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

[Aytes, Cristina Marie, Aytes, Kathy Lee Gipson, Aytes, Ronald Allen, Aytes, Saundra Jeanette]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 21, 1983     p. 4

Final Rites Held For Four Members of Aytes Family

Funeral services for four members of the Aytes family of Blockton where held April 14 in the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr, Iowa with Pastors Phil and Doris Kinton and Rev. Mel Smith officiating. Ronald, 35, Kathy, 29, Christina, 12 and Saundra, 5, were killed in a two car accident west of Mount Ayr April 9. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Ronald Allen Aytes was born January 19, 1948 to Robert and Mabel Aytes in Riverside, California [He was born in Eldorado, Nevada. Correction by his daughter, Michelle Aytes Bogan]. Ron served in the United States Air Force and worked in the Todd Shipyards in Los Angeles, California, and moved his family to Blockton in the summer of 1981. Ron and Kathy owned and operated Ron’s Service Station in Blockton. He was a fireman and a member of the American Legion. Ron enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Arthur Aytes.

Survivors include: mother and step-father, Mabel and James Cook; sister, Beverly Bowhall of Bloomington, Ca.; brother Charles and Bobbi Aytes of Elko, Nevada; sister, Carol and Mike Anderson of Hawaii; David Driskoll, a nephew, of Riverside, Ca.; and many other relatives and friends.

Kathy Lee Aytes was born to David and Ann Gipson, Sr. in Fairfield, Iowa, on July 30, 1953. In Blockton, Kathy was a member of the Blockton Betterment and sold Avon, in addition to helping at the station. She was a Creative Circle representative and a member of the Young Mothers Club. Kathy enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband and sewing and needlecraft.

Survivors include: parents: David and Ann Gipson, Sr. of Mt. Ayr; brother, David and Tami Gipson, Jr.; sister, Betty and Richard Brundage of Newton, Iowa; sister, Lt. Gloria Gipson of USMC, West Point, N. Y.; and many other relatives and friends.

Cristina Marie Aytes was born March 12, 1971 at Knob Noster Air Force Base, Mo. [She was born at Whiteman Air Force Base, Johnson Co., Missouri. Correction from her sister Michelle Aytes Bogan.] Crissy was in the sixth grade and played the flute. She had recently received a 1 in Corning and a 1 excellent in Mt. Ayr. She was to play the flute on April 10 in church. Her parents were proud of her musical abilities and for following in mom’s footsteps.

Crissy was a Christian and attended the Blockton Christian Church and was in the youth group and a member of their puppet team. She was also in 4-H.

Saundra Jeanette Aytes was born November 20, 1977 in Riverside, Ca. She was to go to Kindergarten Round-up on April 11. She enjoyed Sunday school and loved Strawberry Shortcake, Grandpa and Grandma Gipson and Cousin David Driskoll.

Surviving members of the family are Michelle Deann Aytes, 10, and Ronald Allen Aytes, Jr., three, who are in Blank Memorial Hospital in Des Moines.

[Aytes, Kathy Lee Gipson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 28, 1983     p. 4

Omission in Aytes’ Obituary

The names of Kathy Aytes’ sister Linda, and husband, Jon Heaslet of Matthew, N. C. were omitted from her obituary appearing in the April 21 issue.

[Ball, Emory Lawrence]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 5, 1953     p. 7

Obituary – Emory Lawrence Ball

Emory Lawrence Ball, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ball, was born near Bedford, Iowa, Nov. 22, 1875 and departed this life at the Municipal hospital at Clarinda, Jan. 26, 1953 at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 3 days. His parents died when he was small leaving him and two brothers to be taken care of as orphans by other people.

All of his life was spent in Grant City and vicinity and Blockton. For several years he was a merchant in Blockton.

When a young man he became a member of the Church of Christ at Tent Chapel.

He was united in marriage to Louisa Ridge May 19, 1902.

Both his brothers have preceded him in death. He leaves to survive him his widow, Louisa Ball and a number of nieces and nephews together with other relatives and friends.
[Note:  The name on the headstone is Lawrence E. Ball.]

[Ball, Louisa Ridge]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 1, 1957     p. 2

Louisa Ball Dies

Funeral services were held in Blockton Christian church Saturday for Mrs. Louisa Ball, 82, former Blockton resident. Rev. Lowell Hall and Rev. Clarence Moore officiated.

