Southwest Iowa & Northwest Missour obituaries transcribed by Pat O'Dell - genpat@netins.net

001Moellenberndt, Richard Allen, Dr, 71, passed away Saturday, November 24, 2012 at his home in Topeka, Kansas after a two year battle with multiple myeloma cancer. Richard was born on September 10, 1941 in Bedford, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Zelma (Bix) Moellenberndt. After completing his doctorate in accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Richard became a professor of accounting at Wichita State University and Washburn University. Due to his illness, Richard retired from Washburn University in January 2012 after 35 years of teaching.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and their daughter Sarah Amber Moellenberndt, along with his sister, Eleanor (Moellenberndt) Shaffer and husband, Loran.

Visitation was held at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka on Friday, November 30 from 5 - 7 pm. Funeral seervices were held at the First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage Blvd., on Saturday, December 1 at 10 a.m. Burial followed in the Mt Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The University of Kansas Cancer Center c/o the funeral home or Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.

To read the full obituary and leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com

003Conner, Josiah Savoye, 1, of Lincoln, NE passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Children's Hospital in Omaha, NE.

Josiah was born October 15, 2011. His parents are Josiah and Michelle Conner and sister Samara of Lincoln, NE. Grandparents are Mike and Marlys Goudie of Ames, IA; grandmother Doris Conner of Tennessee; great-grandmother Mary Lou Dukes of Bedford, Ia; great-grandparents Clifford and Marie Zink and Barbara McCubbin of Marshalltown, Ia; great-grandfather Don Goudie of El Centro Ca; many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Preceded in death by Uncle Michael Paul Goudie, Great-grandfather Rex Dukes and great-great grandmother Ruby Snyder. BEDFORD TIMES-PRESS, Bedford, Iowa, Nov 21, 2012

004

Funeral services for Darrell Dean Teeters, age 83, of New Market and Siam, IA, who entered into peace Friday, June 25, 2010 were held Monday, June 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Loren Daly officiating. Visitation with the family was held 5-7 p.m., Sunday, June 27, 2010 at the funeral home. Burial with military rites was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa A memorial will be established. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Darrell (Dean) Teeters, 83, of New Market and Siam area passed away on June 25, 2010. Dean was born on February 5, 1927 at New Market, IA to John and Mae (Cunning) Teeters. Dean attended New Market School and graduated in 1944. He served his country in the United States Army from 1945-1947.

On January 24, 1945, he married Kathleen Sprague of Siam. To this union of marriage was born seven children, sixteen grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time with his family. He always looked forward to seeing his kids and grandkids come to visit.

Dean worked in Clarinda for Swift and Company and Skelly's Service Station. He was a farmer and sheared sheep. In later years, he worked for Green Thumb Lawn Service, mowing parks in the area.

Dean was an avid hunter, fisherman and card player. He enjoyed watching all types of sports on television. Dean and Kathleen enjoyed square dancing for many years.

Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Connie Kay; grandson, Brad Teeters, and seven brothers and sisters.

Dean is survived by his wife of sixty five years, Kathleen Teeters of New Market, IA; children, Bob (Judy) Teeters of Siam, Iowa; Cheryl (Robert) Strough of New Market, Iowa, Carol Lea (Steve) Oxley of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, Randy Teeters and friend Dana of Des Moines, Iowa, Roger ( Jody) Teeters of Lexington, NE, Corinna (Denver) King of Des Moines, Iowa; sixteen grandchildren; twenty five great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; brother, Dale Teeters of Omaha, Nebraska and sister, Katherine (Gary) Reed of Hershey, Nebraska; nieces; nephews and many friends




005

Funeral services for Marilyn Rucker, age 83, of Bedford, who died Monday, December 10, 2012 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab will be held Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held at the Lexington Cemetery north of the Lake of Three Fires.

Marilyn Jean Rucker was born on March 26, 1929, in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Frank Campain and Fonta (Purcell) Campain. She attended Bedford School, graduating with a "normal training degree" in 1947. Marilyn went on to teach school, with her first position in a one-room country school. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Education on Saturdays and during the summer months from Northwest Missouri State. She taught in rural schools for 10 years and then for the Bedford School District for 31 years where she was mainly a third grade teacher. Marilyn loved teaching and had many fond memories of her students.

On April 17, 1949, Easter Sunday, she was united in marriage to Merlyn Rucker in Bedford. They were blessed with the birth of a son, Michael. Marilyn was a 65 year member of the First Baptist Church where she enjoyed playing the organ for many years. She loved her bible group and was a member of the Rebecca's Lodge and the Second Childhood Doll Club. Throughout the years, Marilyn collected over 300 dolls. She was also an avid crafter, a wonderful knitter and seamstress. Having made and sold many Barbie and Cabbage Patch clothes to an entire community of little children. She enjoyed going to craft shows and selling her creations. She was most famous for her beautiful Afghans. Her family was her heart and joy. She always made time for hosting family dinners, making Christmas cookies or playing games with the grandkids.

