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

 

[Swap, Edgar]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     September 1, 1921      [p. 1]

Ed Swap Very Low

Word was received here Tuesday by John Swap informing him that his brother Ed of Des Moines, who has been in very poor health for the past eight years, is not expected to live. John left that noon for Des Moines to be at his bedside.

[Swap, Edgar]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     September 8, 1921      [p. 1]

Ed Swap Dies In Des Moines

Ed Swap, who for eight years had been a patient sufferer from paralysis at his home in Des Moines, passed away Wednesday afternoon, August 31, 1921.

Edgar Swap was the son of W. [illiam] E. dgar] and Candice [Wilkins] Swap of Bedford, and was born in Bedford October 16, 1859. He was about 19 years of age when he left home to make his way in the world. He started work for the C. B. & Q. railroad and became a conductor on that road before he was of age. After working for this road several years he left it and went to work for the Great Western which was called the Maple Leaf route at that time. After working for that road several years he went in business for himself.

He was married to Miss Ollie Long of Indianola, January 31, 1884.

His last years were spent in preaching the Gospel of the Seventh Day Advent church.

 

He leaves to mourn his loss, a wife and adopted son, two brothers and a mother.

He was laid to rest in the Laurel Hill cemetery at Des Moines, Iowa.

John Swap, his brother of this place, was in attendance at the bedside when he passed away.

[Note: Correct marriage date is January 1, 1884. Source: Iowa Marriage certificate.]

[Swap, Edgar]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      September 1, 1921     p. 2

Ed Swap Passes Away

News was received here this morning that Ed Swap, for eight years past a sufferer from paralysis, had passed away at his home in Des Moines on Wednesday, August 31.

Edgar Swap was the son of W. [illiam] E. [dgar] and Candice [Wilkins] Swap and was born on October 16, 1859. He was married to Miss Ollie Long at Osceola, on January 1st, 1884, and leaves to mourn his loss, a wife and an adopted son, Russell.

He will be laid to his final rest in the Des Moines cemetery today. John Swap, his brother, of this place, was in attendance at the bedside when he passed away.

[Swap, Edgar]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      September 8, 1921    p. 2

Obituary

Edwin [Edgar] Swap died at his home in Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday, August 31st. Edwin [Edgar] Swap was the son of W. [illiam] E. [dgar] and Mrs. Candice [Wilkins] Swap and was born in Bedford, October 16th, 1859. He left Bedford at the age of 19, to make his way in the world. He was first employed on the C. B. & Q. railroad. After working a short time for this company he was advanced to conductor. After filling this position for several years, he left this company and held a prominent position with the Great Western, then called the Maple Leaf. After serving several years with this company he resigned to go into business for himself. He was married on January 1st, 1884 to Miss Ollie Long of Indianola, who with an adopted son survive.

His last years up to the time of his death were devoted to preaching the Gospel of the Seventh Day Advent church. He leaves a wife, adopted son, two brothers, two sisters and a mother to mourn his loss. He was consigned to Mother Earth in the Laurel Hill cemetery at Des Moines. His brother, John, who resides in Bedford with his mother was at his bedside when he passed away.

The family have the heart-felt sympathy of many in their loss.

[Swap, Franklin]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     September 18, 1902     [p. 1]

Dr. Swap Dead

Word reaches Bedford that Dr. Franklin Swap, a former citizen of Taylor County, but for a long time a resident of Booneville, Iowa, died at his home Thursday, September 4, aged 72 years.

[Swap, Franklin]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    September 18, 1902      [p. 1]

DEATH OF AN OLD PIONEER

One of Taylor County’s Oldest Settlers Emigrates to an Old Country Where the Fields Are Eternally Green

Dr. Franklin Swap, aged 72 years died at his home in Boonville, Iowa, Thursday Sept. 4th, at 6 o'clock after an illness of nearly two years, and information of same has just reached us. Deceased is a brother to our townsmen, W. [illiam] E. [dgar] Swap, and was an early pioneer of this county. He followed the trade of cabinetmaker for 18 years and then learned dentistry, which he has since practised.

