Scane, Lois Anderson - Funeral services for Lois Scane, age 91 of Bedford, who died Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at her home were held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Lois A. (Anderson) Scane was born August 11, 1916, in Gravity, Iowa the daughter of Jimmy K. Anderson and Della M. (Morrison) Anderson. She grew up attending school in Gravity, graduating with the Class of 1933. On July 8, 1938, she was united in marriage to Ben Scane at the Christian Parsonage in Clarinda, Iowa. Lois and Ben lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado during World War II, doing defense work, then moved to Bedford where they went into business opening Scane Plumbing & Heating. In 1978, Ben passed away. Lois kept the business open for several years with Mick Ware operating in the location.

Lois enjoyed traveling and being around people. She became the ‘adopted grandmother’ to Vic and Carole Noer’s children, and she loved playing cards and various games with them. Her motto in life was “do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. She was a long-time member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon. She was also long-time member of the Order of Eastern Star, having received her 50 year pin in 1989.

Lois is survived by three nephews, Bill Perkins and wife Cheryl; Ben Perkins; and Kenneth Anderson and wife Marilyn; two nieces, Patsy Steele and husband Doral; and Dixie McFarland and husband Marty; along with several great-nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Caren Scott and Vic Noer, Jr., four great-grandchildren, Megan and Andrea Scott; and Angela and Devon Noer; along with many other friends.

Preceding Lois in death were her parents; her husband Ben Scane; two brothers, Leslie and Virgil Anderson; a sister, Irma Perkins; a sister-in-law, LaVora Anderson; a nephew, Bob Perkins; a niece, Neva Mae Johnson; and an adopted grandchild, Cathy Noer.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Scherich, Agnes Fern Safley - Memorial services for Agnes Scherich, age 90 of Bedford, who died Saturday, December 19, 2009 at her home will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Interment of ashes will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in her name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Agnes Fern (Safley) Scherich was born April 25, 1919, in Taylor County, Iowa the third of eight children born to Alford Safley and Hazel (Hensley) Safley. She grew up living most of her life in Taylor County attending rural school and working in area homes. In 1941, she was united in marriage to Donald Scherich in St. Joseph, Missouri. On April 25, 1942, Agnes’ birthday, Don entered the United States Army service World War II. Agnes went to work at Paris Dun Gun Factory in Clarinda during the war. When they closed she went to work for the Grill Café. When Don was home on leave in December of 1943, Agnes returned to Tennessee to be with him until March when he was sent to Camp Blanding, Florida, eventually being sent overseas. Agnes returned home to live with her parents and on September 13, 1944, a beautiful daughter Virginia Mae was born to bless their lives. In the spring, Agnes and Virginia and her sister Irene and daughter Carolyn moved to Bedford to live in Don’s parent’s home. In 1945, Don was honorably discharged and returned to Bedford. Virginia was a year old at the time of his return. Don, Agnes and Virginia then moved onto the family farm and his parents moved into Bedford. On April 8, 1956, the Scherich family was baptized into the Presbyterian Church.

During the years Virginia was in school Agnes was a stay-at-home-mother. Once she graduated, Agnes went to work at the Hiway Café. After Don’s parents had passed away Agnes and Don decided to remodel their home so Agnes spent her time refinishing woodwork and fixing up antique furniture. She later decided to go back to work at the Junction Café, a position she held until her retirement in 1989. In the fall of 1971, Agnes had a farm sale and moved back into Bedford in 1973. She always enjoyed tending a large garden and taking care of the Forrest Grove Cemetery. In 1982, Don passed away, and Agnes continued living in her home, tending her beautiful flowers for the community to enjoy until her death on December 19, 2009. One of the great sorrows in Agnes’ life was the illness and death of her daughter Virginia Mae. She will be remembered as a wonderful grandmother to her three grandchildren and always felt truly blessed to have ten great-grandchildren. She loved to bake cookies for the children and tend her large flower garden.

Left to cherish the memories of Agnes are her three grandchildren, Lana Sanders, of Nucla, Colorado; Jesse Sanders of Denver, Colorado and Jason Sanders of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; two sisters Donna Belle Ermst and husband Elvin of Bedford; and Irene Masker of Alabama; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Agnes in death are her parents and in-laws, her loving husband Don, a sister Helen Henderson; a brother Ralph Safley, Naomi Bird and Mary Ruth.

Although Agnes will be greatly missed,
her love and inspiration will live on
through her family.

Schuelke, Junior Dale - Funeral services for Junior Schuelke, age 83 of Bedford, who died Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in Wichita, Kansas will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be Friday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held in the Lexington Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to his church or 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.

Junior Dale Schuelke was born February 10, 1926 to Richard Edward and Mary Audra (Dimick) Schuelke at Greenwood, Nebraska. Junior initially attended country schools, and graduated in 1945 from Waverly High School, Waverly Nebraska. Following graduation he and a classmate followed the wheat harvest in Kansas and Colorado during the summer of 1945.

