Geraldine Ruth Barton, 85, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, June 25, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Gerry was born January 19, 1937, in Fort Madison, the daughter of Clarence and Helen (Ritter) Auge. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1954. Soon after Gerry met the love of her life, Wesley D. Barton, and in 1956 they were united in marriage in Fort Madison. The couple lived in Cedar Rapids before making Mount Pleasant their home in 1959. They moved to town in 1970 living in the same neighborhood. Over the years, neighbors became family. Gerry was a homemaker, devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother. She was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Beta Sigma Phi, Garden Club and a former Cub Scout Leader. Gerry enjoyed cooking for her large family and any extras who frequently walked through her door. Devoted to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she used her crocheting talent to make each child their first blanket. Gerry cherished her Beta Sigma Phi Sisters and the work they did during the many years she was a member. She bowled for many years and loved the camaraderie with her league mates. Gerry was a master at cross-stitch and had an eye for crossword puzzles. She loved spending time in her flower garden and was always happy to share her many beautiful flowers with friends and neighbors.

Gerry is survived by 6 children, Jim Barton, Mike (Lyndel) Barton, Kathy (Mike) McAlister, Phil (Karen) Barton, Pete Barton, & Missy (Jeff) Sitar; grandchildren Matthew and Ryan (Jim), Blaire and Gabe (Mike), Amanda and Brooke (Kathy), Weston, Whitney, and Willow (Richard), Ashley (Pete), Sam and Max (Phil), Marie and JC (Missy); 15 great grandchildren: Morgan, Reece, and Alek (Blaire), Cole and Mac (Gabe), Flynn and Emery (Amanda), Elle (Matthew), Walker and Avery (Whitney), Audri, Marley, Charlotte, Michael, and Chloe (Ashley); three siblings Gene Auge, Peggy  (Roger) Owen and Joyce (Randy) Ingles.

Gerry was preceded in death by husband Wesley, her parents Clarence and Helen, her son Richard, and grandson Cale Barton.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Father Paul Connolly will officiate. Interment will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. A Rosary will begin at 4:00 p.m. and family will greet friends following until 7:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Midwest Old Threshers and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Gerry and her family.

Edward “Gene” Eugene McWhirter, 81, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital. Services are pending at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel.

Jean Van Syoc, 97, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, June 19, 2022 at her home. Her precious Lord carried her peacefully to her eternal home.

Visitation will be Monday, July 11 from 12 Noon to 7 PM at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 12-2 PM Tuesday, July 12, at the First Baptist Church, 100 East Webster St., Mt. Pleasant. The Celebration of Life (she preferred calling it Graduation Day) will be at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church. The Reverend Steve English will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. A reception with light refreshments will be held at the church immediately following the burial.

Jean was born to Kathryn Leffler on January 13, 1925 in Burlington, IA. Robert Van Weiss embraced Jean as his own daughter. Jean graduated from Burlington High School, with a great interest in sports. She won a ping-pong tournament in SE Iowa, and even at age 90, it was nearly impossible to return her back-spin serve. She loved all baseball games. The Hawkeyes had her loyalty. She was a voracious reader and was always ready for any kind of card game!

Jean met Marvin Van Syoc, and the couple locked eyes at first sight. They were married at the original First Baptist Church on February 28, 1945. Jean counted the days until Marvin’s return from the army. Their lives beautifully changed when the son, Wayne was born. Daughter Karen arrived soon after, completing their family.

Jean and Marvin farmed near Winfield, IA for a few years, until they jointly decided to build the auctioneering business with his cousin Harold Van Syoc. Jean and Lucille, Harold’s wife, were integral in the business as clerks. At the same time, they joined the Farm Bureau Insurance Company, which became their full-time interest. Because of their hard work, they were able to travel extensively.

Jean and Marvin designed and built a home on US Highway 218 South. They desired to share their blessings with many dinners, picnics, fishing and lots of community activities. Mission Accomplished!

`          Jean was the first business manager of the Community Mental Health Center in Henry County and was instrumental with Marvin in the center’s origination on January 13, 1972 (holding the first organizational meeting in their home). She served as the secretary of the support staff of the Community Mental Health Centers’ Association, and as a member of the Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Task Force. She was instrumental in training her new Executive Director and served as an advisor to the Center’s Board of Directors and its committees. For her service, Jean was the recipient of the Iowa Mental Health Association’s Support Staff Award.

Jean was a 77-year member of the First Baptist Church, serving in practically every aspect. Jean and Marvin especially enjoyed working with the youth for many years, many of whom kept in close touch with them. In later years, she, and her BFF Margaret DeJaynes obtained their real estate licenses together (they should have written a book!)

Jean was often found on her knees praying for everyone on her “list.” Chances are, your name was included. She would want to encourage everyone to accept Christ as your Savior and feel His love and grace (please do that so we can all reunite someday). Kids Wayne and Karen love the fact that their parents walked the Christian life instead of merely speaking of it.

Jean fell into the arms of those who preceded her in death – her mother Kathryn Van Weiss and stepfather Robert Van Weiss, her precious husband with whom she shared 65 years, their son Wayne and many uncles, cousins and precious friends.

Survivors includer her daughter Karen Doubleday and son-in-law Dewight “Tete” Long of Mt. Pleasant; grandson Jeff Van Syoc (Sara) of Minneapolis, MN; great grandson Owlyn of Colorado and step granddaughter Soma; granddaughter Kim (Chris) Van Syoc-Lapainis and their daughter, Poppy. Survivors also include many Leffler and an Syoc nieces, nephews and numerous faithful friends, Tete’s daughter Jan and Erin and their husbands who gave Jean’s world charming great grandchildren Brenden, Ethan, Brynnie and Liam.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the First Baptist Church, Every Step Hospice, the Paws Animal Shelter or the Kitten Haven at Vintage Raven. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is assisting Jean and her family with the arrangements. On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com

Phyllis A. Conner, 91, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Henry County Health Center. Services are pending at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel.