1929-2025

Lela Rose Glade, 95, daughter of Walter and Lena Hambleton, was born Dec. 1, 1929, in Guthrie County. She entered her heavenly home on Saturday April 19, 2025, at the New Homestead Care Facility, where she had resided since January of 2025.

She graduated from Guthrie County High School in 1947. She attended one semester at Simpson College and returned home to teach at one-room school houses, including the Seely No. 5 country school. This was where her dad made sure he was farming with his Oliver 70 next to the school so he could stop to see and talk with her while recess occurred and he could eat his lunch.

Rose grew up in Guthrie County, enjoying life on the farm where they had apple trees, big gardens, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs and two work horses named “Mag” and “Cease.” Tethered together, one relied on the other. The blind one was the strongest, and the other led them to do the work.

As a young girl, Rose said she went barefoot nearly all the time, stating, “I only wore shoes to school and to special occasions.” She truly enjoyed sharing her love for animals such as cows, sheep and birds with her family, especially with her grandchildren.

Rose and Gene dated before our dad went off to war, later marrying in 1950, a little after Eugene’s honorable discharge after serving two years in the Army in the Pacific during WW2. In 1951, they were blessed with the arrival of young baby, Ronald Eugene (wife Becky). A bit later, Nita (in Texas) our adopted sister grew up in the family as well, for a few memorable years. Then Randy (wife Dixie) was born, then Tom (wife Jan) and daughter Joanne (husband Jerry), then Dennis (wife Sandra), and then one more named Larry (wife Samantha). Now since, there are several grandkids.

Rose and Gene rented farms near Guthrie, Yale and Panora and created many fond memories. Farming became a way of life, and many stories ensued. While Dad was farming, Mom was by his side — or milking cows, or feeding pigs, or taking care of the chickens, ducks, the dog and lots and lots of cats. She did whatever needed done while caring for her family.

They enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, the Bahamas, New York and other places through Vigortone Feed sales awards promotions, the Mid-America Dairyman’s Association, Archer Oil and more. Mom went to Alaska with Grandma Lena once, and once Dad, Mom, Dennis and I (Larry) drove on a 14-day adventure across Canada to Alaska. And she went at least two more times with Dad driving up the Al-Can Highway with other family members. Yes! They enjoyed traveling across the U.S. with us kids as well. She also participated and enjoyed being with my dad as he promoted collecting, displaying and parading antique tractors.

Visiting and working at her parents Goldmine Apple Orchard was always a wonderful family event. She helped all of us to retain great memories of the orchard as well. She loved her parents and siblings and always carried their fond memories as long as she lived on this earth.

In 1961, they moved to the farm where brother Randy and his wife, Dixie, currently reside. In addition to being a farm wife, and a mom to all us kids, at the age of 54 she graduated from DMACC with her degree in nursing as an RN. Later, she became a surgical nurse and then took on the duties as Infectious Disease Controller of the Guthrie County Hospital. She was always busy. Even as the children grew, she continued serving her community as a nurse, a mom and more. If you asked her if working at the hospital was hard work, she would jokingly say, “I work at the hospital to get away from the hard work at the farm.” She even retired twice from the hospital because they had called her back for a few more years, until the age of 74.

Soon after that, our dad passed away, she moved to Panora to a house that felt just like home. She had a love of art and music. Many of her children and grandchildren enjoyed visiting during the week to eat cookies and experience her great cooking. During the holidays, all enjoyed the loving atmosphere. If you went away hungry from her house, it was your fault!

At the age of 90, she said she didn’t think she should drive anymore. She knew something was changing. COVID hit and created an obstacle that many had to maneuver through. It was hard on her and others. As her dementia progressed, we saw pieces of her thinking and abilities slip away. But, through the tremendous support of family members, relatives and friends, she was able to be cared for in her own home until January of 2025.

Due to illness, she was hospitalized and then placed in the New Homestead Care Facility where she resided until her death at the age of 95 on April 19, 2025. She will be missed but not forgotten. As a Christian, we will see her again, returning in the Triumph of our Lord. Amen!

She was preceded in death by husband, Eugene C. Glade; a great granddaughter, Capri Jill; parents, Walter and Lena Hambleton; brothers, Dan, Dar, John and Doug; and sisters, Neva, Hope and Mary.

