LeRette Funeral Chapel, Inc.

LeRette Funeral Chapel, Inc. We are a full service funeral home.

Ruby Ruth Houtchens, age 95, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red ...
04/21/2026

Ruby Ruth Houtchens, age 95, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak. Ruby was born April 28, 1930, in Missouri, the daughter of William and Ethel (Johnson) Blay. The family moved to Atlantic, Iowa when Ruby was very young and later Red Oak, Iowa. Ruby was united in marriage to Clifford J. “Cliff” Houtchens on December 9, 1950, in Red Oak, Iowa. They made their home in Red Oak. Over the years, Ruby worked for Union Carbide, Red Oak Greenhouse, and CDS. She also had an antique store and helped Cliff in his automobile business. Ruby loved spending time with family, going to auctions and flea markets, antiquing, taking care of her yard and flowers, and tending to her tomatoes and green beans.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son: Danny Houtchens; husband: Clifford Houtchens; brothers: Billy Blay; Raymond Blay; Frank Blay; Larry Blay; and Robert Blay; and sisters: Esther Russ and Marie Fox; and many in-laws. Survivors include her daughter: Cindy Smith and husband Scott of Red Oak; grandson: Justin Johnson of Red Oak; sister: Janie Elwood of Red Oak; sisters-in-law: Dolores Blay of Red Oak; Judy Blay of Villisca, IA; Carolyn Blay of Red Oak; and Liz Houtchens of Emerson, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, April 24, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

04/21/2026

Ruby Ruth Houtchens, age 95, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak. Ruby was born April 28, 1930, in Missouri, the daughter of William and Ethel (Johnson) Blay. The family moved to Atlantic, Iowa when Ruby was very young and later Red Oak, Iowa. Ruby was united in marriage to Clifford J. “Cliff” Houtchens on December 9, 1950, in Red Oak, Iowa. They made their home in Red Oak. Over the years, Ruby worked for Union Carbide, Red Oak Greenhouse, and CDS. She also had an antique store and helped Cliff in his automobile business. Ruby loved spending time with family, going to auctions and flea markets, antiquing, taking care of her yard and flowers, and tending to her tomatoes and green beans.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son: Danny Houtchens; husband: Clifford Houtchens; brothers: Billy Blay; Raymond Blay; Frank Blay; and Robert Blay; and sisters: Esther Russ and Marie Fox; and many in-laws. Survivors include her daughter: Cindy Smith and husband Scott of Red Oak; grandson: Justin Johnson of Red Oak; sister: Janie Elwood of Red Oak; sisters-in-law: Dolores Blay of Red Oak; Judy Blay of Villisca, IA; Carolyn Blay of Red Oak; and Liz Houtchens of Emerson, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, April 24, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

F. Lynn (Okie) Adams, 94 of Red Oak, passed away peacefully at his home on April 10, 2026, in the presence of family and...
04/13/2026

F. Lynn (Okie) Adams, 94 of Red Oak, passed away peacefully at his home on April 10, 2026, in the presence of family and friends.

Lynn was born in Villisca, Iowa on December 13, 1931, to parents Gertrude and Robert D. Adams. He proudly graduated from Red Oak High School in 1949 where he participated in football and track. After attending junior college in Red Oak, Lynn enrolled at Northwest Missouri State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in English/Theater in 1953. On the day of his graduation, he also married his wife of 64 years, Jacquelyne (Jacky) Louise Donaldson.

In 1953 he was drafted into the Korean war where he did boot camp and leadership training at Fort Riley, Kansas and then was assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia as a unit supply specialist and was honorable discharged in 1955. It was in 1956 that Lynn began his teaching career in Lineville, Iowa. In the summer of that year the superintendent of Red Oak Schools called and offered him a job. What followed was a 38-year career in education.

After acquiring his Masters’ degree in English in 1958, he became the primary English instructor at Red Oak Community High School. He was also the head of the Speech and Drama Department directing plays, coaching debate and acting as the sponsor of the annual yearbook, The Pep, publication. He retired from teaching in 1994.

Lynn’s conservative estimates of his 39-year career included 19 years of directing 38 plays encompassing over 3,000 hours of rehearsals and 152 performances, 30 years and over 120 speech contest, 21 years as yearbook sponsor, 15 years as the debate coach and almost 48,000 hours of classroom instruction educating over 4,500 Red Oak graduates. His legacy is the number of students who pursued professional careers in photography, media relations, dramatic arts and education.

