Diana “Dee” Ruth Johnson, 78, of Danville, died February 20, 2025 at Medical Center Downtown, Iowa City.

Services are pending at Elliott Chapel in New London.

Wendell Dean Linder, 84, of West Burlington, died February 21, 2025 at Arbor Court, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Services are pending at Elliott Chapel in New London.

Kathy G. Baker, 65, of Keosauqua and formerly of Fairfield, IA, died Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services in her honor will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, with Pastor Court Fischer officiating.  Burial will be in the Fell Cemetery near Libertyville, IA immediately following the service.  Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions in Kathy’s honor may be directed to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation of Jefferson County or to the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center.  Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Kathy was born March 18, 1959, to Kenneth and Ava (Weyeneth) Hix in Fairfield, Iowa, the youngest of five children, Gail, Joyce, Duane, and Dan.

Kathy was united in marriage with Paul “Tom” Baker December 18, 1976. They celebrated 48 years of marriage in 2024.

Kathy worked in healthcare with Jefferson County Health Center, Dr. Jim Watson, and the Fairfield Clinic before retiring from Dexter Laundry in 2018.

Family was the most important thing in Kathy’s life. Her home was a safe place for whatever you needed. Friends became family and she went out of her way to make sure she was welcoming and nurturing to all that visited. Her husband, children and grandchildren lit up her soul just by coming by. Her caring and loving spirit will be missed by so many. She also loved and adored her 8-year-old dog, Hailey Jean.

Left to honor her memory are her husband of 48 years, Tom, her sons Sean (Jacque) Baker of Mount Pleasant, IA and Brad (Amy) Baker of Cedar Falls, IA. Grandchildren Kyler Rogers, (Denver, CO), Brayden Baker, Grant and Jillian Baker. Special family members Cole (Katie) Boatright, honorary grandchildren Benett, Brice, and Balen Boatright (Fairfield, IA). Sisters Joyce Brodie (Des Moines, IA), Gail (Joe) Gevock (Coralville, IA), and Brother, The Rev. Dr. Duane (Medora) Hix (Cary, NC). Sisters in law Diana (Kevin) Morris (Clinton, IA) and Renee (Jeff) Burtlow (Delta, IA). Many nieces and nephews also survive to honor Kathy’s memory.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Ava Hix, brother, Dan Hix, and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Jeane Grossman, 98, of River Valley Place in Fort Madison, Iowa formerly of Farmington, passed away at 8:20 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2025 at River Valley Place.

She was born February 25, 1926 in Rural Farmington, Iowa the daughter of Grover and Hazel (Grimm) Rohdy. On December 2, 1945 she married Paul Grossman at the Sharon Presbyterian Manse. He preceded her in death on October 8, 2022.

She is survived by three children: Dennis (Diane) Grossman of Farmington, Iowa, LeAnn (Jeff) Jones of Donnellson, Iowa, and Charles (Cheryl) Grossman of Colleyville, Texas; seven grandchildren: Denise (Jason) Evans, Dawn (Eric) Conklin, Dana (Justin) Huling, Steve (Billi) Jones, Leslie (Ryan) Benner, Jennifer Grossman, and Jake (Ellen) Grossman; 13 great grandchildren; sister Betty Jury; and sister-in-law Alice Rohdy. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul; siblings: Ruth, Dale, Helen, Bob, Charles, and Don.

Jeane graduated from Farmington High School, She was a member of Sharon Presbyterian Church, and the  Presbyterian Women. She taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was also a member of the Farmington Quilt Club. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, flower and vegetable gardening, and baking. Jeane always made the best Christmas candy. She also loved working on the farm.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 at Sharon Presbyterian Church in Rural Farmington, Iowa with Pastor Katrina Bergman officiating.

Burial will be in Sharon Cemetery, Rural Farmington, Iowa

A memorial has been established in her memory for Sharon Presbyterian Church or Compassus Hospice.

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

Darlene M. Johnston, 103, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield with Pastors Lee Carr and Danny Cary officiating. Burial will be at Brethren Cemetery in rural Batavia at a later date. Memorials may be made to Parkview Care Center for their activity fund. Arrangements are under the care of Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield.

Darlene was born January 17, 1922 in Jefferson County, the daughter of Roy and Margaret Cleo (Peebler) Johnston.

Darlene loved watching the movie “Titanic” and also enjoyed Shirley Temple films. She enjoyed attending church services and all activities at Parkview. Darlene liked looking through magazines, cutting out her favorite pictures to recall later. She loved her birthday parties which were complete with angel food cake and chocolate.

Darlene will be deeply missed by her loving friends and the caring staff at Parkview Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Edna; a sister in infancy, Cleo; and her half-sister, JoAnn York.

Connie J. Richardson, 72, of Lockridge passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by her loving family.

According to her wishes no services are planned.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  

Memorials in Connie’s honor to the Lockridge Fire and Rescue may be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 32, Lockridge, Iowa 52635.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.