Obituaries for Wednesday December 16th

Janet S. Martin, 70, of New London, died Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Great River Hospice House, West Burlington. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Letha Gott, 95, of Morning Sun, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at the Morning Sun Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Morning Sun. Burial will follow the services at Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation for Letha will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Morning Sun Community Center or the Morning Sun United Methodist Church in memory of Letha. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. Everyone who attends is asked to wear a mask and take part in social distancing.
Letha Hall was born on December 16, 1924, in Morning Sun, Iowa the daughter of Ralph and Ruth (McKeever) Hall. She graduated the 8th grade at Amity country school and attended Morning Sun High School. Letha married Cecil Gott on October 20, 1942 in Kahoka, Missouri. The couple later divorced. Letha liked to attend social gatherings in Morning Sun and going out to eat, especially all the Church gatherings and Fireman fish fries in Morning Sun, Wapello and Oakville with her cousin Janice Westphal. She enjoyed visiting with people and going for walks around Morning Sun. She walked most everywhere she went and preferred walking to driving.
Letha is survived by a sister-in-law, Janet Hall; five nieces; one nephew; several great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers; Verl, Leland and Donald Hall.

Lilly Ann Timmerman, 12, of Burlington, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
She was born January 25, 2008 in Burlington, Iowa she was the daughter of Darian and Maria (Gardner) Timmerman.
Lilly was a member of Burlington First Assembly of God. She was a 7th grade student at Edward Stone Middle School.
She enjoyed playing the flute and arts and crafts, swimming, camping and any activity outside. Lilly loved listening to music and preforming Tik Tok videos with her sister. She loved being an aunt. Lilly always put everyone else first! Even through her illness she comforted and encouraged everyone “Stay Strong”.
She is survived by her parents, Darian and Maria Timmerman of Burlington; two brothers, Breyden (Charity) Gardner of England and Blayde (Morgan) Gardner of North Liberty; her twin sister Josie Timmerman of Burlington; two nieces, Chayzlyn, Chayzlee, and one on the way; and her maternal grandmother Pauline (Stan) Palmer.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Max Gardner and paternal grandparents Robert Frederick and Harriet Ann Timmerman.
The funeral service for Lilly will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17th at Burlington First Assembly of God. Pastor Scott Collier will officiate. The funeral service will be live streamed via Lunning Chapel’s Facebook Page. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Due to the recent governors proclamation masks and social distancing will be required.
A memorial has been established.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com

Madilyn “Madi” Rayne Minard, 4, of Burlington, went home to be with our Lord Jesus at 11:12 AM Sunday, December 6, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. She was able to give the gift of life through organ donation to a number of people.

Born July 18, 2016, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Laura Orth Minard and John Minard.

She attended Sunny Day Pre-School in Burlington.

Our Madilyn Rayne, we liked to call her Madi, loved Jesus with her whole heart. God’s light truly shined through her and she has touched many lives in her time here. She cared deeply for others and would go out of her way to make you feel better. She was tiny, but a fierce warrior for God. We, Mom & Dad, love her more than words can express. Her big sister, Lana, will miss her best friend. We all have peace knowing she is in the arms of Jesus. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Thank you Jesus.

Madi lived every day of her life to the fullest. She was a sweet and out-going little girl with the cutest British accent, who loved her family and friends tremendously. She told everyone that was special to her that she loved them. Madi loved all things pink, purple, and sparkly or anything to do with mermaids, unicorns or Peppa Pig. She loved to play dress-up, wear high heels and put on make-up and accessories. She loved spending time with her sister. Together they enjoyed swinging, going on adventures, playing hide and seek, taking walks and playing games & video games. Madi enjoyed playing with Play-Doh and making kinetic sand creations, painting, drawing and baking. Her favorite meal of the day was breakfast, especially if pancakes, cinnamon toast or strawberry jam toast, eggs, a combination of Rice Krispies and Cheerios or just Fruity Pebbles were being served. However, she did not like her food to touch. She only liked to drink water or white milk. Madi enjoyed taking dance lessons from Cheryl’s School of Dance. She liked riding her bike, taking baths, holding hands, riding on her daddy’s shoulders and watching “The Octonauts”. She also enjoyed playing with her Barbies, princesses, building castles, and playing house. She had a strong faith despite her young age. She loved going to church at the Burlington campus of Harmony Bible Church and Bible Truth Trackers on Wednesday nights at Calvary Baptist Church on West Avenue in Burlington. Her favorite songs were “Way Maker”, “The B-I-B-L-E” and “Jesus Loves Me”. You could always count on her to give you the best hug you ever had, riiiight?!

