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Murphy Funeral Home & Monuments, 408 N Broadway Street, Mount Pleasant, IA (2026)

03/11/2026

Cynthia Ann “Cindy” (Kendall) Hillyer, 64, of Mount Pleasant passed away at her home on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Cindy was born on August 4, 1961, in Burlington, the daughter of Kenneth E. and Nina M. (Allison) Kendall. She graduated from New London High School with the class of 1979. Cindy was united in marriage to Michael Hussler, they later divorced. Cindy later married Johnnie Hillyer. Cindy was always the life of the party with her sense of humor. She loved Rock music as that was a huge part of her life for many years. Cindy had a deep love for her family, especially her nieces and nephews as she taught them to enjoy life with a sense of humor. She had a passion for cats and over the years had taken in many stray and sick cats to take care of. Cindy had a strong faith in her loving God. Cindy was employed at Collegiate Cap and Gown for many years and later at Legacy in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her sister, Carolyn (Mike) Byrum and her brother Wes (Linda) Kendall, both of Mount Pleasant, along with her loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Johnnie, her sister, Kay Kendall and a nephew, Nathan Byrum.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Open Bible Church in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Mike Johnson officiating. Private family burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery, rural Wapello. Memorials in her memory may be directed to All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter of Mount Pleasant.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Cindy.

03/02/2026

Fredrick Lee “Fred” Jewett, 78, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.

Fred was born on October 3, 1947, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Franklin C. and Geraldine E. (Slusher) Jewett. Fred graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1967 and went on to graduate from Southeastern Community College in 1969. In his younger years he played in a band called the Vagabonds. After meeting the love of his life, Pamela J. Edwards, they were united in marriage on February 14, 1970, in Mount Pleasant and had just celebrated 56 years of marriage. Fred was a tool and die maker, working for different companies such as Heatilator Goodyear, Mount Pleasant Tool Works and Design Engineering of New London. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. While working for Shop Services he had the opportunity to work on the Michael Jackson train.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Pam, of Mount Pleasant, his children, Shelly (Jim) Smith of Mount Pleasant, Chris (Missy) Jewett of New London and Steve (Debbie) Jewett of Mount Pleasant, his loving grandchildren, Alyssa (Gannon) McGuire, Jenna Smith (Will Mueller), Mahala Jewett (Daniel Brechtel), Xen Jewett (Anna Graf), Tierany (Vanessa) Jewett, Taven Jewett, Ashton Jewett, Tristan Jewett, Ethan Jewett and Serenity Jewett, his loving great grandchildren, Gracelynn McGuire and Wynonna Jewett, and his brother, Gary Jewett of Mount Pleasant, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. A memorial has been established to be determined by the family at a later time.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Fred Jewett.

02/08/2026

James Lee “Jim” Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his residence.

Jim was born on February 2, 1937, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in the class of 1956. Jim was united in marriage to Madeline Anderson on January 18, 1959, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant. Jim worked for the City of Mount Pleasant for 37 years. One could see Jim and his brother Harold at the car races most nights. He took pride in raising a large garden and keeping his yard looking perfect. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and going to his grandchildren’s events. Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Madeline, of 67 years, his children, Michael Swailes, Jane (Rob) Kinney both of Mount Pleasant and Phillip (Chris) Swailes, of Houghton, and his grandchildren, Paige (Spencer) Newman, Justin (Jade) Swailes, Jason Swailes and Jacob (Savannah Yauk) Swailes, his great grandchildren, Brantley, Piper, Beckett, Jordyn and Jaxson, his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant, along with several nieces, nephews and his sister-in-law, Alma (Kent) Bennett, of Mount Pleasant.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Robert Arthur Swailes, Harold William Swailes and a brother-in-law, David Farley.

The service of Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant with Reverend Carl Mann officiating. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. Cremation will follow the service, and burial will be held at a later date in the White Oak Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to the St. Michaels’ Episcopal Church or to Every Step Hospice in his memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Jim Swailes.