He enlisted in 1862 and remained in during the long strife and returned to this county for a time and then went to Central Mo. for a short time, going to Boonville where he has been for nearly 40 years. He was a public-spirited man of considerable ability and was at the head of many enterprises in his days. He is known here only by the very oldest of our residents.

[Tate, Elizabeth Jane “Eliza”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       August 29, 1907     [p. 1]

Mrs. J. W. Tate Died Suddenly.

Mrs. J. [ohn] W. Tate, whose sudden illness was reported in these columns last week, died Friday morning at 5 o'clock after an illness of but a few days from heart failure, at their apartment in the Garland Annex.

A brief funeral was held Saturday forenoon at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S. E. Henry and the remains were taken to Oneida, Ill., the old home, where interment was made at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon.

Miss Eliza Jane McKee was born in Knox County, Illinois, in 1834. On June 27, 1857 [1858] she was united in marriage to Mr. J. [ohn] W. Tate and together in 1875 they moved to Bedford, which has since been their home. Soon after their arrival here Mrs. Tate became converted to the Christian faith and united with the Presbyterian Church and has been a devoted Christian since. Six children came to bless these worthy people, all of whom have preceeded their mother to the Great Unknown world except two: Clara, wife of M. M. Van Fleet now of Denver, Colo., and Roy, of Bedford.

The deceased was a kind hearted true Christian woman and a devoted and loving wife and mother. Among the first women the writer became acquainted with in the early '80s was Mrs. Tate and that childish regard induced by her many kind hearted acts, grew to deepest respect in our maturity. While Mrs. Tate has always had a healthy external appearance she has practically been an invalid for years, suffering greatly from her heart. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved husband and children, who so keenly mourn her loss.

[Tate, Elizabeth Jane “Eliza”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       August 29, 1907     p. 8

Roy Tate arrived Monday from El Reno, Okl., too late to attend the funeral of his mother. A message was sent him Friday but owing to the telegrapher's strike it did not reach him until Sunday afternoon, after his mother's burial at Oneida, Ill.

[TATE, ELIZABETH JANE "ELIZA" MCKEE]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 29, 1907
Mrs. Jane McKee Tate
The friends of Mrs. Jane McKee Tate were shocked Friday morning to learn of her sudden death. For several years her health has not been good and a few days before her death the disease which had been preying upon her heart became alarming to her immediate friends, but they did not anticipate so speedy an ending as that which came. Calmly, Friday morning at five o'clock with her husband at her side, she fell asleep to awake no more on earth.
Mrs. Tate was born in Knox county, Ill., in 1834. Her father, Dr. McKee, was one of the first settlers of that state. She was married June 27, 1857, to Mr. J. [ohn] W.[arren] Tate and with him made her home in Oneida, Ill., for eighteen years. To this marriage six children were born, only two of whom survive her: Mrs. M. M. Van Fleet of Denver, Colorado and Roy Tate of Brush, Col. In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Tate came to Bedford and have made this their home ever since.
For several years she had been a member of the Presbyterian church of Bedford. Her life was a quiet, simple one. She was acquainted with suffering and grief. Death came as a translation into a larger, richer, happier life.
A short service was conducted in the hotel where she and her husband were making their home, by her pastor, Rev. Henry, Saturday morning at eleven o'clock, and her remains were taken to Oneida, Ill. and interred by the side of her children who are buried there. Neither her son Roy nor her daughter, Mrs. Van Fleet, were able to be present at the service.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."    H.
[Note: Illinois Statewide Marriage, 1763-1900, gives the marriage date as June 27, 1858 in Knox County, Illinois.]

[Tate, Hope Kinnison]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 25, 1954    [p. 1]

Mrs Hope Q. Tate Dies In Long Beach

Mrs. Hope Q. Tate, 72, Long Beach, Calif,, died Monday, Nov. 15. Funeral services were held at Mottell's Chapel, Friday, Nov. 19, Rev. W. R. Hall of the Lakewood Village Community Church in charge.

