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Walker-Merrick-Billings & Wolfe Billings Funeral Chapels, 422 E. Washington Street, Clarinda, IA (2025)

11/17/2025

Susan (Susy) L. Boggess Clayton, 76, Villisca, Iowa
Services for Susy will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 10am at Villisca United Methodist Church with a visitation on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5 pm to 7 pm at the Villisca United Methodist Church

Susan (Susy) Lee Boggess Clayton was born to Frank H. (Jim) Boggess and Effie Lee Narigon on November 12, 1949, in Clarinda, IA. She attended school in Villisca and graduated in 1967. She married Dallas R. Clayton on June 14, 1969. To this union were born Troy Dallas on November 8, 1970, and Shelley Renee on January 15, 1974.

Susy attended the University of Nebraska at both Lincoln and Kearney, and Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She received a cm laude bachelor’s degree in education with certification in English & Speech, and later she received a teaching certificate in Media/Technology. She taught for over 30 years and helped a small district in Iowa become the first in the state that provided technology school-wide and the program of personal laptops for each student. She also worked for the local Farm Bureau Offices in Page, Montgomery and Adams counties. She also worked for the Nebraska State Farm Bureau office in Lincoln in the Farm & Ranch department.

Susy was a member of several organizations-The Villisca United Methodist Church, Page County Farm Bureau, Iowa Farm Bureau Young Member State Committee, P.E.O., and Lions Club. Susy was a supporter of working with and supporting people whenever possible-donating blood to the Red Cross and also donating to and helping distribute the local Food Pantry. And helping others through benefits, donations, or support was important to her. She and Dallas were foster parents in both Nebraska and Iowa for a number of years. Susy was also an avid reader and enjoyed helping out in libraries and encouraging all her students to choose books to read just for their own enjoyment.

She belonged to Villisca United Methodist her entire life. She helped light candles on Sunday for years and helped with fundraisers and other projects. She also represented her church in the Villisca Interchurch Council Committee. And she was an active member of the Church choir for years-starting out as a young girl. Maintaining and beautifying the churchyard was also a passion-planting flowers and trees and weeding!

She and Dallas assisted the Straits show movies in the Villisca Rialto on the weekends, helping with the projector running up in the balcony, concessions and billboards. She also enjoyed stage plays presented by the Villisca Theatre Company. She was involved in quite a few theater productions as an actor, but mostly helped with ticket sales, advertising, and more. Susy also enjoyed feeding birds and watching them out the windows--a joy even in freezing weather. Keeping track of all the variety of birds, numbers, and "quirkiness" was quite relaxing and entertaining. One of her daily relaxation moments (weather permitting!) was sitting in the shaded yard in a two-seated wooden glider that she has "inherited" when your parents no longer had room. This glider was even more special due to the family history -known to be a part of her great-grandparents' lives and maybe even further generations back. Dallas and numerous friends helped find and save all of its pieces after the Category F5 tornado in 1999 for the Boggess Family (Bob Frey) who spent weeks straightening, reattaching, painting, and remaking the canopy. When he returned the finished project, he said, "Here you go. I was happy to help restore this. BUT don't EVER ask me to do it again!" What a gift! Sitting in the glider each day in late afternoon was a little time each day that Susy could relax, listen to the birds, and enjoy the setting sun. It was important to her being with friends and neighbors. But most importantly, being with family--siblings, in-laws, "out-laws," and extended family was a blessing. But her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren had a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dallas Clayton; parents Frank (Jim) and Effie Lee Boggess, mother and father-in-law Dallas (LaVerne) and Bessie Clayton, and brother-in-law Cliff McFarland.

Susy is survived by her children Troy (Cindi) Clayton, Shelley Clayton; grandchildren, Chelsey (Garrett) Kearney, Paige (Jack) Perdue, Grace Moheng, Gavin Moheng; great-grandchildren, Kase Perdue and Whitney Perdue; brothers and sisters, Marilyn (John) Collister, Bill (Leslie) Boggess, Richard (Patti) Boggess, Mark (Gladys) Boggess, Jane Boggess (Chris Morreale), Jim (Diane) Boggess, Pat McFarland, Cheryl Clayton, Rhonda Gregory, Greg Clayton, Lisa (Jurgen) Denk; 25 nieces and nephews along with many relatives and friends.