01/29/2026

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff, 71, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of the Mount Pleasant community passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Sheryl was born on May 6, 1954, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Paul F. and Virginia (Lane) Sommerfeld. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and went to further her education at Southeastern Community College graduating with a degree in Nursing. Sheryl was united in marriage to John Carhoff in August of 2011, at the Trenton United Methodist Church. Sheryl worked at the Burlington Hospital and the Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska. She retired from Home Health Care. She enjoyed crafting, gardening and her flowers, shopping and traveling.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her husband, John Carhoff, of Cedar Rapids, her sister, Charlotte (Steve) Zihlman of Mount Pleasant and her brother, Richard (Lynne) Sommerfeld of Alamo, Texas, and several nieces and nephews, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Carhoff, William (Becky) Carhoff, James (Vickie) Carhoff, Rebecca (Greg) Smith, Naomi (Steve) Lipper and Suellen Schleisman.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, Sharon Kay Hazen, and two brothers-in-law, Robert Carhoff and Brent Schleisman.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Richwood Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant with Reverend Jeffrey McPheron officiating. Following the graveside service the family will receive friends at the Trenton United Methodist Church for a time of food and fellowship.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sheryl.

01/26/2026

Sandra Prickett, 78, of Lockridge passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Montezuma Specialty Care Center.

Sandra was born on January 6, 1948, at Jefferson County Hospital, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Edith Rosabelle (McCarty) Shanholtzer. She grew up in Batavia and Van Buren County and graduated from Harmony High School. Sandra was united in marriage to Lern Elias Prickett on January 17, 1971. After 30 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on June 17, 2001.

Sandra worked at Metromail in Mount Pleasant and at Fairfield Glove. She was an active resident of the Lockridge community. She babysat neighborhood children, was a waitress at the Lockridge Café, worked at the Lockridge Elementary School as a custodian and later as a cook, as a cook at Camp Golden Valley, and drove for the Amish. Sandra was a member of the Lockridge Baptist Church where she took part in many different areas of the church. Sandra enjoyed sitting and reading a good book, knitting, playing the piano, and taking walks around Lockridge. She was very fond of her two cats, Ace and Miss Kitty.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Shannon (Vylar Kaftan) Prickett, of El Cerrito, California and Camara (Wyatt) Cosgrove, of Tama, Iowa, and her twin grandsons, Caleb and Wade Cosgrove. Sandra gained a heart full of children with the marriage to Lern, Gracie (Don) Bogart of Cedar Rapids, Phillip (Rebecca) Prickett of West Burlington, Stephen (Joyce) Prickett of Apache Junction, Arizona, Marlo Prickett of Mediapolis and Rhonda (Rod) Martin of Andover, Kansas, along with numerous bonus grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Michael Lawrence Shanholtzer and four great grandchildren.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Following the visitation, cremation will be entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home. A celebration of her life and burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in her memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sandra Prickett.

01/20/2026

Shelia Dianna Pate, 70, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home.

Shelia was born on January 14, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Verne Clark. She spent her early childhood years in Lakeland, Florida. Shelia worked at various places, including cooking at different truck stops and was a mail carrier. Shelia was united in marriage to James A. Bryant. From this union her two sons were born, James and Sean. She was married for twenty-three years before his death in October of 2015. She worked for Drs. King and Hart in Fairfield and Mount Pleasant. Shelia later moved back to Lakeland, Florida, where she married Julius Pate. Following his death she returned to Mount Pleasant.

Shelia enjoyed going on airplane rides, making jewelry, but most of all spending time with her family.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her sons, Sean Bryant and James Bryant, both of Mount Pleasant, her three grandchildren, Corey, Trinity and Jayden, and one great grandchild, Cora.

Shelia was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands and one brother, Eddie.

According to Shelia’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services are planned.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Shelia Pate.

12/18/2025

Lynn Thomas Woodruff, 79, of Salem passed away on Saturday,
December 13, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

No service will be held at this time and cremation has been
entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Lynn Woodruff.

12/13/2025

Roger Dean Ford, 85, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at his home.

