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.

1932-2025

Carolina Faye Seeley,  daughter of Myron (Lillian Kraft) Allen, passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2025, at the age of 93 in Guthrie Center, the same community where her story began on Feb. 6, 1932.

Carolina’s early years were spent in the nurturing environment of Country School before she advanced to Guthrie Center High School, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Her commitment to education and community service was evident throughout her life, particularly during her impressive tenure of more than 34 years as the clerk for the Soil Conservation Service. Her work ethic and dedication to conservation efforts left a lasting impact on the community she served with such distinction.

Beyond her professional life, Carolina was a devoted member of the Rebekahs and the Auxiliary of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge.

Carolina’s personal life was filled with love and joy. She was a cherished sister to Duane and Donna Allen. Her marriage to Lester Carper blessed her with three loving children: Ronald, LaVonne and Arlene. The family grew to include six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense happiness to Carolina’s life. Though she was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husbands Lester and Ross, and her siblings, her legacy of love and care continues to thrive in her family.

On July 2, 1974, Carolina’s heart found love again as she married Ross Seeley. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, exploring the world on their motorcycle, traversing the country in their RV, and soaring the skies in Ross’ plane.

As we remember Carolina Fay Seeley, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by adventure, service and unconditional love. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the stars she so loved to gaze upon during her travels. Carolina’s journey on Earth may have concluded, but her spirit remains an indelible part of the lives she touched.

Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center with a Celebration of Life gathering immediately following at First Christian Church’s Fellowship Hall.

1930-2025

Jean Crescentia Knobbe was born on her family’s farm on Nov. 9, 1930, to her parents, Leonard and Crescentia (Becker) Willenborg, in Templeton. She grew up on the family farm and went to school at Sacred Heart.

After attending school, Jean worked alongside her brother, Art, and sister, Norma, at Ocoma Foods. She also helped families around the neighborhood.

On Feb. 23, 1954, she married her handsome husband, Lee Knobbe, who had an endless number of jokes to share. After marrying, they moved to a farm west of Guthrie Center, where they raised hogs, cattle, chickens and crops.

Together, they had two children, Cheryl and Keith. A mere 14 months apart, they could have been mistaken for twins.

Jean was an entrepreneur, running a small business out of her home dressing chickens, gathering eggs and raising garden produce to sell. She also worked at Bayard Produce for several years, where she made many friends and gained new customers.

When she wasn’t working hard, Jean enjoyed crocheting, baking and talking on the phone endlessly with her friends and daughter, Cheryl. Her pancakes and sugar cookies were favorites among her grandchildren. There were many contests to see who could eat the most in one sitting.

Jean lived a full life and was loved by her family and friends. She joined her husband and dogs, Maxwell and Maggie, in heaven on Oct. 10, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Art Willenborg; and sister, Norma Knobbe.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Bosier (Ken); son, Keith Knobbe (Cris); grandchildren Tracy Lynch (Rod), John Knobbe (Wanda), Courtney Redfern (Travis), Jamie Carlson (Chris), Ross Knobbe (Geneva), Brooke Bosier and Ryan Knobbe (Lauren); great-grandchildren Tyler (Maddie), Trevor, Hunter, Hannah and Lauren Lynch; Kiersten, Jaxen and Hadley Knobbe; Mackenzie and Justin Reinhart; Taylor, Kelsey and Brandon Carlson; Henry Knobbe; Lane Bonner; Clark and Kane Knobbe; great-great grandchildren Maren and Easton Lynch; sister, Lois Adolf; and many other nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Oct. 17, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Guthrie Center with visitation one hour prior in the parish hall.

1951-2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Benedict Wright, beloved father, grandfather and esteemed member of his community, who left us on Sept. 30, 2025, at the age of 74. Edward was born on July 26, 1951, in Jefferson, where he would go on to make a profound impact on all who knew him.

Edward’s journey through life was one marked by dedication, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1970 to 1979, where he participated in the Nuclear Power Program and became a skilled Reactor Power Plant Operations and Maintenance professional. He served on several esteemed vessels, including the USS Providence, USS Hammerhead and USS Nimitz, where he developed lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons that shaped his character.

After his military service, Edward pursued higher education with fervor. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Grandview University and achieved the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in 2004 from the University of Windsor. This educational foundation propelled him into a successful career in finance where he made significant contributions as the founder and executive vice president of Broker Dealer Financial Services Corporation from 1992 to 2020, and later as the owner of Investors Services Advisors Corporation from 2020 until his passing.

