more than a nurse; she was a smiling face and a friend to all who walked through the clinic’s doors.

Barb’s life was a remarkable blend of service to her family and friends. As a farm wife and mother, she juggled the demands of raising six children with grace and vigor. Her hands, always busy, tended to the garden, milked cows and even drove a tractor when needed. Barb’s home was a hub of activity and care, where she not only cooked and cleaned for her beloved family but also instilled in them the values of respect, education and hope.

Her Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence. A lifelong member of the Bowman Chapel Methodist Church, Barb’s love for the Lord shone brightly in her actions and her words. She taught Sunday School, instilling the love of God in the hearts of many. Her friends, some of whom she cherished for decades, knew her as a woman whose faith was as authentic as it was profound.

Barb’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. She found solace in reading and studying her Bible and expressed her love through the meticulous stitches of the garments she sewed for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her culinary skills were legendary, especially during the holidays when her cooking brought together generations in celebration. Education was a cause close to her heart, and she championed her children’s pursuit of the future with the unwavering belief that “if there is a will, there is a way.” She wanted to leave a legacy for her grandchildren so they would know each other and cherish times together in what she called Cousin’s Days. Every summer for 20 years, she brought them all together for a week of fun and learning. Plus, she loved watching and hearing about her grandkids’ and great grandkids’ activities as well.

Described by those who knew her best as loving, thoughtful and selfless, Barb truly embodied the wife of noble character as written in Proverbs 31. She set an exemplary standard not only for her children but for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. Her memory will forever be a testament to the power of a life lived with purpose, faith and boundless love.

Barb is survived by her children, Rick (Julie) Artist, Craig (Rhonda) Artist, Randy Artist, Teresa (Steve) Johnson, Michael (Jennie) Artist, and Mark Artist; 17 grandchildren; a multitude of great-grandchildren; and sister, Carolyn Hollar. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delbert, on Feb. 21, 2025; and her brother, Paul Charter.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at Bowman Chapel United Methodist Church, rural Guthrie Center. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Guthrie Center.  Visitation will be Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Guthrie Center.

Memorials may be left to Bowman Chapel or the New Homestead’s activity fund.

1954 – 2025

William “Bill” J. Carpenter passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Christmas Day in 1954, Bill was known to his many friends as “Carp” or “Willie.”

Bill was raised on the family farm north of Boone in the unincorporated community of Ridgeport and remained in the Ridgeport/Boone area his entire life. A 1973 graduate of Boone High School, Bill stayed close with his classmates and played a key role in organizing reunions — proudly attending his 50th in 2024.

He earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from DMACC but soon followed his entrepreneurial spirit to start Carpenter Construction, Inc. in 1982, selling and building grain bins. In 1987, he became a dealer with Lester Building Systems, launching his successful career in pole building construction. Bill was well-known and highly respected in the industry — across a four-county radius, you will find grain bins and buildings bearing the Carpenter Construction name.

On March 22, 1986, Bill married Lila Leininger. Together they raised Lila’s two children, Michael and Kristen, whom Bill loved and treated as his own. The family shared many memories camping, fishing, attending MLB and NFL games, and vacationing at Disney World and New York City. He passed down a strong work ethic to his kids — one of his favorite sayings was, “I love to see kids work!”

Bill loved the outdoors — hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and spending time at the cabin he owned north of his home. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers and Iowa State Cyclones. He played on the Adobe men’s slow-pitch softball team and bowled in the local farmers’ league. Bill also enjoyed hosting friends and family for pontoon rides at Don Williams Lake. One of his favorite songs was “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw — and that’s exactly how he lived: with joy, generosity and enthusiasm. He never met a stranger. Bill was also a fan of laughter, comedy movies, attending concerts and being a huge jokester, playing pranks on many friends and family members, who often found ways to get him back.

After being widowed in 2001, Bill found love again and married Lori Litrell aboard a cruise ship in February 2014. Together, they enjoyed many cruises and adventures, traveling with friends and spending time with family.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Lila Carpenter; parents, John and Ruth Carpenter; in-laws, Lowell and Jessie Leininger; and his beloved cousin, Julie Molesky of Anaheim, California.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Carpenter; step-children Michael Crouthamel (Tina), Kristen Crouthamel (Josh), and daughter-in-law Amy Crouthamel; grandchildren Kenley and Lila Crouthamel; Lori’s children and grandchildren; sister Marsha Crouthamel (Scott); his dear cousin and lifelong friend Bart Kennedy; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A funeral service for Bill was held on Friday, June 6 at First Baptist Church in Boone. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to the Boone County Hospital Foundation, Lila Carpenter Scholarship Fund — established by Bill in memory of his late wife.

1944-2025

Jane Rae Clarke, 81, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Guthrie County Hospital. Born on Jan. 8, 1944, in Perry, Jane was the only child of Vermyl Holmes Shick and Wilda Maxine (Danekas) Shick. She spent her childhood in Rippey and later Lanyon, where she developed a love for the outdoors and the close-knit spirit of rural life.

After graduating from Prairie Community High School in 1962, Jane attended college in Northern Iowa before making a bold move to St. Louis in 1965. There, she began her career with Monsanto Company, building a life of independence and adventure. It was in St. Louis that she met and married William Clarke on Jan. 7, 1967, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter and travel. Together, they raised two sons, Sean William and Brian Matthew, and created a home full of warmth and memories.

In 1976, Jane and Bill returned to Iowa, settling on a farm near Jefferson in 1977. Her childhood passions for water sports and nature remained a central part of her life, leading to their purchase of a home on Lake Panorama in 1987 where they ultimately retired to. Whether she was water skiing, jet skiing with her beloved basset hound Rosie, or simply enjoying an afternoon at the lake with iced tea and good company, Jane embraced every moment with joy. She and Bill also cherished their years wintering in Arizona and later in Naples, Florida.

Jane’s love of games and camaraderie showed through her time playing bridge, board games and, later, online games with friends, her children and grandkids. Her appreciation for antiques and collectibles, passed down from her parents, led to many treasured finds over the years. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson and found happiness in simple pleasures — watching her grandchildren swim at the lake, sharing stories with friends, and, in later years, racing her scooter across the yard with spirit and determination!

She is survived by her devoted husband, William Clarke of Panora; her son, Sean Clarke and Liana of Naples, Florida; her son, Brian Clarke and his wife Angela of Long Grove, Illinois; and six grandchildren — Christian, Alexander, Isabella, Ricky, Bobbi and Angelyse. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vermyl and Wilda Shick.

Jane lived a life rich with adventure, love and laughter. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those who had the privilege to know her.

A visitation with the family will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.  A eulogy will be given at 10 a.m., followed by visitation with family and friends until noon.

Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson.

1947-2025

Dennis Ray Wailes, age 77, of rural Scranton, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, surrounded by his family.

Dennis was born on Sept. 7, 1947, on a farm north of Bayard, and he was the son of George and Margaret (Dargon) Wailes. His father passed away when he was a young boy, and his family moved into Bayard where he graduated from Bayard High School in 1965. Dennis was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served two years during the Vietnam Conflict. Upon his return from Vietnam, he lived in Des Moines where he met the love of his life, Leannah Simpson. They were married on Nov. 21, 1969, at the First United Methodist Church in Des Moines. The couple lived in Des Moines for a short time before moving to DeSoto where he worked for Booneville Gravel as a heavy equipment operator. They later moved to Mechanicsville where he worked for Orkin Pest Control out of Cedar Rapids. In 1976, they moved to their current home south of Scranton, and Dennis began employment with West Central Cooperative, retiring in 2003. He also had a home business sharpening chainsaw blades. “Double Aught” continued to drive truck for the coop and always looked forward to helping his son-in-law and sister during harvest. Dennis enjoyed traveling, collecting project vehicles, chatting with his family and friends on the telephone, watching Fox news, tracking his family members on Find My iPhone, and, most of all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 55 years, Leannah; his children and their families: son Jason Wailes (Marlene) of Council Bluffs, son Brett Wailes (Andrea) of Scranton, daughter Heather Schoenherr (Dan) of Glidden, daughter Jennifer Wailes (Kris Foster) of Pleasantville, and bonus son Steve Kennel (Christine) of Youngstown, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two sisters: Beverly Lorenzen (Mike) of Dallas Center and Kathryn Hunter (Richard) of Scranton; his in-laws: Dorothy Biondi (Dan) of Sheldahl, Linda Moore (Andy) of Moravia, Dale Simpson (Joan) of Poway, California, George Simpson (Miriam) of Ventura, and Janice West of Wesley; many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Dennis was preceded in death his father, George Wailes; his mother, Margaret McDonald; his step-father, Scott McDonald; his in-laws: Louis and Ruth Simpson; a brother, Harold Dean Wailes; two sisters: Shirley Imler (Dean) and Clara Johnson (Marvin); and brothers-in-law: Donald Simpson and Richard Fox.