Lynn’s other distinct passion and hobby was with fi****ms. Starting at the early age of ten, he bought his first shotgun which started a lifetime of collecting and selling guns of all types and calibers. As a registered dealer with the Department of Alcohol, To***co and Fi****ms he attended 25-30 gun shows a year for over 45 years. Before Google (BG), Lynn became the “go to” person for other dealers and customers to find out the history, value and repair of all types of rifles and pistols. The camaraderie and fraternity of his fellow dealers and friends brought him special joy throughout his life.

In the later years, you could find Lynn working on the many restoration and reclamation projects of historical properties in Red Oak alongside his wife, who led the endeavors. The historic restoration of the Red Oak Depot was his most personally rewarding project and a deep point of pride.

Thousands of hours of volunteer time and monetary contributions by Jacky and Lynn, Cliff and Sheryl Racine, George and Pat Maher, and other family and friends were contributed through the seven years it took to save and preserve this historic landmark which now houses the World War II Museum honoring the contributions of our Mongomery County Veterans of Company’s M&F of the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Red Bull division.

Lynn is survived by his sons, Steve (Lynn) Adams of Red Oak, IA Jack (Frederique) of Jablines, France and daughter Shelley of Red Oak, IA and friend Janine Gering of Red Oak, IA; grandchildren Clayton Adams of Omaha, NE., Allison Adams (Kris) of Red Oak, IA, Ben Adams (Jordyn) of Essex, IA, Wren (Nick) Norgaard of Crosby, MN, Ames Jones of Seattle, WA, Floyd and Myles Adams of Jablines, FR and great grandchildren, Jack Riley Adams, Adelynn Cabezas-Adams and Lenora Norgaard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Robert Dean, wife Jacky Adams, and sisters Patricia (Pat) Maher and Roberta Burgus. The family would like to give special thanks to Paige Eubank and the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care of Lynn over the last three months.

Lynn specifically requested that no special services be held on his behalf and that memorials instead should be directed to Save Our Depot, Inc. at 305 S. Second Street, Red Oak, Iowa, 51566.

LeRette Funeral Chapel has overseen all arrangements.

Arlene Irene Raines, age 84, of Stanton, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2026, at the Accura Healthcare of Stanto...
04/01/2026

Arlene Irene Raines, age 84, of Stanton, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2026, at the Accura Healthcare of Stanton, Iowa. Arlene was born July 19, 1941, in Villisca, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence Charles McCuen, Sr. and Elsie Pearl (Pierson) McCuen. She attended school at Nodaway and later received her GED. Later in life Arlene went to Southwestern Community College where she received secretarial and computer training. She was united in marriage to Marvin Raines on February 5, 1958, in Villisca, Iowa. They lived all their married life in southwest Iowa. Arlene was currently residing at Accura Healthcare of Stanton, Iowa and was a member of the resident council board. Over the years, she worked at Goldenrod Nursing Home in Clarinda, Iowa, and the Villisca Good Samaritan Society. She was an aide and cooked. She also spent several years as a waitress. Arlene loved watching birds, especially hummingbirds, feeding birds, and tending to her flowers. She was an avid reader and sports fan, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. Arlene treasured her time as “Grandma” and was known to always have candy for their time together.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marvin Raines; all her siblings; daughter: Annette Raines Davis; and granddaughters: Alicia Jones; Belinda Rolenc; and Christa Ganley Doherty. Survivors include her children: Gloria Compton and husband Kip of Edwards, Missouri; Jeff Raines of Guss, Iowa; Marsha Jones and husband Bruce of Stanton, Iowa; Teresa Ganley and husband Scott of Guss, Iowa; and Dee Rolenc and husband Steve of Tucson, Arizona; 14 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 AM Friday, April 3, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Nodaway Cemetery in Nodaway, Iowa.

LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.

Judith Anne (Roberts) Kunze, age 78, of Griswold, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her home in Griswold, ...
04/01/2026

Judith Anne (Roberts) Kunze, age 78, of Griswold, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her home in Griswold, surrounded by her family. Judi was born October 18, 1947, in Greenfield, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Dorothy Roberts.

Throughout her life, Judi was known for her strength, independence and straightforward nature. She worked hard, cared deeply for her family, and approached life with determination. Though she rarely spoke of it, she was exceptionally generous, quietly helping others and supporting causes she believed I without seeking recognition. She found joy in growing flowers, cooking and sharing her food with neighbors and friends, and she had a lifelong love of reading.

Judi is survived by her children: Mitch (Sonia) Kunze and Tami (Joe) Haffner; grandsons: Keatis (Olivia) Kunze and Clayton Haffner; sister: Marjorie (Lewis) Boucher; brother: Richard Roberts; nephew: Mark (Kelly) Boucher; niece: Lea Anne (Rob) Peterson; many great nieces and nephew; her beloved dog and loyal companion, Rennie; other relatives and many friends.

In accordance with Judi’s wishes there will be no services.

LeRette Funeral Chapel, of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Tommy Odel “Tom” Bates, age 66, of Macedonia, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his home. Tom was born May...
03/26/2026

Tommy Odel “Tom” Bates, age 66, of Macedonia, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his home. Tom was born May 26, 1959, in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of James and Joyce (Keast) Bates. He was raised on a farm near Oakland, Iowa, and graduated from Oakland High School in 1978. He worked in the construction business all his life in the Southwest Region of Iowa. Tom was united in marriage to Linda Querry Stoural in 1991 and they made their home in Macedonia, Iowa. This is when he started his own construction business called Homeside. Tom enjoyed his carpentry work and loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman who loved going to Minnesota, especially the boundary waters. Tom enjoyed camping, hunting, riding bikes, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Tom’s faith in Jesus Christ was very important to him, and he was a longtime member of the Fellowship Church in Oakland. He loved his church family, where he was very active in teaching God’s Word and met with individuals to offer wisdom, encouragement, and guidance.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother: Bruce Weaver. Survivors include his wife: Linda Bates of Macedonia, IA; children: Andrew Bates and wife Katie of Sandpoint, ID; Branden Stoural and wife Kelsi of Ord, NE; and Kimberly Chupp and husband Kris of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren: Wilder, Scout, Rueger, Golden, and Bluebelle Bates of Sandpoint, ID; Joshua, Elijah, and Isaac Stoural of Ord, NE; and Harvie Chupp of Bozeman, MT; sister: Beverly Simonton and husband Kelly of Atlantic, IA; brother: Scott Bates and wife Linda of Minneapolis, MN; brother-in-law: Gary Querry and wife Linda of Red Oak, IA; sister-in-law: Nancy Roed and husband Dave of Burlington, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Services will be held Monday, March 30, 2026, at Fellowship Church as follows: visitation from 10am – 11am with funeral to start at 11am. A luncheon will follow the service at the church and then a procession to the Macedonia Cemetery for burial. Memorials are suggested to the Macedonia Fire Department.

LeRette Funeral Chapel, of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Classic & TimelessGarland Eugene "Gary" Gillespie, 85, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away on March 17, 2026. Born on Fe...
03/23/2026

Classic & Timeless

Garland Eugene "Gary" Gillespie, 85, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away on March 17, 2026. Born on February 13, 1941, in Red Oak, Iowa, to Floyd and Blanche Gillespie. Gary grew up with a stubborn streak, a sharp wit, and a work ethic that never quit.

Gary graduated from Coburg High School in 1959. He was a great student and excelled in basketball and baseball while attending Coburg High. Gary proudly served in the Red Oak National Guard, carrying with him a sense of duty and discipline that shaped the rest of his life. He was an extremely hard worker and never one to sit idle when there was something to be done. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Elaine Enarson Gillespie, and together they built a family and a lifetime of memories.

Anyone who knew Gary knew he was funny, often hilarious. He was always ready with a joke or a scheme to keep people on their toes. Gary enjoyed reading, photography, and history. His family history was very important to him, and he always enjoyed talking about it. He was also a man of strong opinions, and he wasn't shy about sharing them. When Gary set his mind to something, his determination made it happen, plain and simple. He was always up for a challenge.

Outside of work, Gary was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved nothing more than being outdoors. He had a real passion for hunting turkeys and enjoyed the challenge. Gary loved his dogs and always had one around. Whether it be a bird hunting dog or one of his many companion dogs, all named “Burt”. Gary was also a devoted sports fan. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandchildren play sports and was always ready for an action shot with camera in hand. Gary was also a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan who followed the men’s and women’s basketball team and football team with enthusiasm. As an Iowa season football ticket holder for over 20 plus years, if the Hawkeyes were playing, Gary was watching.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Enarson Gillespie; his parents, Floyd and Blanche Gillespie; and his brother, Dennis Gillespie.

He is survived by his children Craig (Renee) Gillespie of Omaha, NE; Karla (Mark) Fay of Iowa City, IA; Scott (Jill) Gillespie of North Liberty, IA; grandchildren Madison, Rylee, Gavin and Jaxson; his siblings, Joyce (Phil) Kennon of Red Oak, IA; Judy Kay Meyers of

Littleton, CO; his sister-in-law Diane Gillespie of Omaha, NE. Gary leaves behind a family who will miss his laughter, his stubbornness, and his unwavering presence.

In Gary's own words: "See you another day, going another way, ain't got time to play, that's all I have to say."

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa, with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Arlington Cemetery.

LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Rylan Connor Mirts, age 17, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at University of Nebraska Medical...
03/22/2026

Rylan Connor Mirts, age 17, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Rylan was born January 30, 2009, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Kaleb and Heather (Ballinger) Mirts. He was a Junior at Red Oak Community High School where he participated in wrestling in his younger years and was very active currently in the National FFA Organization, serving as the treasurer. In addition to his school activities, Rylan was a hard worker. He was a skilled mechanic who worked in the family business with his father, Kaleb, helped his grandpa, Kevin, with livestock, and worked for Joe Lydon in the seed business. Rylan enjoyed riding his four-wheeler, taking his truck to truck shows, photography, was a TikToker, and was his little sister, Bristol’s, number one supporter going to all her dance activities. He was known for his wonderful senses of humor and his fun-loving spirit.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother: Gail Mirts and his great grandmother: Phyllis Norris. Survivors include his parents: Kaleb and Heather Mirts of Red Oak; brothers: Kyler and Blayke Mirts of Red Oak; sister: Bristol Mirts of Red Oak; grandparents: Kevin Mirts and Alicia Royer of Red Oak; Ron Ballinger and wife Denise of Stanton, IA; and Brenda Vanderpool and husband Terry of Red Oak; great grandparents: Gene and Beverly Mirts of Red Oak; and Ron Ballinger and wife Barb of Corning, IA; many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life funeral will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, March 27, 2026, at LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, March 26, 2026, at LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the family.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Rodger Larry Wollenhaupt, age 74, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Bedford Specialty Care Ce...
03/17/2026

Rodger Larry Wollenhaupt, age 74, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Bedford Specialty Care Center in Bedford, Iowa. Rodger was born November 17, 1951, in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of Burton and Luella (Steiber) Wollenhaupt. Rodger grew up in Elliott, Iowa, where he excelled as a little league pitcher and loved fishing and taking swimming lessons. He graduated from Griswold High School in 1970. During his junior high and high school years, Rodger worked for Laird Mobile Station, ran two paper routes, and mowed yards. After high school, he was drafted into the United States Army. Rodger served stateside in Texas working in the motor pool where he was a skilled mechanic. Upon his return to Elliott, from his years of service, he was a painter working with his dad and worked for area farmers. He was united in marriage to Kristin Williams on December 12, 1987, in Red Oak, Iowa, at the Nazarene Church. Rodger worked for NSK in Clarinda, Iowa, for 5 years, drove a semi for Viner’s Trucking of Emerson, Iowa, and retired after many years of service from Red Oak Greenhouse. He was good natured and loved joking with his friends and customers. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, taking the bird for rides in the truck, and cruising in the convertible. He attended First Covenant Church and was a former member of the Red Oak Eagles Lodge.

Preceding him in death were his parents. Survivors include his wife: Kris Wollenhaupt of Red Oak, Iowa; daughter: Sherri Turner and husband Tracy of Elliott., Iowa; grandchildren: Trevor Weil and Jeffrey Weil of Dallas, Texas, and Kristie Stell of Dallas, Texas; great grandchildren: Preston Stonecipher, Elliott Weil, and Faithlyn, Paisley, Raelee, and Rylee Stell; brothers: Lee Wollenhaupt of Red Oak, Iowa, and Bill Wollenhaupt and wife Wendy of Red Oak, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life funeral will be held at 1 PM Friday, March 20, 2026, at the First Covenant Church in Red Oak. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in rural Clarinda, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel.

LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arranggements.

Mary Lou McCunn, age 93, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Linwood Estates in Glenwood, Iowa.  ...
03/17/2026