Returning to the Greenwood area, he started farming with his father. Junior met Doris Hanson who was working as a secretary in Lincoln. Junior and Doris were united in marriage on December 2, 1951 in Wahoo, Nebraska. To this union five children were born: Mark, Steve, Brian, Dennis and Linda.

They farmed from 1951 to January 1958 near Ashland, Nebraska. Three straight drought years 1953, ‘54, & ‘55 caused them to lose their corn crop those years. In 1956 they purchased a farm in Iowa near Bedford, and on January 28th, 1958 they moved to the Bedford farm. Junior continued farming until his retirement in 2002.

Junior dedicated his life to farming and conservation of the soil. Recognizing the real need for conservation practices on his farm, he purchased a tiling machine in the sixties and installed tile lines, waterways, and constructed terraces to control erosion. Friends and neighbors witnessed these improvements and began asking Junior to establish them on their farms in the area. Thus, the business known as Schuelke Tiling emerged. This drainage work functioned as a sideline to farming, raising cattle and hogs. In the mid- sixties, he built one of the first hog confinement finishing buildings in Taylor County.

In 1979, the oldest son, Mark, returned to farm in the Bedford area and also joined the tiling business. Junior and Mark operated the business until 1990 when Mark took over the business.

An integral part of the farming and tiling business was the farm shop in which Junior built and repaired machinery. He enjoyed welding, building metal items, and performing mechanical repairs and overhauls. Upon retirement he had time to learn woodworking and each Christmas made gifts for the children and grandchildren.

Junior was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. For ten years, he was the leader of the Dogpatch Farmers 4-H Club of Conway, Iowa. He was a member of the Clearfield Lions Club and enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair while driving shuttle buses. Junior was a member of the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association, where he served as Southwest Iowa District vice-president and president in the years 1982 – 1984.

He and Doris enjoyed RV traveling. They traveled to all 50 states, as well as traveling abroad to Europe, the Orient, Australia, Mexico, North Africa, Central America, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The couple especially enjoyed their two trips to Sweden to visit Doris’ relatives, and to New Zealand to visit friends they met at the Iowa State Fair.

Preceding Junior in death were his parents Richard and Mary Audra, brothers Dick and Loren, sisters Bernice, Lois, and Edna. Left to cherish his memory are: his loving wife, Doris, four sons, Mark and wife Gloria, Steve and wife Lisa, Brian, Dennis and wife Judy, and one daughter, Linda England and husband Victor. Grandchildren include Bonnie (Schuelke) Ramsey and husband Theo, Zebulon Schuelke and wife Andrea, Greg Schuelke, Ben Schuelke, Jenny Schuelke, and Spencer Schuelke. His great grandchildren are Grason and Greenly Ramsey, and Jobe Schuelke. A number of dear nieces and nephews also mourn his passing.

Junior was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and friend to many. He enjoyed camping, fishing and boating at Sun Valley Lake with his children and grandchildren, as well as playing cards and country music.

He played drums in high school band and learned to play the guitar and harmonica. He enjoyed playing and singing for his children. When the children were raised and left home, he and Doris became “snowbirds,” traveling to Arizona and the Alamo Rec-Veh Park in Alamo, Texas for 25 winters. He began to play in park jams and hosted the jams at Alamo Rec for seven years.

Having struggled with numerous health issues over the past several years, Junior died of a severe heart attack on April 14 in Wichita, Kansas. His family was present. Junior will surely be missed by all for many years to come.

Junior was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and steward of the land.

His enthusiasm, humor, insight and kindness will be missed by his family.

Scott, Doris Louise Klinzman - Funeral services for Doris Scott, age 86, of the Lenox / Sharpsburg area, who passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Lenox Care Center were held Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sharpsburg United Methodist Church. Visitation were Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment were held at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.
Doris Louise (Klinzman) Scott was born October 19, 1923 in Isle, Minnesota the daughter of Fred Martin Klinzman and Fern May Ellen (Olds) Klinzman. She graduated from Lenox High School and taught country school in Adams County. On September 12, 1944, she was united in marriage to Bill Scott in Bedford, Iowa. Four children were born to bless their lives Fred, Norma, Wilma and Julia.
Doris devoted her life to her family, church and friends. She was a member of the Sharpsburg United Methodist Church where she was an active member of the Ladies Aide. Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening, cooking, being famous for ‘Grandma’s noodles and her cherry and apples pies’, sewing, traveling, family camping, playing various games of cards, marbles and dominos.
Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend are her loving husband of sixty-five years Bill Scott of Sharpsburg; a son, Fred Scott and wife Barb of Clearfield; three daughters, Norma Wickenhauser and husband Charles of Alton, Illinois; Wilma Majors and husband Bill of Everton, Arkansas; and Julia Foster and husband Keith Davies of Indianola; two sisters, Burdean Brown and husband Marlin of Corning; and Bonnie Shelman of Portland, Oregon; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; along with many other family members and friends.
Preceding Doris in death are her parents; a sister, Hildred Reynolds; and two brothers-in-law.