Memorials can be made to one of the following: Villisca United Methodist Church, “Chapter CH PEO” or for Kase's Krew they can be made to Paige and Jack Perdew and mailed to 215 W. 36th Kearney, NE 68845

11/04/2025

Rebecca Sue Nielson, 67, Maryville, MO

Services for Rebecca "Becky" will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, 10:30 am with a visitation one hour prior. Memorials can be made to the family to help with the cost of the funeral. Burial will be at Clarinda Cemetery.

Rebecca Sue Nielson was born July 28, 1958, in Iowa city, Iowa. She was the second of eight children born to Richard and Donna (Gaule) Marshall. The young family moved around a lot, but eventually settled in the Bedford and Gravity, Iowa area. Becky graduated from Bedford high school in 1977.

She worked a variety of jobs right out of high school but stayed in the area so she could be close to family.

On January 15, 1979, she married Connie Nielson in Gravity. They stayed together many years but ultimately divorced. Brought into that union were Jason Elwin in Jan 1980 and Christopher Keith in March 1984. The boys were the light of her life and motherhood was the job she loved the most.

From a young age Becky was a helper whether it was with the younger siblings or in the large garden the family sustained to feed everyone. She was never one too shy away from hard work. That was very evident when she worked, went to nursing school, and took care of her young family. She was very proud when she became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her whole family was her biggest passion in life. If someone ever needed anything Becky would be one of the first to volunteer even if she didn't have much herself. In younger years she was very good at sports, especially softball and volleyball. She loved being outside and playing with the kids.

She helped other people that were left-handed by showing them how she did something. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and word searches as ways to pass the time and keep active. Some of the family trips to Colorado, Oregon, and California were her fondest memories. Through it all Becky just loved being around her family, even if doing nothing at all. Love, patience, and kindness were virtues that Becky held dear.

Preceding her in death are her parents Richard and Donna Marshall, sister Shirley and brother-in-law Ron Johnson. Long time roommate and puzzle friend Fern Bums.

Left to honor her legacy: her children Jason and Ami Nielson (Anystyn and Heidi) and Christopher Nielson and the kids mother Kera Karnes (Connor, Whitney, Colton, Wade, and Cordell Nielson and Xavier Middleton). Her siblings: Richard Jr and Debra Marshall, Mike Marshall, Kathy Marshall (Yoy Sommay), Bob and Kathy Marshall, John and Wendy Marshall, and Sandy and Tim Fenner. Her Aunt Martha Martin and Uncle Jim and Diane Marshall, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family all over the world.

11/04/2025

Sheryl Ann Harrell, 63, Clarinda, Iowa

Sheryl Ann (Billings) Harrell, a beacon of love and kindness in her community, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, in Clarinda, Iowa, at the age of 63. Born on January 22, 1962, in Atlantic, Iowa, Sheryl's life was a testament to the power of generosity and the strength of familial bonds.
Sheryl's early years in Griswold were marked by her athletic spirit, as she excelled in track and shot put, graduating from high school in 1980. Her competitive yet compassionate nature set the stage for a life filled with service and care for others. On December 28, 1985, she married William J Harrell, and together they nurtured a family that would become her most cherished accomplishment. Their children, Josh and Andrea Harrell.
Professionally, Sheryl was known for her dedication and warmth. She worked at Cass Health as an assistant manager in the dietary department, where her nurturing character ensured everyone was well-fed and cared for. She then became a bartender in Clarinda, and later, a florist, where she brought joy to many through her beautiful arrangements. Sheryl's caring nature extended to her own family as she lovingly took care of her parents until they passed.
Sheryl's commitment to her community was unwavering. As a troop leader for both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, she shaped the lives of many young individuals, instilling in them the values of courage, respect, and civic duty.
An avid animal lover, Sheryl found immense joy in raising small dogs, each one cherished as a member of her extended family. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she donated to many charities and churches, always striving to make the world a better place for those less fortunate. To many, Sheryl was more than a friend; she was a figure of maternal grace, earning her the affectionate titles of 'mom' and 'grandma' from those who were touched by her generosity.
Preceding her in death is her husband Bill, her parents Lloyd (Poncho) and Ruth (Byers) Billings, brother Dennis Billings, nephew Dennis Eugen Lynn Billings, and nephew-in-law Aaron Hoegh.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Josh (Briana) Harrell and Andrea (Doug) Harrell; grandchildren, William, Karrigan, and Charlotte Harrell, sister Beverly (Chris) Billings, niece Jessica Billings Hoegh, great nephews, Zach Hoegh, and Deven Billings, great-great-niece Everlee Billings, companion Mike Marshall, her “special bubble”, Lonnie Lollie, Berlinda Cave and Jerica Hansen along with her fur babies Bella and Ziggy as well as many other family members and friends.
Those who knew Sheryl will remember her as loving, kind, and generous. Her spirit and legacy will live on through her family, her friends, and the countless lives she touched with her unwavering compassion.

