Carol Marie (Gerst) Hartman, passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s on September 27, 2024.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with Pastor Phil Ross officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield immediately following. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, and last until the time of service.  Memorial contributions in Carol’s honor may be directed to EveryStep Hospice or to the Alzheimer’s Association and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556.  Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Carol was born at home on August 30, 1938, to David William and Hattie Frances (Hardin) Gerst, in Oakville, Iowa.  On October 1, 1955, she married the love of her life, Richard (Paul) Hartman, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Fairfield, Iowa.  Paul and Carol were married for 37 years, before Paul’s passing on September 21, 1992.  They lived their entire married life in Fairfield, where they raised their five children.

Carol was a stay-at-home mother for several years, and had such a love for children, that she also operated a day care business from her home.  She cared for the children of teachers, so that she would have the summers off to dedicate time to her family, and her other love, gardening. For years, she shared garden space with her dear friend, Gay Chapman. Together they produced enough corn, tomatoes, and other vegetables to can and freeze for the two large families until the next season. The- two friends knew if one was having a tough day if they saw the other out with the hoe or pulling weeds with a vengeance!

Carol was a natural born caregiver.  She cared for her father and mother-in-law until their passing.  She then went to work at Parkview Care Center as a nurse’s assistant.  She loved that work so much that at age 39, she decided to go back to school and get her nursing degree.  While caring for three of her children still in school, Carol received her degree as a Registered Nurse, was on the Dean’s list every, and semester, and graduated at the top of her class from Indian Hills in 1979; an honor her entire family was proud of.  After graduation, Carol worked as a Pediatric Nurse at Ottumwa Regional Hospital, until her retirement.

Carol loved her family, and her life revolved around her husband, children, and nieces and nephews.  Her greatest joy was becoming a grandmother, and great grandmother.  She enjoyed going to all the activities and sporting events she could until her health prevented her from doing so.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Hattie; her mother and father-in-law Anna and Harold Hartman, her husband, Paul; and her sisters-in-laws (sisters of the heart) Eloise Cebuhar, Jean Cox, and Gwen (Glynee) Petersen.  Also preceding her were five siblings; infant sister Judith Ellen, sister Elizabeth “Betty” (Keith-deceased) Street; sister Janet (Wayne-deceased) Shipman; brother Roger (Dorothy-deceased) Gerst, and brother Raymond (Mary) Gerst; her nieces Debi (Cox) Wesely, Jamie (Gerst) Siegrist, and nephews Thomas Gerst, Douglas Gerst, Ralph Cook and David Cook.

Carol is survived by her children Connie Pool of Ottumwa, Colleen Hamberg of Fairfield, Jim (Tonya) Hartman of Birmingham, Mike (Rinko) of Zama, Kanagawa, Japan, and Mark Hartman of Des Moines.  Her grandchildren Cody Pool, Jennifer (Matt) Glick of Ottumwa, IA; Jessica (Amy) Cooper Stockton of Leander, TX; Christoper (Samantha Volner) Cooper of Fairfield, IA, Patrick (Ekaterina Shmakova) Cooper of Keosauqua, IA, Hunter Hartman of Des Moines, Michael Anthony Hartman of Zama, Kanagawa, Japan, and Samantha Barber of Iowa City.  Also surviving are her Great Grandchildren Adrian Pool, Tytan Glick, Roman Glick, Bellamy Glick, Aiden Cooper, Jace Cooper, Bristol Cooper, and Phoenix Cooper. Surviving siblings Richard (Diane) Gerst, David (Joyce) Gerst, James (Donna) Gerst, John (Joann) Gerst, Don (Connie) Gerst, Ruthann Schroeder, Kathy (Dave) Brown, and Mary Lynn Gerst, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Special thanks go out to Smith’s Helping Hands, whose assistance allowed us to care for mom at home for so long; Addington Place, Everystep Hospice, and mom’s very special neighbors, Steve and Kathy Hyde who aside from helping out when needed, provided kindness and friendship to her and her motley crew for several years.

Daniel D. Ross, 59, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant. 