The daughter of Fleming and Caroline [Ray] Ridge, Louise was born in Ringgold County, Feb. 12, 1875 and died in Bedford, Wednesday, July 27, at the Elizabeth [word unreadable] home where she was cared for. She was the last member of a family of 12 children.

She made her home in Blockton several years, having owned a millinery and dress shop.

She was married to E. [mory] L. [awrence] Ball in 1902 who preceded her in death.

She was a member of the Blockton Christian church.

Several nieces and nephews survive.

Interment was in the Blockton cemetery.

[Brown, Elton Bruce]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     September 1, 1999

Elton Bruce Brown

Elton Bruce Brown was born November 3, 1922 on the family farm north of Blockton, Iowa to Allie Brown and Hazel King Brown. He departed this life on August 15,1999 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, following complications from heart surgery at 76 years of age.

Elton attended country school in Blockton and later graduated from the Blockton High School with the class of 1941.

In January 1942, Elton volunteered for the Army. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) from May 1942 until October 1945. He served on the medical staff as an ambulance driver during WWII.  

On May 10, 1946 he was united in marriage to Jodene Schuster Brown. They moved to Clearfield where all three of their children were born: Marilyn, Carolyn and Jerry. In 1960, they purchased their present day farm two miles north of Clearfield.

Elton was preceded in death by his parents Hazel in 1974 and Allie in 1976 and Jodene's parents, Honey and Ralph Schuster in 1987. Also a sister Mildred and her husband Dolan Norris, sister-in-law, Virginia Brown, brother-in-law Joe Stermole and two nephews, Rex Eugene and Steve.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Jodene of Clearfield; daughter Marilyn Maltzahn, her husband Steve, and their daughter Traci Tamerius, her husband Mike and children Jessica and Alex all of Creston; daughter Carolyn Nelson, husband Jim of Clearfield; their children Dana and Danny. Dana Snyder, her husband Eric and daughter Megan live in Dallas Center. Also, son Jerry Brown, his wife Sheila, and their children Brooks and Amber of Clearfield. Elton also leaves to mourn his passing, brothers Kenneth of Grant City, Missouri, Rex and wife Bernice of Blockton, Laverne and wife Annabell of Bedford; sister Maona of Des Moines; a dear family relative Bobbie Rood of Vancouver, Washington and a host of nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

Elton was a member of the Clearfield Lion's Club and the Blockton American Legion Post #443; He was always proud of being a WWII veteran. Patriotism, the flag, and his country were all important to him.   ,

Everyone who knew Elton could appreciate his smile, his sense of humor, and his great love of his family and friends. He was very proud of each family member for what they had become and each friend for what they had to say. He took great pride in his farm and had a love of nature. He spent many hours hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening and reading. Education was also very important to him. Elton was always ready to attend a music program, dance recital, track meet or ballgame. It was a special day when he could watch one of his grandchildren play baseball or softball. He could always tell you about each play of the game, long after everyone else had forgotten. Many years ago, Elton had commented, "I hope I live long enough to see my grandkids play ball." And even when Elton was ready to have his surgery, he commented to the nurse, "You know I have two grandsons that will be playing college baseball this year." Elton and Jodene also loved to travel. They had spent over 20 years wintering in Las Vegas where the climate always seemed to make Elton feel better. Elton always enjoyed his friends, the food, the fun and the basketball games on TV while in Las Vegas.

Funeral services were held at the Clearfield Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 18, 1999 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Al Rusk officiating.

Wilson Watson and Armstrong of Clearfield were in charge of arrangements. Interment was at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa. The Blockton American Legion Post #443 conducted military graveside rites.

Elton was a kind and considerate man; he liked everyone and truly enjoyed life. One person commented about Elton, the farmer, that he was as nice as they came. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is now free. Peace has come at last.

[Brown, Virginia Lee Wyman]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     November 20, 1996

Virginia Lee Brown

Virginia Lee Brown was born January 23,1921 to Carl [Lee] and Grace [Motsinger] Wyman in Grant City. She lived there for several years before moving to Maloy, IA where she graduated from high school.

On February 5, 1938 she married Kenneth Truman Brown in Troy, KS. They made their home 12 miles east of Bedford, IA before moving to Grant City, where they would reside for the rest of their married life. 

Virginia worked as a telephone operator in Bedford and then Grant City. For 25 years she worked as a bookkeeper for Dr. Jack Parker, DVM in Grant City before retiring in 1983. She was a very hard and dedicated worker.

Kenneth and Virginia were blessed with four children, Phyllis Ann, Donald Lee, Betty Lou and Bonita Jean.

