Obituary
Ruby E. Phillips, 89
Ruby E. Phillips, 89
Ruby E. Phillips, 89
Gowrie - Ruby E. Phillips, 89 passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, September 8, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church, Gowrie with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Gowrie Cemetery. A visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the start of the service at the church.
Ruby is survived by her children Leah Roach of Des Moines, Linda Sue (Kent) Wilson of Lohrville, Cindy Dunne of Norwalk, James Russell (Vicki) Phillips of Urbandale, and Mary Kathryn Robison of Paton; grandchildren Kevin (Abby) Wilson, Andrea (Jason) Beyer, Julie (Luke) McKee, Chris (Monica) Dunne, Ken (KT) Dunne, Tyrrell (Amy) Roach, Tanaya Cook, and Ashley Phillips; brother Kenneth McMichael of Barnard, MO, nephew Ronnie McMichael, niece Diana McMichael, and brother-in-law Rev. Dean (Roberta) Phillips.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Esther (Kirchner) McMichael, husband Richard Phillips in 2014, infant sister Karolyn Kaye McMichael, sister-in-law Loree McMichael and her first granddaughter Angela Marie Wilson in 2022.
Ruby E. McMichael was born September 4, 1933 in a farmhouse in Cass County, Iowa. She attended Kindergarten and first grades in Cumberland, Iowa, then went onto country schools in Gentry County, MO through 8th grade and graduated from Albany High School in Albany, MO. After graduation she worked for Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance in Waverly. She was united in marriage to Richard Phillips in Rockwell, IA on June 1, 1952 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church after taking Confirmation classes in Waverly. Ruby worked for Excel in Blue Earth, MN and also received her Certified Dental Assistant license by correspondence through the University of North Carolina. In Gowrie, she was the library assistant at Prairie Valley High School before working as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Sonksen, dentist in Fort Dodge. In the summer of 1983, she owned and operated “Ruby’s”, a ladies fashion shop along with her daughter Kathy. She retired and closed the shop in 1990.
Ruby and Dick enjoyed being campground hosts and worked for several different campgrounds as they traveled across Utah, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and even canoed in Canada. These trips plus three to Alaska were among some of Ruby’s favorites. She loved to crochet, read, and garden. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and assisted for many years with the bulletins and newsletters. She was also involved in Stephen’s Ministry. She was the Bereavement Chairperson, past secretary for the Gowrie Commercial Club and belonged to the Ladies Legion Auxillary.
Memorials may be left to family discretion.
Max O. Palmer, 94
Ruby E. Phillips, 89
Ruby E. Phillips, 89
Des Moines – Max O. Palmer, 94, formerly of Gowrie and Rockwell City, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines.
Funeral services were held 10:30 AM Tuesday September 5, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Gowrie with Pastor Jim Davis and Lay Minister Beth Carlon officiating. Burial was in Gowrie Township Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Peterson Post #431 of Gowrie. A visitation was from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Monday September 4, 2023, at Palmer Funeral Home in Gowrie. Palmer Funeral Home of Gowrie is in charge of arrangements.
Max Orville Palmer was born February 18, 1929, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He moved to Gowrie November 1, 1930, and graduated from Gowrie Consolidated High School in 1946. Max served in the US Navy for 2 years and attended the University of Iowa for 2 years. Max was united in marriage with Elayne L. Wahlgren on July 16, 1950, at Elfsborg Lutheran Church in Pomeroy. He graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Max and Elayne owned and operated Palmer Hardware, Furniture, and Funeral Service in Gowrie. They moved to Rockwell City in 1984 and operated Palmer Funeral Service until retiring in 1990.
Max was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Gowrie, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rockwell City, Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, American Legion Peterson Post #431 in Gowrie, Rockwell City AMVETS Masonic Lodge and Shrine Club. Max enjoyed serving on Bethphage Mission Board (now Mosaic) and was chairman for 5 years and Somers Saving Bank Board (now Heartland Bank).