Surviving are her husband, Roy; two brothers, Virgil Kinnison of Ottawa, Kansas and Kenneth Kinnison of Bethany, Mo.

Deceased will be remembered here as Hope Kinnison. She moved to California 35 years ago.

[TATE, HOPE KINNISON]
Long Beach Independent (Long Beach, California), Tuesday, November 16, 1954
TATE – Mrs. Hope Q. Tate, 72, of 2931 Mariquita St., died Monday. She was born at Bedford, Iowa and came here 35 years ago. Surviving are her husband, Warren; two brothers, Virgil and Kenneth Kinnison. Services will be Friday at 4 p. m. in Mottell's Mortuary Chapel, the Rev. Ewing Stanton Hudson officiating.

[Tate, John W.]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday      October 17, 1916     [p. 1]

Obituary — J. W. Tate

J. [ohn] W. Tate died after a short illness, at the home of his son, W. [arren] Roy Tate, Saturday, Oct. 14, 1916, aged 79 years, 11 months and 6 days. The funeral services were held at 10:30 o'clock Monday morning at the First Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. John A. Currie. The remains were taken to Oneida, Ill., for interment, where the body of his wife also rests.

John W. Tate was born in Crawford County, Indiana, November 8, 1836. He was one of a family of nine children and is the last to pass away. When he was but a lad his father died and the mother, with the family, moved to Knox County, Ill. His early life was spent in Oneida, Ill. In 1857 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth [Jane] McKee. To this union were born six children, two of whom survive. They are: W. [arren] R. [oy] Tate of Bedford, and Mrs. M. M. Van Fleet of Denver, Col. Mrs. Tate died August 23, 1907. Mr. Tate came to Bedford in 1876 and since that time has been actively engaged in business here and has a large acquaintance in Taylor County.

[TATE, JOHN W.]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 19, 1916
Pioneer Merchant Dies
Infirmities of Old Age Caused Demise
John W. Tate Had Engaged in Business Since 1875—Active Almost Until End
John W. Tate, a well known and pioneer merchant of Bedford, Iowa, died at his home on Saturday, following a several weeks illness caused by infirmities of old age.
The deceased was one of our most respected citizens, being of a kind and generous disposition who readily made friends and by his honest endeavor and loyal work for the good of the community built up a wide and varied acquaintance which deeply mourns his demise.
When it became known that Mr. Tate was seriously ill and the chances were unfavorable for a recovery, many sincere expressions of praise were spoken regarding the life of the deceased. He is described as being a man of splendid virtues who took deep interest in his family and strove at all times to bring his children up in the way they should go. That he accomplished his desire is evident and in the last hours of suffering the deceased was able to leave this material world with the thought that he had fulfilled his Maker's wishes at every opportunity offered.
John W. Tate was born in Crawford county, Indiana, Nov. 8, 1836, being one of a family of nine children, all of whom had preceded him in death.
His father died while Mr. Tate was experiencing the early years of his boyhood and a short time after bereavement, the mother took her family to Knox county, Ill., where his early life was spent.
In 1857 the deceased was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Jane McKee. Six children were born to bless the union, four of whom have already passed to the great beyond. His beloved wife, with whom he spent a half century enjoying the fruits of a happily married life, departed this world on August 23, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Tate took up their residence in Bedford in the year 1875, the former being engaged in the grocery business, which occupation he continued until illness forced him to remain at home. At the time of his demise he was 79 years, 11 months and 6 days old.
Besides a host of sorrowing friends, the deceased is mourned by two children, a son and a daughter, who are W. R. Tate of Bedford and Mrs. M. M. Van Fleet of Denver, Colo.
The funeral service was held at the Presbyterian church Monday morning October 16th at 10:30 o'clock, Rev. J. A. Currie conducting the service.
Interment was made at Oneida, Ill., beside the remains of his wife, who had been buried there.

[Thompson, Arthur B.]

Iowa South-West

Saturday    August 5, 1876    p. 3

Died, August 3d, 1876, Arthur, son of D. [avid] H. [enderson] and K. [atherine Jones] Thompson, five months and six days.