Survivors include her parents; sister, Lana Minard at home; paternal grandparents, Patricia and Ed Minard of Burlington; maternal grandparents, Bambi and Timothy Orth of Burlington; paternal great-grandfather, Walker Maden of Kentucky; and a multitude of aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and tons of friends that she met throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, paternal great-grandmothers & one paternal great-grandfather, great uncles, Henry Orth, Pete Orth and Albert Orth Jr.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Friday, December 18, 2020 at Harmony Bible Church, Danville Campus.

The celebration of life for Madi will be 1:00 PM Friday, December 18, 2020, at Harmony Bible Church, Danville Campus. Burial will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Madi’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

Mrs. Karen J. Helmick, 77 of Burlington died at 6:50 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2020 at her residence.
Born October 3, 1943 in Burlington, she was the daughter of William Clyde and Anna Louise (Vollmer) Carpenter. She married James E. “Jim” Helmick January 4, 1964 in Burlington. He died February 11, 2007.
Karen graduated from Burlington High School in 1962.
She worked at Twin Oaks and as a homemaker.
She was a member of First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ.
She belonged to the Women of the Moose #579 and the Eagles Club. She enjoyed car rides, family lunches, playing Bunco, amusement parks, spending time with family, and being with her grandchildren.
Survivors include three children, Marsha Johnson of Burlington, James (Cielito) Helmick of Jacksonville, NC, and Brian (Terri) Helmick of Burlington; eight grandchildren, Jessica, Anna, Hunter, Lexis, Emeline, Ava, Angelica, and Matthew; great-granddaughter, Emersyn; six siblings, Peggy A. Riherd of Burlington, Carolyn E. (Barry) Lowthorp of Shenandoah, IA, Linda L. Shepherd, Darlene K. (Gene) Willson, Clyde W. (Susan) Carpenter, and William Carpenter all of Burlington; one sister-in-law, Lela Tull of Burlington; and several nieces, nephew, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
The private family service for Mrs. Helmick will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 19th at Lunning Chapel. Rev. David Yonker will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Masks and social distancing will be required. Friends may call noon to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18th at Lunning Chapel. The family will not be present.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Carl L. Boley, 86 of Burlington died at 10:45 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2020 at Azria Health Prairie Ridge in Mediapolis, where he was currently residing.
Born January 3, 1934 in rural Birmingham, IA, he was the son of James Nicholas and Hazel June (Hill) Boley. After meeting at a square dance near Fairfield, he married Janet Kay Mairet on October 19, 1957 in Birmingham, IA. She died June 12, 2009.
Carl graduated from Birmingham High School. He served for 2 years in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Germany he taught hand-to-hand combat to the new recruits.
He worked as a third shift supervisor at Champion Spark Plug for 33 years until his retirement in 1990.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Burlington, Iowa.
He belonged to Des Moines Co. Democrats, Older Iowans Legislature, Great River Ramblers, and Midwest Pacers Club. He served as a Den Leader and Cubmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, American Legion Honor Guard, and Charter Member of Three I Credit Union.
Survivors include daughter, Stacy (Bob) Hiller of Burlington; daughter-in-law, Sharon Boley of Burlington; five grandchildren, Janelle (Dan) Strait of Ankeny, IA, Jordan Boley and Alaina (David) Mathews both of Burlington, Stacie Woodside of Wellman, IA, and Aaron (Kelly) Augustine of Burlington; eleven great-grandchildren, Madison, Austin, Triston, Quinton, Brooklyn, Nicholas, Hadley, Hayden, Dylan, Avery, and Noah; one sister, Roberta Stephenson of Keosauqua, IA; three brothers, William (Beverly) Boley of Birmingham, Donald (Ann) Boley of Las Vegas, and Nick (Kathy) Boley of Colorado; sister-in-law, Maxine Boley of Keosauqua; former son-in-law, Mike Brown of Burlington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet; son, Kirby Boley; brothers, Ralph and Wayne; sisters, Vaunceil Stephenson and Darlene DeRoss.
There will be a private family service 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 20th at Lunning Chapel. Rev. Deb Kinney will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Masks and social distancing will be required. Graveside service and inurnment will be 3:00 p.m. in Maple Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, IA. Friends may call noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 18th at Lunning Chapel. Family will not be present.
Memorials have been established for the American Legion and the First Presbyterian Church.