1923-2025 

Dorothy Jean Sloss was born Oct. 26, 1923, to William and Bertha Sheeder Richey in Guthrie Center. Dorothy was the second of five children. Her siblings include Lillian, Jim, Joan and Donna.

Dorothy passed away peacefully at The New Homestead on April 13, 2025. She attended Guthrie Center High School and graduated in 1941. Dorothy taught country school for several years. She married Willard Sloss on Jan. 18, 1950. To this union, three children were born: Michael, Randy and Teresa. Willard and Dorothy divorced in 1988.

Dorothy worked at the county farm in the 1970s. She was a caregiver, providing for her family and friends. She cared for her parents until their deaths. Dorothy was very artistic. She loved to paint, draw, sew, quilt and garden. The name Dorothy means “Gift of God.” “A good name is more desirable than great riches,” Proverbs 22:1. Dorothy loved to read and study, with the Bible being her favorite. She patiently waited for Jesus, her savior, to close her eyes and take her last breath.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Glenda) of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Teresa of Guthrie Center; her grandchildren, Brett Sloss of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Ashleigh Sloss of Old Hickory, Tennessee; her great grandson, Brayden Sloss of Old Hickory, Tennessee; and her sister, Joan (Harold) Rose of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bertha Richey; her brother, Jim Richey; her sisters, Lillian Stevens and Donna Marchant; and a son, Michael Sloss.

1953-2025

Beverly Jean (Benton) Sheeder was born on April 27, 1953, to Donald and Delia (Rasmussen) Benton in Guthrie Center. She passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at her home. 

She attended Guthrie Center Schools and graduated in 1971. After high school, she attended the University of Iowa for three years then settled back in the Guthrie Center-Panora area. Beverly married Rick Sheeder on Sept. 29, 1996, under a small tree in their front yard surrounded by their children. Their home with Rick in rural Guthrie Center was her favorite place to be. It was especially important for Bev to make memories with their grandchildren in their home. Grandma Bev will be remembered for her smell of perfume, her fashionable clothes, her famous popcorn, her watchful eye, ice cream treats, tea parties and little girl dances. 

Bev was baptized a Jehovah Witness on June 7, 1997. She enjoyed learning about Jehovah and educating others on Jehovah. Her belief in and understanding of Jehovah are what made the journey through her illness easier. 

Keeping up to date on fashion, finding a good bargain thrifting, and working in her flower beds were also things she enjoyed. Bev was especially fond of spending time with her husband. Frequent togetherness was spent going to the shooting range, trips to Des Moines, and spending time on the porch or in the grove enjoying the peacefulness of their home. 

Beverly worked several jobs through the years, but her favorite was working the past 13 years in the Guthrie Center Elementary School library. She knew the name of every child who went through the school, along with their lunch numbers. Bev enjoyed the silliness of the kids, the kids who walked backwards in line, and felt that children needed to enjoy every moment of being of kid. 

Beverly is proceeded in death by her parents, Donald and Delia Benton, and her in-laws, Gay and Viola Sheeder. 

She is survived by her husband, Rick; children, Sarah (Steve) Blakely and David (Paula) Sheeder; and six grandchildren, Regan (James) Stagg, Morgan Sheeder, Shae Allers, Tessa Sheeder, Bristol Sheeder, and (little) Steve Blakely along with two great-grandchildren, Estes and Lydon. She is also survived by sister, Barb (Merv) Krakau, sister-in-law Terri (Darwin) Holmes, and brother-in-law, Randy (Mary) Sheeder, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Beverly Jean Sheeder will be greatly missed, but her memories will be cherished by those who knew and loved her. 

Memorial services will be 6 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Twigg Funeral Home in Panora with visitation starting at 4 p.m.

1966-2025

Shelley Renae Hayes, 58, daughter of Darrell and Ida Gayle (Freeman) Kromrie, was born June 22, 1966, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center. She gained her eternal freedom from pain on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines.

Shelley grew up in Guthrie Center and graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1985. She worked many jobs in the community: a CNA at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center, in-home day care, and, finally, as a teacher associate at the Guthrie Center High School.

