Robert J. Bilyeu

August 24, 2011

Robert J. Bilyeu, 60, of Clarion, formerly of Thompson, died on  Friday, August 12, 2011, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, August 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion, with Father Nils Hernandez officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Robert John Bilyeu, was born on January 1, 1951 in Algona, to Milton and Jean (Putzstuck) Bilyeu. Robert attended the Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona and graduated in 1969. Upon graduation, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his discharge from the Navy, Robert worked a variety of jobs for Hormel, Snap On and at Sieg's Auto Parts. Most recently, Robert worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City.

Robert was very handy and loved to work on cars. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, watching old war and sci-fi movies and spending time with his family and friends. He was a well-known storyteller.

Despite his poor health in recent years, Robert never complained and was always concerned about getting back to work as soon as possible. He was an all-around good guy, willing to help anyone with anything.

Robert is survived by his four children, Allison (Clark) Christensen of Algona, Jason Bilyeu of Cedar Rapids, Melinda Bilyeu of Clarion and Patrick Bilyeu of Clarion; six grandchildren, Aaron, Caleb, Nicholas, Alexis, Jersey and Blake; his sisters, Sue Becker, Kathy Benjamin and Kris (Rick) Heintz; his brothers, Dennis Bilyeu and Bruce (Traci) Bilyeu; along with numerous other nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Randy Bilyeu.

The Ewing Funeral Home of Clarion, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.  www.ewingfh.com

Ruth F. Rovang

August 31, 2011

Ruth F. Rovang, 93, of Joice, died on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 27, at the Fertile Lutheran Church. Burial was in the Beaver Creek Lutheran Cemetery near Joice. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given in her memory to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the Fertile Lutheran Church.

Ruth Florence Rovang, the daughter of Fred I. and Florence (Zook) Ward, was born on February 26, 1918 in Sheffield. She completed her elementary education and graduated from the Swaledale Consolidated School in 1934. Ruth received her teaching certificate after attending Iowa State Teachers College. In 1937, she began her teaching career at the Fuller country school near Burchinal, which was where her mother had first taught as well. She also taught in the New Providence and Forest City school systems. In later years, she completed course work at the North Iowa Area Community College and Iowa State and Mankato State Universities.

She was a member of the Forest City Education Association and later on an active member in the Retired Teachers Association. She was a long-time middle school mathematics teacher, retiring in 1983. In recognition of her teaching accomplishments, she was inducted into the Forest City Education Hall of Fame in 1996. Ruth assisted John for many years in their farming operation and in 1961 they were named an Iowa Master Egg Producer.

Ruth was a devout Christian. She was baptized in the Swaledale Methodist Church and following her marriage was confirmed in the Eldora Lutheran Church. She was an active member of the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church near Joice, until its closing. She served in various officer positions in the Lutheran Church Women and Circle organizations and taught Sunday School for many years. Ruth also served as an officer of the North Iowa District Lutheran Church Women's organization. She currently was a member of the Fertile Lutheran Church.

Ruth had a special interest in restoring antique furniture, gardening and remodeling their beautiful old farmhouse near Fertile. Ruth served as a 4-H Leader for many years. Ruth and John enjoyed traveling and made several trips to Europe to visit the areas of their ancestors. Historical documents reflected the Ward family immigrated from Cornwall, England, in the mid-1800's. They were also actively involved in the Republican Party, Farm Bureau and the Worth County Historical Society.

On July 6, 1942, she was married to John Rovang of Joice in a lawn wedding at her family farm. They celebrated 64 years of marriage in 2006 before his death in 2007. Ruth then remained on the farm she loved until entering Hospice following a cerebral hemorrhage. She loved her family and took great pride and effort in preparing for the multiple family gatherings held at the farm.

She is survived by her two sons, Douglas (Rosaline) Rovang of Rochester, Minnesota and Richard (Kathie Doty) Rovang of Eagan, Minnesota; a daughter, Donna (Brent) Orton of Mason City; six grandchildren, Michelle (Bryan) Burke, Ann (Matt) Wolff, Mark (Karen), Matthew, Chrismar and Kiersten Orton; five great-grandchildren, Nicholas and John Burke, Abigail and Elizabeth Wolff and Ryann Orton; sisters-in-law, Esther Ward of Swaledale and Virginia Ward of Mason City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents; son, Mark John; brothers, Virgil, J.C., Willard, Donald and Delbert; and a sister, Thelma Watson.