Scott, Todd Jason - Todd Jason Scott, 47, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri died Sunday morning, February 7, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of Ross and Bunnie (Ewart) Scott. He was born January 11, 1963. He attended schools in Liberty and in California and was a lifelong member of the Liberty Methodist Church.
He was an outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt quail and pheasant. He learned all the tricks of fishing by the hands of his Dad and his Grandpa Scott. Also he was a quite a skilled marksman. He started hunting with his Dad at an early age, carrying only a play gun. As a young boy, he loved going to visit grandpa and grandma Ewart on the farm, where he could drive the tractor, work with the animals, and go fishing in farm ponds. He also loved going to Grandma Scott’s for her homemade chicken and noodles. As he got older, some of his loves were riding motorcycles, working on computers, rock and roll music, and playing guitar and bass. He even composed several amazing songs in his later years. He looked forward to spending time during the summer, boating with Dan at Table Rock Lake. His life was too short, but he’s in a better place, free form pain.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, two sisters, Suzanne Scott of Excelsior Springs, MO, Judy Heiffus of Independence, MO and niece Stephanie (Mike) Egger of Independence, MO, his special cousins, Dan (Doreen) Ewart of Placentia, CA, godparents, Frank and Marianne Maudlin of Liberty, aunt Garnita Ewart of Clarinda, two cousins in Bedford, Iowa, Bill (Peggy) Ewart and Rick (Louann) Ewart. Also, a special friend, Rev. Bob Shane of Excelsior Springs, MO and many other friends and relatives as well as his little dog, Heidi.
Preceding him in death were both sets of grandparents and his beloved Uncle Bill Ewart from Bedford, Iowa.
Polley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs, MO is in charge of cremation arrangements. There will be a memorial at a later date with interment in the family plot at Blockton, Iowa cemetery. Todd wanted memorials to go to: Liberty Hospital Hospice, 2525 Glenn Hendren Drive, P.O. Box 1002, Liberty, MO 64069-1002.
Todd will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Scroggie, Opal Valetta Gross - Opal Valetta (Gross) Scroggie was born April 15, 1919 in Onawa, Iowa the daughter of Alva E. Gross and Cora Mae Gross. She grew up attending rural schools, living in Onawa until moving to live with her sister in Benton, where she attended high school. While she was attending a 10-cent movie show in Conway, she met her future husband, James Leonard Scroggie. The couple was later united in marriage on April 15, 1939 in Corning, Iowa. Born to bless this union were three children, Gary, Sandra and Ronald.

Together Leonard and Opal made their home around northwest Iowa where Leonard worked for various farmers, returning to the Conway area. They later moved to Oklahoma where Leonard worked road construction, returning to Taylor County and moving to Bedford in 1957 where Leonard worked for the Taylor County Road Maintenance Crew for thirty-three years, retiring in 1976. During this time Opal worked for Sickels Appliance Store and later Shehan’s Shoe Box. After their retirement, Leonard and Opal enjoyed traveling around the State of Iowa where they camped and visited with everyone they met. Opal loved to crochet and was active in the Rebekah Lodge for several years. She truly loved her family. She especially loved ‘spoiling’ her grandchildren! She had been a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford.

Opal died Nov 5, 2006.

Left to cherish Opal’s memory are her three children Gary Scroggie and wife Joanne of Bedford and their children Gary Jr., Lea Ann and Mike; Sandra Helm and husband Jim of Lenox and their children Stacy, Kristy, Kerri and Brian; and Ronald Scroggie and wife Tina of Avoca and their children Terry, Angela, Schuyler, Brent and Dylan; thirteen great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Estle Dalbey of Maryville, Missouri; and a community of friends.

Preceding Opal in death are her parents Alva and Cora Gross; her husband Leonard in 2003; two brothers, Tony and Don Gross; a sister Helen German and a grandson Steve Scroggie.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Opal’s passing.

Shada, Hazel L. Stephens - Memorial graveside services for Hazel L. Shada, age 94 of Waterloo, formerly of Bedford, who died Sunday, November 25, 2007, and her sister Jean Grove, will be held Monday, August 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery. Friends are invited to proceed together from Ritchie Funeral Home to the Fairview Cemetery. Interment of ashes for both sisters will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Local arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Hazel L. (Stephens) Shada was born November 28, 1911, in Taylor County, Iowa the daughter of Clyde Stephens and Alta (Wainwright) Stephens. She grew up attending school, graduating from the Gravity High School with the Class of 1928. She then attended Simpson College and received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and did her graduate work at the University of Iowa. Hazel taught school from the age of eighteen through her entire working career. She taught for the Cedar Rapids Public School System from 1941 until her retirement in 1977. On February 7, 1948, Hazel was united in marriage to Gabe A. Shada at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Gabe passed away on September 6, 1972.

Left to cherish Hazel’s memory are three great-nieces, Debbie Costancio of Atascadero, California; Pam Thompson of Paso Robles, California; and Cindy Parmater Mendez of Templeton, California.

Preceding Hazel in death were her parents, Clyde and Alta Stephens; her husband, Gabe Shada in 1972; two sisters and their husbands, Helen and Harold Fitch; and Jean and Merle B. Grove; her only niece and husband, Shirley J. and William “Bill” Richard Parmater.