Funeral will be Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 10:30 am at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 5-7 pm at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel

Memorials are family choice

11/04/2025

John Squires, 98, College Springs, IA

Services for John will be held at a later date.

In Loving Memory of John Andrew Squires

Sunrise: July 17, 1927
Sunset: November 2, 2025

It is with tender hearts that we celebrate the life of John Andrew Squires, who peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the remarkable age of 98. A man whose faith anchored every moment of his life, John lived with a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a love for Jesus that touched everyone who knew him.

Born in Clarinda, Iowa, John grew up with a deep appreciation for God's creation-something he carried with him all his life, especially when he had a fishing pole in hand. Whether standing on a riverbank at dawn or sharing stories about "the one that got away/ John found peace and joy in the simple beauty of nature and the presence of God in it.

He was a devoted husband to Essie Mae Blackwell for 67 years. A father of 5 Children, A grandfather of 18, Great Grandfather of 38 and Great-Great Grandfather of 36. A brother and friend, always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, and with a smile and a hug that could light up any room. His family was his greatest blessing, and his unwavering faith was his greatest gift to them.

John's life was a living testimony of love, faith, and perseverance. He taught by example-showing that true strength comes from humility, and that every day is an opportunity to love others as Christ loves us.

He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him, but we rejoice knowing he has cast his final tine into the waters of Heaven, where peace and Joy never end.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23

11/04/2025

Rebecca Sue Nielson, 67, Maryville, MO

Services will be held on November 7, 2025, 10:30 am at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel with a visitation an hour prior.

Memorials can be made out to the family for funeral expenses.

10/31/2025

Sheryl Ann Harrell, 63, Clarinda, Iowa

Visitation will be held at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 5-7 pm.

Services will be held at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, November 5, 10:30 am.

Memorials are family choice

10/31/2025

Dennis "Denny" Black, Villisca, IA

Dennis “Denny” Black was born on December 5th,1933 to Velda and Art Black. He spent his entire life in the Villisca, Iowa area.
On April 16th,1956 Denny was united in marriage to Dixie Morgan in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union, six children were born.
Denny is survived by his wife Dixie of 69 years, children Laverna Long, Diane (Mark) Fish, Kirk (Laura)Black, Lloyd Black, Kim Black and Tracy (Jon) Spunaugle; siblings Shirley Vest and Randy Mattson, 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; and countless close friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Gary Hightshoe, son-in-law Danny Long, siblings Mavis (Soddy) DiMauro, Jim Black, Connie McCuen, Terry Mattson, Mickey Mattson, and 2 infant grandsons.
In his early years, Denny drove a truck hauling livestock for local farmers. He later owned and operated The Clarinda Salvage for over 30 years, where he was well known for his skill as a meticulous welder and blacksmith---and for his remarkable mathematical mind. Denny’s weekends were spent racing his hobby stock car at the Adams County Speedway, winning the point championship in 1971. After his retirement, Denny opened Villisca Furniture & Antiques and enjoyed attending auctions in the area.
Denny’s favorite pastimes included catfishing on the Red River in North Dakota, sitting outside in the swing on hot summer days, planting his massive garden every spring and George Jones music. He never knew a stranger and always had a smile a mile wide. Whether sharing a laugh or a cold one, Denny enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Denny passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2025, at Villisca Good Samaritan Society. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Family memorials can be made to Hospice Support Foundation
1175 Centre Pointe Circle, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 in support of St. Croix Hospice.

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10/28/2025

Glen Richard "Dick" Cade, 75, Florence, Arizona, formerly of Clarinda, IA.

Services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:30 am at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel, with a visitation to be held on November 7, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Memory Cemetery following the service, and then we will return to the funeral home for a luncheon. Memorials will be the family's choice.