Virginia always made sure everyone was taken care of.   She loved to cook and have her family around her. Her home was always open to everyone. She was a good friend and neighbor to all who knew her.   Kenneth and Virginia celebrated   their   50th   wedding anniversary in 1988. Their family was there to share this special day with them.   After retirement she and   Kenneth joined   Campfire Sams, a camping club in Bedford, IA.   They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their new friends.   She was a very special grandmother         and         great-grandmother. During her last few weeks she loved to have the little children near her to touch and watch.

During her illness Virginia was cared for by Marilyn McKay. Marilyn was a good friend and special companion to Virginia.

Virginia passed away Monday, October 28, 1996 at her home in Grant City at 75 years of age.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Donald Lee, a daughter Betty Lou, a brother-in-law, Iver Wackernagle, a sister-in-law, Hope Wyman.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth of the home, two daughters, Phyllis and Gary Nally, Maryville; Bonita and Bill Farrell, Smithville; two brothers, Jr. and Betty Wyman, Omaha, NE; Bill Wyman, Maloy, IA; one sister, Arloa Wackernagle of Bedford, IA; six grandchildren, Lisa and Mark Dalton, Bedford, IA; Julie and Scott Bargman, Smithville; Kelly and Jennifer Farrell, St. Louis; Chris and Amy Nally, Maryville; Jodi and Charlie Green, Smithville; Troy Farrell, Sweet Springs; 11 great grandchildren, Lacy, Jake and Sheena Dalton, Bedford; Joshua and Tiffany Green, Smithville; Justin and Jeremy Farrell, St. Louis; Zachary and Troy Bargman, Smithville; Amanda and Trenton Nally, Maryville.

She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Services were held Thursday, October 31, with the Rev. Vic Bolinger officiating at the Andrews Funeral Home in Grant City. Burial was at the Blockton Cemetery, Blockton, IA.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Francis Home Health and Hospice.

[Cate, Leota May Poe Carr]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 20, 1975     p. 10

BLOCKTON NEWS

Mrs. Leota M. [ay] Cate of Des Moines passed away March 4. Graveside services were held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. She was the former Leota Carr, a sister of Loyd Poe, formerly of Blockton, also. She is survived by one son, Vernon, 5 grandchildren and her brother, Lloyd.

[CATE, LEOTA MAY POE CARR]
Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa), Thursday, March 6, 1975
Mrs. Leota M. Cate – Services for Mrs. Leota M. Cate, 83, of 4111 Ingersoll Ave. will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at Dunn's Funeral Home on Grand Avenue, with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton.
Mrs. Cate died of pneumonia Tuesday at Iowa Methodist Hospital after a short illness.
A retired bookkeeper for the Iowa State Tax Commission, she was born in Hopeville in Clarke County and had lived in Des Moines 50 years. She was past worthy matron of Order of Easter Star in Blockton and a member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 89 and Plymouth Congregational-United Church of Christ here.
Surviving are a son, Vernon Carr of Casselberry, Fla.; a brother, Lloyd Poe of Des Moines, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

[Clampitt, Edward]

Blockton News

Thursday     October 12, 1933     [p. 1]

Infant Son Dies

A son [Edward] was born to Mr. and Mrs. R. [ussell] L. [owell] Clampitt of 3322 1/2  Burt Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Monday, October 9. The little one passed away at birth and the body was brought to Blockton Tuesday afternoon by the father, accompanied by Elbert R. Mitchell and James Lafferty, and interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Mrs. Clampitt will be remembered as Miss Doris Kobbe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Kobbe of this place. These young people have the sympathy of Blockton friends in their loss.

[Cox, John Edward]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 7, 1959     p. 4

John E. Cox Rites Held At Blockton

John E. [dward] Cox, 69, a resident of the rural community northeast of Bedford near Lake of Three Fires, died at St. Francis hospital, Maryville, Friday, May first. He had a patient at the hospital only a few days, taken there by ambulance following a stroke on Tuesday.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Blockton, Sunday afternoon, Rev. Lowell Hall officiating. Burial in Rose Hill cemetery at Blockton.

[Cox, Mary Yeager]

Hopkins Journal

Thursday    February 25, 1897

Mrs. James Cox [Mary Yeager] of Clarinda, formerly of near Hopkins, died at the Ensworth hospital in St. Joseph, last Friday night, after undergoing a very delicate surgical operation. She had been in the hospital receiving treatment for three weeks. The remains were expressed to Bedford where the funeral took place Sunday from the Christian church, Elder Wm. Cobb preaching the discourse. The deceased leaves a husband and one child to mourn her loss. She was 29 years of age.

