[AKERS, IVEN D.]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 28, 1966, p. 6

Iven D. Akers, 58, Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for Iven D. Akers, 58, of Bedford were held Wed., April 20 at the Bedford Methodist Church with J. Milton Kinney officiating. Mr. Akers died April 17 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Included in the services was the following obituary.

Iven D. Akers, son of Hubert and Jane Ann Akers, was born May 23, 1907 near Gravity, Iowa. He spent all his boyhood days around the Gravity area. At an early age he united with the Methodist Church at Gravity.

On Sept. 5, 1929 he was united in marriage to Evan Mae Lacox of Nodaway, Ia. They made their home five miles southeast of Bedford for the past 37 years.

To this union one son was born, Allen Dale Akers of Bedford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters who died in infancy.

He is survived by his wife, Eva Mae; one son, Allen Dale; one daughter-in-law, Carole Mae, three grandchildren, Rick, Ronald, and Lynn Ellen; two sisters, Eva Harris of Council Bluffs and Ferne Dunkin of Gravity; one brother, Doyle D. Akers of Bedford; one brother-in-law, Carl Dunkin of Gravity; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Vera Akers of Bedford; 10 nieces and nephews; 16 great nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was a kind and loving husband and father. His life centered about his home and work. Many will remember him for his work as field assessor and with the A. S. C. S. office.

[AKERS, LESTER NEAL]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 18, 1996

LESTER NEAL AKERS

Services for Lester Neal Akers, 89, were held September 12 at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral home with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Mr. Akers died September 10, 1996 after an illness at Clarinda Municipal hospital in Clarinda, Iowa.

Lester Neal Akers was the son of Espy and Iva Brand Akers and was born in their home of rural Gravity, Iowa on May 11, 1907. He went to school in Gravity and later farmed with his father on the family farm.

On February 10, 1931, at the Presbyterian parsonage in Clarinda, Iowa he married Myrtle Blanche Stephens of Bedford. They made their first home on a farm they rented northeast of Gravity, Iowa. On March 17, 1936 their son, Norman Dale was born. On January 7, 1940 a daughter, Janet Kay blessed their union. In 1942 they moved to their own farm home seven miles west of Bedford in Mason Township. Here they lived their remaining days together, until his wife's ill health forced her to live in the Bedford Manor. While in the Manor, Lester faithfully continued caring for her daily until her death in 1987. He continued living on the farm until recently when his own declining health brought him to the Bedford Manor as well.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, L.D. Akers. Left to cherish his memory are his two children and their families. First, son Norman and Karen Akers of St. Joseph, Missouri, also with their children: Rick and Sheryl Akers with their children, Ryan and Kevin of St. Joseph, Missouri; Roger and Tamara Akers with their children, Tara, Jonathan, Samuel, Alison and Julia of Gladstone, Missouri; Julie and David McFarland and son Mark of Maryland Heights, Missouri. Second, daughter, Janet Kay Akers Livingston and her husband Marion of Hiawatha, Iowa, along with their children: Jerry and Lisa Livingston with their children, Jennifer and Janet Danae of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Kenneth and Jolene Livingston with their children, Calissa, Jonathon, Cayla and David of Marion, Iowa; James and Kamala Livingston with their children, Matthew and Amanda of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Tina and James Michael Davis with their children, Benjamin and Joshua Davis of Hiawatha, Iowa. He is also survived by a sister, Inez Tribolet, and a sister-in-law, Elva Akers.

Lester was a member of the Farm Bureau during his farming years.   He was also a member of the   First   Baptist   Church   of Bedford, having been a member for 66 years. Here he had served faithfully in his prime years on many of the church boards and being an encouragement to many. He is remembered for his deep faith in Jesus Christ, which was reflected in his godly character. It was   said   his   word   was   his handshake.     His farm and his family were his life.    He loved horses, raising   them, breaking them and working them.   He also loved woodworking.   As for his other love, his family, every effort was made to let them know they were a priority. One phrase he was fond of voicing to his family was, "I just love my family so much, every one of them."   These were rich words to his family members.

Lester was a loving, kind and patient father and grandfather. He lived his life after the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ.

[AKERS, MYRTLE BLANCHE STEPHENS]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, May 6, 1987, p. 6

MYRTLE BLANCHE AKERS

Services for Myrtle Blanche Akers, 80, were held May 3 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Ted DeHass officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Mrs. Akers died April 29, 1987 at Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Ia.

Myrtle Blanche Stephens Akers, second daughter of George B.  Stephens and Anna Lou Bartley Stephens, was born on a farm near Bedford, Iowa on August 25, 1906.

She attended rural school going on to graduate as valedictorian of her class from Bedford High School in 1924. Myrtle taught in the rural schools of Taylor County for six years after graduation. On February 10, 1931, at the Presbyterian parsonage in Clarinda, Ia. she married Lester Neal Akers of Gravity, Ia. They made their first home on a farm they rented northeast of Gravity, Ia. On March 17, 1936 their son, Norman Dale was born. On January 7, 1940, a daughter Janet Kay blessed their union. In 1942 they moved to their current farm home seven miles west of Bedford in Mason Township. Myrtle was a partner with her husband in their farming operation until on September 9, 1982 when ill health made it necessary for Myrtle to seek care at the Bedford Manor nursing home. She resided there until she was hospitalized at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital on April 17, 1987.

Myrtle became a Christian early in her life, living out her faith as a 38-year member of the Bedford Baptist Church. She taught a Sunday school class at the church where she was also a member of the Friendly Sunday school class and of the women’s circles as long as her health permitted. She was a member of the Friendly Neighbors Club in her farming community.

