Lesley Diane Yaley, 58, of Danville, passed on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital, West Burlington.  She was born May 23, 1965 in Springfield, Missouri to Jon Gilbert and Elizabeth Ann Mariner Porter.  She was a 1984 graduate of Danville High School where she played violin and clarinet and had an excellent soprano singing voice.  She was member of the New London Christian Church where she was the children’s leader and youth volunteer.

On January 19, 1985 she married Brian Todd Yaley in Danville.  She worked at Walmart Distribution and as a librarian at Clark Elementary School.  Lesley loved children and enjoyed babysitting.  She enjoyed kayaking, fishing in Northern Minnesota, and attending Old Threshers. On Sundays, she ran the TV watching football, especially the Packers.  She was a wonderful homemaker and loved being at home.

Survivors include her husband; her son Jacob “A.J.” Yaley of Mt. Pleasant; her mother of Addington Place, Mt. Pleasant; sister Mary Porter of Layton, Utah; nieces and nephews; cousins; and a host of friends.  She was preceded in death by her father.

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Yaley will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at New London Christian Church with Pastors Rod and Nathan Cooper and her son Jacob officiating.  Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm on Monday June 12th at the church with the family receiving friends from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.  Memorials have been established for New London Christian Church Children’s Ministry or her son Jacob’s Gospel Mission.  Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Norma Jean Ballard, 93, of Fairfield, passed away at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, surrounded by her family at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant.

No public services will be held and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  Norma’s ashes will be interred at the Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa.  It was her wish that her niece Jessica, who has cared for her for the last six years, be the one to set her to rest alongside her mother.  Flowers can be sent to Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant or donations made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant are caring for her arrangements.

Randy Loges: February 9, 1965 – June 7, 2023

Randy Loges, a spirited adventurer and eternal optimist, bid farewell to his earthly journey on June 7, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his adoring family. Born on February 9, 1965, in Keokuk, Iowa, Randy was the embodiment of a life lived fearlessly.

From his early days at Harmony High School to his alma mater, Iowa State University, where he graduated in 1987, Randy embraced every opportunity to challenge himself and pursue his passions. Following his insatiable thirst for knowledge, he furthered his education at North Carolina State University, earning his teaching certificate.

While teaching was his profession, Randy’s heart was captivated by the enchantment of the land. For over three decades, he joyously nurtured the earth as a devoted farmer. The fields flourished under his watchful eye, bearing the fruits of his labor and his unwavering connection to nature’s rhythms. Even as the spring of 2023 approached, Randy’s farming spirit burned brightly.  He was able to get into the tractor and plant some corn this spring.

In the realm of sports, Randy’s vibrant energy and love for competition found expression in the world of volleyball. Coaching became his canvas, and he fearlessly painted his wisdom on the hearts of countless young athletes. Harmony High School, Central Lee High School, Keokuk High School, and West Hancock High School were all fortunate to witness his fervent dedication to the sport.

As an active member of the Zion Mennonite Church of Donnellson, Randy discovered solace in his spiritual community, where his unwavering faith and boundless optimism inspired all who knew him. He radiated warmth, compassion, and an unyielding belief in the goodness of humanity.

Randy’s legacy will forever resonate within the hearts of his beloved wife: Tina Loges, and their three children: Heather (Corey) Austin of Milton, Kelcey Loges of Nicholasville, Kentucky, and Addison Loges of Farmington, Iowa. His grandchildren: Carter, Parker, Kloei Austin and Kaylei Moore, delighted in his infectious laughter and unwavering support. Randy’s parents: Laverne and Barbara Loges, and his siblings: Tamila (Ross) Griffeth of Lowell, MI, Lori (Stuart) Davidson of Center Point, IA, Scott (Ann) Loges of Forrest City, IA, and Bradley Loges of Farmington, IA, carry his spirit forward, enriched by the memories they shared. Eight nieces and nephews were fortunate to experience Randy’s zest for life.

Visitation for cherished friends and family will be held on Sunday, June 11th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa. The celebration of Randy’s extraordinary life will take place on Monday, June 12th, at 10:30 a.m. at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa with Pastor Rachelle Luitjens officiating. Burial will follow at the Mennonite Cemetery.

In remembrance of Randy’s indomitable spirit, please consider honoring his memory through donations to the Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of Rochester, Minnesota, and the Zion Mennonite Church of Donnellson.

As we bid farewell to Randy, let us remember his boundless enthusiasm, his relentless pursuit of adventure, and the spark of joy he ignited within us all.

May his soul embark on the grandest of adventures in realms unknown.Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Cynthia “Cindy” Houston, 72, of Salem, died unexpectedly Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Henry County Health Center.

Cindy was born February 26, 1951, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Wilbur and Ruby “Arlene” (Rees) Swan. She graduated from Winfield-Mount Union High School in 1969, and went on to attend the Medical Assistant program at Southeastern Community College. Cindy married Ron Westerbeck in 1970, they later divorced. She married Jim Houston in 1990, they later divorced. Cindy lived in Florida for a number of years before returning to the Henry County communities. Cindy was a member of the Winfield Methodist Church. She worked at the John Deere store in Winfield and later in life worked as a teacher’s aide in the Winfield-Mount Union Community School District. After retirement, Cindy loved to spend her time volunteering. She could be found at the Quarter Maybe More Store in Mount Pleasant, Lewelling Quaker Museum in Salem and her favorite, reading to students at the elementary schools. She also loved spending time with family and enjoyed animals, especially cats and horses.

Cindy is survived by her son Christopher (Sarah) Westerbeck of Katy, Texas; four grandchildren, Rachel, Alex, Emma and Emily; sister Nancy (Doyle) Syfert of Salem; three nephews Jerad (Lisa) Syfert, Jake (Angie) Syfert, Joe (Nicole) Syfert all of Mount Pleasant; a niece Jamie (Jeremy) Orr of Salem; and 13 great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Richard Swan.

Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory. Visitation will begin at 1:00, with family present to greet friends. A memorial fund has been established for Salem Fire and Rescue. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory is caring for Cindy and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com