[COX, MARY YEAGER]
Page County Democrat (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, March 4, 1897
The Bedford Free Press has the following to say regarding the death of Mrs. Jas. Cox, wife of our fellow townsman, Mr. Cox: Died, at the Ensworth Hospital, St. Joseph, Mo., Saturday, Feb. 20, 1897, at 12:30 a. m., Mrs. Mary Cox, wife of James Cox, of Clarinda, aged 28 years, 10 months and 23 days. The remains were brought to this city Saturday on the noon passenger and were taken to the residence of Wm. Cole, who is an uncle of Mr. Cox. The funeral services were held at the First Christian church at 2 o’clock p. m., Sunday, conducted by Elder Wm. Cobb and Horace Siberell. At the close of the church services the Daughters of Rebekah, of Golden Rule lodge, took charge of the services and laid the body to rest with all the solemn ritual services of the order. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were formerly residents of Bedford where they have a large circle of friends who deeply sympathize with Mr. Cox and their little nine year old son.

[COX, MARY YEAGER]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, February 26, 1897
Mrs. Mary Cox, wife of J. [ames] M. [onroe] Cox of this city, died last Friday night at the Ensworth hospital, St. Joseph, Mo. She had submitted to a surgical operation the Tuesday previous and died from the effects of it. The funeral was held Sunday at the Christian church, Bedford, conducted by Rev. Cobb, and the burial was at Bedford. Mrs. Cox was 28 years, 10 months and 3 days old. She leaves a husband and a son, Glen, age 8 years. The family moved here a few months ago from Pickering, Mo. The bereaved have the sympathy of the community in their great loss.

 

[Dinges, Esther Lucille Holloway]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     November 4, 1992

ESTHER HOLLOWAY DINGES

Esther [Lucille] Holloway Dinges, daughter of Dr. Charles E. [mmett] Holloway and Jennie [May Presnell] Holloway was born in Des Moines, Iowa February 12, 1901 and departed this life October 27, 1992 at Iowa City, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 8 months and 15 days.

She grew to maturity in Des Moines where she attended the public school and was graduated from West High in Des Moines, Iowa She then attended the University of Iowa Art Department prior to her marriage to John M. [cCorkle] Dinges August 25, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa.

They made their home in Bedford, Iowa where her husband was in the Abstract business and connected with the Bedford National Bank for forty-five years until his retirement.

To this union two children were born; Nancy and John M. (Jack) Dinges Jr.

In addition to being a teacher she was an artist and a homemaker; active in community activities and various church programs. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church; Chapter KP of P.E.P. Kappa Kappa Gamma; National League of Pen Women; National Society of Arts and Letters and the Iowa Art Guild.           

Following her husband’s death in 1974, she continued to reside in Bedford until 1978 when she moved to Iowa City, Iowa where she had continued to reside.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John M. [cCorkle] Dinges; two brothers, Paul Holloway and Dr. Jean Holloway and a sister, Helen Hallbert.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Nancy and her husband Dr. W. J. Powers of Iowa City, Iowa and John M. (Jack) Dinges Jr. and his wife Barbara of Littleton, Colorado; four grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Her family and friends will remember her as a kind and helpful person and she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.      

Graveside services were conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings Friday October 30, 1992 with burial in Fairview Cemetery.

[Huntsman, Elsie]

Hopkins Journal

Thursday     September 3, 1896

Siam Siftings

The little daughter [Elsie] of W. [illiam] B. [ates] and Lena [White] Huntsman died at their home two miles west of town, on Saturday evening, at 9 o’clock. She had been sick six long weeks, had suffered much, but death at last came and relieved her from pain. She was eleven years old, a bright girl, loved by all who knew her. The funeral service was conducted at the M. E. church on Sunday, at 3 o’clock, by father Stuart. A large concourse of people were present. The little body was lain to rest in the Siam cemetery.

Tender hands made beautiful designs with flowers and decorated her little coffin, also a profusion of flowers and plants decorated the pulpit and organ The parents and friends are grateful for the kindness and help in their long weary watching, also for love and respect tendered them at funeral.