 

[Tinder, Cynthia Ann Haggard]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      June 24, 1909     [p. 1]

Obituary

Cynthia Ann [Haggard] Tinder was born in Kentucky, December 1833, died at her late home in Bedford, Iowa, June 20th, 1909 being at the time of her death 75 years, 6 months and 13 days old. She removed to Indiana when a small child, remaining there till she was grown to womanhood and married when she came to Iowa about 45 years ago. She was married to Chas. Tinder 55 years ago who preceded her to the home above May 8th, 1907. To the above union three children were born, Jessie [Jesse] the only son of Wisconsin, Mrs. Mary Barnes of Taylor County and Millie who lived with her father and mother and tenderly cared for them until both passed peacefully to their reward in Heaven. She has been an earnest Christian woman and a member of the Christian church for over 40 years—lived the life of the Just and died the death of the Just. No stain spoiled the robe of her righteousness. She was a woman whose hands were always warm by deeds of love. No word of censure fell from her lips against her fellowman. She lived righteousness hence she died in the triumph of a living faith.

Her sickness was of about three months duration confined to her bed for about three weeks. All that her loving daughters could do they graciously did. The family physician exhausted his skill, her sickness could only be healed by Heaven's balm.

The funeral took place from the home Wednesday at 2 o'clock conducted by her pastor, George A. Hendrickson, after which the body was placed in the Bedford cemetery.

[Tinder, Cynthia Ann Haggard]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      June 24, 1909      [p. 1]

Long Life Ended

Mrs. Charles Tinder Passes Away at Her Home in Bedford

Mrs. Charles Tinder died at her home in Bedford Sunday evening June 20 at 8:20 o’clock aged 75 years, 6 months and 13 days. The funeral was held at her late residence on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. George A. Hendrickson. Interment was made at Bedford cemetery.

Cynthia Ann [Haggard] Tinder was born in Kentucky on December 7, 1833, but when quite young, moved with her parents to Indiana. There she grew to, womanhood and was united in marriage to Charles Tinder. They lived together in happiness and contentment until May 8, 1907, when the angel of death came and the husband and father was taken.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tinder, a son, Jesse, who resides in Wisconsin, Mrs. Mary Barnes whose home is in the country and another daughter, Millie, who during their latter years tenderly cared for their father and mother and lovingly ministered to all their wants.

Mrs. Tinder was for more than 40 years a member of the Christian church and a consistent, earnest Christian. Her life was one in which each day found her steadfastly serving her Master and through pain, sorrow and disappointment her faith in the promises of the Father remained unshaken. During all her mature life she was a true Christian and she died in the triumph of the living faith.

She was a woman whose hands were warmed by deeds of love. Her lips spoke no evil, her mind harbored no guile. She so lived that all the wealth of divine love became her possession. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”       H.

[VanOrsdal, Edna May]

Iowa South-West

Saturday     April 3, 1875     p. 3

DIED

Edna May—On Tuesday March 23d, 1875, of Spinal Meningitis, Edna May, youngest daughter of H. [iram] P. [hillips] and E. [mily] J. [Pember] VanOrsdal, aged 2 years and 6 months.

[VanOrsdal, Priscilla]

Iowa South-West

Saturday     July 24, 1875    p. 3

DIED.

At the residence of H. [iram] P. [hillips] VanOrsdal, in Bedford, July 19th, 1875 of inflammation of the stomach, Princilla [Priscilla] VanOrsdal; aged 36 years.

The deceased was a sister of Mr. H. [iram] P.[ hillips[ VanOrsdal, and was highly beloved and esteemed by all who knew her. A large circle of friends mourn her loss.

[Von Khrum, Paul Anderson]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     June 4, 1986     p. 5

Graveside services for Paul Voncrum

Graveside services were held May 30, 1986 for Paul Anderson Voncrum [Von Khrum], son of Charles Elmer and Harlie Faith Crum Wilkins who was born at Blockton, Iowa October 31, 1909 and departed this life April 24, 1986 at San Antonio, Texas at the age of 76 years, 5 months and 23 days.

