Walker-Merrick-Billings & Wolfe Billings Funeral Chapels

08/03/2026

Lawrence (LC) M Currin Sr., 78, Villisca, Iowa

A graveside service for LC will be held August 11th, 11 am at Arlington Cemetery. Please make the memorials to the Page County Conservation, 2039 US Hwy 71, Clarinda, IA 51632, designate in the memo section where you would like your money to go.

Lawrence Melvin Currin Sr., known to most as LC, passed away on August 3, 2026, in Villisca, Iowa, after a courageous battle with cancer.

LC was born on November 24, 1947, in Clarinda, Iowa, and he spent his life building, fixing, helping, and laughing his way through the years. He was the kind of man who could look at a problem, size it up, and have it halfway solved before most people had finished explaining it. Handy was not just a word that fit him. It was practically a family title. He worked in carpentry and the trades for many years, and later he was employed by Southwest Sanitation. If there was a job to do, LC would do it. If there was a joke to tell, he would probably improve it.

He was also a man who knew how to enjoy life without making a big speech about it. He loved fishing, and he appreciated the kind of quiet that only a good fishing spot can provide. He enjoyed genealogy, which suited a man who understood that family mattered and that names, stories, and memories were worth preserving. He also loved joke telling, and anyone who knew him knows that he never missed a chance to get a grin, a groan, or both. LC had a friendly way about him that made people feel welcome, and his funny nature meant that no gathering stayed too serious for too long.

LC is survived by his sons, Paul Stiverson and Brenda, Terry Currin and Brenda, and LC Currin and Carrie, as well as his daughters, Michelle Stiverson and Betty Stiverson. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Tanya Gaunt and Curt, Tabitha O'Neill, Tiffany O'Neill, and Tracy O'Neill and Megan. He leaves behind 25 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Phillip Currin and Russell Currin, and his sisters, Annie McCuen, Sandra Morgan, and Letha Holloway.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Currin; his brothers, Clyde Currin in infancy, Bob Currin, and Gordon Currin; and his sister, Betty Higgins.

Those who knew LC will remember a man who was as practical as he was playful. He could fix things, figure things out, and then tell you a story while doing it. He had the rare gift of being both useful and entertaining. He was friendly without trying too hard, funny without needing an audience, and handy in a way that made him the person people hoped was nearby when something broke, jammed, or refused to cooperate. Though his passing leaves a deep loss, the memories he created will keep his voice, his laughter, and his spirit close. LC lived a life marked by hard work, family, and the kind of humor that can carry people through ordinary days and difficult ones alike. He will be remembered with love, with smiles, and with more than a few stories that start with, “You know, LC said something the other day.” That is a fitting legacy for a man who knew how to make people laugh, knew how to get things done, and knew how to leave behind a room just a little brighter than he found it

08/03/2026

Karen Larson, 77, Clarinda, IA

Funeral services for Karen will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11 am at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel, with a family visitation held the night before on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm. Burial will take place following the service at Oak Grove Cemetery, and a luncheon will follow at Calvary Baptist Church. Please make the memorials to the family.

Karen Louise Larson, known lovingly as Karen, was born on May 19, 1949, in Shenandoah, Iowa, and passed away on August 1, 2026, in Clarinda, Iowa, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, kindness, and love that touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Karen lived a life centered on family, faith, and service to others. She was a Christian woman whose gentle spirit and steadfast heart reflected the values she held dear throughout her life. Those who knew Karen will remember her as funny, loving, and selfless, a woman who could bring comfort with her presence, laughter with her humor, and strength. Her life was a blessing to her family, and her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who loved her.

Karen was united in marriage to Lesley “Biddy” Larson on December 20, 1975, and together they built a life rooted in love and devotion. To this union, three children were born: Shawn "Mike" Ribbey, Shannon Larson (John), and Jason “Jay” (Amy) Larson. Karen cherished her role as a wife and mother, and she poured her heart into caring for her family in every season of life. Her love for her children was unwavering, and she found great joy in watching their lives unfold and in celebrating the many blessings that came through them.

She was also deeply blessed by her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly and who brought great happiness to her days. Her grandchildren include Matthew “Bubba” Brown and Amber, Michael Ribbey and Cassie, Julia Harvey and Lane, Skylar “Sky” Gray and Skyler, Ashton Larson, Liberty “Libby” Larson, and Dayton Brown. Karen treasured each of them and was proud of the lives they were building. Her joy only grew with the addition of her great-grandchildren, Tucker Ribbey, Levi Ribbey, Brian Harvey, Caroline Harvey, Chandler Gray, and Kailee Brown. She held a special place in her heart for her special niece, Nicole “Nikki” Price, and Darren, and she loved her extended family and friends with the same warmth and sincerity that defined her life.

