BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Robert Donald Rinehart, 83, Ames. Formerly of Boone. Victim of a tragic accident. While walking, Robert was  hit by a car in Ames and succumbed of his injuries at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Born in Boone. BHS-61.Bob married Theresa Lowry in Grand Junction in 1965. They divorced. He earned degrees from Southwest Missouri State University and a Masters in Education from  the University of Northern Iowa. Taught high school accounting in Wisconsin for 20 years. He was also an over-the-road truck driver. After retiring from trucking, he worked at Boone Hy-Vee as a floral and pharmacy delivery driver. He enjoyed camping, fishing and going to casino's. Survivors include his three children, Mark, Jennifer and Nick as well as siblings Jolene Martin, Joanne Coy, Jackie Rinehart and Marty (Gayle)  Rinehart. No service is in plan at this time.  

        LATE INFORMATION: Dixie Lee Howard Knight, 81, Palm Beach Garden, FL. passed away May 2, 2026 after  a long battle with dementia. Born in Iowa. Was the fifth of 10 children. BHS-62. At age 19, married Dean Knight. Dixie was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed domestic travel. When Dean's work took him away from home, she loved homeschooling daughter Jessica so they could travel along with him and see more of the U.S. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren. She enjoyed making pancakes for Ivan on weekends before his baseball games and she never missed any of Bella's musicals or ice skating competitions. Dixie and Dean had four children, Jennifer, Jason and Jerrica and, Chantelle, who passed away in 1964. Services in Boone, July 11, with a graveside service and luncheon.

       Arlene J. Chally, 86, Stratford. A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. 

       Julie Renee Nelson Howard, 63, Ogden. Born in Boone. BHS-82. Her parents, now deceased, were Larry D. and Karen (Bass) Nelson. Worked at the former Tic Toc Restaurant and then for many years at Thermomass (Leviat) in Boone until retiring due to failing health.She married Alan Howard in Boone in 1988. Julie loved cooking and baking. Her family especially enjoyed her ham balls and cheesy potatoes. Survivors include her husband, Alan, two sons, Christopher and Matthew Howard all of Ogden, her two daughters, including Lindsay (Dustin Hanson) Howard of Logansport and a sister, Lorie (Larry) Ealy of Boone. Services in Ogden and Boone.

       Darci Lynne Shell Munford, 59, Des Moines. Death due to a long battle with breast cancer. Born in Boone to Leland and Alma Calhoon Shell. Grew up in Madrid. Very academic and involved in band, sports and 4-H. Was class valedictorian. Baptized in Boone at Trinity and confirmed at St. John's in Madrid. Earned a degree from Iowa State in Family Resource Management. After marriage and a move to southeast Iowa, she became a tax preparer, a rural mail carrier and sold vegetables from her garden. She also had a long career in finance, beginning as a teller at the Madrid branch of Commercial Federal Bank. She retired as an Assistant Vice President and Private Banker for Morgan Stanley. Darci loved road trips, hiking, camping, kayaking and spending time outdoors. Three daughters, her mother and two sisters survive. Services in Madrid.