Roger was born on December 30, 1939, west of Mount Pleasant on the family farm to Warren E. and Flora (Collins) Ford. He attended the Pleasant Point School and later joined the United States Air Force. After he returned from the Air Force, Roger lived in Colorado where he was united in marriage to Brenda Cureton on April 9, 1966, in Broomfield, Colorado. From this union three children were born, Rick, Becky and Ryan. They moved back to the Oakland Mills community and Roger was employed by the State of Iowa Mental Health Institute for a number of years before moving to Hood River, Oregon. While he lived there, he worked for the Hood River County Courthouse. In 1991, Roger moved back to Mount Pleasant where he began working for the Henry County Secondary Roads Department until he retired.

He enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time taking care of things on his acreage and his cattle. He always had a great sense of humor and was a devoted father. Roger met Janet Davis in 2009 and began a long-devoted friendship that led to marriage on January 1, 2023, and they spent sixteen years enjoying life together.

Those who are grateful for sharing in his life include his wife, Janet, of Mount Pleasant, his children, Rick (Susie) Ford of Wayland, Becky (Terry) Waddell of New London and Ryan (Dayna) Ford of Mount Pleasant, his grandchildren, Shanae (Adam) Condreay, Ashley (Travis) Bricker, Tiffany Ford (Travis Baker), Sawyer Burden, Chris (Shantel) Ford, Tucker Burden, Kelci Ford (Justin Carr), Brandy Bloom, Rheanna Peterson (Rocco Russo), twenty-five great grandchildren, Makynna, Xander, Bentyn, Keilan, Kinzley, Tegan, Tia, Micah, Kenadie, Briyele, Beckham, Kaiser, Leah, Naiya, Hadley, Remy, Ralyn, Lincoln, Behnsen, Blayklee, Layla, Eli, Bianca, Ophelia, & Gianna and one great great-grandchild, Jackson, his step-children, Todd (Teri) Davis of Tipton, Tresha (Mark) Schroeder of Mesa, Arizona and Tim (Pam) Davis of Long Grove, Iowa, his step-grandchildren, Levi Davis, Amanda Workman, Zach Davis, Jayden Schroeder and Lauren Schroeder and two step great-grandchildren, Ember and Jett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Marvin “Butch” Ford and Don Ford.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home and a family burial will be held at the Pleasant Point Cemetery at a later time. Memorials may be directed to Every Step Hospice in his memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Roger Ford.

12/12/2025

Michael Ray “Mike” Baxter, 72, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at his home.

Mike was born on September 21, 1953, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of James and Lois (Bauer) Baxter. Mike was united in marriage to Namora Schaefer on May 19, 1984, in Mount Pleasant. Mike owned and operated Green-Co Pest Control Business for several years. In his spare time, he enjoyed swimming and boating and drinking beer with friends and family at the cabin. He attracted dogs and kids everywhere he went. Everyone loved Mike.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife of 41 years, Namora, his step-daughter, Sonja (Mike) Ruhland, and his two grandsons, Josiah (Billie) Ruhland and Max Ruhland, along with his brothers and sisters, Jimmie (Donna) Baxter, Joe Baxter, Dianne (Chuck) Sutter, Judy (Denny) Bozarth, Greg Baxter, Lynda (Ron) Crawford, Sherry Nelson, and Brian Baxter, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Jerry Baxter, Raymond Baxter and Randy Baxter, his sister-in-law, Vivian Baxter and his brother-in-law, Mark Chrisinger.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present that evening from 4 to 7 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Mike Baxter.

