Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
 
Churchill, Marlene - Marlene Churchill, 82 of Bedford, passed away at her home Friday, December 19, 2008.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m.Dec 23 at The Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford. Family visitation will be held Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m.
A memorial fund is being establiished.
Interment will be at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.
Clark, Dean Wandell - Dean Wandell Clark of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2008 at his home.
He was born December 5, 1930 in Guthrie Center, Iowa. His age being 77 years 7 months and 29 days. Mr. Clark was the son of the late Hobart Clark and the late Elnora Marie Flynn. Dean lived in Guthrie Center until the age of 9 before moving with the family to Bedford, Iowa. At the age of 17, Dean enlisted in the United States Air Force serving from 1947 until his retirement from Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. After being honorably discharged, Dean returned to the Bedford area, sold insurance with his brother Shorty Clark and then enrolled into Northwest Missouri State University where he received his Master of Science in Education (teaching degree). After graduating, Dena began teaching Industrial Arts at Bedford High School. He taught for 21 years before retiring in 1992. During this time Dean also owned and operated the Sears store in Bedford for several years. Dean was united in marriage to Sally Stoll in July 19, 1986 in Indianola, Iowa. Together they lived in Indianola and Harlan, Iowa before making their home in Mena, Arkansas after their retirement. During their eleven years in Mena, both Dean and Sally volunteered countless hours teaching literacy classes. They then purchased the Curves Fitness Center Franchise in Mena which they still operate. Dean was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. He enjoyed cooking with his pressure cooker, wood working, and spending time with his family and friends.
His parents and one brother Howard Clark precede Dean in death.
Survivors include his beloved wife Sally of the home; daughter Deana Marie Maxwell of Hollywood, Florida, two step-sons Brad Bartlett of Gainesville, Florida and Matt Bartlett of Iowa City, Iowa; two sisters, Maxine Wallace of Stuart, Iowa and Phyllis Clark of Johnston, Iowa; two grandchildren Gregory Maxwell of Albany, New York and Scott Maxwell of Hollywood, Florida and a host of friends all of whom will miss him greatly.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7 in the Mena Christ Episcopal Church with Father Jim Davis officiating. Graveside services were held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa with visitation prior to from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Johnson Family Funeral Home – Stuart, Iowa. Pastor Ernie Biaotto officiated the graveside service. (Arrangements: Johnson Family Funeral Home – 515-523-1200)
 

Clark, James Herren - Funeral services for James (Jim) Clark of New Market, Iowa, who died Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa, were held Monday, May 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Masonic rites by Nodaway Lodge #140 AF & AM were held Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda; visitation with the family followed at, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa with military rites by Bedford American Legion Hardin Post 164.

James Herren Clark was born August 3, 1926 in New Market, Iowa, the son of Paul Evert Clark and Holly Lucille (Herren) Clark. He lived in New Market his whole life except for the two years (1950-1952) he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. During this time he was stationed in Germany and the United States.
Jim graduated from New Market High School in 1945. He worked in Clark’s Store which was bought and owned by his grandfather, B.L. Clark and father, Paul E. Clark. After the death of his father in 1946 and his grandfather Bert Clark in 1950 he worked with his mother, Holly L. Clark. He bought half interest in 1950. He then became sole owner in 1973 after the death of his mother. Jim retired in 1977.
On May 17, 1953, he married Ardith J. Moore at the New Market Methodist Church. They were blessed with three children, Kenneth Dean Clark, Kevin P. Clark and Tonya Clark and five grandchildren, Andrea Dawn Clark, Aaron Dean Clark, Erick James Clark, Natalie Annette Paxton and Amanda Renae Paxton.
Jim accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1945 and was baptized. He has been a member of the United Methodist Church of New Market and has served on numerous committees over the years. He faithfully attended as long as his health permitted.
He was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge for 50 years also. He was a part member of the Lion’s Club and the Odd Fellows Lodge and served as a volunteer fireman for over twenty five years.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Ardith Clark of new Market, Iowa; daughter, Tonya Paxton an d husband Richerd of Milan, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Janice Clark of Clarinda, Iowa; granddaughters, Andrea Clark of Clarinda, Iowa, Natalie Paxton and Amanda Paxton of Milan, Illinois; brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Vera Moore of New Market, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Wanda Moore of Clarinda, Iowa and Verla Coston of New Market, Iowa; special friends Donald Godfrey and Donna of Cowgill Missouri; nieces, nephews and many friends.
Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Paul and Holly Clark; grandparents, Bert and Bessie Clark, Kemp and Rhetta Herren; parents-in-law, Roy and Goldie Moore; son, Kenneth Dean Clark; grandson, Aaron Dean Clark.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Clendening, Cecil Edward - Memorial services for Ed Clendening, age 63 of Bedford, who died Thursday, January 21, 2010 at his home will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date in Hartford, Kansas. Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Ambulance Service. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Cecil Edward Clendening, Jr., was born on the family farm February 2, 1946 in Fulton, Kansas the son of Cecil Edward Clendening, Sr., and Julia (Tarter) Clendening. After graduating, Eddie began a successful career in the automotive business. After retiring in 2007, Eddie and his wife Glynis left Corpus Christi, Texas to return to the Midwest and chose Bedford, Iowa to be their new home. Eddie loved playing golf, fishing, and singing but above all, his true love was his family and friends. The impact that this amazing friend, father, and loving husband had on the world and the love he had for life, truly cannot be expressed with any amount of words.