Karen was preceded in death by her infant son Terry Ribbey, her parents Truman and Mary Ribbey, her sister Sandra Richards, her brother Charles Ribbey, and her granddaughter Tascha Brown. Though her heart knew sorrow and loss, she carried on with grace and faith, trusting in God’s presence through every trial. Her strength in the face of hardship was a reflection of her deep Christian faith and her determination to remain loving and faithful no matter what life brought her.

She is survived by her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, her sisters, Shirley (Rick) Foster, Debra Taylor, and Sharon Wingert, her brother, Steven "Steve" Ribbey, and many other family members and friends who will forever hold her memory close. Karen also leaves behind a lifetime of cherished relationships, each one shaped by her kindness, her humor, and her generous heart.

Karen earned her GED and went on to live a life of hard work and dedication. She worked at Goldenrod Manor for over 20 years as a cook, where she served others faithfully and with care. Her work was more than a job, and it was an expression of her nurturing spirit. She took pride in providing for others, and her coworkers and those she served will remember her for her dependability, her warm personality, and the love she brought into the workplace each day.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were among the greatest joys of her life. She also found peace and happiness in gardening, tending to her flowers and plants with patience and care. Her collection of bears and angels reflected her gentle nature and her appreciation for the simple things that brought comfort and meaning to her home. These interests were a beautiful extension of who she was, a woman who found delight in love, beauty, and the blessings of everyday life.

Karen Louise Larson will be remembered not only for the years she lived, but for the way she lived them. She was a faithful Christian, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a treasured sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was marked by laughter, compassion, and humility, and she gave of herself freely to those around her. Though she has departed this earthly life, her spirit remains alive in the hearts of those she loved and in the countless memories she created.
May the Lord grant peace and comfort to all who mourn her passing, and may Karen rest in the eternal presence of her Savior. Her earthly journey is complete, but her love, her example, and her faith will continue to shine brightly in the lives of her family for generations to come.

07/31/2026

Kay E. Shepard, 78, Bedford, Iowa

Kay passed away at Clarinda Regional Health Center on July 31, 2026. Funeral services for Kay are Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2 pm at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel with a visitation on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm.

Kay Eileen Shepard, known to many simply as Kay, was born on November 22, 1947, in Maryville, Missouri, and passed away on July 31, 2026, in Clarinda, Iowa.

Kay lived a life marked by devotion to her family, steady friendship, and a warm spirit that touched everyone who knew her. She was the beloved wife of Charles Shepard of Bedford, Iowa, and a cherished mother to Brenda Williams of Clarinda, Iowa; Roger Shepard of Bedford, Iowa; and Jill Baril of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She was also a loving mother-in-law to Anri Baril of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Her family was the center of her world, and she found great joy in being surrounded by those she loved.

She was preceded in death by Byron Heller and Iva Heller Kempton. Kay is survived by her husband, Charles Shepard; her children, Brenda Williams, Roger Shepard, and Jill Baril; her son-in-law, Anri Baril; her brothers, Ronnie Heller of Maryville, Missouri, Gene Heller of Burlington Junction, Missouri, and Jerry Heller of Maryville, Missouri; her sister, Karen Miller of Shambaugh, Iowa; her sister-in-law, Carol Heller of Maryville, Missouri; her grandchildren, Ashley Kenagy of Maryville, Missouri, Jamal People of Baltimore, Maryland, Bianca People of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Amber Kenagy of Clarinda, Iowa; and her great-granddaughter, Annabelle Kenagy of Maryville, Missouri. She will also be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends whose lives she enriched over the years.

Kay graduated from West Nodaway in 1965 and later attended cosmetology school in St. Joseph, Missouri. She carried the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness throughout her life. For 29 years, she served as an RTW worker at the Clarinda State Hospital, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and compassionate presence. Her years of service reflected the steady character that defined her, and she took pride in contributing to the well-being of others through her work.

Kay was a Christian, and her faith was an important part of her life. It guided the way she cared for others and helped shape the loving and friendly nature for which she was so well known. She was spirited in the best sense of the word, bringing energy, humor, and warmth to the people around her. Those who knew Kay will remember her as loving, friendly, and spirited, a woman who made others feel welcome and valued.
She enjoyed going to auctions and having yard sales twice a year, pastimes that suited her lively personality and her appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. These interests gave her opportunities to connect with others, share stories, and enjoy the excitement of finding something special. She approached life with a practical spirit and a cheerful heart, and she found happiness in both everyday routines and memorable gatherings with family and friends.