He was united in marriage to Virginia Ellis and to them were born two children: Robert Ellis Voncrum [Von Khrum] and Karen Voncrum Bartagnole who with five and two great grandchildren survive.

He served for many years as librarian for New York University until his retirement nine years ago. He had written several books on early American silver.

Several of his family relatives were present for this graveside service from out of town. Doris Lewis Fuller is a local distant relative.

Inurnment of his earthly remains was in the Bedford Cemetery on the "Faith Lot" beside his mother.

Rev. Carl Cummings officiated. Shum-Novinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Note: His gravestone and Texas death index spell his last name as Von Khrum.]

[Warneke, Aden]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     June 18, 1903     p. 3

Mortuary,

(From Friday's Daily.)

The infant child [Aden] of Mr. and Mrs. A. [ugust] F. [red] Warneke, of Ross Township, died last night of whooping cough. The funeral will occur tomorrow at 10 o’clock, a. m. at the family residence, Elder Wm. Cobb officiating. Interment will take place in the Bedford cemetery.

[Warneke, August Fred]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 10, 1941      p. 7

Obituary - A. F. Warneke

August Fred Warneke was born in Germany near Brokelnen [Braunschweig] July 5, 1868, and died at his home south of Bedford Tuesday, March 25, 1941. He came to America in 1884 and became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

After spending eight years in Illinois, he came to this community when he was 24 years of age.

On Dec. 28, 1890 he was married to Miss Minnie [Wilhelmina Dorothea] Pfluge [Pflug] at Clarinda. Three children were born to them: August Warneke and Mrs. Bertha Steeve of Bedford; and a son Aden, who died in infancy.

As a man of mature years Mr. Warneke united with has continued as a member of the Berea Church of Christ.

Besides his wife and two children, he is survived by one brother, Will Warneke of Litchfield, Ill., and other near relatives in Germany.

Under all conditions he had been a good husband and a devoted father.

The funeral services were held at the home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ben W. Sinderson. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Warneke, Wilhelmina Dorothea “Minnie” Pflug]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 24, 1955      [p. 1]

Mrs. Minnie Warneke Rites Were Sunday

Mrs. Minnie Warneke, a longtime resident of Bedford and community, died at Municipal hospital, Clarinda, March 17 after a short illness.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Sunday afternoon, conducted by R. C. Yadon of Blockton. Burial in Bedford cemetery.

Minnie [Wilhelmina Dorothea] Dorthea Pflug (Fluke) was born in Montgomery County, Ill., April 1, 1870 and died at the age of 84 years, 11 months, 16 days.

On Dec. 28, 1890 she was married at Clarinda, Iowa to August Fred Warneke, who preceded her in death on March 25, 1941. Three children were born to them, August H. [enry] Warneke and Mrs. Bertha Steeve, both of Bedford. One son, Aden died in infancy.

She united with the Church of Christ at Berea, where her membership remained until death.

Those remaining are her son and daughter, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren.

[Whiffin, David]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      June 25, 1896     p. 3

David Whiffin Dead

"Uncle" David Whiffin died at his home on North Main Street at 1 p. m. Saturday. He had been an invalid for several years, and during the past several months has been confined to his bed. At 12 o'clock Saturday he passed peacefully away. The funeral was from the home at 3 p. m. Tuesday, June 23, conducted by Bedford Lodge No. 91, I. O. O. F., assisted by members of the Siam and Gravity lodges of the fraternity. There were 73 Odd Fellows in the funeral procession and their services for the dead were both solemn and impressive. Attorney J. [ames] W. Whiffin of Kansas City, a son of the deceased, delivered an address at the house. This was in fulfillment of a request made several years ago by the father to the son. Mr. Whiffin dwelt at length on the peculiar tenets of his father's belief in a deity and the inspiration of the bible. Mr. Whiffin closed his address with an eulogy in which he spoke of the many noble and generous traits in the character of the father.