She was a devoted wife, aunt, and mentor to many children.
Her enthusiasm, humor, insight and gentle
kindness will be sorely missed by her family.

Shafer, Arlene Dorine Carlson - Funeral services for Arlene Shafer, age 82 of Bedford, who died Monday, June 18, 2007, at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Cremation followed the services with the burial of ashes on Saturday, June 23, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Dayton Cemetery in Dayton, Iowa. Memorials can be directed to the “Bridge to Care” the Bedford Public Library or Hospice. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Arlene Dorine (Carlson) Shafer was born October 9, 1924, in Wausa, Nebraska the daughter of Arvid Carlson and Fern (Anderson) Carlson. As a child Arlene moved with her family from Wausau to the Boxholm / Lanyon, Iowa area where she attended country school, and the Harcourt High School, graduating with the Class of 1942. On March 1, 1944, she was united in marriage to Wayne Shafer at the Lutheran Church in Harcourt. Upon Wayne’s discharge from the service, the family lived on a farm in the Boxholm area where they farmed on several farms in the Boone area. The couple later divorced. In 1994, Arlene retired and moved to the Bedford area to be near her family. During her working years, Arlene had been a bookkeeper, secretary and office manager for the Boone Airport and the Boone County Credit Union.

Arlene had been a long-time member of the Lutheran Church and upon her move to Bedford became a member of the United Methodist Church. Arlene always had a passion for flying so she obtained her pilot’s license when she was in her late 50’s. She also looked forward to camping, having traveled through much of the western United States. She loved cooking Swedish dishes and baking bread. Arlene was also a professional seamstress, making wedding gowns and formals for many people. However, the times Arlene most enjoyed were the times spent with her family and especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlene became a New York Yankees fan after seeing the movie “Pride of the Yankees” starring Gary Cooper. From then on, her one of her favorite past-times was watching the Yankees play baseball on television. Now, according to Arlene, if the Yankees were not in the World Series . . . there was no World Series that year!

Left to cherish Arlene’s memory are her four children Cheryl Johnson of Blockton; Kevin Shafer and wife Viki of Rowe, New Mexico; Camille Wentworth and husband Dan of Derry, New Hampshire; and Kerwyn Shafer and wife Francoise of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a sister Marlene Miller and husband Edwin of Bedford; and a special brother Randy Cross of Seattle, Washington; nine grandchildren Krystal Norris, Kenton Johnson, Steve Shafer, Scott Shafer, Stacy Shafer, Ashley Wentworth, Brandon Wentworth, Christine Juker and Melanie Shafer; eight great-grandchildren, Kelly and Kody Norris; Jessica and Kyle Yehle; Nancy and Stephanie Shafer; and Jason and Marcus Antelope; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Arlene in death are her parents Arvid and Fern Carlson; an infant twin sister Darlene; a brother Dallas Carlson and a son-in-law, Dave Johnson.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Arlene’s passing.

Shields, Darrell J. - Graveside services for Darrell Shields, age 92 formerly of Bedford who died Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at the Regency Care Center located in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by the loving staff of Crossroads Hospice along with his daughter Julia at this side. Services were held Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to Crossroads Hospice. Please leave a message of tribute to the Shields family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Darrell J. Shields was born April 17, 1914, in Gravity, Iowa the son of Lester Shields and Antha B. (Widner) Shields. Later in Darrell’s life his mother married Floyd Robbins and they moved to Bedford. Darrell graduated from the Bedford High School, and continued to attend school reunions until his health failed causing him to miss out on those cherished get-togethers and reunions.

Darrell purchased his first farm east of Bedford and then purchased another farm southeast of Bedford. He loved farming and caring for his animals. Darrell and Mona eventually sold the farm and moved into town. He continued to farm and truck before retiring. Darrell knew no stranger and loved to visit.

Left to cherish Darrell’s memory are his wife Mona; daughter Julia Shields-McGary, both of Independence, Missouri; and son Joe Shields of Adel, Iowa; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding Darrell in death were his parents and a grandson, Mark Mattes.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Darrell’s passing.

Shipley, Darlyne Cree - Funeral services for Darlyne Shipley, age 92, of Creston, formerly of Lenox, who died Thursday, January 17, 2008 at her home in Creston will be held Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until service time. Memorials can be directed to the Creston Hospice House. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Darlyne (Cree) Shipley was born May 30, 1915, in Taylor County, Iowa near Sharpsburg, the daughter of Ora L. Cree and Charlotte Lou (Lewis) Cree. She grew up attending rural schools, living in Colorado for a short time, graduating from the eighth grade in Boulder. She then returned to Iowa where she graduated from the Gravity High School. After graduation, she went to Des Moines where she attended Thompson’s Cosmetology School. On June 30, 1935, she was united in marriage to Max Austin Shipley in Maryville, Missouri. The couple lived in Bedford until Max entered the United States Army and she worked in Clarinda and went to Mississippi and California to be with her husband. When Max was shipped overseas, she returned to Des Moines and worked at Farmer’s Life Insurance. Upon his discharge, the couple moved to Clarinda where she worked at Iowa Power & Light and the Page County Engineer’s office. Later the couple purchased a farm south of Lenox where they lived for fourteen years. They sold their farm and moved into Lenox where they lived for twenty-seven years. After Max’s death on September 14, 2004, Darlyne moved to Creston where she lived at the time of her death.

During her life she belonged to several card clubs. She was a kind and loving person, who always had a positive outlook on life. She enjoyed all 92 years of her life. She never judged anyone and was a loving and committed wife, having been married over 69 years. Always “up for a challenge”, she even learned to drive again, at the age of 89!

Preceding Darlyne in death was her parents, her husband Max in 2004 and a sister, Gwen Huss.

Shupe, John Allen "Jack" - Memorial services for Jack Shupe, age 59, formerly of Bedford, will be held Saturday, November 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Bedford Baseball Program. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

John Allen Shupe was born on November 28, 1949, in Indianola, Iowa the son of Paul Blaine and Martha (Young) Shupe. Jack (as we all knew him) grew up in Bedford and graduated from Bedford High School in 1968. He attended the University of New Mexico on a baseball scholarship for two years then transferred to Wayne State in Wayne, Nebraska. He continued to play college baseball receiving many awards. Upon graduation, Jack was drafted by the New York Yankee organization. He was awarded the Triple Crown in his first year of professional baseball while playing in Johnson City, Tennessee. After Jack was invited and participated in spring training with the Yankees, he was promoted to the AAA level in Syracuse, New York. After playing baseball for three years, Jack taught in the Reeds Spring school district for a year then moved to Malvern, Iowa where he was the Athletic Director and coached for the Malvern School system. In 1989, he became the Assistant Principal at North Polk Community Schools in Alleman, Iowa. Jack continued in the education field in various other systems in Iowa and Missouri. His current job was an Officer at Carlyle Trucking in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he lived at the time of his death.

Left to cherish precious memories are his two sons Jonathan Cory Shupe and Kyle Brandon Bond Shupe (Dennice). His mother, Martha; brother, Steve (Shirley) Shupe; nephews Josh (Jeanne), Joe and John(Kris); three grandchildren, Parker Blaine Shupe, Kaci Raye Shupe, Adam Bond Shupe; along with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Jack in death was his Dad, Paul Blaine Shupe and his grandparents.

Internment of Jack’s ashes preceded services beside his Dad at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Jack will be missed by his entire family and many friends.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Jack’s passing.

Sickels, Ida May King - Funeral services for Ida May Sickels, age 83 of Bedford, who died Thursday, December 13, 2007 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning were held Monday, December 17, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the New Life Missionary Church in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in her name. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Ida May (King) Sickels was born September 7, 1924, in her parent’s farm home located in Jefferson Township, Taylor County, Iowa the youngest child of Myron Paul King and Genevieve Alberta (Leech) King. She grew up in a close, tight-nit family with her two brothers, Paul Jr., and Albert, attending the Big Springs School District then the Blockton High School where she graduated with the Class of 1942, with her Normal Training Teacher’s Certificate. She attended Northwest Missouri State University in the early 1950’s where she received her BS in elementary education, with a minor in library science and her MS in elementary education. Throughout her teaching career, Ida May had the privilege of serving the Big Springs School, Athelstan, Blockton and Bedford schools. She taught fourth grade in Bedford for thirteen years and was the Elementary Librarian for an additional twelve years. Ida May served the education of many young children for over thirty-one years, retiring from the teaching profession in June of 1987.

On July 17, 1943, Ida May was united in marriage to Gordon Sickels at the United Methodist Church Parsonage in Bedford. The couple made their first home in the Athelstan area. Later, three daughters were born to bless their lives, Judith Ann, Linda Eileen and Sharon Lea. During her teaching years, Ida May always had ‘discipline’ in her classroom, but she possessed a ‘knack’ for challenging all of her students. Teaching was not only a passion of hers, but a way of life as she cared not only for her daughters but for the lives of each and every one of her students. She had a way of reading books to her classroom students that ‘made the story come alive’. She was a wonderful seamstress, sewing all of the clothing for her girls through junior high school. She was always a very organized person. Gordon and Ida May enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, wintering in Arizona for many years. She was a member of the New Life Missionary Church in Bedford for over forty-five years where she taught Sunday school, and served on the Church Board.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of sixty-four years, Gordon Sickels of Bedford; her three daughters, Judith King and husband Jerry of Blockton; Linda McClannahan and husband Paul of Des Moines; and Sharon Davison and husband Roger of Bedford; two brothers, Paul King and wife Willa of Des Moines; and Albert King and wife Irene of Maryville, Missouri; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Ida May in death were her parents, Myron and Genevieve King.

Ida May was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and teacher.
Her enthusiasm, humor, insight and
gentle kindness will be sorely missed by everyone.