Eddie was preceded in death by his father and mother Cecil Clendening, Julia Clendening and and step-father, James Nighswonger.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Glynis Clendening of Bedford; his children Scott and wife Danielle of Rose Hill, Kansas; Doug Clendening of Wichita, Kansas; Ryan Pendergast and wife Devon of Austin, Texas; Jeremy Pendergast and wife Katherine of Aransas Pass, Texas; Eddie Clendening and wife Jossie of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren Scott, Spencer, Kyle, Desiree, Madison, Mia, Isaac and great-grandchild Kaleb.

The memory of Eddie will remain in the families hearts forever.

 

Comer, Marilyn Kay Larsen - Funeral services were held Saturday, May 17, 2008 for Marilyn Kay Comer, 67 years of age of Bedford, Iowa, at St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola, Iowa. Interment at the Siam Cemetery Rural New Market, Iowa.
Marilyn Kay Comer, one of two children of Derwin Julian Larsen and Frances Dorothy (Pashek) Larsen, was born in Greenfield, Iowa on May 14, 1941. Marilyn grew up in Orient and graduated from the Richland Township School in 1958. After high school, she attended and graduated from Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa.
Marilyn and Wendell Alan Comer were married in Orient, Iowa on September 17, 1961. They made their home in Council Bluffs, Iowa and were blessed with three children, Donald, Deborah, and Daniel. Marilyn worked for U-Haul in Council Bluffs for ten years before the family moved to Mineola, Iowa in 1973. Marilyn worked for a time as the secretary at St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola and in 1985 began working for ECI in Glenwood, Iowa. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Extension Cords, and the ISU Extension Council. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, flowers, and dining out. Marilyn loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and co-workers at ECI where her official title of Comptroller could often be translated to “mother hen.” In 1997, Marilyn and Wendell purchased a home outside of Bedford, Iowa for their weekend “get-aways.” The whole family enjoyed spending time at the family retreat and Marilyn loved to take her grandsons fishing at their pond. Over time, Marilyn and Al decided to sell their home in Glenwood and retire to Bedford.
Marilyn and Al had been married 46 years when Marilyn died on her 67th birthday, May 14, 2008, at the Creighton University Medical Center, as a result of a lawn tractor accident. She was preceded in death by her parents. Marilyn is survived by her husband Al Comer of Bedford; daughter Deborah Hennigsen and her husband Kirk of Griswold, IA and their sons, Austin, Travis, and Joel; sons, Donald Comer and his wife Jennifer of New Market, IA and their sons, Nick and Noah; and Daniel Comer and his wife Colleen of Clarinda, IA; brother Paul Larsen and his wife Diane of Belvidere, IL; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Coon, Doris Maxine Stephens - Doris Maxine (Stephens) Coon was born on October 12, 1914. She was the third daughter of Pearl (Patch) and Vinnie Stephens. She was born on the family farm east of Bedford on Honey Creek. Doris attended country school and graduated with the Class of 1932 in Bedford. After graduation she taught at a rural school east of Bedford. On May 26, 1936 Doris was united in marriage to John Howard Coon in the home of Leslie Cobb. On May 6, 1937 their son, John Dale, was born on the family farm east of Berea Christian Church. Five years later on June 13, 1942 a daughter, Nancy Lee, was born. Doris was a right-hand man for Howard during his career with the Iowa Conservation Commission. She wrote hundreds of camping permits and fishing licenses in the numerous state parks they lived in throughout Iowa. Doris was always a hard worker and always had time to help other people. After Howard’s retirement in 1973, they moved back to Bedford. Doris was a charter member of the Bedford Lioness Club. She was known as a great helper. She worked at the bake sales, yard sales, sold handmade novelties at craft fairs, baked pies (gooseberry mostly) for bingo and worked aside her husband at picnics, barbeques, and installations. She was named Lioness of the Year in 2002 for “Outstanding Dedicated Service Given to Humanity”. She was a member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Bedford. Doris and Howard spent many winters in McAllen, Texas. She always enjoyed nature and especially watching birds in both Iowa and Texas. John and she spent many hours bird watching, deer watching and enjoying a trip to the “80”. One highlight was their trip to Nebraska to see the sand hill cranes as they migrated. She always enjoyed a good game of cribbage with John. There could easily be five hundred games in one summer. She also enjoyed Sunday nights with John and Inez, Everett and Janet Tribolet playing chicken foot dominoes and eating popcorn. Another past time was working word search puzzles and reading many, many, many romance novels. Some were read more than once.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Howard; daughter, Nancy and husband Michael Johnson; sisters, Letha Schurr and Elva Akers; and brother, Orville Stephens.
Surviving are son John (Jan) Coon, Redding, CA; grandchildren Janet (Darryl) Cunningham, Redding, CA; John W. Coon, San Diego, CA; Jeffrey Coon, Los Angeles, CA; Steve (Amy) Johnson, Manson, IA; Laurie (Kevin) Zehr, Earlham, IA; Sherry (Doyle) Carlson, Fort Dodge, IA; Elaine Johnson, Cour D’Alene, ID; and Jeramy Johnson, Kansas City, MO; great grandchildren Tim (Katrina) Hoke, Eureka, CA; Victoria Cunningham, Santa Cruz, CA; Marissa Coon, San Diego, CA; Sam and Shea Johnson, Manson, IA; Emily and Eric Hepperle, Fort Dodge, IA; and Aaron and Jacob Johnson, Cour D’Alene, ID.
Funeral services were held Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford with Rev. Randy Alman officiating. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Memorials are suggested to the Presbyterian-Christian Church Building Fund. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel served the family.

Coston, Verla Marie Moore - Verla Marie Coston passed away Friday, February 20, 2009 at Red Oak Good Samaritan, Red Oak, Iowa. She was born May 18, 1919 in Taylor County near New Market, Iowa to Roy Robert and Goldie Marie (Burnham) Moore.
Verla was married June 27, 1936 at Hopkins, Missouri to Thomas Walter Coston. Verla worked at Tip Top Curler factory and was a seamstress doing alterations for Weil’s Clothing. She was a member of Eastern Star.
Verla was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1991; son Darrell Walter Coston; granddaughter Anita Lynn Frieze; two great grandchildren; sister Evon Wykoff, brothers Raymond George Moore and his wife Wanda and Roy Dean Moore; and brother in law Jim Clark.
She is survived by her children: Gary Coston and his wife Frances of Chinook, Montana, Harold Coston and his wife Pauline of College Springs, Iowa, Nancy Wayman and her husband Richard of Clarinda, Iowa, and Waneta Gibson and her husband Tom of Grand Island, Nebraska; grandchildren: Tami, Marsha, Patricia, Kim and Kevin, Jodie, Tracy, Erin, and Marie; twenty-one great grandchildren; sister Ardith Clark of New Market, Iowa; brother in law Jack Wykoff of Missouri, and sister in law Vera Moore of New Market, Iowa.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tim Maxa officiating. Interment was at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to a fund established in Verla’s name. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Clarinda provided arrangements.
Crellin, Viola Graves - Viola was born December 8, 1928 near Clearfield, IA, the daughter of Hazel (McLaury) and Roy M. Graves, she passed away November 26, 2008 at her home in Perkins, OK, after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Eddie and his son Jimmy. Viola graduated from Bedford High school in 1946.
Jack Crellin and Viola were married September 11, 1949 at the Methodist church in Bedford, IA. After Jack graduated from Iowa State with a Forestry degree, they lived in a small areas in Arizona before he was stationed in Taos, New Mexico for 28 years. Viola worked many years as a legal secretary. After retirement and several years of traveling they moved to Perkins to be close to their daughter Becky.
Viola is survived by husband Jack, daughters Jan (Duane) Russey of Chandler AZ; and Becky Burtrum of Stillwater OK; seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, brother Marion of California; sister Lois Cade of Clarinda.
A celebration of Viola’s life was held December 1, 2008 at the First Methodist Church in Perkins, OK, with the Reverend Steve Bredesin officiating.

Cross, Earl Edward "Bud" - Earl Edward “Bud” Cross, 84, Hopkins, Missouri died Thursday, January 8, 2009, at his home.

He was born February 9, 1924 in Blockton, Iowa, the son of William R. and Helen (Sobbing) Cross. Earl served in the US Army during WWII. He married Maggie Irene Gilmore on December 24, 1946 in High Point, North Carolina.

Mr. Cross was a retired mechanic and farmer, having worked for Mutti Truck & Tractor, Hopkins, Missouri; Lewis G Moore, Ladd Motors and Turner’s Construction Company, Maryville, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patsy Jean Cross; a son, Gary Lee Cross; his parents, brothers: Harold, Dean, Raymond and Russell Cross; sisters: Ruby Santee, Pauline Kreps and Darlene Eads.

Survivors include his wife, Maggie, of their home in Hopkins; his children and their spouses: Ron and Kathy Cross, Edward and Kristina Cross and Kathy and Rick Swalley, all of Hopkins; seven grandchildren: Corey and Andrea Cross, Rhonda Cross Beemer, Brad and Gary Cross, Stacy Sprague and Amanda Swalley; five-great-grandchildren: Kailee Swalley, Emma Sprague, Makayla Cross, Alonna Cross and Owen Wonderly; a brother: Robert (Lavonne) Cross, Fremont, Nebraska and sisters: Lena Espey, Maryville, Missouri and Betty (Everett) Lee, Bedford, Iowa and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation is 6-7pm Sunday, January 11, 2009 at Swanson-Price Funeral Home, Hopkins.

Funeral Services are 10:30 am Monday, January 12, at Swanson-Price Chapel, Hopkins with burial in Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Missouri

Graveside Military Services will be conducted by the Glen Ulmer American Legion Post #288, Hopkins and the James Edward Gray American Legion Post #100, Maryville;

Memorials may be made to the Hopkins Cemetery Fund in Earl’s name.

Crowe, Doris Irene Long - Doris Irene Crowe was born February 4, 1936 n Taylor County, Iowa, near New Market, the daughter of Clarence Lee and Minnie Mae (Wirth) Long. She passed away on Wednesday morning, September 10, 2008 at the Westridge Quality Care & Rehab Center in Clarinda.
Doris grew up on a farm north of New Market, Iowa. She graduated from New Market High School in 1954. On March 16, 1958, Doris was united in marriage to Jerry Crowe in New Market. This union was blessed with three children, Barbara, Beverly and Roger.
Doris and Jerry lived in various places around southwest Iowa. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Richardson Lumber Company and as a cook at Westridge quality Care. Doris was a member of the United Methodist Church at Shambaugh, the OK Club and the United Methodist Women.
She loved to cook, work in her garden and most of all play cards. She collected bells and enjoyed photographs. Doris’s true love was her family. She always tried to attend the activities of her children and grandchildren.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jerry in 2001; a sister, Verla Kirsch; two brothers, Donald and Herald Long; and three sisters-in-law, Edith Long, Twila Demanett and Beatrice Crowe.
Survivors include her children, Barbara Crowe of Omaha, Nebraska, Beverly Green and her husband Brian of Treynor, Iowa, Roger Crowe of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Brandon, Elizabeth and Allison Green of Treynor, Iowa; sister-in-law, Dorla Long of Nebraska City, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Harold Kirsch and his wife Norma of Clarinda, Iowa; step-mother, Bernice Long of Clarinda, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
It was Doris’s wish to donate her body to the Nebraska Anatomical Board to assist with medical studies. Memorial services were held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday evening, September 12, 2008 at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. Private burial will take place at the Bethesda Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Visitation with the family took place following the service until 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Cornerstone Fellowship Church. A memorial fund is being established. To leave online remembrances or condolences with the family, go to www.kirschfuneral.com.
The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements.