Author: Theresa Rose

Billy Frank Smith “Butch” of Cantril passed away on Tuesday October 5, 2021 at his home in Cantril.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 Monday October 11, 2021 at the Cantril United Methodist Church with Pastor Donna Olinger officiating.  Visitation with family will be on Sunday October 10, 2021 at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua from 2 – 5 PM.  Burial with military honors by Russel-Strait Post No. 483 American Legion will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Cantril.  Memorials to Maple Grove Cemetery, EveryStep Hospice or Cantril United Methodist Church may be left at the funeral home, church or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 194, Cantril, IA 52542.

Butch was born in Cantril on June 22, 1933, the son of Craig and Iris (Kisling) Smith. He graduated from Cantril High School in 1951 and served in the US army motor pool, stationed in Landstuhl, Germany from 1955 to 1957. He married Donna Bea Short on September 14, 1958 after returning home; they were married for 63 treasured years.

Butch worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator for the majority of his career. He was a member of local 234 and retired in 1996. He continued helping others after retirement driving trucks for Jack sharp, Cole Construction, Amos Zimmerman, Wayne Tedrow and Nutrien Ag solutions.

Butch was also very active outside of work as a member and previous trustee of Cantril Methodist Church; board member of Maple Grove cemetery; Lions Club member and Zone Chairman. Additionally, he served on the Van Buren County Telephone Board, past Villages of Van Buren Board and was a member of Cantril Grassroots and the Cantril Dayz committee.

Butch had many fond work buddies and was a friend to all he met. His lighthearted visits and jokes could always bring a smile. With few words, Butch’s sincerity and tenderness could be felt

He is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Clyde (Deania) Smith of Columbia, MO Susan Smith of Cantril; brothers, Alan (Schelly) Smith of Jefferson City, MO and Larry (Sharon) Smith of Mount Pleasant; sister-in-law, Barber Short of Cantril; grandchildren, Andrea (Jared) Wood of Columbia, MO, Kristin (Michael) McLarren of Columbia, MO and Craig Smith (Haley Hassinger) of Macon, MO; great grandchildren; Maya and Ezra Wood, Chase and Savanah McLarren; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Scott Smith; in-laws Earl and Twila Short; brother-in-law, Dwight Short; uncle and aunt Lloyd “Doc” and Dorothy Smith and a granddaughter, Jancin Smith.

There are many happy memories – card games, coffee chat, front porch sittin, buggy rides with great-grandchildren and so much more – that family and friends will ever cherish.  Butch was strong and loving with a perfect balance of ornery for a good chuckle.  He leaves an example of a life well lived and will be deeply missed.

Lois Jean Scarff

February 18, 1928 – October 02, 2021

Lois Jean Scarff, 93, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, died October 2, 2021 at her home in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Born February 18, 1928 in Henry County, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Margaret Cronin Greer.

On December 21, 1946 she married Marvin O. Scarff at the Baptist Parsonage in Shenandoah, Iowa. Marvin preceded her in death in 2007.

She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1945 and was employed at Production Credit Assn, Sheaffer Pen Fineline, Iowa Telephone, ASCS, SE Iowa Electric Cooperative (Access Energy) and retired in 1985.

Lois was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Altar and Rosary Society and VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Times enjoyed were with her children and grandchildren, winters in Florida, walking in the surf collecting shells, reading, playing cards, crossword puzzles, going to the casino and watching the Hawkeyes play.

Survivors include her daughter Jean (Tim) Hassenfritz of Rosemount, Minnesota, daughter-in-law Joan Scarff of Northglenn, Colorado, grandchildren Jenny, Jon (Ashley), Sonya (Tim), Stephanie (Dan) and great grandchildren Ben, Evie, Emery, Eloise, Brantley, Colin, Kieran, and Alex.

She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, her son Steven, parents, two sisters and one brother.

A private burial will be held in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

Kay F. Stafford, 76, of Sperry, died Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington.