Skidmore, Laura Lee Ganley - Laura Lee Ganley was born at Red Oak, Iowa on February 24, 1950 the daughter of Harry Edward "Pete" and Mildred (Wells) Ganley. She grew up in the Red Oak and Stanton area and graduated from Villisca High School in 1968.
She then attended Beauty School. She was married to Jim Skidmore and they lived in the Guss area for several years. Laura was very fond of her gardening and flowers, and enjoyed crafts.

Surviving are two brothers, David Ganley and wife Peg of Kalispell, Montana and Paul Ganley and wife Karen of Kingsford, Michigan; one sister Linda Anderson and husband Ed of Little Sioux, Iowa; one step-brother Scott Ganley and wife Teresa of New Market, Iowa; her step-mother Gerry Ganley of New Market; two half sisters including Nancy Elkins of San Angelo, Texas; eight step-brothers and sisters; nieces and nephews; and her special friend Gary Kelley of Bedford, Iowa.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her ex-husband Jim; and one step-sister.

Memorial service was held 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 30, 2009 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda, with Inurnment in the Guss Cemetery. Memorials are Family Choice.

The Tradition of Walker-Merrick Funeral Home provided the arrangements. The Staff of Walker-Merrick's Funeral Home Thank You for choosing us.

Sleep, Avis Lucille Parker - Funeral Services for Avis Sleep, age 90 of Bedford who died Monday, January 17, 2005 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Monday, January 24, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Siam Cemetery. Memorials can be given in her name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Avis Lucille Sleep was born on May 5, 1914 in Jackson Township, Taylor County, Iowa the daughter of Joseph Wesley Parker and Bessie Ethel Downey Parker. On January 30, 1929, she was united in marriage to Clarence Delbert Sleep in Bedford, Iowa and they were blessed with a son Bruce.

Avis was a life-long resident of Taylor County, farming with her husband east of Siam until 1978 when they sold their farm and retired to Bedford. During their time on the farm, Avis was an active member of the Siam Church of Christ and enjoyed teaching Sunday school for many years. In later years, Clarence and Avis enjoyed and kept active showing their Palomino horses, Golden Beauty and Leo Dan. For years, they led the parade in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Avis was well known for her “green thumb” and received many compliments on her beautiful hanging baskets of vines that flourished on her front porch on Central Avenue. In the summer, it was common to see her sitting in the swing on her front porch, or walking her beloved cat, Sally. After retiring to Bedford, Avis joined the United Christian Church in Bedford.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Bruce and wife Bobbi Sleep of Aurora, Colorado; a sister, Dorothy Weese of Winterset, Iowa; two grandsons, Greg Sleep and wife Claudia of Breckinridge, Colorado; and Randy Sleep and wife Tonya of Lakewood, Colorado; six great-grandsons, Shaun, Ian, Alex, Christopher, Austin and Sam; and one great-great-grandson, Noah; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Avis in death are her husband Clarence on July 22, 1981; her parents Joseph and Bessie Parker; five brothers, Lester, Austin, Wilzie, Joseph and Dean Parker; three sisters, Estella Farrell, Mabel Sleep and Velma Lasley.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn her passing.

Sleep, Daniel Lee - Memorial services for Dan Sleep, age 49 of Bedford were held Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Visitation was held prior to services. Memorials can be given in Dan’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Daniel Lee Sleep was born on October 26, 1959 in Omaha, Nebraska, being the oldest of five children of Eldon and Barbara (Young) Sleep. He lived in Omaha until the age of 5 when the family moved to a farm southwest of Bedford in Taylor county, Iowa where Dan grew to maturity and remained most of his life. Dan attended Bedford Community Schools and regretted not graduating. In 1993, Dan obtained his GED, something he was very proud of.

Dan was a ‘Jack of all trades’ and a very hard worker. He did various jobs in construction, (laying Taylor County rural water lines and helping construct the new addition to the Bedford School) two of the projects he was most proud to be a part of. He also roofed, farmed, and was more than willing to help others no matter what the job was. Most recently he was employed by Hawn’s Sanitation. He often commented how he loved the people and children that greeted him every week and how it made him feel good to go the extra mile for people in need.

Dan was an avid wrestling and football fan. If he was around a TV that is what everyone was watching. He also liked action movies, but once in a while, he would ‘give in’ and watch “mushy” stuff, just to keep the family quiet!

His greatest pleasure and where he spent most of his time was being outdoors and in nature. He was known to encourage everyone around him to ‘enjoy the beauty’. Whether it was hunting, trapping, fishing or rock hunting, Dan enjoyed it all. He was overflowing with pride and his most precious treasures were his children and grandchildren. He loved them with much passion; always trying to teach them right from wrong and always making sure to tell them he loved them often.

Another strong passion of Dan’s was his goats. He and his faithful dog “Annie”, an Australian Shepard, tended his goat herd for over eight years together. Dan got much pleasure from raising them, taking care of them, watching them, and talking about them. He was very proud of his goats.

