Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Bellus, George Wesley] Bedford Free Press Thursday January 23, 1902 [p. 1] An Old Blockton Physician Dead Dr. G. [eorge] W. [esley] Bellus, one of the oldest physicians of Taylor County, died Sunday, January 12, at his home in Blockton. The services were conducted by Rev. Flemming of the U. B. church. The body was interred in Blockton cemetery. Deceased was 65 years old. He leaves a wife and five children. [Bellus, George Wesley] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday January 23, 1902 p. 7 Dr. Bellus Is Dead Dr. Bellus, of Blockton, who died at his home last Sunday is well known throughout the county. Since 1875 he has been a regular practicing physician of Blockton, and stood high in his profession and in the estimation of all who knew him. Mr. Bellus had been in poor health for some time and the end was not unexpected. He leaves a wife and five children. [Bellus, Julia Amira Lockwood] Blockton News Thursday August 18, 1921 [p. 1] Mrs. J. A. Bellus Dead Mrs. J. [ulia] A. [mira] Bellus, who has been in poor health for several weeks, passed away yesterday morning at 5 o’clock. The funeral services will probably be held Sunday awaiting the arrival of a daughter from Washington. [Bellus, Julia Amira Lockwood] Blockton News Thursday August 25, 1921 [p. 1] Obituary Julia Amira Lockwood was born in [Saint] Lawrence County, New York, Aug. 4, 1839. Departed this life at her home in Blockton Aug. 17, 1921, aged eighty-two years and thirteen days. October 3, 1860, she was united in marriage to George W. [esley] Bellus. To this union six children were born. The oldest passed away in infancy. The husband, Dr. G. [eorge] W. [esley] Bellus, preceded his wife by death on Jan. 12, 1902. Those who survive the mother are Mrs. Clara E. [leanora] Briggs, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Leslie A.[dimiar] Bellus, of Kansas City, Mo.; Miss Marian [Amira] Bellus, Yakima, Washington; Forest E. [lliot] Bellus, of Creston; Geo. Elbert Bellus, of Blockton. Ten years after her marriage in 1870, the family moved to northern Iowa and for five years lived at Hampton, in Franklin County. In June 1875, they came to what is now the town of Blockton, and for forty-six years she has made this her home. Mrs. Bellus was the oldest continuous resident of Blockton, or what is now known as Blockton. In early womanhood and during her stay at Hampton she was associated with the M. E. church. Soon after coming to southern Iowa she identified herself with the United Brethren church, continuing her membership until death. During the years of her greatest activity she was one of the most loyal self-sacrificing members of the church and many times represented the church in the annual conferences within the state. She was wise, and safe as a counselor and helper. She was [words unreadable] born and as a mother possessed rare qualities of heart, and life, that will be a legacy of unknown value to all the children throughout the years. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, conducted by Rev. W. F. Cronk of Des Moines, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday February 1, 1995 FRANCES HARGADIN CARLSON Graveside services for Frances Hargadin Carlson, former resident of Taylor County, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1995 at 2:00 p.m. at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Frances Hargadin Carlson was born August 20, 1898 near Gravity, Iowa to Charles Newton and Frances (Burrows) Hargadin. She died January 29, 1995 in Fort Smith, Ark. Frances attended Lee #7 Rural School and graduated from Gravity High School in 1916. She received her teaching degree from Drake College. In 1919 she taught English and Latin at Lawton, Iowa, returning to teach at Lawton Junior High in 1921, after teaching one year at Ware, Iowa. While in Lawton, Frances met Abner Carl Carlson, whose wife had died at the birth of his son, Clifford. Ab and Frances were married June 22, 1921 and continued to live in Lawton where their children, Norman, Eleanor, and Charles Richard were born. About 1948 Ab and Frances moved to the Hargadin Farm southeast of Gravity, and in 1951 they bought a home in Gravity and retired. After Ab's death in I960, Frances continued to live in Gravity until 1975 when she went to live with relatives in Arkansas. Surviving are Clifford of Denver, Colo.; Norman and wife, Melana, of Albuquerque, N.M.; Eleanor and husband, Robert Clarke of Maples Heights, Ohio; Richard of Fort Smith, Ark.; 18 grandchildren and 31great grandchildren. Memorials may be made in her name to the Gravity Methodist Church. Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 21, 1983 Final Rites Held In Blockton For Faye Clayton, 65 Funeral services for Mrs. Louis (Thelma Faye) Clayton, 65, of Blockton were held Tues., July 19, in the Blockton Christian Church conducted by Pastor Mel Smith and Rev. James Ferris. Mrs. Clayton died July 17 in Clarkson Hospital in Omaha. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. [Clayton, Thelma Faye Grimm] Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 28, 1983 Final Rites For Faye Clayton, 65 Held July 19 Funeral services for Mrs. Louis (Thelma Faye) Clayton, 65, of Blockton, Iowa, held July 19 in the Blockton Christian Church, were conducted by Pastor Mel Smith and Rev. James Ferris. Mrs. Clayton died July 17 in Clarkson Hospital in Omaha. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Thelma Faye Grimm Clayton, daughter of E. [arnest] Floyd and Sylvia [Estella] Brand Grimm, was born at Grand River, Iowa March 7, 1918. She lived in Decatur County Iowa during her youth where she joined the church and was graduated from Grand River High School in 1935. After graduation she attended beauty school and worked as a beautician in Omaha where she met her husband. On July 25, 1937 she was united in marriage to Louis Clayton at Tarkio, Missouri and they lived in Omaha, Nebraska until they moved to a farm south of Blockton in 1946. She was a faithful housewife, mother and grandmother and especially enjoyed helping Louis with the cattle. To this union two children were born: Ronald Dean, who died in infancy, and Susan Jo. Louis and Faye joined the Blockton Christian Church in 1947 where she was a faithful and active member doing the work of the Lord until her death. Some of her enjoyments of life were accompanying Louis to the ball games, N. C. P. and Rural Neighbors Club, belonging to the Eastern Star, spending time with her friends, and being with her family, especially her grandchildren who held a very special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Dean, her parents E. Floyd and Sylvia Grimm, stepmother, Emma Grimm, a stepbrother, Clark Burchett, and her mother-in-law, Emma Clayton. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Louis; a daughter, Susan; son-in-law, Paul Beemer; two grandchildren; Debbie and Jim; father-in-law, Al Clayton, all of Blockton; three sisters: Hazel Cushman and husband, Max, of McHenry, Ill, Roberta Cochran and husband, Frank; of Kimberling City, Mo., Leona Moeller of Moline, Ill.; two brothers: Dale Grimm and wife Jean, of Solon, Ia. and Jim Burchett of Davenport, Ia.; a sister-in-law, Francis Gorton and husband, Don, of Papillion, Nebr.; a sister-in-law, Bernadine Burchett of Redwood Falls, Minn.; uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. She was a kind and considerate wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Bedford Times-Press Thursday May 25, 1944 p. 5 Bert Cortner, 65, of Sheridan, Dies Bert Cortner, 65, a farmer residing two and a half miles northwest of Sheridan, Missouri, died unexpectedly at his farm home early Tuesday morning. He went out to the barn to do his customary chores and later was found dead by his wife. The funeral services were held at Sheridan this afternoon and burial was in the Blockton cemetery. He is survived by his wife, two married daughters, and eight grandchildren. Also by two brothers, W. [illiam] A. Cortner of Bedford and a half-sister, Mrs. Harry Downing of New Market. Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 28, 1955 p. 7 Mrs. Cortner Dies Mrs. Uarda Cortner, 75, died Sunday night, April 17, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clarence Childers, where she had been taken Sunday from her home north of Sheridan, when she became suddenly ill. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Sheridan Christian church conducted by Rev. John Amundsen of Ravenwood. Burial in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Myra Childers and Mrs. Goldie Wilson of Sheridan; one brother and five sisters, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Her husband, Bert Cortner, preceded her in death. She was born March 28, 1881 at Blockton, Iowa, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Turnbull. She was a member of the Blockton Christian church. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday May 16, 2001 CHARLES HARGADIN Charles Newton Hargadin, second son of Dwight and Alice Hargadin, formerly of Gravity, Iowa, passed away Saturday evening, May 5, 2001, at his home in Brighton, Colorado. Very sudden death, massive heart attack. Charles was 62 years old. Home address: Mrs. Carol Hargadin, 14290 East 133 Place, Brighton, Colorado 80601. [Hargadin, Charles “Chuck”] Bedford Times-Press Wednesday June 20, 2001 CHARLES HARGADIN Charles "Chuck" Hargadin of Brighton passed away May 5, 2001, in Brighton. His funeral service was held May 10 in Thornton at Northern Hills Christian Church with interment at Elmwood Cemetery, Brighton. Chuck was the son of Dwight and Alice (Blacketer) Hargadin born June 30, 1939 in Gravity, Iowa. He attended Gravity High School, graduating in 1957. In 1960 he moved to Brighton where he and Carol H. Allan were married on Jan. 4, 1963. Chuck worked at StorageTek since April 1971 where he had started in manufacturing and moved to Field Engineering and then into Partner Relations. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961. Two years later he married Carol and they went to Germany for a two-year assignment. They then went to South Carolina where both daughters, Charlene and Cindy, were born. After eight years in the military they returned to Brighton. In Chuck's 30 years at StorageTek he made many lasting friendships and was respected and admired by all who knew him. He loved to play golf and restore classic cars. He spent many hours working in his garage on his or someone else's vehicle. Chuck loved being a papa and cherished his three granddaughters, Cassie, Courtney and MaCall, and his grandson, Jace. Another grandson will be born in June, which he knew would be named after him. Chuck was the best husband, father and papa, brother and friend one could ask for, who will be missed by all. We have been blessed to know him. He became a Christian when he was a teen and was baptized in the Christian Church in Gravity, Iowa. "For by grace are you saved through faith; that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God; not as a result of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8-9. Survivors are his wife, Carol Hargadin of Brighton; daughters, Charlene (Chuck) Irsik of Brighton and Cindy (Scott) Sekutera of Omaha, Nebraska; brother Kenneth (Leona) Hargadin of Littleton, Howard Hargadin of Brighton, Roger (Nona) Hargadin of Brighton, and James (Ann) Hargadin of Brighton; sister, Marilyn Schissler of Boulder; and grandchildren Cassie, Courtney, Jace and MaCall. Memorial contributions can be made to the Northern Hills Christian Church "Building Fund," 3853 E. 120th Ave., Thornton, CO 80233. Tabor Funeral Home in Brighton was in charge of arrangements. Bedford Times-Press Thursday September 6, 1951 p. 3 GRAVITY Hargadin Funeral Sunday Funeral services were held Sunday at the Christian church for Chas. Hargadin. Burial was in Gravity cemetery. [HARGADIN, CHARLES NEWTON] [Hargadin, Clara Elizabeth “Beth”] Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa) Feb 26, 1931 Bedford Free Press Tuesday April 6, 1915 p. 8 Miss Faye Hargadin Dead Word has been received here that Miss Faye Hargadin of Gravity, who was recently taken by her parents to San Antonio, Tex., with the hope that she might be restored to health, died sometime Sunday and the sorrowing parents will return with the body Tuesday evening. Miss Hargadin was a bright and lovable girl eighteen years of age and had she not been compelled to quit school on account of ill health would have graduated from the Gravity high school this spring. [Hargadin, Jessie Faye] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday April 8, 1915 [p. 1] Faye Hargadin Dead Word was received here Monday of the death of Miss [Jessie] Faye Hargadin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. [harles] N. [ewton] Hargadin, who reside near Gravity. Death took place at San Antonio, Texas, to which place she had been taken with the hope that she would there regain her health. She was 18 years of age and would have graduated from the Gravity high school in June. The remains were brought to Gravity Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Hargadin were with her. [Hargadin, Jessie Faye] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday April 15, 1915 p. 3 GRAVITY The funeral services of Miss Faye Hargadin were held Thursday at 1:30 p. m. from the home. Interment at Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday March 21, 1990 DWIGHT HARGADIN Dwight H. Hargadin, 76, of Brighton, Co. died January 28 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver. Services were held February 1 at the Rice Mortuary Chapel in Brighton. Dwight was born May 14, 1913 at the Charlie Hargadin farm home 2 1/2 miles southeast of Gravity. He attended grade school at Lee #7 Rural School, Taylor County, Iowa and high school and junior college in Clarinda. He was united in marriage to Alice Blacketer of Lincoln, Neb. October 13,1936. To this union six children were born: Kenneth, Charles, Howard, Roger, Jim and Marilyn. In 1986 Dwight and Alice celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their six children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, other relatives and friends of Brighton. Dwight and Alice moved to the “Hargadin farm” southeast of Gravity for a number of years, lived in gravity a few years before moving to Brighton in 1961. Dwight worked at Cudahy in Bedford a few years, worked as a mechanic at I.H.C. Implement in Corning and for a time was employed at the Battery Factory in Red Oak. He was a decorated World War II Army veteran and received a Philippines Liberation ribbon. While living in Brighton, Dwight worked as a mechanic, until his health began to cause problems. The last few years Dwight suffered with arthritis, with little complaint of pain. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Alice of the home in Brighton; five sons and wives; Kenneth and Leona Hargadin of Fort Worth, Tx., Charles and Carol Hargadin, Howard Hargadin, Roger and Nona Hargadin, James and Ann Hargadin, all of Brighton; one daughter, Marilyn Schessler of Littleton, Co.; 12 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and one sister, Frances Carlson of Fayetteville, Ark. Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery in Brighton with the five sons acting as pallbearers the sixth pallbearer a grandson, Michael Schessler. Dwight loved his family dearly, rejoicing in their achievements. His family will remember him as a kind and considerate loved one, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bedford Times-Press Thursday October 5, 1961 p. 8 Earl Henson, 64, Dies At Blockton Earl Henson, a resident of Blockton for many years, died at his home there, Sunday, Sept. 24. Last rites and burial were there. Earl Albert Henson was born in Kearney, Nebr., Sept. 15, 1897 and died at the age of 64 years, nine days. He was married to Miss Flossie Duncan on March 19, 1919 and they spent all but seven years of their married life in the Blockton community. They were the parents of four children, Lester, Hazel, Orlin and Donna Mae. Surviving relatives are his wife of the home; two sons, Lester Henson and Orlin Henson, both of Blockton; two daughters, Mrs. Clark LeGore of Hudson, Iowa, Mrs. Donald Stewart of Blockton; two brothers, Walter Henson of Mandan, N. Dak., Ben Henson of Rutland, N. Dak.; four sisters, Mrs. Frank Picken of Des Moines, Mrs. Sadie Bolger of Greenfield, Mrs. Nora Keyes of Las Vegas, Nevada, Mrs. Minnie Hart of Aberdeen, S. Dak. There are also ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Steve Henson; and a sister, Mrs. Linda Coulter. Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 31, 1972 p. 6 Flossie Henson Rites Aug. 24 In Blockton Funeral services for Mrs. Earl Albert (Flossie) Henson, 72, of Blockton were held Aug. 24 at the Blockton Methodist church with Rev. George Swan officiating, assisted by Rev. Ray Tackett. Mrs. Henson died August 21, 1972, in Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Flossie Fern Henson was born March 15, 1900, at Truro, Warren Co., Iowa, daughter of Theodore and Lillie [Belle] Foreman Duncan. She was united in marriage to Earl Albert Henson in 1918 [1919] and to this union were born four children: Lester, Hazel, Orlin and Donna May. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and two brothers, Frank and Darwin Duncan. Those surviving are her four children; Lester Henson and his wife Kathleen, Orlin Henson and his wife Deloris, Mrs. Donna Stewart and her husband Donald, all of Blockton, and Mrs. Hazel LeGore and her husband Clark, Cedar Falls; 10 grandchildren; four sisters, Edna Wharff, St. Charles, Ona Pritchard, San Jose, Calif.; Ethel Hamner and Ruby Carlstedt of Des Moines; and one brother Ray Duncan, Truro. She was a member of the Methodist Church. She was also a charter member of the Blockton American Legion Auxiliary. Bedford Times-Press Thursday December 1, 1949 p. 9 Obituary – R. B. Hibbs Robert Byron Hibbs, son of Bruce and Emma Farnsworth Hibbs, was born October 4, 1877, near Isadora, Mo., and died at Clarinda, November 19, 1949, at the age of 72 years, 1 month and 15 days. He was a member of the Blockton Christian Church and of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Most of his life was spent in and near Blockton. He was a carpenter by trade and was especially efficient in interior finishing. He was married Miss Faye L. [ilyan] Nye on February 22, 1902. To them were born 3 children: Robert Donald Hibbs of Buffalo, New York; Donna Mae, who passed away May 28, 1921; and Lenna Merl Adamson of Hollywood, California. He is survived by the 2 children, 4 grandchildren; 5 sisters, Mrs. Cora Andrews and Mrs. Eula Downing of Grant City, Mrs. Ann Coverdell and Mrs. Mary Anderson of Des Moines, and Mrs. Leona Merrill of Denver, Colorado; one brother, Ira G. Hibbs of Lancaster, Mo. The funeral services were held at the Blockton Christian Church
Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 22, G. W. Swan officiating. Interment was in Rose Hill
Cemetery. [Higgins, Frank Edwin “Bucky”] Mount Ayr Record-News (Mount Ayr, Iowa) Thursday February 2, 2006 Frank Edwin Higgins, son of Helen (BEAL) and J. [ohn] P. [aul] "Dick" HIGGINS was born April 10, 1924 in rural Blockton, Taylor County, Iowa. He spent his childhood living and working on his family's farms in southern Iowa and northern Missouri. In 1942 he graduated from Sheridan high school in Sheridan, Missouri. On August 15, 1945, he married Beulah O. [la] BALLARD. To this union three children were born, Allan Lee, Carolyn Sue and an infant son. As an adult, Bucky loved spending time outdoors and working on the farm. He was a great steward of the land and always took special care with his livestock. He also worked various off-the-farm jobs. For more than 30 years, he worked as manager of WARIN Oil/REASONER Oil in Creston, Iowa. Family was always a priority for Bucky. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and Beulah enjoyed attending high school athletic and fine arts events during the years their children and grandchildren participated. In honor of their dedication to Creston high school activities, they received the first-ever Creston Activities Booster Club number one fan award. In May 1989, Bucky lost his wife, Beulah, to her battle with cancer. On November 2, 1992, Bucky married Vergen [e] (WARDRIP) SMITH in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Mount Ayr, Iowa. He and Vergene stayed very active throughout their marriage, attending area dances, playing cards with neighbors and friends, enjoying high school ball games and family events. They shared similar backgrounds, both losing their first spouses to cancer. Their special bond of friendship and love was obvious to friends and family. Bucky was a member of Farm Bureau for more than 50 years, a member of the Mount Ayr Lions Club and Mount Ayr Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Vergene of Mount Ayr, Iowa; a son, Allan (wife Sharon) HIGGINS of Creston, Iowa; a daughter, Carolyn (husband Dave) CRIGGER of Creston, Iowa; step-daughters, Karolyn (husband Kenny) HERREN of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and Kayla (husband Gary) MAIN of Bothell, Washington; brother-in-law, William BALLARD, Junior, of Onawa, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Georgia (husband Malcolm) CANNON of Mount Vernon, Missouri, and June FENCEL of James Island, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Matt (wife Terri) HIGGINS of Creston, Iowa, Cortney (special friend Connie ERICKSON) HIGGINS of Edgar, Wisconsin, Cody (wife Londa) CRIGGER of West Des Moines, Iowa, Amanda (husband Tharen) HELGERSON of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Kipp (wife Katie) CRIGGER of Des Moines, Iowa; six great-grandchildren, Alyssa HIGGINS, Cole HIGGINS, Cloe CRIGGER, Kimi CRIGGER and twins, McClain and Carson CRIGGER; nieces and nephews; four step-grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Dick; wife, Beulah HIGGINS, infant son and sister, Lorene ADAMS. Services were conducted at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr on Friday, January 27, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. John BRILLO officiating. Musicians were Ginny EIGHMY, Cody CRIGGER, Kip CRIGGER and Calli CRIGGER. Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Matt HIGGINS, Cortney HIGGINS, Cody CRIGGER, Kipp CRIGGER, Tharen HELGERSON and Cory OTT. Honorary pallbearers were Steve WEBER, Kenneth DRIFTMIER, Marvin MAIN, Dean LARIMER, Dale PURDUM, Jack GOURLEY, Louis Clayton, Ronald CONLY and Mike WARIN. Bucky was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. [Higgins, Frank Edwin “Bucky”] Creston News Advertiser (Creston, Iowa) Friday January 27, 2006 OBITUARY - FRANK "BUCKY" HIGGINS Frank "Bucky" HIGGINS, 81, of Mount Ayr, formerly of Creston, died January 24, 2006, at Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 27, at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr. The Rev. John BRILLO will officiate the service. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Blockton. There is open visitation with the family present 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Wilson-Watson and Armstrong Funeral Home, 205 W. Monroe St., Mount Ayr. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa. Mr. HIGGINS, son of Helen Alpha (BEAL) and John Paul HIGGINS, was born April 10, 1924, near Blockton. He graduated from high school in Sheridan, Mo. On August 15, 1945, he married Beulah O. [la] BALLARD in Mount Ayr. She preceded him in death in May 1989. On November 2, 1992, he married Vergene (WARDRIP) SMITH in Las Vegas, Nev. He was a farmer, and managed Warin Oil and Reasoner Oil in Creston. He lived in Mount Ayr the past 14 years, near Creston from 1962-92, and around Maloy, Clearfield and Blockton in earlier years. He was a member of the First Christian Church and Lions Club, both in Mount Ayr. Survivors include his wife, Vergene HIGGINS of Mount Ayr; two children, Allan (wife Sharon) HIGGINS and Carolyn (husband Dave) CRIGGER, all of Creston; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, infant son and sister Lorene ADAMS. Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 24, 1960 p. 4 Christe A. Hillers Rites At Blockton Christe Hillers of Blockton died at the Ringgold County hospital in Mount Ayr, Friday, March 18 after a short illness. Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Blockton, Sunday afternoon, March 20. Rev. Lowell Hall officiated. Burial was in Rose Hill cemetery. Christe A. [lrich] Hillers, son of Karl and Anna [Margaret Heitmann] Hillers, was born at Blockton, November 8, 1911 and passed away at the age of 48 years, four months, 10 days. He had lived all of his life in rural Blockton. He was united in marriage to Lenore King on January 28, 1934. To this union four children were born: Joe Karl, George Albert, Patricia Ann and John Charles. He is survived by his immediate family; one brother, George Hillers of Blockton; two sisters, Mrs. Katie Kemery of Lenox, Mrs. Mary Jennings of West Branch, Iowa. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday May 12, 2004 JOHN HILLERS Graveside services for John Hillers, age 59 of Glenwood, formerly of Blockton, who died Thursday, May 6, 2004, were held Saturday, May 8, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in John's name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. John Charles Hillers was born January 18, 1945, in Blockton, Iowa the son of Christe Alrich Hillers and Rita Lenore King Hillers. At an early age, John contracted meningitis and lived with the effects of the disease the rest of his life. John lived at the family home until 1955 when he moved to the Glenwood State School. In 1971, he moved to Lakeview Manor (now Park Place) in Glenwood, where he resided until his death. John loved to listen to KMA radio, which was on all the time! Because of the meningitis, John was blind, so KMA became his lifeline to entertainment. He enjoyed singing along and talking to friends. Now, friends were defined as 'anyone who would talk to him' and particularly anyone who would give him their name! He had a tremendous memory with those names. John will be remembered as always being happy and one who enjoyed having people surround him. Left to cherish John's memory are his two brothers, Joe Karl Hillers and wife Virginia of Pullman, Washington; and Bert Hillers of Harlan; a sister, Pat Dargantes and husband Del of Glenwood; along with many other relatives and friends. Preceding John in death are his parents Christe and Lenore. Blockton News Thursday March 11, 1920 [p. 1] Karl Hillers Dead It was with keen regret that this community learned on Friday and Saturday that that prince of citizen, neighbor and friend, Karl Hillers, was seriously ill with pneumonia, and it came as a severe shock to the community when it was learned Sunday forenoon that he had passed away. The entire Hillers family had a severe siege of the influenza about six or seven weeks ago, but all had apparently recovered from the attack. It seems that on Wednesday Mr. Hillers, while dragging the road, was caught in the rain and was taken ill soon after reaching home, his illness rapidly developing into pneumonia. Karl Herman Hillers was born in Oldenburg, Germany, February 5th, 1866, and died at his home near Blockton March 7, 1920, aged 54 years, 1 month and 2 days. He grew to manhood in Germany. When 25 years of age or in June 1891, he came to the United States of America where he has since made his home. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hiteman [Heitmann] June 30, 1904. To this union was born four children---George, Katy, Mary and Christy Hillers, who with his beloved wife, one brother, Will of La Harpe, Illinois: two sisters, May of Pekin and Anna of Peoria, Illinois, and a number of other relatives and a host of friends are left to mourn his death. Mr. Hillers was highly esteemed by all who knew him. A respectable and good citizen, a good husband and kind father. He was a Christian, being received into the German Lutheran church and remained in that faith until the end. He was patriotic and during the Word war showed his true American spirit in the support of the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A. and the government loans. Mr. Hillers was devoted to his home and friends, kind and responsive to every community need. Owing to the nature of the disease causing his death a public funeral was impossible. Brief services were conducted at the home and grave by Rev. J. W. Harwood, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. [Hillers, Karl Herman] Blockton News Thursday March 11, 1920 p. 4 Will Hillers, of La Harpe, came Tuesday called here by the death of his brother, Karl Hillers. His two sisters of Pekin and Peoria were also present at the funeral. Albert Hiteman [Heitmann] of Oklahoma, and Henry Hiteman [Heitmann], of Council Bluffs, came the first of the week called here by the death of their brother-in-law, Karl Hillers, and the serious illness of their sister, Mrs. Hillers. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday October 7, 1987 EDWARD L HILT Services for Edward L Hilt, 80, were held October 2 at Tent Chapel Church in Blockton with Evangelist Thomas Dennis officiating. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Ia. Mr. Hilt died September 29, 1987. Edward L Hilt, son of Charles A. and Rosa B. [Gressner] Hilt was born September 26, 1907 in Dayton, Ohio. At a very young age he found part-time work as a caddy on the golf course and at age 13 began to enjoy the challenge of the golf game. This interest continued throughout his lifetime. He was employed by National Cash Register Co. in their manufacturing division right out of high school and continued working there for 37 years, retiring in 1969. During World War II he served in the European Theater of operations with the U.S. Air Force. On April 10, 1948 he was united in marriage to Gayle Smith and they resided in Dayton, Ohio until 1979, at which time they moved to Blockton, Ia. A move to Mt. Ayr, Ia. was accomplished shortly before his death. He was a member of Tent Chapel Church of Christ at Blockton, NCR 25 year club, and the Bedford Country Club. He is survived by his wife and one sister, Norma Borchers of Dayton, Ohio and two nephews. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday February 5, 1992 GAYLE SMITH HILT Funeral services for Gayle Smith Hilt were held Saturday, Feb. 1, 1992 at Wilson-Watson Funeral Home in Mt. Ayr with Evangelist Thomas Dennis officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Gayle Smith Hilt, the daughter of Samuel J. [esse] and Bertha Jennings Smith was born on March 19, 1922 at Blockton, Iowa and departed this life on January 30, 1992 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Gayle was a faithful member of the Tent Chapel Church of Christ. Gayle attended Northwest Missouri State University and taught at a rural school in Missouri and in Delphos and Carbondale School near Des Moines, Iowa. In World War II, she worked at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and later worked as an executive secretary in the Dayco Corporation. On April 10, 1948 she married Edward Hilt of Dayton. In 1979 they moved back to Blockton and later to Mt. Ayr. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Gayle is survived by her sister, Maxine Kean of West Des Moines; her brother Paul J. Smith and wife Francis of Blockton, Iowa; a niece Marcia Allen and her husband Gary and their children John and Rachel of Corning, Iowa; and a nephew Kenneth J. Smith and wife Linda and their children Erin, Kirk, and Erica of Blockton, and many friends. [Holland, Bernice Mildred Hoxworth] Blockton News Thursday March 7, 1940 p. 5 Obituary Bernice Hoxworth, daughter of O. [liver] W. [are] and Nora [Alice Snyder] Hoxworth, was born on a farm in Taylor County, Iowa, near Sheridan, Missouri, January 24, 1900, died at her home in Sheridan Missouri, March 1, 1940, aged 40 years, 1 month and 7 days. Her early life was spent at Blockton where she attended the public schools, graduating with the class of 1918. She attended the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls and was a successful teacher for two years. On November 30, 1920, she was united in marriage with Horton F. [aye] Holland at Blockton, who, with two sons, Bill and Bob; one daughter, Shirley; her father and mother, of Blockton; two sisters, Mrs. E. [verett] G. [ayland] Menelaus, of Blockton, and Mrs. L. [eland] K. Fuller, of Lamont, Oklahoma, survives her. The twenty years of her married life were those of a devoted wife and mother. In 1922 the family moved to Redding where they lived until 1929 when they established their home in Sheridan and where until the time of her death has resided. Bernice united with the Methodist church at Blockton at an early age and retained her membership at that place. To all the messages of love and cheer, the beautiful flowers that loving hands brought her, she responded with a sweet smile of sincere appreciation. After several months of critical illness, although every possible means of relief was employed, she passed peacefully away at 5:30 Friday morning. She hath done what she could. Funeral services were held at Sheridan Methodist church at 1 o’clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. C. Pritchard, and burial in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. [HOLLAND, BERNICE MILDRED HOXWORTH] Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 12, 1945 p. 5 BLOCKTON Mrs. Hoover Succumbs Mrs. Lester Hoover, who had been seriously ill for several months, died Sunday morning in a hospital in St. Joseph. The body was brought to the home Tuesday and the funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. E. M. Chambers at the Methodist church Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in the Blockton cemetery. Mrs. Hoover was Miss Bessie Lepley before her marriage, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lepley of northeast of town. She was born January 28, 1893. Her entire life was lived in this community. She taught school several years before her marriage to Mr. Hoover. They were the parents of two children, Irene, now Mrs. Kenneth Isreal [Israel] of Rosendale, Missouri, and Lee of the home. Besides the husband and children she leaves two grandsons, her aged father, John Lepley of Maloy; two brothers, Roy Lepley of Maloy and Lee Lepley of Clearfield; four sisters, Mrs. Mary Gray of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Misses Emma and Merle Lepley of Ohio, and Mrs. J. B. Woods of Lenox. [Hoover, Bessie May Lepley] Taylor County Herald Thursday April 19, 1945 p. 8 Obituary Bessie May Lepley, daughter of John J. [ay] and Ida May Lepley, was born January 28, 1893, near Maloy, Iowa, and departed this life April 8, 1945, at the age of 52 years two months and 11 days. In early girlhood she was united with the Baptist church at Maloy, Iowa, later changing her membership to the Methodist church at Blockton, Ia., at which place she retained her membership until the time of her death. On March 15, 1916, she was united in marriage to James Lester Hoover of Blockton and to this union two children were born, Mrs. Irene Israel, Rosendale, Mo., and Lester Lee, of the parental home. She leaves to mourn their loss, her husband, children and two grandsons, James Lee and Kenneth Ray Israel, whom she dearly loved. She also leaves her father, John J. Lepley, of Maloy, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Mary Grey, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Roy Lepley, Maloy; Miss Emma Lepley, Cleveland, Ohio; Lee Lepley, Clearfield, Ia.; Mrs. Agnes Woods, Lenox, Ia.; Miss Merle Lepley, Cleveland, Ohio. Also nieces, nephews and a host of friends survive her. She was a kind, loving wife and mother and will be greatly missed. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, April 11, at 2:30 o’clock at the Methodist church at Blockton, the Rev. J. E. M. Chambers officiating. Burial was made in the Blockton cemetery. Blockton News Thursday August 29, 1940 [p. 1] O. W. Hoxworth Oliver W. [are] Hoxworth, son of Samuel C. [lay] and Tabatha [Tabitha Sampson] Hoxworth, was born Dec. 31, 1869, in Knox County, Illinois, and departed this life after several months of illness at his home in Blockton Aug. 23, 1940, aged 70 years, 7 months and 23 days. He came to Iowa with his parents when an infant, the family locating on a farm in Jackson Township, Taylor County, where he grew to manhood. He was united in marriage to Nora [Alice] Snyder Nov. 9, 1895. To this union three daughters were born: Mrs. Everett Menelaus of Blockton, Mrs. Leland Fuller of Lamont, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Horton Holland, formerly of Sheridan, Mo., who preceded her father in death March 1 of this year. Mr. Hoxworth farmed most of his life. In 1921 he entered the oil business in Blockton which occupation he followed until ill health caused him to retire in 1934. He was a member of the Methodist church, Blockton. He served several years on the town council and in his quiet way was interested in the community. At one time he was active in the local Knight of Pythias lodge. He was a good husband and father, and enjoyed his home life. Surviving are his wife, two daughters, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, two brothers, J. M. of Franklin, Nebr., and H. M. of Sheridan, Mo.; two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Lupton of Fort Morgan, Colorado, and Mrs. Nellie Caudle of Los Angeles, California; several nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church
Sunday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. E. B. Stewart. Interment was made
in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. [Hoxworth, Oliver Ware] Blockton News Thursday August 29, 1940 p. 5 Among the relatives from out of town attending the funeral of O. [liver] W. [are] Hoxworth Sunday were Mr. and Mrs. L. K. Fuller and children, Phyllis and Kent, of Lamont, Oklahoma; Bill and Bob Holland, of Chillicothe, Mo., and H. F. Holland and daughter, Shirley, Harry and Ray Hoxworth and Mrs. Samuel Hoxworth of Sheridan. [HOXWORTH, OLVER WARE] Bedford Times-Press Wednesday April 8, 1998 Merton Henry Ihrig Merton Henry Ihrig, 90, of 6305 Greenbriar Lane SW, Cedar Rapids died at St. Luke's Hospital on Saturday, April 4, 1998 following complications of pneumonia. Memorial services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 7,1998 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church at Cedar Rapids by the Rev. Kenneth Bell. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Blockton Christian Church, Blockton by Dr. Robert L. Pickerell and the Rev. Scott Marcum. Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Friends may visit at Blockton Christian Church after 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Arrangements by Teahen Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his wife, Bernice; two daughters, Carolyn King and her husband Gary of Columbus, Ohio, and Marilyn Small and her husband Henry of Cedar Rapids; a sister, Helen Ihrig of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, John Edward King and Mary Ellen King both of Philadelphia, PA and Elinor Lee King and her husband Kenneth Kimes of Oxford; a great great granddaughter, Grace Carolyn Kimes. Merton was born July 7, 1907 near Wellman to Charles Homer Ihrig and Sarah Belle Pond Ihrig. He married Bernice Moon on August 17, 1931 in Ottumwa. They lived in Iowa City and moved to Grinnell where Merton worked for Metropolitan Insurance. There he was honored as a superior salesman. A move to Sioux City placed Merton in a new position as an assistant manager in a financial business. Merton and Bernice later purchased a farm near Blockton and resided there until retiring to Creston. He was a member of the Christian Church in both Blockton and Creston. He has served as elder and Sunday school teacher and superintendent. In 1993 they moved to Cedar Rapids where he was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist and the Thursday Noon Lions Club. Memorials may be directed to the Blockton Christian Church. Merton was truly a man of faith. He loved his church and his family and had compassion for all humanity. Our lives have been blessed by this wonderful man. |