According to her wishes, Kay has been cremated and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 9 in Shinar Cumberland Cemetery, Pleasant Grove.  Pastor Dean Graber will officiate.  The family will receive friends at Elliott Chapel, New London from 9:00-10:30 am Saturday morning and then proceed to the cemetery.  A memorial has been established to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington.  Condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Paul DeJaynes, 81, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell.

Paul was born June 8, 1940, in Denmark, Iowa, the son of Glendon and Goldie (Millizer) DeJaynes. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1960 and Open Bible College in Des Moines in 1967. On September 17, 1960, Paul was united in marriage to Janene Edwards in Des Moines. They lived in Des Moines for several years before moving to Belvidere, Illinois, where Paul served as an associate pastor at the Open Bible Church. They then moved to DeKalb, Illinois where he worked as a tool and die maker. Paul and Janene have made Mount Pleasant their home since June of 1979. Paul worked for his brother at DeJaynes’ Jewelers, where he was a watch maker and did jewelry repair for 30 years. He was a long-time member of the New London Christian Church and most recently was a member of the First Baptist Church where he was a member of the prayer group. Paul had a love for music, fishing, wood working, talking about God, spending time outdoors and being with family.

Paul is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janene of Mount Pleasant; two daughters, Diane DeJaynes of Burlington, Deb (Fred) Denly of Mount Pleasant; two grandchildren, Maxwell (Delanee) Denly, Ashton Denly; a sister JoAnn (Lowell) Whisler of Altoona; a brother Gary (Roberta) DeJaynes of Burlington; and a special family friend Renita Rasmus of Mount Union.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arnold DeJaynes and Chalmer DeJaynes; a sister Glenda Steele and nephew Jason DeJaynes.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, October 11, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant. Pastor Steve English will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. A memorial fund has been established for the Mount Pleasant Christian School, New London Christian Church, and the First Baptist Church. The service will be live streamed at Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at our website, www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Paul and his family.

Daniel Carl “Danny” Haffner, 86, of rural Farmington, Iowa, passed  away Saturday, October 2, 2021, at his home in rural Farmington.

He was born on July 19, 1935, at his childhood home in rural Farmington, Iowa, the son of Carl D. and Irene (Shoemaker) Haffner. On July 10, 1960, he married Carol Jean “Jeanie” Buck at the Santa Fe United Methodist Church in Fort Madison, Iowa.

He is survived by his children: one son Tony Haffner of Fort Madison, Iowa; one daughter Dana (Vernon) Hoskins of New London, Iowa; siblings: Geraldine Watkins of Fort Madison, Iowa, Ramona Mills of Fort Collins, Colorado; Joe (Linda) Haffner of Farmington, Iowa; brother-in-law: Guy Mills of Burlington, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: the love of his life of fifty-three years Jeanie; siblings: Winona Mills, Larita (Don) Gibbs and Wanda Wilken; brothers-in-law: Lyle Mills and Wendall Watkins

Danny was a graduate of Farmington High School. He was a member of Sharon Presbyterian Church. The early days of farming with his parents and siblings led to Danny and Jeanie’s farming on their own and eventual expansion into the transportation business. Starting with just one truck, the business grew to half a dozen. The two continued to grow their farming and trucking operation into a thriving success with the help of Danny’s drive to achieve and his persistent work ethic. Their love for one another showed and was a constant as they were inseparable in all they did. A passion for Peterbilt trucks and Minneapolis Moline tractors kept Danny busy and this was passed down to his son, Tony. While many derive pleasure from vacations and time off, Danny found his pleasure in hard work and working with his hands. A master of the “farmer fix” and his ability to do nearly anything mechanical was a trademark of his. An avid automobile enthusiast, he enjoyed racing his 1957 Corvette back in the day. Since then he has continued to enjoy the original classic cars he has collected over the years. Danny loved drinking coffee and talking shop with about anyone. His sense of humor and jokes were contagious and put a smile on so many faces. He was a devoted husband, family man and friend to many. Danny has left us with a tear in our eye, but with so very many memories to smile about. From an incredible family vacation in 1976 to the construction of a new home, and many other achievements, he has truly left his mark in this world.

Friends may call from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2021, at Sharon Cemetery in rural Farmington, Iowa with Reverend Nancy Love officiating.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. 

Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.