Edward’s passion for finance was matched only by his commitment to his community. He was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Des Moines Civic Music Association, the West Des Moines Rotary Club, the Educational Investment Club of Des Moines, and the Lions Club. He was a proud member of the Iowa Society of Financial Analysts and made a meaningful impact as a leader within the Libertarian Party of Iowa, serving as the longest-serving chair in the party’s history. His dedication to educating others was evident through his work teaching investments at NAIC/Better Investing, where he inspired countless individuals to take charge of their financial futures.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Edward was a man of many interests and talents. An avid reader, he had a deep love for history and literature, often immersing himself in the works of authors like Tom Clancy. Music was another cherished aspect of his life; whether listening to his favorite rock, country, or blues songs, or playing them on his guitar, Edward found joy and solace in melodies that resonated with his soul.

Edward was known for his kindness, wisdom and generosity. His friends and family would often describe him as a walking encyclopedia, always willing to share his knowledge and lend a compassionate ear. He embodied the qualities of a true leader — rooted in integrity and committed to doing what was right.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Heather Wright, and his son, Ethan Wright. Edward is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Shannon Bennett, Gavin Fredregill and Devan Fredregill, as well as his adored great-grandchildren, Teagin Bennett, Henry Bennett, Jackson Bennett and Wyatt Bennett. His legacy of love and guidance will continue to inspire them for generations to come.

A funeral service to celebrate Edward’s life will be held on Oct. 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Twigg Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Edward’s remarkable journey and share in the memories of a truly extraordinary man.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the organizations Edward was passionate about, to continue his legacy of service and compassion.

Edward Benedict Wright will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in those who loved him. Rest in peace, Ed.

In keeping with Edward’s generous spirit, the family requests donations may be made to the Libertarian Party of Iowa or the charities he supported.

1953-2025

A beloved and generous heart stopped beating surrounded by her loving family on Oct. 1, 2025, when Barbara Ann Kastner, 72 passed away at Unity Point-Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Barb was born on May 26, 1953, in Perry, the daughter of Merrill and Elva (Sable) Huitt. She attended school in Perry and graduated from Perry High School with the class of 1971. On Sept. 15, 1973, Barb married her beloved husband, John Kastner. Her first job was  at Northwestern Bell in Des Moines. Shortly after, she began her lifelong career of 44 years at Production Credit Services, which would later become Farm Credit Services in Perry. During her tenure at Farm Credit, she was able to earn her bachelor’s degree in business through William Penn University — an accomplishment of which she was very proud. After earning her degree, she was able to become a licensed crop insurance agent for Farm Credit.

Barb was very dedicated to her work but even more so to her friends and family. She greatly enjoyed traveling, especially when her travels took her to the beach. She always said that she needed to dip her toes in the ocean at least once a year. She traveled often with her family, friends and her sister, Betty.  After retiring from Farm Credit in November of 2019, she did not slow down. Her vast knowledge of crop insurance and risk management made her a valuable resource for the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association. She served on the Guthrie County Corn Grower Board, Guthrie County Farm Bureau Board and Ag Leaders institute, ILEAD Class 10, Iowa Corn Growers Association Director, Iowa Corn Growers Association Issues Committee member, National Corn Growers Action Team member, and U.S. Grains Council Ethanol Action team member. She was exceedingly proud to be a part of these organizations, and they afforded her many opportunities to make many new friends and connections and to travel all over the U.S. and the world. She was also a long-time member of the YJB chapter of TTT.

As busy as she kept herself with all of her organizations, Barb’s number one priorities were her friends and, especially, her family. She was a devoted farm wife, mother and grandmother. She kept books, paid bills and made a million meals, even driving grain truck and grain cart in the fall. She was a proud fan of all of her five grandchildren. She especially loved to spoil them and attended as many of their events as she could. Most of all, she was exceedingly generous, and she loved people. One of her biggest brags being that she “never met a stranger.” 

She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the many, many lives she touched. She leaves behind her husband, John Kastner; daughter, Katie (Craig) Schnoor of Maquoketa; son, Cale (Anna) Kastner of Yale; brother, Larry (Sandy) Huitt of Casa Grande, Arizona; brother, Gary (Surella) Huitt of Perry; sister-in-law, Sharyn (Bill Bolton) Kastner of Arizona; brother-in-law, Tim Kastner of Guthrie Center; and five grandchildren, Sarah, Cody and Leah Kastner, and Quinn and Avery Schnoor.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Merrill and Elva (Sable) Huitt; brother, Kennith “Gene” (Norine) Huitt; and sister, Betty (Robert) Mountain.   

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in Richland Township Cemetery near Yale. Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.