Lyle Hosford July 14, 1914-Aug. 12, 2017

     Lyle Hosford, age 103, died Saturday Aug. 12, 2017 at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness.

     Funeral services will be held 10:30 Thursday morning, Aug. 17, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, Monticello with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 7 Wednesday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. Rev. Emory Gillespie will officiate at the services.

     Surviving is a son, Stan Hosford, the Philippines; four grandchildren he raised, Dan (Tammi) Hosford, Monticello, Allen (Kolleen) Hosford, Waterloo, Dianna (Roger) Wolf, Lisbon, Lisa Hosford, Monticello; four other grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren and one on the way. Also special friends, Loras and Sandy Faber and dogs Kya and Mya. He was preceded in death by his wife Doloris in 2012, a daughter, Janice in 1942, a grandson, John Franklin Hosford, in 1980, son Larry in 2004, a great-granddaughter Brookelynn and siblings Gladys Boshear, Kenneth Hosford and Clarence Hosford. 

     Lyle was born July 14, 1914 on the family farm in Castle Grove Township, Jones County, Iowa. He was the son of Sprague and Kathryn Brown Hosford. He attended Castle Grove School #2. Lyle married Doloris Warner on Sept. 10, 1936 at the United Methodist Church Parsonage in Anamosa, a marriage that continued for 75 years. The couple farmed in Castle Grove Township, Jones County, Iowa until 1978 when they moved to Monticello. In retirement he worked at the 76 gas station for Art McCullough, did the bulk mail pickup in southern Jones County and rode in the semi with his son Larry on long haul trips. He also drove for the Meals on Wheels program. 

     Lyle enjoyed his coffee hour at the Monty Café, Hardee’s and Darrell’s. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and had attended the Iowa Women’s Basketball games for over 30 years. He was still attending the games last season. If it wasn’t Hawkeye time it was time to root for the Chicago White Sox. His favorite thing to do was to take Iowa trips exploring all the little museums and places of interest, often ending back at the grotto in West Branch.