Glen Richard Cade, known affectionately as Dick to his friends and family, lived a life that could easily be the script for the most heartwarming and humorous sitcom ever aired. Born on October 31, 1949, in Clarinda, Iowa to Glen I. and Alice M. (Radke) Cade, he was known as "little spook," aka "little Dickie," to his mother. Dick's life was filled with the kind of adventures that would make even the most stoic of folks chuckle. He took his final curtain call on October 26, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a few well-cooked meals.

Dick's early years at Clarinda High School were marked by his athletic prowess in track and football. After graduating, Dick entered the United States Air Force on March 17, 1969. He served his country with the same passion he did everything else—with a full heart and a ready joke. Following an honorable discharge in 1974, he continued to protect and serve in both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard until his retirement in 1998. It's said he loved his country more than bacon, which, for Dick, was saying something.

He was married to Glenna Sue Larson on August 4, 1968, and they were blessed with 2 daughters, Tammy and Terri, and a son, Richard Brian, who gained his angel wings at birth.

His love for education didn't stop at high school; after his service to his country and later in life, he went back to IWCC for his associate's degree and then Bellevue University, where he received his bachelor's degree in international business.

Dick's work ethic was as strong as his love for a good laugh. He went from Wynn Fertilizer to Eaton Corporation to the Hoover-NSK Bearing plant, later known just as NSK Corp., on to General Dynamics in Texas and Nucor in Washington. Even with each career move, he left a trail of chuckles and firm handshakes. After retiring, he couldn't sit still and found himself at Securitas in Arizona. He was the kind of guy who could make even the toughest of bosses crack a smile on a Monday morning.

Dick carried his faith with the same lighthearted spirit that he did everything else. He had a lifelong love affair with cars, building stock cars and racing go-carts with his kids.

He remarried Carol Ann White Fine on June 20, 1998. Dick and his second wife, Carol, were the dynamic duo known as the Hic-A-Billy Cooks in the Dutch oven cooking scene, winning awards and the hearts (and stomachs) of many.

Family was the center of Dick’s world. His wife, Carol, was his rock, his partner in crime, and the best darn cook this side of the Missouri. Together, they camped, raised dogs, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of each other's company. Dick was the kind of grandpa who could turn a regular family gathering into an episode of a comedy show, complete with laughter that echoed through the halls.

As for his personal philosophy, Dick lived by the words of the great comedian George Burns, who once said, “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” Dick’s family, however, was both close-knit and close to his heart, even when they were miles away.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Richard Brian, his sister and brother-in-law Deanna (Richard) Warneke, and his brother Paul Cade.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol; daughters Tammy (TJ) Horn, Terri (Jeremy) Johnson; stepson David (Amy) Fine; grandchildren Colton (Mason) Geer, Dallas (Blake) Harvey, Sydney (Adam) Mohr, Danae Davies, and Felisha (Jesus) Navarrete; great-grandchildren Daxton, Lydeea, Zayn, Asher, Archer, Walker and Ruby; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mark and Anne White; brother-in-law Vernon White; along with many nieces, nephews, all of his honorary daughters, and friends.

A loving husband, a funny father, and a friendly face to all, Dick's absence will be felt deeply by his loved ones. Glen Richard Cade, our beloved Dick, was a man who knew that life was better when you were laughing, and he made sure we all did.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Chandler Regional Medical Center for their excellent staff and care of our father.

10/15/2025

Fern Brown, 106, Villisca, Iowa

The heavens opened up, and the Lord received our dear Mother, Fern Brown, into his arms October 13th2025. She had lived wonderful life until the age of 106.

Her living children Ron, Vicky and Linda will miss her deeply, but she now joins her husband Russell, her children Richard, Robert and Kristi in heaven.

Fern Lucile Hultquist was born March 21, 1919 in Montgomery County, Iowa to Mable E (Nelson) Hultquist and John L. Hultquist.
She married the love of her life Russell A. Brown March 31, 1938 in Maryville, Mo. To this marriage six children were born, Richard, Robert, Ronald, Linda, Vicky and Kristi.

She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Elinor Brown and son-in-law Tom Kleiman.

Family meant everything to her. She has 17 grandchildren, 42 great, 25 great-great grandchildren!!!!!! Mom loved her grandchildren, each and every one of you!