Mary Lou McCunn, age 93, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Linwood Estates in Glenwood, Iowa. Mary Lou was born June 29, 1932, in Elliott, Iowa, the daughter of William Ryan “Billy” and Edith “Lucile” (DeVoss) England. She graduated from Griswold High School in 1949. Mary Lou started her working career at Thomas D. Murphy Co until 1955. During this time, she was united in marriage to Ellis McCunn on October 11, 1953, in Elliott, Iowa. Through the years, Mary Lou worked many jobs including secretary for Vernon P. Long, Attorney, McCunn Construction, and Medicine Chest. She spent time raising her children while they were in school, as family was the most important part of her life. She was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader and never missed any of her children’s events. Mary Lou was a founding member of the Tag-a-long Booster Club and spent many hours at school functions. She had a fondness for music and the fine arts and was musically inclined herself. She, along with her brother, BJ England, and other family members, played in the Route 48 Band for many years. Even when she was in high school, she played for a dance band traveling all over southwest Iowa. Mary Lou also enjoyed crafts, and playing games. Her favorites were Othello and Chinese Checkers.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband: Ellis McCunn; son: Patrick McCunn, brother: BJ England; and sister: Laura Mae Reimer. Survivors include her daughters: Susan Peters and husband Craig of Glenwood, Iowa and Nancy Behrens and husband Rick of Red Oak, Iowa; grandchildren: Seth Peters of Chaska, Minnesota; Jace Peters and wife Kelsey of Omaha, Nebraska; Katie Peters of Glenwood, Iowa; Allison Mann and husband Aaron of Kenosha, WI; and Sarah Allen and husband Quinn of Atlantic, Iowa; great grandchildren: Xander Markut, Paxtyn Peters, Broox Peters, Lou Peters, and Nellie Peters; sisters-in-law: Ardell McCunn of Massena, Iowa; Diane McCunn of Orion, Illinois; and Becky Taylor of Rockford, Illinois; many nieces, nephews, and other relative and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held 10:30 AM Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation and viewing with the family will be held from 4-6 PM Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel.

LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Kevin Wayne Triplett, age 59, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the CHI Mercy He...
03/11/2026

Kevin Wayne Triplett, age 59, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the CHI Mercy Health in Corning, Iowa. Kevin was born on October 27, 1966, in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of Wayne and Evelyn (Everett) Triplett. He lived all his life in Red Oak, Iowa. He graduated from Red Oak Community High School in the class of 1985. Kevin was united in marriage to Doris Wiechman and one son was born to this union: Levi. He worked various jobs throughout the years and was a longtime member of the Red Oak Eagles Lodge.

Preceding him in death was his father: Wayne H. Triplett and his mother: Evelyn Wheeler. Survivors include his son: Levi Triplett of Red Oak, Iowa; sisters: Teresa Nelson and husband Jeff of Red Oak, Iowa, and Jessica Triplett of Red Oak, Iowa; nephews and other relatives and friends.

No services will be held at this time.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Ann Louise Collier, age 84, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Montgomery County Memorial Ho...
03/09/2026

Ann Louise Collier, age 84, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Ann was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 1, 1941, the daughter of George William and Evelyn Opal (Strom) Artherholt. She was raised in Red Oak graduating from Red Oak Community High School in 1959. Ann attended Iowa State University and returned to Red Oak on summer breaks where she met her future husband Keith Collier at Viking Lake, and they were later united in marriage on June 6, 1964, in Red Oak, Iowa. They both attended Northwest Missouri State University where Ann received her teaching degree. Ann taught for several years when she and Keith lived in Bland and later Fayette, Missouri. They adopted their daughter Cindy in 1974 and moved that same year to Columbia, Missouri, where Ann later accepted a position as Executive Secretary of the Food & Nutrition Department at the University of Missouri, from where she retired after 30 plus years of service. Keeping in line with her experience in food nutrition, Ann was always willing to help others by offering advice as to what supplements they could add to their diet. She accomplished many hours of research on the subject through her love of reading. Ann found joy worshiping at Faith Community Church, where her Christian beliefs served as a source of inspiration throughout her life. Good Samaritan Society was her most recent home where Ann made a point to socialize with fellow residents, ensuring that each person felt cared for and supported. Ann enjoyed spending time with her cats, watching birds, and reading. Ann was a former member of PEO.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband: Keith Collier; and brother: Bruce Artherholt. Survivors include her daughter: Cindy Lopez and husband Hector of Fulton, MO; grandchildren: Kyle Crites and wife Summer of Centralia, MO; Dominique Crites of Columbia, MO; and Liliana Lopez of Fulton, MO; great grandchildren: Kayden and Sunni Crites of Centralia, MO; and Serenity and Vance Headd of Columbia, MO; brother: Dr. Bill Artherholt and wife Alice of Red Oak, IA; sister-in-law: Jan Artherholt of Red Oak, IA; nieces: Amy Hurst and husband Tommy of Gretna, NE; Heidi Michaelian and husband Dave of Austin, TX; and Lisa Artherholt of Red Oak, IA; nephew: Wade Artherholt and wife Tracy of Silver Thorn, CO; and many other relatives and friends.

A graveside celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa. There will be a visitation held from 10 AM until 11 AM at the LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak before processing to the cemetery.

LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

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525 E. Ratliff Road
Red Oak, IA
51566

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