[Huntsman, William Bates]

New Market Herald

Thursday      March 18, 1920     p. 2

SIAM NEWS

The friends and neighbors here were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Mr. W. [illiam] B. [ates] Huntsman, Saturday at his home near Bedford, Ia. Mr. Huntsman has lived for 50 years near Siam and had only moved away two weeks ago and seemed to be in his usual health and spirits. He was only sick about 20 minutes; we have not learned the cause of his death. He leaves a wife, two sons, Ora and Dow, and three daughters, Mrs. Alice Baker, Surilda and Golda; three children, Mrs. Nellie Henderson, Elsie and an infant having preceded their father to the better land. The funeral was preached at the M. E. church Monday by Rev. Saunders and interment in the Siam Cemetery. The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.

[Huntsman, William Bates]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     March 18, 1920     [p. 1]

The Long Search Is Ended By Death

[William] Bates Huntsman died at his home near Bedford last Sunday and was buried Monday in the Siam cemetery.

In July 1915, one of the most sensational trials ever recorded was tried in Bedford, for a crime which was supposed to have been committed just after the civil war near Siam, Iowa, where a supposed treasure of $90,000 had been buried on what was then known as the Anderson farm. Bates Huntsman made a long hard struggle for the hidden treasure, but never succeeded in locating the money, and it will still remain a mystery for some one else to take up and unravel. The two Damewood brothers still live. Scrivner and Huntsman have both passed to that great beyond. Only a few more years and then the last chapter in one of the most sensational would-be murder trials ever tried in the United States will be closed, and the long buried treasure will still be a mystery. [Photos of] Mr. Huntsman and his cabin where the supposed treasure was buried.

[Krause, Ruby Wharton]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     July 26, 1989

RUBY WHARTON KRAUSE

Ruby Wharton Krause, 84, Mexico, Mo. died Wednesday, July 26, 1989 at Pin Oaks Nursing Care Center, Mexico, Mo.

She was born March 16, 1905 near Enyard, Gentry County, Mo., the daughter of Frank and Effie Brown Wharton. She grew up in Gentry County, Mo.

On March 10, 1929, she was married to Stanley L. [ouie] Krause at South Bend, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Krause lived in Berrien County, Michigan until 1951, when they moved to Albany, Gentry County, Mo. They lived in Gentry and Worth Counties, Missouri and Taylor County, Iowa until the death of Mr. Krause on September 20, 1966.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Faye Pauline Wharton, a brother, Fenton Wharton and her husband, Stanley L. Krause.

Survivors include seven children: Mrs. Francis (Faye) Stone of Lincoln, Neb., Mrs. Randall  (Beverly) Jones, Decatur, Ill., Marshall   Krause, Marshall, Mo., Mrs. Jesse (Jean) Worley, Princeton, N.C., Mrs. Roy (Ruth) McCoy, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Mrs. Paul (Lila) Gray, Mexico, Mo. and Mrs. Vern (Peggy) Bright of Suffolk, Va.; a sister, Victoria Summa, Gentry, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at Bedford, Iowa with graveside services at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Taylor County, Iowa on Friday, July 28, 1989.

[Krause, Stanley Louie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 29, 1966     p. 4

Stanley Krause Rites Sept. 23

Funeral services for Stanley Louie Krause, 65, of Maloy were held September 23 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home on Madison Street conducted by Rev. Ivo Randels. Mr. Krause died Sept. 20, 1966 at Ringgold Community Hospital in Mount Ayr. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Stanley L. Krause, son of Herman and Bertha Schultz Krause, was born in Royalton Township, Berrien County, Michigan, on Sept. 7, 1901.

On March 10, 1929 he was united in marriage to Ruby Wharton, and to this union seven children were born. They are Faye, Beverly, Marshall, Mable Jean, Ruth Ellen, Lila and Carolyn. They made their home in Berrien County until 1951 at which time they moved to Missouri. For the last 12 years they have resided in Taylor County.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby, and their seven children: Mrs. Francis Stone, Lincoln, Nebr.; Mrs. Randall Jones, Decatur, Ill.; Marshall Krause, Marshall, Mo.; Mrs. Jesse Worley, Germany; Ruth Ellen Krause, Marshall, Mo.; Lila Krause, Lincoln, Nebr.; and Carolyn Krause of Des Moines; three sons-in-law, Francis Stone, Randall Jones and Jesse Worley; one daughter-in-law, Verene Krause.

Nine grandchildren, Twila Worley, Mark and Diane Krause; Mark Jones; Stanley Logan; Kathy, Karen, Laurie and Sharle Krause; one sister, Mrs. Elsie Brown, St. Joseph, Mich.; one step-sister, Mrs. LaVerne Wieser, Watervilet, Mich., and many other relatives and friends.