Dan loved being around people, never knowing a stranger. He especially enjoyed drinking coffee at the local shops, bullshitting and making deals. He would always grin from ear to ear after he was able to “pull one over” on unsuspecting individuals, especially those who knew him best. Dan enjoyed hearing stories as well as telling them. Dan was a giver, always giving special “treasures” that he had collected to his family and friends. When Dan was around…there was never a dull moment!
Left to cherish Dan’s memory are his mother, Barbara Benson and husband Red of Corning; the love of his life, Sonia Sleep Nicholson of Bedford; seven children, Andrea Dawn Sheley of College Springs; Nathanael Lee Sleep of Clarinda; Cody Dale Sleep of Bedford; Brandi Dalene Nicholson of Bedford; Lindsey Jo Nicholson of Maryville; Lacy Marie Nicholson of Bedford; and Holly Lynn Nicholson of Bedford. Eight grandchildren, Ethan, Terrence, Tori, Selena, Marcus Jr., Brayden, Aikley, and Quentin. Two sisters, Tammy Sleep and family of Grimes; and Kristie Arms and husband Jack and family of Creston; two brothers, Jerry Sleep and wife Lori and family of Gravity; and Scott Sleep and wife Miranda and family of Corning; along with his most faithful dog Annie and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Dan in death was his father Eldon Sleep in 2002; grandparents Vera and Dale Sleep and Byron and LaDean Young; and his long-time mentor, Boyd Novinger.

Dan will be missed by his entire family.

The memories that he made throughout the years
will remain in our hearts forever.

Sharp, Helen Marie Johnson - Funeral Services for Helen Marie Sharp, age 94 of Bedford who died Friday, March 16, 2007 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Monday, March 19, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center. Memories can be shared with the family on our web site at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Helen Marie (Johnson) Sharp was born September 29, 1912, in Taylor County, Iowa, near Blockton, the daughter of William Cody Johnson and Lillie Leota (Branson) Johnson. On January 20, 1931, she was united in marriage to Edward Andrew Sharp at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage in Clarinda, Iowa. Four children were born to bless this union, Lois Jean, Joan, Charles Edward and Patricia Kay.

Helen and Edward spent their early married life farming. They always worked together, planting the crops and caring for the animals. Being a farmer’s wife brought her special pleasures. Spring was always her favorite time of the year, when crops were planted and baby animals were born. She nursed many orphans to health. Helen and Edward retired from farming in 1953, moving to Gravity where Helen worked various jobs, cleaning homes, selling Avon and working at the Red Lantern. After Edward passed away on March 9, 1977, she sold her home in Gravity and moved to Bedford so she could be near her daughters. The last few years she resided at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford since she was baptized at the age of seventeen.

Left to cherish Helen’s memory are her four children, Lois Konecne and husband Dwane of Fort Dodge; Joan Harmon and husband Connard of Bedford; Charles Sharp and wife Margaret of Clarinda; and Pat Smith and husband Bobby of Bedford; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Helen was blessed with three sets of twin great-granddaughters! And treasured every minute she could spend with her children and grandchildren.

Preceding Helen in death were her parents; her husband Edward; a sister, Pauline Sharp; and two son-in-laws, Leonard Bartles and Jim Hanshaw.

Although her family will miss her, we have wonderful memories.
We know she is at peace in a wonderful place, in the presence of God
and all of her loved ones that have gone before.
Some day, we will join her there!