Although Shelley had many jobs and accomplishments over the years, her proudest was her family. Shelley was the oldest of Gayle’s four children. As soon as her little siblings, Terry, Mary and Mike, started making their debuts, Shelley became their biggest protectors. This was a lifelong badge Shelley wore with honor. Shelley has always spoken loudly and proudly of her family.

In 1986, Shelley was especially proud to welcome her twin girls, Ashlee and Alison — “the Chickee Birds.” These girls were the light of her life. The bond shared between them was a testament of the amount of love they had for each other. In 1994, she married Wayne Hayes, and they made their home in Guthrie Center. With this union, she gained Eric and Valarie.

Once her grandbabies started being added to the family, another light was lit in her heart. Her girls were so thankful to have such a present mom with their children. Shelley continued the tradition of attending as many of her grandkid’s activities as possible, just like she did for her girls, always beaming with pride. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, whether that was coming up with recipes and baking or sending out a daily Snapchat summarizing the day with goofy shoutouts. Her grandbabies always knew they had a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a big squeeze when they needed a hug.

Shelley shared a special bond with her younger siblings. She spent the last few years living as Buck’s (Terry’s) neighbor. Buck regularly popped through the door with a “whattaya doing” or “what’s for dinner?” Even though he sometimes was met with a sassy comment from Shelley, she loved having him there. Shelley was first to proudly let people know that was her brother, Terry. She was so grateful for his presence in her life and the heart he has.

She was very close to her sister, Mary. She regularly told people her sister was actually older because the gray hair came quickly for her. I’m sure this had to do with Mary’s three children: Breanne, Peyton and Haeleigh. The three had a second home and a second mom with Shelley. She and Breanne were partners in crime. They were always getting into some type of shenanigans together. When Haeleigh and Peyton came along, they became her “babies.” Well into their twenties, she still referred to them as her babies. Shelley’s great nephew and niece, Axl and Frankie, also played a special role in Shelley’s life. They loved her and always looked forward to going to Aunt Shelley’s.

Shelley’s youngest brother, Mike, also was very special to her. She regularly talked about how he was her “little Mikey,” even though he has grayed and is a grandpa himself. Regardless of anything, he was always her “baby brother,” and all those around knew about it. Shelley held a special place with all her siblings and was so proud to have them. Her favorite part of having her siblings was knowing it was them against the world. She took on a role as a mama bear to them. In a close second, being an aunt to their kids was another proud title she carried. Shelley had an undying love for all of her nieces and nephews.

Shelley accepted anyone and everyone into her circle. She didn’t know a stranger. She had the title of “Mom,” “Aunt Shelley” and “Grandma Shelley” to many people even outside her family. This included her children’s friends, her nieces and nephews’ friends, her babysitting kids over the years, and, more recently, her grandchildren’s friends.

Shelley was known for her cooking and baking. If you were close with Shelley at all, she fed you at one point or another. Whether that was her famous mints, beautifully put-together Christmas candy platters, or the type of home cooking that made you have to wear sweatpants afterwards. She loved cooking for her grandchildren and making sure their friends and teammates were fed, too.

Shelley’s existence was a privilege to this world. Regardless of any hardship she endured, her heart was pure. She was never hardened by anything she went through. She was kind, compassionate and full of love to give. She loved to joke with everyone and was known for giving people a run for their money. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Alison (Derek) Herron of Guthrie Center; Ashlee (Jeremy) Wolfe of Guthrie Center; Eric Hayes of Minot, North Dakota; and Valarie Levy of Jefferson; 17 grandchildren, Brooke, Katelyn, Lane, Logan, Braelyn, Lillee, and Luke (Alison); Calleigh, Cordell, Cambree, and Cayla (Ashlee); Brayden, Riley, and Aria (Eric); Eva Mae, Kailynn, and Rosabelle (Valarie); siblings, Terry Kromrie of Guthrie Center; Mary (Troy) Busse of Guthrie Center; and Mike Kromrie of Winterset; Becky (Andy) Boss of Stuart; Dan (Ginger) Kromrie of Dexter; and Jean (Devlun) Whiteing of Ida Grove. Also her very dear friend, Tracy (John) Beer of Panora. Shelley has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Wayne.

A Celebration of Life will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Guthrie Center Activity Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center.

Twigg Funeral Home, Guthrie Center, is entrusted with her services.

1951-2025

Mr. Alan Lynn Elgin, age 73, of Adair, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Alan Lynn Elgin was born on Nov. 13, 1951, in New Haven, Connecticut, to A Lynn and Alice (Winn) Elgin. Alan graduated from Adair-Casey High School with the class of 1969. He then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College, where he earned an associate degree in vocational technology in 1971. On Feb. 2, 1973, he married Shanee Frohling in Guthrie Center. From this union, two children were born, Tori and Tyler. 

Alan was a mechanic both professionally and as a hobby in his garage. He worked at various places, including implement dealerships, diesel shops and power lift companies, until his retirement in 2020. He enjoyed target shooting with his brothers, assisting during harvest season with his brother, Bill, and, even more, restoring tractors with his son, Tyler. Alan went on three WHO Iowa Tractor Rides. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Adair, where he was an elder for more than 20 years. He sincerely enjoyed his family, especially his granddaughters and great-granddaughter, who FaceTimed him every night.

Alan is survived by his wife, Shanee (Frohling) Elgin of Adair; daughter, Tori Elgin (Bruce Hartger) of Cedar Rapids; son, Tyler Elgin (Christy Wester) of Tenino, Washington; granddaughters, Lexi Knutsen of Anamosa, Logan Knutsen of Cedar Rapids, Danielle Pickett, of Tenino, Washington; great-granddaughter, Baylor Rae; brothers, Bill (Betty) Elgin, Les (Theresa) Elgin, and John (Rita) Elgin. 

Alan is preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur and Eva Elgin, and Edgar and Mildred Winn, and his parents, A Lynn and Alice Elgin. 

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Adair with Rev. Richard Boatman officiating. Interment will take place at Sunnyhill Cemetery in Adair. A luncheon will be held following the committal in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. 

Public visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair. 

Memorials may be directed to the Alan Elgin Family to be designated at a later date in memory of his name. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022. 

Funeral services are handled by the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair.

1958-2025

Johnny “Mac” McNeley, 66, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, with his wife by his side. He was born Feb. 16, 1958, in Omaha, Nebraska, and lived in Iowa. He was a member of the wrestling team from Guthrie Center High School, a treasurer of the local FFA chapter, and a dairy judge. After graduating in 1976, he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 2002 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, Damage Controlman, after proudly serving for 26 years. His last duty assignment was NAVMAC Millington, Tennessee. Upon discharge from the Navy, he attended horseshoeing school in Oklahoma, becoming a farrier.

Johnny was known to his friends in the South as Mac. He worked for Steel Warehouse of Memphis for 22-plus years in maintenance, retiring Oct. 31, 2024. In his off time when the grandchildren were young, he loved to have them spend the weekend at the farm with the menagerie of horses, goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys. Easter on the farm was always a fun time with easter egg hunts for the kids and “special” egg hunts for the grown-ups. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter, as well as a fisherman on the ponds at his farm. He loved to participate in retriever hunt tests as a handler, judge and worker. He was an active member of Southern Flight HRC and a Started judge for HRC/UKC. He was also an active member and on the board of directors for Mid-South Hunting Retriever Club where he judged AKC Junior and Senior retriever hunt tests.

Johnny “Mac” lived in Holly Springs, Mississippi, with his wife, Janice. He is pre-deceased by his father, Billy McNeley, and a brother, Francis McNeley. Surviving family members are his mother, Shirley McNeley (Chichester), and two brothers, Roger and Terry McNeley, all still in Iowa, and his sister, Peggy Williams (McNeley) in Maryland. He has two adult children, Timothy McNeley in Millington, Tennessee, and Sarah Gaynor (husband Ryan) in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He has five grandchildren whom he loved dearly and bragged on whenever the chance arose: Dylan and Presley Gaynor; Drake, Mason “Cash” and Waylon McNeley. He also had two stepchildren, Samantha Poole (Williamson) in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and Chris Williamson in Clearwater, Florida.

Johnny’s remains will be interred at the Van Meter Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Van Meter Township on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. with full military honors. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the adjacent American Legion from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.