Kay A. Miller, 88, of New London, died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield.  She was born December 11, 1937 in Fairfield to Verdon Wm “Bill” and Beatrice Eloise Baker Thomes.  On July 5, 1957, she married Ronald F. Miller in Ft. Madison.  He died July 10, 2001.

Kay graduated from Dallas City, Illinois High School.  While working full time and raising four children, she completed her teaching degree at Iowa Wesleyan College.  She taught fifth grade in New London for twenty-seven years.

For many years, she and Ron traveled to flea markets to sell their collection of dignified junk and antiques.  She was an avid reader and a firm believer that you shouldn’t go anywhere without a book.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles and going out to eat with her family and friends, especially if that included pie!  She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.  She took her grandchildren on many educational adventures and loved attending Broadway shows with her daughters and granddaughter.

She was a member of Chapter EV, PEO; a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma; and the retired Henry County Teachers Association.  She attended Calvary Baptist Church.

Those thankful for sharing in Kay’s life are her children Mitch (Tammy) Miller of Davenport, Kirk (Deb) Miller of New London, Marcy Vantiger of Mt. Union and Missy (Alan) Fear of Olds; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and her siblings Gary (Jean Ann) Thomes of Dallas City, Illinois and Jean (Hans) Rabong of West Burlington. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son-in-law Joe Vantiger.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, February 16, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Pastor Matt Yaley officiating.  Friends may call after 9:00 with the family greeting friends from 10:00 until the time of the service.  Burial next to her beloved husband, Ron, will follow at Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Sunrise Terrace Activity Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

James Lee “Jim” Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his residence.

Jim was born on February 2, 1937, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in the class of 1956. Jim was united in marriage to Madeline Anderson on January 18, 1959, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant. Jim worked for the City of Mount Pleasant for 37 years. One could see Jim and his brother Harold at the car races most nights. He took pride in raising a large garden and keeping his yard looking perfect. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and going to his grandchildren’s events. Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Madeline, of 67 years, his children, Michael Swailes, Jane (Rob) Kinney both of Mount Pleasant and Phillip (Chris) Swailes, of Houghton, and his grandchildren, Paige (Spencer) Newman, Justin (Jade) Swailes, Jason Swailes and Jacob (Savannah Yauk) Swailes, his great grandchildren, Brantley, Piper, Beckett, Jordyn and Jaxson, his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant, along with several nieces, nephews and his sister-in-law, Alma (Kent) Bennett, of Mount Pleasant.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Robert Arthur Swailes, Harold William Swailes and a brother-in-law, David Farley.

The service of Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant with Reverend Carl Mann officiating. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. Cremation will follow the service, and burial will be held at a later date in the White Oak Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to the St. Michaels’ Episcopal Church or to Every Step Hospice in his memory.

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

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Jim Swailes.

Carl B. Moehlman, Associate Professor of Music and College Organist Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan University, died Friday, February 6, 2026 at his residence.

A service of Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com