Sheffield, Joni Marie Stephenson - Joni Marie was born February 22, 1962 at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, to Clyde Lee and Leona Mae (Byrns) Stephenson. She attended grade school in Bedford and graduated Bedford High School in 1980 and was a cheerleader while in school She became a cosmetologist after completing her coursework at Hair Tech in Creston, Iowa. Over the last ten years she has worked along side Bonnie Polston at Bonnie's Beauty Shop in Bedford. Joni completed her Associates of Arts from Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda, Iowa in December 2007. She enjoyed painting, camping, fishing and spending time with friends and family. She was married to Timothy Sheffield November 25, 1994 at the First Baptist Church, Bedford, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Vernie and Eva Byrns, Clyde and Cleta Stephenson; father, Clyde Stephenson; and father-in-law Richard Sheffield, Sr.
Joni is survived by her husband, Tim, of Gravity, Iowa; daughters, Darrah and Kylie; sons, Logan and Tyler; mother, Leona Stephenson of Bedford; sister, Joy Stroburg and husband Carey of Maryville, Missouri; brother, Terry Stephenson and wife Irma of Richardson, Texas; mother-in-law Eleanor Sheffield of Bedford; in-laws Doug and Julie Sheffield, Bella Vista, Arkansas, Rick and Carol Sheffield, Columbus, Nebraska, Dan and Susan Fowler, Harlan, Iowa, Scott and Diane Sheffield, Gravity, Iowa, Jeff and Keri Sheffield, Bedford, Greg and Kay Lynne Sheffield, Bedford, and Mike and Teresa Risser, Bedford; and many nieces and nephews.
Family visitation will be held Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, with memorials suggested to a fund established in Joni's name. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at First Baptist Church, Bedford, with interment at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Spencer, Clyde Allen - Funeral services for Clyde Spencer, age 74 of Bedford, who died Monday, August 18, 2008 at his home were held Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m: at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Clyde Allen Spencer, was born February 3, 1934 on a farm south of Bedford in Taylor County, Iowa to John Howard Spencer and Helen Elizabeth (Smith) Spencer. When Clyde was just nine years old his family purchased a home and moved to Bedford. In 1951, Joann Waugh moved to Bedford, she and Clyde met and dated for three years and on April 2, 1954, the couple were united in marriage. To this loving union six sons were born, Kenny, Calvin, Mark, David, Todd and Bryan. For eleven years Clyde worked for Vane Lucas at Lucas Feeds. He then went to work as a Machine Mechanic at O’Bryan Brothers, a position he held until 1978, when he went to work at Eveready in Maryville, where he worked for almost twenty years, retiring in 1998.
Clyde was a very civic minded man, always feeling that you should ‘give back’ to the community you lived in. He was a forty-five year member of the Bedford Fire Department, serving until ill-health made it impossible for him to continue; one of the founding members of the Bedford Volunteer Ambulance Service where he also served as an EMT; served several terms on the Bedford City Council and had also been a member of the Bedford Lion’s Club. He was a tremendous people person who always put other people’s needs above his own. Always kind and considerate, and possessing a great memory, Clyde was often called upon by the community to assist in various situations. Family was so very special to Clyde, he always looked forward to family get-togethers, he was especially proud of being a grandpa and great-grandpa.
Left to cherish Clyde’s memory are his loving wife of fifty-four years, Joann Spencer; his six sons, Kenny Spencer and wife Belinda; Calvin Spencer and wife Vicky; Mark Spencer and wife Penny; David Spencer; Todd Spencer and wife Cindy and Bryan Spencer and wife Carrie, all of Bedford; two brothers, Raymond Spencer of Joliet, Illinois; and Roy Spencer of Roodhouse, Illinois; two sisters, Rose Johnson and husband Ray of Corning; and Evelyn “Evie” Barnes and husband Michael of Fort Myers Beach, Florida; twenty-one grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and a community of friends.
Preceding Clyde in death are his parents John Howard Spencer in 1948; Helen Elizabeth (Smith) Spencer in 2000; and three brothers, Donnie Spencer in 1960; Howard Junior Spencer, in 1996; and Ivan Spencer in 1997.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Spencer, Susan S. - With profound shock and sadness the sudden death of Susan S. Spencer, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine, on Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Salt Lake City, Utah, from complications of an acute intestinal illness.
Dr. Spencer was an internationally recognized expert in epilepsy and epilepsy surgery. She was the co-director of the Yale Epilepsy Program with her husband, Dennis Spencer, M.D. chair of Neurosurgery. She was a pioneering woman in medicine, fighting for and forging a pathway for other brilliant female scientists of the next generation.
Dr. Spencer was born in 1948 in Budapest, Hungary, and grew up in Yonkers, NY. She came to Yale as a resident in neurology in 1975 following a distinguished undergraduate and medical school education at the University of Rochester. She was immediately recognized as an outstanding resident and continued on in fellowship before joining the Yale faculty in 1980. She soon wrote major papers in epilepsy surgery and eventually authored more than 200 original manuscripts and chapters on the subject. Her research earned continuous National Institutes of health (NIH) grant support almost from the beginning, and she was the principal investigator on several Program Projects. Her contributions were recognized by the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Clinical Research Award in 2003, the most prestigious honor paid to a member in the field.
As a leader in her field, Dr. Spencer served as the president of the AES in 2000 and vice president of the American Neurological Society (ANA) in 2001. She served on the executive boards of both the ANA and the American Academy of Neurology. She also co-founded and co-edited the AES’s only journal, “Currents in Epilepsy,” from 2001 to 2009.
As an educator, Dr. Spencer served on the Yale School of Medicine Admissions Committee, for almost a decade and was thesis advisor for numerous Yale medical students, many whose these went on to become important publications. She directed an epilepsy fellowship program that graduated dozens of experts who have gone on to major leadership positions in the field.
While highly active in research and teaching, Dr. Spencer was an outstanding and indefatigable clinician. She cared for thousands of patients, who traveled from all over the world to entrust their health to her.
Dr. Spencer was also an accomplished musician whose love for music and art permeated her life and her family’s. She mastered the oboe and piano when young and more recently took up the harp.
Dr. Spencer was selfless, tireless, brilliant, passionate, and so loved by her family, friends, patients, and colleagues. She will be dearly missed and in our hearts every second of every day. She is predeceased by her beloved stepfather, Bernard Schneider, of Yonkers, NY. She is survived by her loving family: her husband Dennis Spencer of Woodbridge, CT; her daughters Joanna Spencer of Manhattan and Andrea Spencer of Cambridge, MA; her stepdaughter Kate Spencer of Burbank, CA; her stepson Christopher Spencer of Haverford, PA; her sister Beth Weingarth of Woodbridge, CT; and Karen Kimball of Cheshire, CT; and her mother Magda Schneider of Yonkers, NY.
Susan is the daughter-in-law of Wilma Spencer of Bedford, IA.