Kay’s life was one of devotion, resilience, and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, siblings, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to those who mourn her passing and a reminder of the goodness she brought into the world.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Kay Shepard lived in a way that reflected those words, and her family and friends will carry her memories with enduring love and gratitude.

07/28/2026

07/23/2026

Norma J. Bramble, 95, Beemer, NE

A private burial service will be held on August 4, 2026, at Clarinda Cemetery in Clarinda, Iowa.

Norma Jean “Jeanie” Bramble was born on June 13, 1931, in Clarinda, Iowa, and passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, in West Point, Nebraska, at the age of 95.

Jeanie was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend whose kindness, grace, and unwavering love touched countless lives. She graduated from cosmetology school in Kansas City, Kansas, and later worked for Hallmark, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for beautiful cards, thoughtful gifts, and elegant presentation—qualities that became hallmarks of her own life.

In 1980, Jeanie moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, with her sister Marilyn, brother-in-law Ernest “Gip” Gibson, and Aunt Peggy Payne. For the next twenty years, she created treasured family memories through beach vacations, holiday gatherings, and adventures shared with those she loved. She especially enjoyed caring for African violets with Aunt Peggy and never missed an opportunity to celebrate family milestones with heartfelt cards and carefully wrapped gifts.

In 2000, Jeanie returned to the Midwest and built a custom home in Beemer, Nebraska, where family gatherings became a cherished tradition. She loved movies, cheering on her favorite teams—the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Iowa Hawkeyes—and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and her beloved cat, Muffy.

Jeanie will be remembered for her generous spirit, impeccable style, attention to detail, and love of the color pink. Her home was always welcoming, with favorite snacks on hand, fresh coffee ready, and a warm place for conversation around the breakfast nook. Coffee, toast, and Bramble honey became a treasured family tradition.

She is survived by her son, Kerry Bramble; her niece, Sherree Clinton; 10 grandchildren and their spouses; 12 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Clarence Omer “Omer” Willison; her son, Mike Bramble; her brother, Vernon Willison; her sister, Marilyn Gibson; her brother-in-law, Ernest “Gip” Gibson; her aunt, Peggy Payne; her daughters-in-law, Bonnye and Marcia Bramble; and her great-grandson, Nicholas Medina.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family is grateful for the many years and memories they shared with her. Her love and presence will live on in family gatherings, warm cups of coffee, and walks along the beach.

07/23/2026

Maridee S. Pruitt, 83, Clarinda, Iowa

Maridee Sue Pruitt, known to family and friends as Maridee, passed away on July 20, 2026, in Clarinda, Iowa, at the age of 83.

Maridee was born on October 3, 1942, in Akron, Colorado, to a family rooted in the values of hard work, faith, and community. She was the youngest of four children and grew up on a working cattle ranch outside of Akron, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for the livestock industry and the rural way of life. Her early years were shaped by the wide-open spaces of Colorado, the responsibilities of ranch life, and the close bonds of family that remained important to her throughout her life.

After graduating from Akron High School, Maridee continued her education at a business college in Denver, where she earned a degree. Her commitment to learning did not end there. In her sixties, she returned to college and earned an associate degree in computer science at Iowa Western Community College. Her determination to keep growing and learning was a reflection of the spirited and friendly nature that those who knew her best will always remember.

Maridee was married to Frank Pruitt in February of 1964, and together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community. They later moved to Elmo, Missouri, where they raised their family and created many cherished memories. Frank passed away on October 28, 2011, and Maridee carried his memory with her in the years that followed. Their marriage was a lasting part of her life story, and the family they built together remained one of her greatest blessings.

She was the proud mother of four children, Tori, Jeff, Marc, and Tiffany. Maridee also loved her extended family deeply and is survived by her brothers Rod and Dan, and her sister Connie Gray. Family meant everything to Maridee, and she treasured the many relationships that surrounded her throughout her life.

Maridee had a strong interest in the livestock industry and remained active in many groups connected to her home and community. She was a member of the Junior Colorado Cattlemen Association and attended her first cattlemen convention in 1948. She was also active in 4-H, where she earned many first-place honors, reserve championships, champion titles, and beef showmanship awards. In addition to her accomplishments with livestock, she received many awards with her horses as well. Her love for animals, especially horses, was one of the defining joys of her life.

Some of Maridee’s favorite memories were the quiet mornings spent riding her horse across the open Colorado fields. Those moments reflected her love of freedom, nature, and the simple beauty of rural life. She carried that same appreciation for the outdoors and for hard work into every season of her life. Her spirit was lively, her presence warm, and her friendship genuine. She was spirited and friendly, and she made an impression on those around her through her kindness, energy, and steadfast character.

