Author: Kadie Johannson

Sharon K. Johnson, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and most recently residing in Ames, Iowa, passed away on February 18, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on April 12, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa to Jack Clayton and Leora Janet Oetken Brown.

Sharon was a 1962 graduate of New London High School. Following graduation, she worked at the Armory in Burlington, Iowa. In 1965, she married the love of her life, Dale Johnson. Together they made their home in New London and later in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Sharon and Dale shared 59 years of marriage, celebrating their 59th anniversary shortly before Dale’s passing on September 19, 2024.

Sharon devoted many years as a stay-at-home mother before returning to the workforce as an office manager with Mark Hamilton Insurance in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she worked until her retirement.

She greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially walking with friends and family. Sharon found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and was active in her faith communities, including New London Presbyterian Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and Wellspring Churches in New London and Mt. Pleasant.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dale Johnson. She is survived by her brother Ron Brown and his wife Rayma; her sons Joel Johnson and his wife Tracy, and Jamie Johnson and his wife Courtney; and her six grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Emma, Reese, Eliza, and Seth.

A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of Life will be held at a future date as a joint celebration honoring both Sharon and Dale, with inurnment at Burge cemetery, rural New London.

Those wishing to remember Sharon may send condolences to Elliott Chapel in New London, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Sandra Louise Cole, 63, of Bonaparte, Iowa passed away at 9:14 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Country Lane Manor in Keosauqua, Iowa.

She was born on July 19, 1962, in Kirksville, Missouri, the daughter of Bernard and B. Maxine (Warner) Clark. She married Robert Cole, they later divorced.

She is survived by her four children: Tyler Duncan of Bonaparte, Jeremiah Cole of Ottumwa, Tristian (Kristen) Cole of Bonaparte, Stormie Cole of Bonaparte; grandchildren: Noah, Chance, Chase, Kyran, Makenzie, Izzy, Zighrex, Dean, James, Bobby; one sister: Maria Rains of Bonaparte, Iowa; and one nephew: Dale.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two nephews: Matt and Travis.

Sandra enjoyed spending time with her family.

Per her wishes her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 noon, Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the former Bonaparte school.

A memorial has been established in her memory and can be mailed to the family at: 501 1st Street, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Esther “Maxine” Litton, 84, of Fairfield, passed away February 17, 2026, 6 days after her beloved Jack.

The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Burial will follow at Glasgow Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Lords Cupboard of Jefferson County. Cards and memorials can be mailed to Pam Baumann, 101 E Harrison Ave, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Esther Maxine Martin was born November 30, 1941, in Fairfield to Carl and Delpha Martin. After graduating from Fairfield High School, she married the love of her life, Jack Litton, June 10, 1960. Together they shared 66 joyous years of marriage, creating a life centered on family. The two were never apart except for the six days the two were separated on Earth.

Aside from raising three beautiful daughters, Maxine provided a daycare service in her home on 4th street for over 25 years. She looked after many children of Fairfield and the surrounding community. Additionally, she was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church Women’s Group, Ladies of Hope and often attended Saturday night service before 2020.

Most of all Maxine loved being a mother, grandmother and a loving and devoted wife. She was famous for her baked goods – especially her sugar cookies. At Christmas, she would bake up to 15 different kinds. Her freezer was always stocked with cookies, sweet corn, and homemade strawberry jam. Maxine spent a great deal of time in her garden tending to her flowers in the spring and growing tomatoes in the summer. She loved country music and even learned to play guitar in her 70s! She enjoyed playing cards on the weekends with her friends and supporting her grandchildren in their various sports. She and her husband Jack never missed a game.

She is survived by her daughters, Lorie (Phil) Jackson, Julie (Frank) Fritz, and Pam (Greg) Baumann; six grandchildren, Travis, Adam, Sidney, Alex, Cameron, and Samantha; four great-grandchildren; sister, Carol; brother, Earl; brothers-in-law, Bill (Kay) Litton and Bob Litton, as well as extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Jack; parents, Carl and Delpha; brothers, Wayne and Tom; sister Evelyn; sisters-in-law, Loreta and Phylis; brother-in-law, Jimmy.

Maxine will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her passion for baking, and the calm strength and unwavering loyalty she exhibited throughout her life. Our special thanks to the Compassus Care Team out of Washington, Iowa (Kandis, Alex, Brenda, Alyssa and Stephanie) and Carla Fleig.