Max is survived by his children, Ned (Colleen) Palmer of Gowrie, Polly (Mike) Johnston of West Des Moines, Hal (Jane) Palmer of Burnsville, MN; grandchildren Jill (Lee) White, Scott Palmer and friend Trey Stover, Tyler (Jessica) Johnston, Andrew Palmer, Sam Palmer, Elizabeth (Matthew) Coleman; great grandchildren, Bridget and Madi White, and Brecken and Brogan Johnston.
Max was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Isa (Houser) Palmer, wife Elayne L. Palmer, and daughter Gwen Palmer.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
John R. Anderson, 71
Ruby E. Phillips, 89
John R. Anderson, 71
Ames – John R. Anderson, 71, formerly of Harcourt, passed away, Wednesday August 23, 2023 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.
Funeral services were held 11:00 AM Monday, August 28, 2023, at Memorial Lutheran Church, Ames, with Pastor David Beagley, Pastor Mark Heilman, and Pastor Tyler Rasmussen officiating. Burial was in Lost Grove Township Cemetery in Harcourt. There was a visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames. There was an additional visitation Monday at the church from 10:00 AM until service time. Palmer Funeral Home, Gowrie is in charge of arrangements.
John Russell “Cookie” Anderson, son of Norman and Ruth Nomsen Smith Anderson was born on December 12, 1951 in Fort Dodge. John graduated from Central Webster High School, Burnside in 1970 and Iowa Central Community College in 1972. He later attended Iowa State University in Ames. John’s interests included 4-H Activities especially being an International 4-H Youth Exchange Delegate to Venezuela. He also played various instruments, including the clarinet, oboe, saxophone, handbells and John was a drum major. He enjoyed gardening (but not weeding) and he had a passion for raising chickens. He was noted for his cooking and baking expertise. He shared his talent with numerous camps, institutions, churches, and sororities before finding his home at the Beta Sigma Psi Epsilon Fraternity and Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames. During his tenure, he provided countless meals for gatherings and events. He was a great mentor and counselor for the men of Beta Sigma Psi. Other employment prior to this included time with the Northrup King and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Seed Companies.
John is survived by his brother Robert and his wife Charlene of rural Harcourt, niece Karina Buttler and her husband Chris and their son Kye of Ames, nephew Eric Anderson of Indianapolis, IN, niece Kallen Augustad and her husband Paul of Spirit Lake, the hundreds of college students that passed through the “Beta Sig” house in Ames, and other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. The funeral services will be live-streamed through
Local News
Southeast Valley High School Stars Shine at Kinnick Stadium
On a sunny Saturday, September 16th, the Gowrie News had the privilege of visiting Kinnick Stadium to cover two outstanding student-athletes from Southeast Valley High School. Kyler Fisher and Aaron Graves, both graduates of this remarkable school, have left an indelible mark on the football field. Kyler, a 2019 graduate, embarked on his journey with the University of Iowa, while Aaron, a 2021 graduate, joined him as a freshman. Their stories are a testament to hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in sports and education.
Kyler Fisher: The Jaguar Turned Hawkeye
Kyler Fisher, the son of Gerald and Heather Fisher, graduated from Southeast Valley High School in 2019 with a dream in mind—to continue his education and football career as an Iowa Hawkeye. His time as a Jaguar showcased his versatility, excelling both as a running back and a defensive back. Kyler’s agility and ferocious hits on the field made him a valuable asset under Coach Swieter’s leadership. During his senior year, he earned the prestigious First Team All-District running back title and left behind a trail of records as a Jaguar.
Kyler’s transition to the Hawkeyes was seamless. In his first season, he participated in seven games, quickly gaining experience and adapting to the collegiate level of play. The following season, his dedication and hard work paid off as he was honored with the Team Hustle Award, a testament to his relentless spirit. Kyler played all 14 games, even securing a starting position as the middle linebacker against Maryland.
His junior year saw him participating in all 13 games, culminating in a memorable victory at the Music City Bowl against Kentucky, with Iowa winning 21-0. Now, as a senior, Kyler is at the forefront of the Hawkeyes’ defense, starting as a linebacker and already accumulating five tackles, three of which were solo, along with two assists. His journey from a Jaguar to a Hawkeye has been nothing short of remarkable, and he continues to shine on the gridiron.
Aaron Graves: The Multisport Phenom
Aaron Graves, a 2021 graduate of Southeast Valley High School, is another remarkable athlete who found his home with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The son of Mark and Amber Graves, Aaron’s passion for football led him to secure a spot at the University of Iowa even before completing high school. His time at Southeast Valley High School was marked by versatility, as he effortlessly juggled roles on both offense and defense for the Jaguars. Read More...
Webster County’s Push for a Safer Future: The New Jail and Sheriff’s Office Proposal
In Webster County, Iowa, the Webster County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Office are joining forces to address critical concerns regarding their current jail facility. Their diligent efforts have culminated in a proposed solution that promises a safer environment for the public, staff, and inmates. This proposed initiative seeks to create a conservative design, ensure proper construction, and account for future growth and needs. As the county prepares to embark on this transformational journey, it’s crucial to understand the need, the solution, and the upcoming referendum set for November 7, 2023.
The Need
• Safety Risk: One of the foremost concerns is the safety of deputies and jailers who transport inmates along highways, sometimes with minimal backup. The risk of breakdowns, accidents, or ambushes poses a significant liability.
• Inmate Capacity: The current jail may not adequately accommodate the rising inmate population, necessitating the need for additional capacity. Read More...
Empowering the Community through Dance: Vicky’s Dance Academy Expands with Fresh Vision
Vicky’s Dance Academy, a beacon of artistic expression and discipline, celebrates an incredible 37-year journey this fall. What began as a small, garage-based dance studio in 1987 has blossomed into a legacy that now stretches its influence even further. Founder Vicky (Hollingsworth) Vinchattle, along with her daughter Tiffany DeCastro, are set to take over the reins of a second location in Fort Dodge, breathing new life into the hallowed halls of dance and gymnastics. The torch has been passed from Hollingsworth Dance & Gymnastics to ensure that their rich tradition thrives under the name “VDA Power Stars.”
Dance, a form of self-expression, discipline, and passion, has been at the heart of Vicky’s Dance Academy since its inception. The studio’s commitment to excellence has attracted students of all ages, from children to young adults and even adults seeking to channel their inner dancer. The journey to this point has been a remarkable one, rooted in the dreams and aspirations of a family dedicated to nurturing talent and sharing the joy of dance with their community. Read More...
Sports
Southeast Valley Cross Country Teams Shine at Panorama Invitational
The Southeast Valley cross country teams participated in the Panorama Invitational country meet at Panora on Thursday, September 17th, 2023. In the team races, the boys’ finished 11th and the girls finished 14th in the 20 team field.
Oscar Hanson continues to pace all of the Jaguars with his 20th place finish on Thursday. He ran a season best time of 18:32 to claim his third medal in three times this season. Carter Ferry was the next Jaguar to cross the finish line running a career best of 20:41. Running season bests for the year were Ethan Tucker (20:47), Lincoln Akins (21:10) and Dreyvon Steadman (22:03) to make up the top five scorers for the Jaguars. Displacement runners Ben Thompson (22:13) and Kyeo Augustine (22:25) also finished the 5k course in season bests. Read More...
Jaguars Secure Wins in Thrilling Twin Lakes Conference Triangular
Manson, IA ~ The Jaguars traveled to Manson on September 12th to play in a Twin Lakes Conference triangular with Emmetsburg and Manson-NW Webster and came away with wins.
The girls opened the night defeating the E-Hawks by the scores of 26-28, 25-18, 25-23, and 25-22. Perfect behind the serving line was Annabell MacRunnel, Ellie Nolte, and Kenna Scott. Nolte and Scott each had one ace serve. With the offense, Alex Kitchen led the team with 15 kills with an efficiency rating of .222. Addi Hindt followed with 14 kills while Breck Mills had eleven. The team overall was hitting efficiently with .256 with their kills. Other players contributing with kills were: Paige Weiland had five, Nolte had three, Ava Brunner had two, and Scott and Schlief had one each.