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Russell, her sons Richard and Robert, her daughter Kristi. Her daughter in laws Sandy and Joan Brown: her son in laws Jake Tugel and Rob Ferguson. Her Grandchildren LuAnn Mead, Jim Brown, Aron Brown and Deniece Brown.

She was also preceded in death by her sisters and spouses , Florence Mossman, Viola Johnson, Marveline Mc Connell and sister-in-law Marvel Needham.

Our Mother was a hardworking 100% Swede. She and Dad raised all the food to feed 6 children. She was a fabulous cook and always offered seconds. Family gatherings met everything to her. She would try to make a favorite pie for each of her kids. She didn’t have a favorite child, but Ron was her “little Putamia”!!!!!!
She had a lot of patience for us kids, Never seen her get to upset with us. Now Dad on the other hand had his hands full with those three boys. Did you remember his early hair loss? She loved her friends stopping in for coffee and cookies and always had fresh baked goodies on hand.

Mom and Dad did not have a lot of time for themselves with a big family but did enjoy square dancing for many years. Mom spent her last 6 years at Good Samaritan Center in Villisca where she has a special friend Ruby Walters. They had the meals together and enjoyed talking about old times. She was a great fan of Bingo and never missed playing. The other residents enjoyed her wit and humor! We thank her care givers there for the wonderful care they took of her.

Visitation - Friday, October 17, 2025, 9:30 to 10:30 am at The Villisca United Methodist Church, prior to the service.

Service - Friday, October 17, 2025, 10:30 am at The Villisca United Methodist Church.

Interment - Arlington Cemetery

Memorials can be made out to The Villisca Fire and Rescue

Please join the family for a luncheon and fellowship following the burial at the Villisca Community Building.

09/03/2025

William E. “Bill” Thompson, 54, Blanchard, IA

Graveside services for Bill will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2 pm at Blanchard Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the family to be designated later.

William Edward Thompson, known as Bill to all who knew him, left us with a treasure trove of laughter and memories on August 30, 2025. Born on May 24, 1971, in the bustling city of Omaha, NE, Bill's journey began with a sparkle that only grew brighter as the years passed. His departure in Clarinda, IA, has left a void in the world of humor that will be felt deeply by all.

Bill's life was as vibrant and varied as his jokes. After graduating from South Page High School, he ventured into the workforce with a smile and a wisecrack, spending his days at Sara Lee Bakery and as a construction worker.

Religion was important to Bill, not in a preachy way, but in the sense that he believed the man upstairs must have a sense of humor too. How else could one explain the platypus or the fact that humans spend roughly six months of their lives at red lights? Bill's Christian faith was the quiet backbone of his life; often he would help others in need.

Bill's sons, Preston Scott and Dominic William, were the proudest moments of his life story. His mother, Wanda Thompson, and siblings, Karrie, Richard, and Mary, along with his nephews Dennis and Blaine and nieces Heather, Hannah, and Jenna, all enjoyed his wisdom and sense of humor. Bill's father, William Thompson, who had passed before him, no doubt met him with a high five and a "Well played, son" at the pearly gates.

An avid fisherman, Bill often said that he was a "professional angler," which was code for "I sit by the lake a lot." Poker nights with Bill were less about the cards and more about the side-splitting laughter. He was also a minor celebrity in the world of social media streaming, where his followers tuned in not just for his cooking and grilling tips but for his unique ability to make them snort their morning coffee with his latest antics.

Bill was a man who never needed Google to tell him how to have a good time, but he sure loved looking up weird facts to share with friends and family. Did you know that a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance? Bill did, and he'd tell you with a twinkle in his eye, right before serving up his famous BBQ ribs.

In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Bill was a breath of fresh air. His life was a reminder that laughter is a gift we can give to one another, no matter the circumstances. So, let us not say goodbye, but rather, "See you later," because a man like Bill never really leaves; he simply takes his show on the road to a venue with a larger audience, leaving us all with an encore of chuckles and warmth in our hearts.

Preceded in death by his father, William; both maternal and paternal grandparents; and niece, Angel.

Bill is survived by his sons, Preston and Dominic; mother, Wanda; siblings Karrie, Richard (Deb), and Mary; nephews Dennis and Blaine; nieces Heather, Hannah, and Jenna; great-nieces Evelynn and Zelda; and great-nephew Halo.

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