Ronald Dean Lenz, 79, of New London, died Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant. He had previously tested positive for Covid-19.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, December 19 in Burge Cemetery, New London. Pastor Jeff McPheron will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 AM Saturday morning at Elliott Chapel, New London with the family receiving friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Masks and social distancing will be required. A memorial has been established to Burge Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

Mervin Lyle Raines, 95, of New London, died Friday, December 11, 2020, at New London Specialty Care. He was born April 12, 1925 in New London to Homer Brian and Margaret Ellen Collins Raines. On August 4, 1946, he married Darlyne Parsons in Lowell; she passed away September 24, 2010.
He was a graduate of New London High School, then served as a Seaman 3rd Class in the United States Navy during WWII. Mervin was a member of New London United Methodist Church; a lifetime member of New London VFW Post 7641; the Chamber of Commerce; Veterans Memorial Committee; New London Lions Club; and New London City Council.
He and Darlyne owned and operated the Tastee in New London; he worked for National Cash Register and sold insurance and real estate; but he was most known and will be remembered for his 24 plus years as a car salesman in New London and the surrounding area, retiring in 1992. In true salesman fashion, Merv never met a stranger and was a friend to all.
Survivors include his sons; Bradley (Elaine) Raines of New London and Mitchell (Mary) Raines of Anthem, AZ; six grandchildren; Kerri Menke, Melinda Bitting, Shawnna Lutes, Gretchen Buck, Carly Raines, and Victoria Raines; nine great-grandchildren; Jared Menke, Kourtney Menke, Matthew Bitting, Bren Magel, Zach Russell, Austin Kern, Raesa Lutes, Zoe Buck and Zane Buck; and two great-great-grandchildren; Bentley Bitting and Adelyn Bitting. Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter Lettie Faye Warth and son Gregory Brian Raines.
According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held sometime in 2021. Memorials have been established for New London School Athletic Department and New London Veterans Memorial Park. Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Dixie Durbala of Burlington, passed away on December 12, 2020.

Dixie was born on August 7, 1938 in August, IL to Russell and Mildred (Sackman) Etter.

She attended school in Basco, IL, eventually graduating from Carthage High School in 1957.

In 1958, she married William Durbala and they made their home in Burlington, IA. Dixie was employed at IRC, Craftsman Press and eventually settled in at Burlington Pepsi where she worked for 27 1/2 years before retiring in 2005.

In her spare time, Dixie enjoyed gardening and working around the house. Dixie was a competitive bowler; bowling in local leagues for several years. She was nominated for Bowler of the Year on one occasion and was honored to be nominated for that award.

Dixie is preceded in death by her parents, her loving spouse, William, three brothers, Jack Etter of Quincy, IL, Rodney Etter of Princeton, IL and Willard Dean Etter of Basco, IL.

Dixie is survived by two children, Gary Rampley of Carthage, IL; David (Tricia) Durbala of Burlington, IA; grandchildren, Amy (Donnie) Cook of Arizona, McKenzie Doremus of Texas, Fischer Durbala and Gretchen Durbala of Burlington; great-grandchildren, Brandon Cook, Christopher Cook, Eric Cook, James Cook, Cadence Doremus, and Maddox Doremus; great-great-granddaughter, Alayna Cook; three brothers, Tim (Brenda) Etter of Hamilton, IL, Lenny (Abby) Etter of Keokuk, IA, Carroll (Donna) Etter of Quincy, IL; sister Doris (Fred) Lung of Dallas City, IL; sister-in-law, Marie Etter of Princeton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home. Due to the concerns regarding COVID-19, attendees will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. The family will be gathered outside to meet with guests.

The funeral service for Mrs. Durbala will be 2:00 PM Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home. Burial will be in Burlington Memorial Park following the service. Masks and social distancing will be required.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dixie’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.