A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Church of Christ in Bayard concluding with a prayer service at 4 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at the Church of Christ in Bayard followed by inurnment at the Willow Township Cemetery near Bayard with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Bayard American Legion.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.

1937-2025

Charles Joseph “Joe” Bohlender, 88, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away at the Village of Olathe in Olathe. He was born April 3, 1937, in Guthrie Center, the son of Harold Ormal and Thelma Louise (Lundstrom) Bohlender.

Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years, retiring in 1976. He earned the rank of Tech Sergeant and served during the Vietnam War. After retirement, Joe worked for PRC Kentron, Inc., a contractor with the USAF.

On Sept. 8, 1963, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Joe was united in marriage to Karen Lee Oyler. They shared more than 61 years of marriage. To this union, they shared two sons, Bryon and Charles Joseph “Joey” Bohlender, Jr.

Joe was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton, Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Charles Joseph, “Joey” Bohlender, Jr.; and a sister, Betty Billick.

Survivors include his wife, Karen, of the home; a son, Bryon Bohlender of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; a daughter-in-law, Linda Tochtrop of Linwood, Kansas; a sister, Linda Wolfe (Mike) of Norwalk; two brothers, James Bohlender (Lynda) of Guthrie Center and Jack Bohlender (Susan) of Norwalk; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Memorial Services were held 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Holton, Kansas. Graveside Inurnment with Military Honors followed at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS, 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

1951-2025

James Edward Cline, 73, was born to Gerald and Lula (Sloss) Cline at Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center on Dec. 21, 1951. He passed away peacefully at his home in Boone on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. 

Ed was raised on the family farm at Cline Corner south of Guthrie Center. He was the fourth of six children to Gerald and Lula. Ed was often caught up in mischief, especially with his brothers, but he also developed a strong work ethic early in his life that contributed to his successful career as he grew older. Ed graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1970. He married Darla Duff of Scranton on Aug. 23, 1975. To this union were two children, Ryan and Crystle. The couple later divorced.

After high school, Ed became a lineman with Iowa Electric. He spent more than 40 years in the electrical utility field and retired from Alliant Energy in 2013. He enjoyed his work and took great pride in it. After retiring from Alliant Energy, Ed then took up a new career in farming, which was his passion. In 2014, Ed moved back to Guthrie Center to his family farm and spent his time fixing up the farm and raising cattle and crops. He loved being on the farm and sharing it with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing with his family and grandkids at the farm pond and could spend hours riding around on his ATV overlooking his farm.

Ed never met a stranger and was always well known for his stories and his jokes. He would light up any room that he walked into with his smile and sense of humor. He loved catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Ed was an avid wrestling fan and enjoyed trips with his son and friends to many NCAA wrestling tournaments over the country. He also enjoyed woodworking and had many high-quality projects that he would gift to family and friends.. 

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Cline and Lula Cline; his sister, Charlotte Benton; and brother-in-law, Ronald Benton.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jane, of Boone; son, Ryan Cline (Kassie) of Casey; daughter, Crystle Thompson (Chris) of Ames; four grandchildren, Ryder, Kaleb, Chloe and Karys; his siblings, Kenneth Cline of Des Moines, Jeanette Sheeder (Bill) of Guthrie Center, Keith Cline (Dona) of Des Moines, and Marvin Cline (Ilene) of Huntington Beach, California; as well as many other family and friends. 

Ed will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on with his family and friends. 

Message from the family

Your expressions of sympathy are greatly appreciated. The family invites you to celebrate Ed’s life with the family at the Guthrie Center Activity Center on Friday, June 6 from 4-7 p.m. A ceremony celebrating Ed’s life will be held from 4-4:30 p.m. followed by an informal gathering to visit with family and friends.