Left to cherish and celebrate the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend is her loving husband of 63 years, Merlyn Rucker of Bedford; her son, Mike Rucker and wife Rosie (Farrens) of Shenandoah; a brother, Robert Campain of Alabama; three grandchildren, Scott Rucker and wife Temple (Shald) of Treynor, Iowa; Rochelle Goff and husband Greg of Ankeny, Iowa; and Kyle Rucker and wife Christina (Perez) of Springhill, Tennessee; eight great-grandchildren, Davin, Braylon, Emma, Claire, Nathan, Andrew, Alexander and Jasmine; along with nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Marilyn in death are her parents Frank and Fonta Campain; a sister, Roberta (Doin Mackey) and a nephew, Phillip Campain



008

Funeral services for Betty Sprague, age 81 of Bedford, who died Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at her home in Bedford will be Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 PM to 7 PM with the family greeting friends from 5 PM to 7 PM. Interment will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Betty Lou (Maley) Sprague was born December 5, 1928 in New Market, IA the daughter of Floyd Beryl "Swede" Maley and Alice Bertha (Clabaugh) Sprague. She grew up in the New Market area attending school, graduating from the New Market High School with the Class of 1947. After high school, Betty attended beauty school in Des Moines, Iowa. On June 25, 1950 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Floyd Bud Sprague, in New Market. To this loving union two sons, Terry Lee and Richard Allen were born to bless their lives.

After their marriage, Bud and Betty moved to a farm south of Siam. In 1959, they moved to a farm in Benton Township where they lived until 1997 when they moved into Bedford. The couple truly enjoyed farming and the lifestyle it provided their family. It always gave them great satisfaction watching the farming operation grow through their children and grandchildren. During this time, Betty also worked as a hairdresser for over forty years. She enjoyed the outdoors whether it was mowing or helping Bud on the farm. However, family was her true passion and she was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Bud enjoyed traveling, spending winters in AZ. In their younger years, she and Bud were active in square dancing. Betty enjoyed her "girls club", maintaining a close relationship with them over the years. As well as her two coffee clubs that met at the Junction Caf� and Godfather's.

Left to cherish Betty's memory are her two sons, Dr. Terry Sprague and wife Mary Jane of Audubon, IA; and Rick Sprague and wife Pam of Bedford; four grandchildren, Bruce Sprague of Syracuse, NE; Kristen Lucas and husband Jon of Rock Port, MO; Steven Sprague and wife Michelle of Audubon, Iowa; and Justin Sprague, who is stationed with the United States Army at Camp Zama in Japan; six great-grandchildren, Colton and Mayson Sprague; and Ethan, Caleb, Ryan and Levi Lucas; a sister, Lois Marie Marino and husband Rol of Brea, CA; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Teeters of New Market; along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Betty in memory are her parents; her loving husband Bud in June of 2008; and a grandson, Bradley Sprague in 1997

009

Funeral services for Bud Sprague, age 80 of Bedford, who died Monday, June 2, 2008 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Floyd Lee Sprague, Jr., was born April 26, 1928, on a farm in Taylor County, IA the son of Floyd Lee Sprague and Edna Pearl (Daley) Sprague. He grew up attending rural Siam Country School, graduating with the Class of 1946 from the New Market High School. On June 25, 1950 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Maley. To this loving family two sons were born, Terry Lee and Richard Allen.

Bud was a lifetime farmer and steward of the land in Taylor County. He started farming south of Siam shortly after his marriage to Betty, moving to a farm in Benton Township in 1959, where they lived until 1997 when they moved into Bedford. The couple truly enjoyed farming and the lifestyle it provided their family. Tilling the soil, practicing conservation and being a true steward of the land always provided them with great satisfaction as they watched their farming operation grow through their children and grandchildren.

Bud was a farmer through and through. It was who he was. He was always passionate about his family and grandkids. He enjoyed raising his kids and being active with them in all aspects of their lives. On the side, Bud worked at the Clarinda Livestock Auction, weighing the livestock for auctions for many years. After his retirement, he and Betty enjoyed spending their winters in AZ. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, being inducted in 1951. He was also a member of the Taylor County Farm Bureau, the Bedford Saddle Club and the Church of Christ, having been baptized on December 21, 1939.

Left to cherish Bud's memory is his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Sprague of Bedford; two sons, Dr. Terry Lee Sprague and wife Mary Jane of Audubon, IA; and Rick Sprague and wife Pam of Bedford; four grandchildren, Bruce Sprague and wife Jill of Syracuse, NE; Kristen Lucas and husband Jon of Rock Port, MO; Steven Sprague of Audubon, Iowa; and Justin Sprague, stationed with the United States Army in Afghanistan; five great-grandchildren, Colton and Mayson Sprague; and Ethan, Caleb and Ryan Lucas; a sister, Kathleen Teeters and husband Dean of New Market; a sister-in-law, Lois Marie Marino and husband Rol of Brea, CA; along with many other nieces, nephews, family members and a community of friends.

Preceding Bud in death were his parents, Floyd and Edna Sprague; a grandson, Bradley Allen Sprague; and a brother, Larry Daniel Sprague

012Snyder, Irene Lois Cover -

A famous writer once said, "We make our living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." If that is
true, then Irene made a great life. Irene was a most giving person.
Irene Lois Cover was born on May 8, 1920 in Drinkwater, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was the second child of Daniel Cover and Carrie Snyder. Her sister Helen Franck preceded her in death. After returning from Canada, they came to Iowa and lived in Bedford from 1925 to 1946.
Irene went to Bedford Community School and graduated with her high school diploma and teaching certificate. She taught school for one year then went to work with her lifelong partner and husband, Jay, in various businesses in Diagonal, Iowa.
Irene and Jay were high school sweethearts and were married on February 19, 1939. Two children were born to this union, Liane Kay and Ronald Jay. Liane married Tom Austin and resides in Des Moines, Iowa. They have three children, Steve, Roni and Chad. Ron married Bille Jean Rusk, reside in Brooklyn and have two children, Dan and Nathan. Irene enjoyed her five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. This year Irene and Jay celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
Irene was an avid gardener and her greatest love was to cook for her family, as well as, everyone else. There was always an extra chair for anyone at her table.
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep.
Services for Irene Snyder were held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at the United Church of Diagonal in Diagonal, Iowa with burial at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. Memorials can be directed to the Fire Department, Community Building or Lions Club, all in Diagonal. Arrangements were entrusted to Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home of Diagonal.

 

 

 

014O'Dougherty, Wilma Jean Meikle -
The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. www.theislandfuneralhome .com
Wilma Jean O'Dougherty, daughter of William and Thelma Meikle of Bedford, was born March 17, 1928 in St. Joseph, MO. She died June 24,2012 in Centennial, CO. at 84 years of age.
She was raised on a farm near Bedford, IA, and after moving to Denver, CO in 1952, returned to Iowa as often as she could, health permitting. She married Hubert O'Dougherty on August 10,1947. Besides her lifelong "job" of raising four sons, she also had a career as a bookkeeper. She was a huge fan of John Elway and the Denver Broncos and was extremely proud of her Scottish heritage. She was also endeared to her nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Relatives who preceded her in death are her parents, her husband, Hugh, brothers William and Robert, and great-granddaughter, Kelli.
She is survived by her Denver area grandchildren and sons Rick, Dave and Marty, her son Mike, who resides in Paris, France, and her sister, Julia Dougherty of Clemson, SC.
As she desired, Wilma has been cremated. A memorial service is scheduled for August 31st at 11:00 AM at Brentwood United Methodist Church, Denver, CO. Memorial contribu­tions will go to the Alzheimers Foundation.

 

015Morgan, Norman -

Norman Morgan, age 78, passed away on Saturday February 25, 2012 at the Smith County Memorial Hospital He was a retired postmaster.
Norman was born in Gravity, IA the son of Leland and Beulah (Downs) Morgan on March 23,1933. He graduated from Gravity High School in 1951 and joined the Navy serving in the Korean conflict and Vietnam. He retired from the Navy after 26 years of service. He worked for the US Postal Service in Gothenburg, NE; he was promoted to postmaster in Polk, NE and Belgrade, NE.
He is survived by his wife Kathryn of Smith Center; daughter Vikki Morgan of Smith Center; two~sbns7KoC (Jennifer) 6f Great Bend, Rick (Jane) of Waterloo, IA; sisters, JoAnne (Marvin) Perry of Chariton, IA, Sharon Smith of Clarinda, IA; five grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Taryn, Stephen (Emma), and Troy Morgan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Morgan.
Celebration of life services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the First Christian Church in Smith Center, Kansas with Pastor Linda Kemp officiating.
Inurnment with Navy military honors was at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas.   

The family requests memorial contributions be made to American Diabetes Association of Kansas or Gideon's International and or condolences can be sent to 109 North Washington, Smith Center, KS 66967

 

018Johnston, Lyman T. -


Lyman T. Johnston of Cotati, California died unexpectedly on July 5 at the age of 84. He was born in a log cabin on a Wyoming homestead. His grandfather trapped beavers and used the skins to cloth and protect Lyman against the frequent temperatures of more than fifty below zero. The family spent the depression years of the 1930's on a subsistence dairy farm in Iowa fighting drought, dust storms and the lack of amenities such as plumbing, ranning water, electricity or paved roads. During World War II Lyman's father enlisted in the Navy and served in the invasion of Saipan. Lyman joined the Army and was sent to Camp Carson in Colorado to train with the Tenth Mountain Division for the invasion of Japan. The dropping of the Atomic bomb changed these plans. Lyman's three closest friends in high school and a cousin, who was raised with him, all died in the Ardennes Battle in France. This was a constant reminder to him of the price we may sometimes have to pay in behalf of the country he treasured. Lyman graduated from Drake University in Iowa where he received the Sears prize as the top student in his class and from Harvard Law School. He then practiced law in the Territory of Alaska and in the states of Washington and California for more than 50 years. He worked for two county governments, two state agencies, and five federal agencies. He was the chief criminal prosecutor in the fourth largest county in Washington and was a supervi­sor in the State Attorney General's Office. Lyman married Ruthanne Cole in 1962. They were blessed with five children and numerous grandchildren. In 1983 Santa Clara County in California, where they resided for 26 years, named them as Family of the Year because of the civic involvement of Lyman and Ruthanne and all of their children.
In addition to his immediate family, Lyman is survived by his sisters, Beverly Koshatka of Iowa City, Iowa; Mary Stroburg (Eldon) of Blockton, Iowa; and Phoebe Hagen (Robert) of Boyton Beach, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman T. Johnston, Sr. and Vivian McElroy Johnston and his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Swanson and Lynn Swanson.


019Sederburg, Judy Ann Dawson -

Judy Ann (Dawson) Sederburg, daughter of Joseph Brice and Melba Doris Dawson, was born on July 30, 1941 at Bedford, Iowa. She was entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at her home in Essex.
Her early life was spent in the Bedford area where she attended the Bedford Community Schools. She
graduated from Bedford High School with the Class of 1959. Following high school, she attended cosmetology school in Des Moines, Iowa. She returned to Southwest Iowa after cosmetol­ogy school where she practiced her art in Red Oak, Iowa.
On June 17,1962, Judy was united in marriage to her soul mate, Clemie Allen Sederburg at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Following their marriage they resided in Essex.
To this union were born five children, Mark, Tysen, Robin, Elke and Micky.             
In addition to being a hairdresser, Judy later worked at Sheridan's in Essex from 1988 to 2008. She was baptized at the Christian Church in Bedford and was later a member of the Essex Presbyterian Church.
Family was everything to Judy; she relished the role of loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to spend time with her husband going for Sunday evening drives. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school and athletic events. She loved them dearly expressing this often through daily communication with all of her grandchildren.
Preceding Judy in death was her father, Joseph Brice Dawson. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 48 years, Clemie Sederburg; her five children, Mark Sederburg of Essex, Tysen Sederburg and wife Christie of Stanton, IA, Robin Olinger and her husband Larry of St. Joseph, MO, Elke Sederburg of Essex and Micky Sederburg and his wife Cherrilee of Vandenburg AFB, CA; ten grandchildren, Samantha, Sara, Wyatt and Tyler Sederburg of Stanton, Sydney, Noah and Trenton Olinger of St. Joseph, MO, Brice Sederburg of Essex and Anika and Jonah Sederburg of Vandenburg AFB, CA; mother, Melba Dawson of Bedford, brothers Robert Dawson of Bedford and Richard Dawson of Maryville, MO; other relatives and many friends.
Judy was passionate about spending time with her family and friends. She is deeply loved by her family, who have a great respect and appreciation for al that she did for them throughout their lives. She will be remembered as a compassionate woman who was kind and good to all and will be greatly missed by all her family.


020

William Max Rynor, elest son of Claire and Esther Rynor who farmed near Gravity, Ia from 1932 to 1958, passed away in Woodstock, GA on September 20, 2010,at the age of 73. A memorial service was held September 24, 2010, at the Woodstock Funeral Home.
Max was born at home on the Rynor farm on August 27, 1937, and as a youngster attended the one-room
school house Washington Center No 5. He later graduated from Gravity High School and subsequently proudly served his country for 4 years as a jet engine mechanic in the U. S. Air Force. Max was employed by Hoerner Box Co. in Des Moines and was transferred to Tupelo, MS. He later worked for Stone Container, then moved to the Atlanta area and most recently worked for Packaging Atlanta from which he recently retired.

Married to his wife Margie on December 6, 1980 in Tupelo, MS the couple was happily looking forward to their 30th wedding anniversary.   

       
Max, whose parents preceded him in death, died with Margie at his side. He is survived by his daughters Robyn Chenowith of Newnan, GA and Lisa Tiemeyer of Ooltewah, TN; his son Scott of Hendersonville, TN; step-sons Rickey Fleming of Tupelo, MS and Greg Fleming of Canton, GA and 9 grandchildren. Max is also survived by his sisters Beverly Apel of Queensland, Australia, Connie Gould of St. Charles, IA, Carren Sturm of Ankeny, IA, Jean Beemer of Lenox, IA, Judy Fleming of Mayflower, AR; his brother Larry of Quinlan, TX; 15 nieces and nephews and one aunt, Lois Bright of West Des Moines, IA.
In addition to the love and devotion Max had for Margie and his children, parents and siblings, his greatest passions were memories of his friends from Gravity and growing up on the farm, his woodworking projects, trips to Alaska and Australia and camping or traveling anywhere in the great Rocky Mountains. Max will be long remembered by all his family and the many friends, neighbors and coworkers who knew him.

 

022Day, Opal Leona Huber -

Opal born on November 26, 1917 at Clarinda, Iowa, the oldest daughter of Ernest & Nellie (Kerns) Huber. Opal grew up in the Gravity-Sharpsburg area and graduated from Sharpsburg High School in 1935. Opal was united in marriage to Vernon Leslie Day on February 16, 1940 in Clearfield, Iowa. To this union seven children were born; Joyce Darlene, Gary Dale, Norman Dean, Carol Jean, Doyle Richard, Gale Lynn, and Lyle Vernon. Opal was a stay-at-home wife & mother while her children were growing up and to 'rode heard on her kids'!                   
Opal always raised a big garden and put up fruits & vegetables for her family. She was famous for pies and cinnamon rolls. You never went away hungry from the house. As soon as you walked in, she had the coffee pot on and one of her pies that was always available cut up and set in front of you. The number of pies and cinnamon rolls cannot be counted. Opal experienced great losses in her life. Opal & Vernon lost their daughter, Joyce Darlene, at the age of six months to whooping cough. Vernon died in 1975 and six weeks later, her two youngest sons, Gale & Lyle, died in a car-train accident.
After Vemon died in 1975, she Went to work at the Taylor County Care Facility as a cook for five years. It was at this time that Opal began writing in her diaries which was unknown to her children until recently. She continued this daily for the next 30 years. Her children believed Opal just stayed at home waiting for company & the kids to come home. After the discovery of the diaries, they thought differently; she never stayed at home! Opal received her driver's license at the age of 59 and was off and running. Opal detailed in her diary her shopping trips all over southwest Iowa. After a couple of fender-benders, she reluctantly gave up her license at the age of 85; a relief to her kids! Opal remained active until she broke her hip in 2007. She then entered the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center where she remained until her death on May 30, 2010.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest & Nellie Huber; husband Vernon; daughter Joyce; sons Gayle & Lyle; great grandson Justin Love; brother Darrell Huber; and sister Wauneta Craecraft.
Left to mourn her passing are her children Gary Day & wife Gayle of Hildreth, NE, Dean Day & wife Julia of Blue Grass, IA, Carol Smith & husband Ernie of Gravity, IA, Doyle Day of Red Oak, IA; nine grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren; sister Helen Volbrecht of Omaha, NE; brothers Duane Huber of Lenox, IA, Dale Huber of Creston, IA and Cecil Huber of Savannah, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was a kind and loving woman who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. A memorial fund has been established to the Ronald McDonald House in Omaha, NE. Arrangements by Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Clearfield, Iowa.
Services were held Thursday, June 3,2010 at 12 noon at the Christian Church in Clearfield, Iowa with Rev. Bob Thompson officiating. Interment was in Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield, Iowa.

 

023Lyons, Phyllis Irene Johnson -

Phyllis Irene Lyons was bom March 7,1939 at Council Bluffs, Iowa to Paul Wilhelm Johnson and Ruth Irene (Lincoln) Johnson. Phyllis graduated from Glenwood High School in 1957 and earned her beautician license after graduating Barnes Beauty School, Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1958. She worked for Joann Sorenson in Audubon, Iowa from 1959-1961 and from 1961-1972 she had a shop in Coon Rapids, Iowa followed by a beauty shop in Bedford from 1972 until retiring in May 2005.
She was a beautician for 46 years. Phyllis was united in marriage to Donald Lyons July 28,1963 at Glenwood, Iowa. To this union were born two children, Paula and Duane. Her heart was always in being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, giving love to them to no end. While her family was the love of her life, she enjoyed leisure time knitting, crocheting, reading, going to Bingo, and tending to farm chores, especially the lambing in the springtime. In May 2005, Phyllis was diagnosed with cancer and fought a hard battle giving her more years with her family and friends than originally thought. However, July 21,2010 at Mercy Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa she was set free from the pain and suffering she endured. She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law Ed Anstey.
Surviving are her husband, Donald of Gravity, Iowa; children, Paula Anstey of Corning, Iowa and Duane Lyons and companion Connie Fleetwood of Gravity, Iowa; grandchildren William Paul Anstey, Corning, Iowa, Marybeth Anstey, Corning, Iowa and Tonya Fleetwood of New York City, New York; and brother, Roger Johnson and wife Charlene of Blue Springs, Missouri; nieces, nephews and many friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 26, 2010 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford with Rev. Ted DeHass officiating. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to a fund in Phyllis' name.
Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford. www.EFC.ee


024Snyder, Robert "Bob" E. -


Robert "Bob" E. Snyder, 86, of Amarillo died on Thursday, December 9, 2010.
Graveside services were at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements were by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
The son of Clyde Vernon and Lela Dowell Snyder was born March 9, 1924 in Bedford, Iowa. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1942. After graduating he pulled butter from a churn at Cudahy, then worked for Omaha Steel building LSTs for the war effort.
He joined the Merchant Marines in May of 1943, serving in both Atlantic and Pacific areas, cheating death in each ocean. A Japanese submarine surfaced in the Pacific, saw his small merchant ship and decided it wasn't worth a torpedo. He was severely ill before getting to the Marine Hospital in Hull, England. A severe storm in the Atlantic when returning to the states caused the ships cargo to shift. The men had to walk on the side of the ships, plus all lifeboats were lost in the ocean.
After the war, he married Norma Jones on March 28, 1945. They celebrated sixty-five years of marriage. He and his wife delivered a rural Des Moines Register paper route; raised English Setter birddogs as prizes for the Des Moines register carriers; had a hot rod car and raced it; and owned a cafe for two years. Bob went into the plumbing business in Bedford, Iowa, and moved to Amarillo in January of 1952. He worked for various plumbers and then had his own business, "Snyder Plumbing" in 1966 until he retired in 1986.
He coached Kids Inc. ball teams at San Jacinto for four years, "Gremlins" and the "Pewees"
He was president of Amarillo Ice Skating Club from 1962 to 1964. Bob was on the U.S. Figure Skating Membership Committee. He was a low test judge in Figures and held a bronze medal in Dance.
In 1969 to 1972, with the help and support of his wife, he wrote three volumes of "Bottles in Miniatures", selling all over the world, becoming known as the foremost authority of miniature bottles. In 1980, he published, "Whiskey Brands" and later published "Whiskey Paper".
He liked to grow black raspberries. In spring of 1995 at age of 71, he returned to Bedford, Iowa in the spring and planted a big berry patch with raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, currents and blueberries. He and his wife had "Bedford Berries" for three summers.
Bob and Norma traveled eighteen years in their motor home, spending the winters in Port Aransas, always fishing; Because of his love of fishing, he created and sold "Snyder Walleye Getters", a lure popular among fisherman.
Bob's motto was, "It's better to wear out than rust out", and he believed that time spent fishing was not counted against one's real life hours. He lived a wonderful fishing life. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruby Urbanski.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Snyder; a daughter, Jodie Snyder Nimmo and husband Jay; grandsons, Michael Warren Nimmo and wife Melissa, Craig Eugene Nimmo and wife Kate; granddaughters, Delanie Rose and Kallie Brianna, all of Albuquerque; sisters, Bonnie Woldruff of Denver and Barbara Moffitt and husband Leroy of Smyrna, GA and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Salvation Army, 400 S. Harrison St. Amarillo, TX 79101, or Faith City Mission, 401 S.E. 2nd Ave. Amarillo, TX 79101.

 

025 Moon, Stephen M. -

Funeral services for Stephen M. Moon will be held Friday, June 25, 2010, 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.  Stephen was born April 30,1979 and died June 18,2010 after a year long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his loving parents, Steven and Kathleen Moon; siblings Jonathan C. Moon and Michelle K. Moon; and his grandmother, Helen R. Moon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to assist with Stephen's uncovered medical expenses can be made to State Savings Bank, Stephen Moon Memorial, 612 Central Ave., Bedford, Iowa 50833 would be appreciated.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.northrop-sassamanfuneraldirectors.com.

 

026Bartles, Brenda Delene Hawn -

Celebration of Life Services for Brenda Bartles age 47, of Bedford, who died Friday, June 18, 2010 at her home were held Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford.
Brenda Delene (Hawn) Bartles was born in Maryville, Missouri on March 7, 1963, the third child of Rex and Barbara (Thomas) Hawn. She graduated from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1981 and from Southwestern Community College in 2003 with a degree in Nursing. Brenda lived in Bedford her entire life and worked at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center as an RN from the time of her graduation until 2010.     
Brenda was a very caring and compassionate person towards anyone she knew. She enjoyed working with her co-workers at the nursing home as well as taking care of the residents. She enjoyed the company of her husband Jeff, children Lanesa and son-in-law Ryan; Chelsey and Tyler; Jabree, Jared and fiancee Ashley; Justin and daughter-in-law, Kodi Kae; along with her seven grandchildren, Macie, Chloe, Shaylee, Teegan, Noah, Preston and Zuess, who she doted over. She also loved sharing her life with her parents Rex and Barb Hawn and having her siblings Debra, Renee, Boyd, Valerie and Shannon in her life as well as their children.
Brenda was surrounded by family when she passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 18, 2010.

Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.


027Yelton, Billy Joe "Bill" -

Billy Joe "Bill" Yelton, 73, of Lawson, Mo. passed away March 30, 2010. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Elizabeth Yelton; grandson, Matthew Yelton; sister, Bobbie Jaydine Yelton Snell and nephew, Mike Cummins. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Christ Yelton; children, Debra (John) Gray, Daniel (Teresa) Yelton, Diana (John) Lewis and Laura (Bob) O'Dell; sister, Betty (Jerry) Cummins; 27 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lawson Bible Church, 809 W. 6th St., Lawson, MO 64062.
Services were 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 3 at Mount Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home, 801NW 108th St., Kansas City, Mo.. Condolences to mountmoriahterracepark.com.

 

030Easter, Sharon Kay -

Sharon Kay Easter was born February 18, 1939 in New Market, Iowa to Clifford and Verla (Peterman) Easter. She died December 17, 2010 at her home in Grant City, Missouri at the age of 71.      
Sharon graduated from the New Market High School. She was a district manager for Goodyear Tires. Her job sent her to Phoenix, Arizona, Denver, Colorado and Hawaii. After retirement she moved to Grant City. She loved animals, especially; horses. She also enjoyed Nascar Racing.
Sharon was preceded in death by her father.
She is survived by her mother, Verla, sister, Marilyn Tibbetts and husband Bob, all of Grant City, Missouri, niece, Kim Allgood and her children: Robbie, Lindsey and Cassidy Elson,1 nephew, Rob Tibbetts and his daughter: Jessie McKnight, 2 aunts, an uncle and numerous cousins.
Sharon will be sadly missed by family and friends. Funeral Services were 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 20, 2010 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Pastor Len Green officiated. Interment was in the Old Memory Cemetery in New Market, Iowa.


034Gamel, Lillian Opal Grubb -

Lillian Opal Gamel was born July 15, 1918 in Taylor County, Iowa to Lloyd and Bertha (Jarvis) Grubb. She departed this life on May 5, 2010 at the Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City, Missouri at the age of 91.
Lillian was united in marriage to Glen Gamel on April 6, 1940. To this union, two children were born. Glen preceded her in death on April 8,1992.
Lillian began teaching elementary school in 1948 where she taught in rural schools for 11 years. She then began teaching in Bedford public school in 1959 where she taught for 25 years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of the Bedford Methodist Church and was also active in the Grant City Methodist Church.
Also preceding Lillian in death was her daughter: Donna Lee King; parents; one brother: Chester Grubb; and two sisters: Frances Allen and Gladys Gamel.
Survivors include her son: Galen and wife Joyce of Grant City, Missouri; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild and one sister: Hazel Hatfield of Lexington, Nebraska.
Funeral Services were held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City.
Rev. Robert Allen officiated. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa.

 

035Riggleman, Jeffrey Scott -

A deeply beloved family member and friend, Jeffrey (Jeff) Scott Riggleman (PawPaw), 63, passed away suddenly near his home in Leonardtown, Md. on Tuesday morning, March 2, 2010. He has resided in St. Mary's County for the past 31 years, where he established strong family roots and deep ties of friendship.
Jeff was born on September 24, 1946 in Denison, Iowa to Vincent Earl and Ruth (Annette) Riggleman. He grew up in Bedford, Iowa with his family who ran a local Drug Store of which Jeff told countless and fruitful stories of his endearing youth. He had many incredible memories that he shared from his childhood years spent with his grandparents, Earl and Margaret Riggleman, on their family farm. He also enjoyed time with his maternal grandparents, "Doc" Horrell Wareham and Ruthie Wareham.
Jeff graduated from Bedford Community High School in 1964. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during 1968-1972 and spent a significant amount of time in Thailand. After his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force and finishing basic and specialized technical training, he served as a Doppler radar and inertial navigation systems repairman. Jeff returned to Iowa and worked as an electrician before he attended Northwest Missouri State University and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. After earning his degree, Jeff went on to work in various positions in St. Inigoes, MD as a Senior Specialist Field Engineer, a supervisor of the Electromagnetic Environmental Effects and Safety Section, and a Field Systems Engineer for the Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems project. Jeff became an expert in his field of technical writing and has worked with BAE Systems for the past 15 years.
Jeff loved to dabble in a little bit of everything. He had a knack for photography, an affinity for infinity and astronomy, and a way with laughable words. He was a proud supporter of the NRA, The American Legion, National Geographic, and he was the master of mapping and on-line ordering. Jeff loved the feeling of being back on the farm and getting on his tractor. He enjoyed working in, around, and on his home over the years and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. Jeff had an appreciation for fine things and wanted to be able to learn about all of them! He enjoyed woodworking, making clocks, having the family over for cook-outs, enjoying time with his grandsons, watching and organizing an extensive movie collection, and most of all, going for rides with the top down in his new convertible! Jeff loved to rock out to old tones and go enjoy waterside meals with his son and fiance. Jeff loved to surprise his family and friends with his good humor, sharp wit, and unexpected one-liners.
Jeff is survived by his sister, Leah Cutler of Southern CA; one son, Clyde (Brandon) Wehler and his fiance Erin Facciolo of Great Mills, MD; three daughters, Kelly Unwin and Isha Riggleman of Daytona Bch, FL, and Amanda N. and her husband Clifford (Buzz) Grambo of Dameron, MD; four grandsons, Brandon M. Wehler of Great Mills, MD, Austin Jeffrey and Ashtin Aylor of Daytona Bch., FL, and Sean Stone of Daytona Bch., FL; one granddaughter, Shianne Unwin of Daytona Bch., FL and two former wives, Karen Riggleman of Daytona Bch.,FL and Tina Singer of Mechanicsville, MD; and last but definitely not least, his constant companion of 14 years, his dog Sadie. A memorial servicewas held at 2:00 p.m. for Jeff's family and friends to gather in memory, good company, and fond memories. Jeff's last order, "I'll have a Jack and water, neat" A memorial contribution in his name may be made to any of the following the National Geographic-Society, Development Office, 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 http://www.nationalgeographic.com/donate/ The American Legion, http://www.legion.org/donate
The American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004
http://www.lungusa.org/donate/ways-to-give/
Condolences  to  the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.          

   

037Ware, Dorothy Mae Walton -

Funeral services for Dorothy Ware, age 86 formerly of Bedford, who died Tuesday, March 16,2010 in Albuquerque, New Mexico were held Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was Sunday from 1:00 until service time with the family greeting friends. Interment was in the Ohio Cemetery in Burlington Junction.   
Dorothy Mae Ware was born May 11,1923 in Burlington Junction, Missouri to William and Ulva Walton of Omaha, Nebraska. She lived in Omaha until the seventh grade when her family moved to Maryville, Missouri. She lived there for two years and then her parents moved to Burlington Junction, Missouri. Dorothy attended high school there until her senior year when at the age of 15 she married William Ware and became a farmer's wife for the next forty years.
Dorothy had other occupations besides being a farmer's wife and Mother. She worked at the Hopkins Journal and wrote a popular column called "Dot's Dashes." She obtained her GED in 1967 and in the fall of 1968 her son Mick and daughter Linda enrolled her at Northwest Missouri State University as a freshman. At the time Linda (the youngest) was a senior, Mick (the next youngest) was a junior, and Dave (the oldest) was a sophomore. She received her degree in Art Education 1972, and taught at Clearfield, Iowa for several years.
Dorothy was a talented artist and enjoyed oil and water color painting, making jewelry, and making pottery. She was very skilled as a seamstress and made many of her children's clothes while they were growing up. She designed and made all the clothes for her daughter Linda's wedding as well as baking and decorating the wedding cake. She did lots of other arts and crafts and gave them as gifts to family and friends. She was very literary, wrote poetry and had two of her poems published in a volume of Missouri poetry. She will be remembered in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she lived for some years as being a master quilter. Dorothy joined a quilting group when she returned to Bedford and enjoyed many good times with her fellow quilters. She pieced and hand quilted many beautiful works of art that she has shared with her family.
After Bill's retirement they traveled extensively in Europe, England, Alaska, and the U.S. They spent their winters in Texas and summers in Woodland Park, Colorado where they kept a summer cabin.
With the death of her husband, Bill, in February of 2006, she decided to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico to live with daughter Linda. Her furry best friend, "Tigger" the cat, accompanied her. While living in Albuquerque she and Linda took several trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dorothy filled her time by quilting, reading lots of mystery novels and going to lunch with friends.
Dorothy leaves behind three children—Dave Ware and his wife Rickie of Mountain Home, Idaho, Mick Ware and his wife Diane of Bedford, Iowa, and Linda Ware of Albuquerque, New Mexico; six grandchildren—Theresa, Michael, Paul, Amy, Joe, and Jason (who preceded her in death in 2002) and
four great-grandchildren—Ryan, Hunter Lynn, Ryleigh Belle, and Kaitlyn.
Dorothy Mae Ware will be remembered for her warmth, compassion and wonderful sense of humor. She was blessed with great family and friends, all of whom she loved dearly.
She will be truly missed.                 

 

038 Henderson, Wilbur J. -

Wilbur J. Henderson, age 86 years, of Wymore died Monday, March 15, 2010 at the Wymore Good Samaritan Center.
He was born Dec. 8, 1923 at Bedford, Iowa, to Elmore and Elda (Stickelman) Henderson. He lived in the Bedford area throughout his childhood and was a 1941 graduate of Bedford High School. He custom-farmed with his father, and also worked at Berry's Seed Co. at Clarinda, Iowa until May 1943. He entered the U.S. Navy during World War II from June 6,1943, to Feb. 4,1946.   
He married Beulah Burgess on Feb. 13, 1945 at Marysville, Kan. They came back to Wymore, and moved back to Bedford, Iowa, where they farmed for one year, and then at Wymore for one year. Wilbur then worked as a route salesman for the Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. at Wymore, and then was employed at the Windle Motor Co. for nearly six years. When his father-in-law, Ted Burgess, decided to quit farming, both families moved to Red Cloud, where they owned and operate a Ford dealership.
In 1959, Wilbur's parents-in-law started the Coast-to Coast Store in Wymore, and Wilbur and Beulah moved back to Wymore in 1960 to join them. They purchased the store from his parents-in-law in 1962 and owned and operated it until 1985, when they retired.
Wilbur was a member of the Wymore Church of Christ, where he served on the church board as a deacon and trustee. He was a member of the Wymore Volunteer Fire Dept. for nearly 50 years, of which he served 21 years as an assistant chief, and was an active member of the Wymore Rescue Unit until he was 79 years old. Wilbur was a life-time member of Anderson Post 24 of the American Legion for over 40 years and served on the Honor Guard.
Wilbur played in the Blue River Gang Band and also played with Kenny Knowles, The Farber Trio, Tumbleweed Band, and Bill Hunt's Lamplighters Band. They belonged to the Wymore Weekend Wanderers camping club. They had spent 20 years wintering in Mesa, Ariz.
Wilbur is survived by three children, Gloria Henderson and her special friend, Ron Hohensee of Wymore, Mike Henderson and his wife Nancy of Chandler, Ariz., and Ted Henderson and his wife Kathy of Oconto, Neb.; by seven grandchildren, Jennifer Hemstreet and her husband Brett, Michael Todd Henderson, Matthew Henderson and his wife Jill, Mitchell Henderson, Merrie Chappell and herhusband Scott, Kimberly Borgelt and her husband Kyle, Christopher Henderson and his wife Kassi; and by 16 great-grandchildren.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, by his wife, Beulah, on May 10, 2007; by a brother, Francis; and by a sister, Beatrice Ely.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 18, at the Wymore Church of Christ. Military service was conducted at the Blue Springs Cemetery by Anderson Post 25.
Memorials to family's choice with the Security First Bank, 101 East Broad, Blue Springs, NE 68318, in charge. Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.