Dan was born August 13, 1965, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Donald and Marjorie (White) Ross. He attended Winfield schools and graduated from West Chicago Illinois High School in 1985. Dan made Mount Pleasant his home since 1986 and worked at the Iris, and Pizza Ranch. On August 26, 2013, Dan was united in marriage to Cindy Housh in Washington. He attended a truck driving school in Ottumwa and received his CDL. Dan was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Winfield. He loved to drive, play ping pong, watch Hallmark movies and was an avid Hawkeye fan. Every year, Dan loved to volunteer at Old Threshers, he especially enjoyed staying for the concerts.

Dan is survived by his wife Cindy; his parents Donald and Marjorie Ross of Mount Pleasant; two sisters Kelly (John) Flaherty of Burlington, Darcy (Stan) Holtkamp of Mount Pleasant; step daughter Stephanie (Chester) Heath of Mount Pleasant; step son Nick (Andra) Carter of Carlisle; step grandson Alex Heath and many nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory in Mount Pleasant. Burial will be held in the Winfield Scott Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday. A memorial fund has been established for an educational fund for his step grandson Alex. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Dan and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

James Parker Blough, 79, a resident of Coral Gables, Florida passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024 at his home.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. A luncheon will follow at the Walton Club in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to Evergreen Cemetery Foundation, and written to Fairfield Cemetery Endowment Fund, 510 E. Stone Ave, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.  Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Jim was born November 24, 1944 in Fairfield, the son of Leland and Alberta Blough. Jim enjoyed his friends immensely as he was growing up. He also enjoyed working at Gobble’s Clothing Store. This job gave Jim the love of business and clothes. Therefore, when Jim finished high school, he went to Drake University to study business.

Jim served his country in the United States Army as a military policeman in Korea. After returning he finished his college education at Parsons College.

Jim loved warmer weather so he moved to Florida. He worked as an insurance agent for Butler Buckley and Deets, recently retiring in January 2024. Jim was involved in many activities to help the community.  One he spent extensive time on was The Citizen Watch with the Coral Gables Police Department. From this service he had many friends in the police department. He was also very active in the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, serving them in many different compacities.

Those left to honor his memory include his sister, Sue (Larry) Young of Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania; nephew, Marc Young; and a great-nephew, Styles Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew, Christopher Young.

Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at  www.behnerfh.com

William “Bill” Hill Boley, 87, of Birmingham, IA passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service in Bill’s honor will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with Pastor Mary Kathryn Hart and Diane Bales officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the funeral home and will last until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor may be directed to the Birmingham Fire Department, the Stockport United Methodist Church or to the Birmingham Lions and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Bill was born on July 20, 1937, to James Nicholas and Hazel Hill Boley.  He graduated from Birmingham High School in 1955 and soon after married his sweetheart, Beverly Reneker, in a ceremony at the Little Brown Church in Nashua in 1957. Their devoted partnership was blessed with two daughters and spanned over six decades.

After beginning his married life in Illinois as a farmhand, Bill moved to Van Buren County. He worked at Louden’s before venturing into the construction industry. Eventually, he established his own company, Boley Construction, where he was known for his skill and the ability to take on any project with confidence. Bill’s pride and joy was the home he built for his family—a testament to his craftsmanship and dedication.

Bill enjoyed coon hunting and cherished any time he was around family. Bill was instrumental in founding the Senior Citizens Housing in Birmingham serving on the board since it’s inception in 1988 and served on the Birmingham Volunteer Fire Department for many years. As a dedicated public servant, he also sat on the Birmingham City Council and was a member of the Birmingham Lions Club. His faith played a significant role in his life; he remained a member of the Birmingham Methodist Church for most of his journey, serving in many capacities.  He later transferred his devotion to the Stockport United Methodist Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James Nicholas and Hazel Hill Boley, and his five siblings, Ralph, Wayne, Vaunceil, Darlene, and Carl. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife of 67 years, Beverly Boley of Birmingham, IA; daughters Debra Boley of California, MO, and Patty (Andy) Adam of Richland, IA. He was a proud grandfather to Bryan, Melissa (Wesley), Austin (Paige), Emily, and Eric, and his great-grandchildren, Hazel, Meredith, Nora, Jameson, and Everett. Bill is also survived by three siblings, Don (Ann), Nick (Kathy), and Roberta.

Bill Boley’s memory will live on through his family, the structures he built, and the community he helped strengthen.