David Whiffin was aged 83 years, 1 month and 8 days at the time of his death. He was a native of England, and was born April 22, 1813. He was married to Miss Jane [Victoria] McBeth, in Albany, N. Y., April 25, 1833 and together they came to Taylor County in 1867. In 1868 Mr. and Mrs. Whiffin moved into the home in which both died, Mrs. Whiffin’s death occurring Dec. 5, 1884. In April 1869 Mr. Whiffin joined Bedford Lodge No. 91, I. O. O. F., the members of which society have furnished a sick watch at his bedside during his last illness.

Attorney J. [ames] W. Whiffin, of Kansas City, Mrs. Sarah Biggs, of this city, and Mrs. Mirah [Mariah] Cannon, of Nebraska, are the surviving members of the family.

[Whiffin, Hamlet]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    June 9, 1904     p. 7

Hamlett [Hamlet] Whiffin, son of J. [ames] W. Whiffin, now of Kansas City, but formerly and for many years a resident of Bedford, died yesterday at Kansas City. Mrs. John Roes, and Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Sherman left yesterday afternoon, and John Ross went today to attend the funeral, which will be there tomorrow. The deceased was born in Bedford and has many friends here who will learn with regret of his early death.

[Whiffin, Harold Eugene “Harry”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      October 23, 1952    p. 9

Harry Whiffin Died In Idaho

Funeral services were held at the Middleton, Idaho, Methodist church Oct. 3 for Harry E. [ugene] Whiffin, a former resident of Bedford, who died Sept. 30. Burial was in Middleton cemetery.

[Harold] Harry E. [ugene] Whiffin, son of Wm. C. [owan] and Minnie Whiffin, was born in Bedford, Iowa. April 18, 1873. With his parents he moved to Jerauld County, South Dakota, in June 1882, where his father died in the fall of 1883. He grew to manhood, living there 13 years.

Mr. Whiffin received his education in rural schools and the Wessington Springs Seminary, and taught in the rural schools of Jerauld County three years. In 1895 he went to Kalispell, Mont., but was called back to Bedford, Iowa, by the death of his stepfather. He taught in schools of Taylor County the winter of 1895-96 and the following winter attended Stanberry Normal School at Stanberry, Mo.

On March 4, 1897 he arrived at Caldwell, Idaho, and taught two terms of school in what is now Payette County. He was married in the spring of 1899 to Dora [Belle] Rylas [Ryals] Pope and that fall moved to a homestead 14 miles from Council, where they lived for eight years. Four of the five Whiffin children were born there.

In February 1908, the family moved to their home west of Middleton, where Mr. Whiffin engaged in truck gardening and farming. He also served for many years as deputy county assessor.

Mrs. Whiffin died July 26, 1933. In September 1938, he was married to Edith [Elizabeth] Paddock of Wessington Springs, South Dakota.

Survivors Include his wife, Edith E. [lizabeth] of Middleton; four sons, Adrian W. [ilston] of Payette; Hamlet H. [oratio], William B. [irney] and Donald H., all of Portland, Oregon; one daughter, Hazel F. Peterson of Portland; three sisters, Lena Dillon of Southgate, Calif.; Vollie V. Zink of Boise, Hazel Clark of Salem, Oregon; seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren.

[Whiffin, Thomas B.]

Bedford Argus

Thursday     December 18, 1879     p. 5

We clip the following from the Marshall Co. Democrat, published by William B. Whiffin, of Lacon, Ills.:

" Thomas B. Whiffin, an old and esteemed citizen or Stark county, died at his home, in Valley Township, early this morning, (Dec. 5th). He was the father of the editor of the Democrat, had lived in Stark County since 1848 and was 74 years of age. The reception of the telegram bearing this painful tiding, and the poignant grief it causes prevents a more extended notice of his virtues, at this time. None knew him but to love him."

Thomas Whiffin was a brother of our townsman, David Whiffin. He came to this place about seven years ago, to visit relatives, and while here formed the acquaintance of a number of our citizens, who remember him as a kind, sociable old man, always cheerful and always ready to say a kind word.