Stanley Krause was a neighborly man who when physically able would gladly help a neighbor in need. He loved and was loved by his family, and he was especially fond of his grandchildren.

[Ranbarger, Homer LeRoss]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 20, 1980     p. 8

Final Rites Held March 19 For Homer Ranbarger

Funeral services for Homer LeRoss Ranbarger, 85, of Essex, Iowa, held March 10 in Hackett Funeral Home in Shenandoah, were conducted by Rev. Robert D. Bartlett. Mr. Ranbarger died March 6 in Shenandoah Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Ia.

Homer LeRoss Ranbarger, son of Joel and Eliza Patrick Ranbarger, was born January 24, 1895, in Greene County, Iowa. When he was a child he came to Shenandoah with his family in a covered wagon, where he grew up and attended school. He later attended barber school in Omaha, Nebraska in 1913. Following his schooling he barbered in Essex for a short time before moving to Bedford, Iowa where he barbered for 30 years.

Homer was united in marriage with Stella [Lenora] Briggs on September 2, 1913, and to this union one son, Johnny, and one daughter, Dorlee, were born. Stella preceded him in death in 1950.

On January 14, 1953, Homer was united in marriage with Leona Knox. They made their home in Bedford until moving to Essex in 1956.

Homer was an active member of the Senior Citizens groups in both Essex and Shenandoah and had been a member of the Masonic Lodge in Bedford for many years.

Preceding him in death besides his first wife Stella was his son Johnny; his parents; two brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Leona, of Essex; daughter, Dorlee, and her husband, LeRoy Newman, of Clarinda; step-daughter, Mrs. Pauline Johnson, of Essex; three grandchildren: Gary Newman, Mrs. Craig (Trudy) Riggs, Colleen Smith; two step grandchildren: Robert Johnson and Mrs. John (Joellen) Striffmatter; and a number of other relatives.

[Ranbarger, Johnny R. H. “Jack”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 19, 1934     [p. 1]

Jack Ranbarger Dies Saturday

Succumbs After Six Weeks Battle With Pneumonia

Jack Ranbarger, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer L. [eross] Ranbarger of Bedford, died at the home of his parents Saturday evening at 11 o’clock following an illness of six weeks with pneumonia. The funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

Johnny R. H. Ranbarger was born in Shenandoah August 12, 1915. When eight months old he moved with his parents to Essex, Iowa, where he spent his boyhood days and attended the public schools. In 1926 the family moved to their farm southeast of Bedford and later to Bedford, where he graduated from the high school with the class of ’32. While in high school he took an active part in athletics, especially football and track. He was a regular attendant at Sunday school and church.

He is survived by his parents, one sister, Dorlee, and other relatives.

[Ranbarger, Johnny R. H. “Jack”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 19, 1934    p. 5

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Briggs of Faribault, Minn., arrived here Monday evening to attend the funeral services of their nephew, Jack Ranbarger. Mr. Briggs is a brother of Mrs. Ranbarger.

[Ranbarger, Stella Lenora Briggs]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 16, 1950    [p. 1]

Mrs. H. L. Ranbarger Succumbed Sunday

Mrs. H. L. Ranbarger of Bedford died at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Sunday afternoon, February 12, after an illness of the past year.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Fred H. Cowles. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery.

Stella Lenora Briggs, daughter of Edwin Morton and Laura [Ellen Gadberry] Briggs, was born November 18, 1896 in Wayne County, Iowa, being aged 53 years, 2 months and 24 days at the time of her death.

She was one of a family of nine children and moved with her parents to Shenandoah, Iowa, when a young child. She received her education there.

On September 2, 1914 she was married to Homer L. [eross] Ranbarger of Shenandoah and Essex before moving to a farm east of Bedford and later into Bedford. To them were born two children, Johnny, who preceded his mother in death at the age of 16 years; and Dorlee, now Mrs. LeRoy Newman of Shenandoah.

Mrs. Ranbarger was of a very unselfish disposition, always thinking first of her family and friends. She was a lover of nature and spent much of her leisure time out-of-doors. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bedford, where she was active in the work of the Sunday school and the Ladies Aid Society.

She is survived by her husband, her daughter and son-in-law, three sisters and five brothers.

[Wells, Leon L.]

Hopkins Journal

Thursday     September 3, 1896

Siam Siftings

Died at the home of Jacob Wells, on Monday, Aug. 24, a little son [Leon L.], between two and three years old.