Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com

[Harry Ransome Searles]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 20, 1962    p. 11

Harry Ransome Searles

Harry Ransome Searles, son of Arthur Ransome and Alice Harriett Searles, was born at Jessup, Iowa, on December 27, 1881, and departed this life in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, December 8, 1962, at he age of 80 years, 11 months and 11 days.

At the age of six he moved with his parents to Mississippi where they lived until 1892 when the moved to Blockton, where he spent the remainder of his life.

On December 5, 1918, he was united in marriage with Ida Marie Simpson of Blockton, in which vicinity they established their home on a farm.  To this union were born three children, Naomi (Mrs. John Shafer) of Redding, Norma (Mrs. Howard Smith) of Mt. Ayr, and Harold of Des Moines, Iowa.

He became a church member at the age of twenty-one. 

He was a kind, loving husband, father and grandfather, and was always willing to help those in need.  While his own health did not allow him to perform physical labor the past ten years, he was considerate in calling on his neighbors and friends who were ill.

Left to cherish his memory besides his three children are two sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law, five grandchildren who were a source of comfort and joy to him, Don Stephen and Mary Jane Smith and Bill and Bob Shafer.  Also surviving are two half-brothers, Herbert Albaugh of Kansas City, Mo., and Wilsie Albaugh of Omaha, Nebr., and other friends and relatives.

[Laura Ethel Wallace Hamilton Mason]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 20, 1962    p. 11

Obituary - Laura Mason

Laura Ethel Mason, 72, daughter of John and Sadie Wallace, was born July 28, 1890, in Taylor County and passed away at the Greater Community hospital in Creston, Iowa, Dec. 7, 1962.

She spent all of her life in Taylor County and this community, and has been very active in Christian service.

She was united in marriage to Ross Hamilton on March 29, 1911, and he preceded her in death, as have her parents and four sisters and a brother.

On July 18, 1958, she was united in marriage to Walter Mason.

She is survived by her husband, Walter; three sisters, Mrs. Josephine Chilcote, Mrs. Nellie Rush and Miss Minnie Ecklin, all of Bedford, Ia.; one brother, Lloyd Ecklin of Wheaton, Ill.; one step-son, Olin Mason, his wife Rosalie and one step-grandson, James Mason, other relatives and friends.

Last rites were held in Clearfield Monday, Dec. 10, with the Rev. James E. Simcock officiating.  Burial was in the Clearfield cemetery.


[Mrs. Julia Esther Zachary]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 23, 1960   p. 4

Mrs. Julia Zachary Died In California

Mrs. Julia Zachary [Julia Esther Dawson], 84, a former resident of Bedford when her husband was a doctor here, died May 25, at her home in the Los Angeles area. According to word received by friends in Bedford she had suffered a stroke in April and later developed double pneumonia.  Dr. Zachary died many years ago.

She is survived by her son, Berman [Burman Thomas] Zachary and wife and by three grandchildren.  Last rites were in California and burial in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles.

[Clara Manroe]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 23, 1960    p. 4

Miss Clara Manroe, 73, Died In Des Moines

Mrs. Berdice Welty of Lenox received word Monday that her cousin, Miss Clara Manroe, 73, employed by Meredith Publishing Company in Des Moines until her retirement, died unexpectedly at her home in Des Moines Saturday, June 10.

She had formerly lived in Lenox and was a graduate of Lenox High school, class of 1906.  Services in Des Moines, burial in the Lenox cemetery.

Survivors are two sisters, Mrs. Leo Finn of Boone; Miss Stella Manroe of Des Moines; eight cousins, Mrs. Alta Hudson, Mrs. Harry Pennebaker, Mrs. Berdice Welty, Ben Manroe, Jack Manroe, Roy Manroe, Al Smith and Charles Deaver, all of Lenox.

[Ida May Hardee Pullen]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 23, 1960    p. 4

Mrs. Ida Pullen, 87, Rites Here Tuesday

Mrs. Ida [Hardee] Pullen, 87, died at the Court Street Nursing Home, Saturday, June 18.  Funeral services were held at the Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Colvin Caughey.  Burial was in Fairview cemetery.

Mrs. Pullen is survived by eight children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Mr. [Charles] Pullen passed away April 18, 1960.

[Claude Monk]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 23, 1960    p. 4

Claude Monk, 67, Of Clearfield Dies

Claude Monk, 67, long-time resident of Clearfield, died Friday, June 17, at Greater Community hospital in Creston.  He had been a patient at the hospital about a week.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Clearfield Methodist church at two p.m.  Rev. Howard Ball officiated.  Burial in Clearfield cemetery.

Mr. Monk is survived by his wife, Eva; six children, Cecil of Clearfield, Darrell of Fort Collins, Colo., Mrs. Lloyd Cameron of Clearfield, Ronald of Mount Ayr, Mrs. Jack Gourely of Lenox, Paul of the home; his mother, Mrs. Grace Monk; a sister; and two brothers.