12/02/2025

Harold W. Swailes, 87, of Olds passed away at his home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Harold was born on June 4, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in 1956. Harold worked at the Spahn and Rose Lumber Yard in Olds and for several local farmers before he began working for the Henry County Secondary Roads Department as a road grader retiring in 2000 after 38 years. He enjoyed hunting and trapping. He always raised a large garden and was proud to give his produce to friends and family. Over the years he has fixed many bikes for the local kids in town. He enjoyed woodworking. Most Saturday nights you would find him at the car races. Harold enjoyed spending time with his friend’s drinking coffee at the Saint Avenue Stop and most importantly spending time with his family.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Artie (Cami) Swailes of Sioux City and Treasa Swailes of Washington, his daughter-in-law, Sherry Swailes of West Chester, and his grandchildren, Ryan, Chelsey, Kenny, Alixzandra, Gabrielle and William, his great grandchildren, Kayden, Kellyn, Kemsley, Carver, Trey, Berkley, Imari, Malachi, Sophya, Athena, Paul and Caleb, his brother, James (Madeline) Swailes of Mount Pleasant and his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bruce Swailes, one grandson, Brandon Swailes, two great grandsons, Isaiah Swailes and Ryan Schafer, his brother, Robert Arthur Swailes and a brother-in-law, Dave Farley.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Steve English officiating. Burial will follow in the Grant Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa SIDS Foundation or to Hospice Compassus in his memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Harold Swailes.

11/26/2025

Richard Lewis (Rick) Van Winkle, 76, of Mount Pleasant, entered heaven on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City.

Rick was born on June 30, 1949, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Lewis M. and Hazel M. (Heise) Van Winkle. He grew up on a farm four miles west of Houghton. He attended the Hillsboro Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized.
Rick attended Hillsboro Elementary and Harmony Community Schools before moving to Burlington, where he graduated from Burlington High School in 1967. He entered the United States Army on September 17, 1970. He requested training in electronics and served with the 552nd Military Police Company during the Vietnam War. Rick was honorably discharged on April 20, 1972. He was united in marriage to Becky A. Swailes on February 15, 1975, at Forest Lake Baptist Camp south of Ottumwa.

Rick farmed with his cousin in the Houghton area for a couple of years before moving to Mount Pleasant, where he was employed with Motorola, later Celestica, for over 33 years. He served as director of the Henry County Veterans Affairs Office for six years and was also active in local politics, serving as co-chair of the Henry County Republican Party. He was a member of Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant.

Rick took great joy in his family, especially in the many trips they took together while the boys were young. His grandchildren were a particular delight to him. Rick’s faith in Jesus Christ was of supreme importance in his life and shaped the way he loved and served others.

Rick enjoyed canoeing, wood carving and whittling, hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. He loved spending time at car shows and cruising in his 1951 Ford, which his grandmother had purchased new. Rick enjoyed cooking for family and friends and was famous for his homemade ice cream and his great-grandma’s coffee cake. He sang in the Happy Memories Group and presented Vietnam War programs in area schools. Rick and Becky were blessed with the opportunity to travel to many places, including Israel, Alaska, and Holland.

Those thankful for sharing in Rick’s life include his wife of 50 years, Becky; his son, Dan (Kira) Van Winkle of Ottumwa; his daughter-in-law, Kristin Van Winkle of Washington; his beloved grandchildren, Madison, Lincoln, Quincy, Grady and Cooper; his sister, Cheryl Bell of Houghton; his brother-in-law, Rex Swailes of Mount Pleasant; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dr. James L. Van Winkle; his brother, Alan Van Winkle; and his brother-in-law, Richard Bell.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant, with Reverend Monte Knudsen officiating. Burial, with military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard, will be in Forest Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to Cradle of Hope in his memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Rick Van Winkle.

11/11/2025

Ronald Lee Hamann, 64, of Mount Pleasant and formerly of Morning Sun passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center in Mount Pleasant.

Ron was born on July 3, 1961, in Burlington, the son of Edward and Helen (Kenney) Hamann. Ron had various jobs throughout his life and was a very talented artist and enjoyed reading. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Alicia Parker and her children, Daryl and Aubry, of Lockridge, Nathan Hamann and his family and Mason Hamann of Cedar Rapids, his sister, Sharon Calvin of Texas, along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his life partner, Audrey Dilks and one brother, Scott Hamann.

According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services are planned at this time.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Ron Hamann.

Murphy Funeral Home & Monuments

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