Maridee will be remembered for the life she lived with strength and grace, for the family she loved so dearly, and for the many ways she contributed to the communities she called home. Her legacy lives on in her children, her grandchildren, her siblings, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she is no longer with us, her memory will remain a lasting source of comfort and inspiration to those who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Mina Alt of Akron, Colorado; husband Frank Pruitt of Braddyville, IA; and sister-in-law Peggy Andrews of TX.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Tori and husband Tim Rightsell of Clarinda IA. Jeff and wife Julie Pruitt of Breda IA. Marc Pruitt, Maryville, MO; Tiffany Pruitt and husband Ryan Fahey of Clarinda, IA; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers Rod Alt of AZ and Dan Alt of CO, and sister Connie Gray of CO, along with nieces, nephews’ other family, and friends.

"Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all"

07/06/2026

Joyce Martin, 89, Clarinda, IA
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 12 pm at Walker-Merrick-Billings Funeral Chapel with a visitation 2 hours prior from 10 am to 12 pm. There will be a luncheon with fellowship to immediately follow the service in the lunchroom at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials can be made to the family to be designated at a later time.

Joyce Elaine Martin was born on August 18, 1936, in Hepburn, Iowa, and passed away on July 3, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 89.

Joyce lived a life marked by kindness and steady strength as a loving, wise, and funny woman whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. Joyce cherished the friendships she formed throughout her life, always making time for family, friends, and members of her community.

She graduated from Clarinda High School and later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Buena Vista Community College. Education was important to Joyce, and she valued learning as a lifelong pursuit. Her work reflected her commitment to helping others, and she devoted 25 years of service to the Page County Drug and Alcohol Agency before retiring. Through her years there, she made a meaningful difference in the lives of many and was respected for her dedication and compassion.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Letha Williams, three brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her children, Lee Ann Martin, Susan Savala, Brett Martin, Tracy Larson, Robin Pirtle, and David Martin. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great pride and joy to her. Joyce especially loved spending time with her grandkids, and those moments with her family were among the happiest of her life. Her love for them was constant, and her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched through her care, encouragement, and example.

As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Joyce made others feel valued, loved, and remembered. Her life was a blessing to those who knew her, and her memory will remain a source of comfort and gratitude for all who were fortunate enough to share in it.

07/06/2026

Reba A. Maxwell, 100, Villisca, Iowa

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10 am at the United Methodist Church in Villisca, IA, with a visitation one hour prior, from 9 am to 10 am. Burial will take place at Guss Cemetery following the service, and a luncheon will be held at the United Methodist Church basement following the burial. Memorials can be made to the United Methodist Church of Villisca, Villisca EMS, or Care Initiatives Hospice.

Reba Anne (Schrader) Maxwell, 100, of Villisca, passed away Thursday, July 2nd, at the Villisca Good Samaritan Society. Reba was born December 16th, 1925, in Cass County near Griswold, Iowa, to Henry and Gladys (Mullen) Schrader. Reba attended Sunnyside Country School and then went to work for neighbors, as well as at home. Her family was active in St. John’s Church near Lyman, where her sister Eulah and she would sing when they were young. They also sang at community events. Eulah played the guitar, and Reba played the ukulele. Later, Reba would play the guitar and sing with friends.

Reba married Gerald Maxwell on June 30, 1945, in Clarinda, Iowa, while he was serving in the Air Force during WWII. She went with him to Luke Field near Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was training to be a pilot. While there she worked in the commissary. Gerald was then sent to St. Louis, Illinois, and Reba worked in a major’s home caring for their young daughter. They remained there until Gerald was discharged.

They then moved back to Iowa, where they lived on a farm northeast of Villisca. They later moved three miles northeast of Guss. It was there that they were blessed with three boys: Dennis in 1947, Doug in 1950, and Dallas in 1955. In 1960, they moved to a farm southeast of Nodaway and lived there until 1996, when they moved to Villisca. While Gerald farmed, Reba raised chickens and a large garden for their food and helped with chores. She served on many church committees and worked with youth groups. Reba enjoyed belonging to neighborhood clubs, card clubs, saddle clubs, and square and line dance clubs. The family did a lot of water-skiing and boating with neighbors. She enjoyed volunteering at the Good Samaritan Center, helping in the craft department. Reba did a lot of sewing, embroidering, crocheting, and quilting. She was kept very busy raising three boys and keeping up with their activities and was always there when they needed her. They did lots of things as a family, and in their later years, she and Gerald enjoyed traveling on bus tours. She made scrapbooks and photo albums for her grandchildren and many of her great-grandchildren, as well as quilts for each of them until her eyes wouldn’t allow her to sew any longer. She especially enjoyed making neck pillows to give away, making over 200 of them. She faithfully attended water exercise classes in Clarinda, beginning in the early 1980s and going until she was well into her 80s.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gerald, son Dennis, mother and father-in-law Florence and Walter Maxwell, siblings: Cecil and wife Marjorie Schrader, Kendall and wife Maxine Schrader, Darrell and wife Delores Schrader, Eulah and husband Max Steffen, Avis Schrader (passed away at the age of three months); brother-in-law Jay and wife Susie Grace Maxwell, and sisters-in-law: Jean and husband Cecil Schaffer and Joan and husband Victor Blume.

Reba is survived by sons: Doug and wife Shirley, Dallas and wife Gail; daughter-in-law Linda Maxwell; grandchildren: Kimberly Maxwell and husband Jason Radke, Bret and wife Kim Maxwell, Melissa and husband Rich Falkenstien, Michelle Birt and Howard Luscan, Ryan and wife Lacey Maxwell; great-grandchildren: Alexis and Kinzie Maxwell; Hunter Radke; Erin and husband Tyler Hamilton; Luke, Trace and Jaci Falkenstien; Cody Birt and fiancé Ashley Kahler; Ally Birt; Rylan, Copelan and Langston Maxwell; great-great-grandchildren: Paxton and Paisley Hamilton; along with an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

06/29/2026

Gary Skodak, 72, Clarinda, IA

Gary Charles Skodak was born on September 5th, 1953, in Chelsea, Michigan, and sadly passed on June 22nd, 2026, in Shenandoah, Iowa, surrounded by family. Growing up on North Lake, he took to fishing and golfing from an early age, which blossomed into lifelong passions. He could be found on lakes, rivers, and even the ocean, fishing in all weather for anything from bluegill to marlin. His love of golfing could be felt into his golden years with his desire to tee off daily. He was also an avid supporter of the Michigan Wolverines and would often have a rivalry with his wife, who is a Spartans fan.

A graduate of Chelsea High School, class of 1972, he went on to work at NSK from 1976 to 2023. Although he was never able to further his academic education, he was proud to further his working education by doing cross-training at NSK’s home of Japan, which he was proud to have been able to do. A big passion in the life of Gary’s was cars, whether it was fixing them, walking classic car shows, or when he used to race his prized 1969 Plymouth Road Runner on a quarter-mile track. One other passion he wished he could have done more of was woodworking and carpentry, which he was a very skilled craftsman at.

After his retirement, he spent his days with his family and his dogs Cooper and Tyson. Though his sickness weakened his body, it never dampened his spirit or passion, and he was always quick with jokes and lessons learned from a life well lived.

He is survived by loving wife Maryann "Nana" Skodak with whom he spent 30 wonderful years raising their family together, daughter Ashley Holbrook, grandon Landen Varney, grandon Trenton Cole, grandson Christopher Cole jr, daughter Jessica Bommer, grand daughter Taylor Comstock, grand daughter Hailey “Bailey” Comstock, grandson Jaden James Comstock, son-in-law Michael Dodds, daughter Samantha Bommer, grand daughter Alexandria Frey, grandson Colton Frey, son-in-law Joseph Woodruff, grandson Kolby Woodruff, son Brandon Bommer, grandson Abraham Bommer, grandson Cyrus Bommer, daughter-in-law Diana Bommer, daughter Nicole “Nikki” Skodak, grand daughter Laurel Wilson, grandson Emmett Wilson, grand daughter Layla Wilson, grand daughter Lillie Wilson, as well as expecting two grandchildren and one great grandson. He is also survived by his siblings Mike Skodak, Marti Novess, and Tony Skodak.

Gary was preceded in his passing by his father, Frank Skodak; mother, Agnus Skodak; brother, Daniel Skodak; and son-in-law, Mike Holbrook. These losses were felt as much by him as his passing is felt by those still with us.

In lieu of a funeral, Gary's loved ones had a memorial of life service in Clarinda, Iowa, where Gary spent his final years with his family, with another planned near his childhood home of North Lake in Chelsea to be attended by friends and family.

04/14/2026

Judith Elaine Straw, 70, Villisca, Iowa

Services for Judith will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, 11 am at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with a visitation prior from 10 - 11 am.

Memorials can made out to the Anderson Veterinary Services ~ Love Jerry Program ~ Villisca, Iowa