Joseph Charles Anderson, age 45 of Albia, died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at his home in Albia. Joe was born August 20, 1967, to Gerald and Patricia (Paris) Anderson in Ottumwa. He married Robyn Lewis on February 28, 1987 in Albia. They were blessed with three children, Treana, Kara, and J.D. Joe graduated from Albia High School, class of 1985. He began work as a journeyman in Dallas, TX laying water and sewer mains for future...

Ruth Jeanet McGee, age 88 of Albia, died Friday, April 19, 2013, at Monroe Care Center in Albia. Ruth was born March 8, 1925, to William Henry and Elizabeth (Smith) Smith in Coalfield, Iowa. She married Donald E. McGee November 18, 1941 in Unionville, MO. They shared 60 years together before he preceded her in death on January 19, 2002. Ruth grew up and attended school in Avery. She had many titles including, farm wife, homemaker,...

Elmer Sovern, Jr., age 88, of Albia, died Friday, April 19, 2013, under the care of Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Lodge in Chariton. He was born January 25, 1925 to Elmer Sovern and Lois Noviss in Springport, MI. He grew up in Level Park, the middle son of eight children. He had a long paper route, by bike, to help pay for family groceries during the depression. He bought his first Model T when he was 17 and drove it home in third gear...

Cecilia Clare (CK) Knowles, age 80 of Melrose, died Thursday, April 18, 2013, at her home. CK was born April 9, 1933, to Francis and Ann (Smith) Heffron in Georgetown. She married Patrick Knowles on May 2, 1953, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Georgetown. She enjoyed being a wife, mother, grandmother, and raising her family. CK and Pat were blessed with five children, Mary Jo, Terry, Mark, Julie, and Helen. A graduate of Georgetown...

Lois Irene Mason, age 99 of Albia, formerly of Moravia, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, under the care of Monroe County Hospice at Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Lois was born April 19, 1913, the adopted daughter of William Perry and Jessie (Potts) Davis. She attended West Point Country School growing up and later graduated from Moravia High School, class of 1931. She married Harold Mason on June 18, 1935, in Columbia, MO with Robert C....

Leona Mae Ostermeyer, age 73, of Albia, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013, under the care of Monroe County Hospice, at her home in Albia. Leona was born September 4, 1939, to Harold and Kathryn (Parker) McKim in Monroe County. She married Vernon LeRoy Ostermeyer on October 6, 1956. After 54 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on March 17, 2011. Leona grew up and attended school in Monroe County. She worked at Chamberlain's...

Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynn Long, age 58 of Altoona, formerly of Albia, died Monday, April 8, 2013, at his home in Altoona. Jeff was born March 29, 1955, to Clair and Thelma (Swift) Long in Centerville. He married Donna Scieszinski on April 16, 1977, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. A graduate of Albia High School, class of 1974, Jeff worked for AMF Lawn, John Deere, and for over 25 years at Titan Tire. Jeff was an avid Harley...

Patrick Edward Knowles, age 84 of Melrose, died Friday, March 29, 2013, under the care of Monroe County Hospice at Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Pat was born January 20, 1929 to Michael and Julia (Navin) Knowles in Melrose. He married Cecilia Clare (CK) Heffron on May 2, 1953, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Georgetown. They were blessed with five children, Mary Jo, Terry, Mark, Julie, and Helen. Pat was a lifetime member of St....

Geraldine Jo "Gerry Jo" Murphy Starns, age 62, of Albia, passed away Friday, March 29, 2013, at Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Gerry Jo was born November 14, 1950, in Albia, to Edward J. and Geraldine "Gerry" (Mitchell) Murphy. She grew up and attended school in Albia, graduating from Albia High School, class of 1969. Gerry Jo worked at the Monroe County Hospital as a CNA for many years, where she thoroughly enjoyed taking care of the...

James "Casey" Charles Casey, Jr., age 51 of Albia, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Casey was born September 2, 1961 in Erie, PA. He grew up and attended school in Pennsylvania before joining the U.S. Air Force where he was a survival equipment specialist, working with combat controllers and pararescue. He married Betsy Fohner on July 18, 1992 in Corry, PA. Casey was a talented auto-trimmer most...