Myrtle loved to cook. To prepare and serve a meal to her children, grandchildren and relatives was one of many pleasures she enjoyed about being a homemaker, her chosen occupation. The last few years of her life she endured her illness with patience and grace and with her loving husband, Lester, of 56 years constantly at her side caring for and encouraging her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Carl Stephens. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Lester Neal; son, Norman Dale and his wife Karen of St. Joseph, Mo.; daughter, Janet Kay Akers Livingston and her husband Marion of Hiawatha, Ia.; grandson Ricky Norman Akers and his wife Sheryl and their children Ryan and Kevin of St. Joseph, Mo.; grandson, Roger Dean Akers and his wife Tamara and their children Tara and Jonathan Ross of Gladstone, Mo.; granddaughter, Julie Ann Akers McFarland and her husband, David of University City, Mo.; grandson, Jerry Dean Livingston and his wife Lisa of Troy Mills, Ia.; grandson, Kenneth John Livingston and his wife Jolene of Nevada, Ia.; grandson, James Richard Livingston of Cedar Hills, Tx.; granddaughter, Tina Renee Livingston of Hiawatha, Ia.; sisters, Ruby Park and Hazel Thompson and brother, Harley (Bill) Stephens of Bedford, Ia.

Myrtle was a loving, kind and patient wife, mother and grandmother. She lived her life after the example set by the Lord, Jesus Christ. Because of this life we do not say, “Good-bye, Dear Loved One,” but we will instead say, “Because you have taught us the right way in which we should live our lives we will meet you in heaven so we too may enjoy life eternal with you. We love you and our humanness causes us to say, “We will miss you.”

[ANDREWS, FRANCIS E. “FRANK”]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, October 1, 1903, p. 4

Frank Andrews Dead

Frank Andrews died last night at midnight, after a lingering illness with consumption. Funeral arrangements had not been made at the hour of going to press.

[ANDREWS, FRANCIS E. “FRANK”]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, October 8, 1903, [p. 1]

Biographical

Francis E. Andrews was born in Westchester, Pa., November 24, 1858 [1853], and died in Bedford, October 1, 1903, aged 44 years, 10 months and 7 days. He married Anna Shepard in Maryville on December 11, 1884. To this union were born two children, Clair and Erlma [Earlma], the latter dying about five years ago. Mr. Andrews moved to Bedford about six years ago. For more than a year he has been sick with consumption, and spent some time in the south in a vain attempt to benefit his health.

The funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Barackman. Interment in Fairview. The widow and orphan son have the sympathy of all Bedford in their sad bereavement.

[BUTCHER, ADA INEZ AGEE PECKA]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, February 12, 1997

Ada Inez Agee Butcher, age 84 years, 10 months, 27 days, was born March 8, 1912 at Nevada, Missouri to parents Benjamin Noah Agee and Mary Louise Woodie Agee. She died on February 4, 1997 in her home in Glenwood, Iowa.

Ada grew up in the Missouri and later Omaha, Nebraska areas until finally moving to Bedford, Iowa in 1955. Finally, she moved to Glenwood, Iowa in October 1995. During her working years she had worked outside the home for Swanson's Foods of Omaha, and later was a baby sitter for the First Baptist Church of Bedford, where she was a member.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands: Frank Edward Pecka and later Otis Alvin Butcher, and one son Frank Edward Pecka who died at birth, and one step-son Nathan Butcher, besides three grandchildren: Kenneth Collett, Angela Woods, and Mark Uhlarik.

She is survived by four children of her first marriage to Frank Pecka: Beverly Teller of Belton, Missouri, Betty Joura of Marysville, Washington, Barbara Uhlarik of Omaha, Nebraska, and Donald Pecka of Omaha, Nebraska. She is also survived by four children from her marriage to Otis Butcher: George Butcher of Glenwood, Iowa, Nancy Barner of Emerado, North Dakota, Robert Butcher of Corning, Iowa, and William Butcher of Glenwood, Iowa. She is also survived by one stepdaughter, Darlene Collett of Richardson, Texas. She also leaves 28 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, besides other friends.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home at 2 PM, Friday, February 7, 1997, with burial at Fairview Cemetery of Bedford. Pastor Jamie Mogler of First Baptist Church of Bedford officiated.

[BUTCHER, OTIS ALVIN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 4, 1987, p. 6

OTIS A. BUTCHER

Services for Otis A. Butcher, 84, were held February 26 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Carl Cummings. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Ia. Mr. Butcher died February 23, 1987 at Bethesda Care Center, Clarinda, Ia.

Otis A. [lvin] Butcher, son of George Thomas Butcher and Julie Eldora Eidson Butcher was born January 10, 1903 at Macks Creek, Mo. He grew to maturity in the Macks Creek area and later he moved to Emerson, Ia.

On February 28, 1948 he was united in marriage to Ada Pecka at Omaha, Ne. and they resided in Omaha where he was employed by International Harvester Company. They lived in Blockton, Iowa for a year and a half before moving to Bedford in May 1955 where they have continued to reside. He was employed as bus mechanic by the Bedford Community School District until his retirement in 1968.

To this union four children were born: George, Nancy, William and Robert. A daughter Darlene and a son Nathan by a former marriage. Nathan is deceased. A stepson Frank Pecka died in infancy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: George Alan Butcher, Albert Thomas Butcher, Barney Butcher and a half brother Ed Eidson; three sisters: Gladys, Nellie and Osie.

He is survived by his wife, Ada of the home; children are Darlene Collett, George Thomas Butcher, Nancy Barner, William Butcher and Robert Butcher; step children are: Barbara Uhlarik, Betty Joura, Beverly Teller, and Donald Pecka; two sisters: Flora Russell and Cleo Howman; 28 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

His family and friends will remember his life well lived and he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

[COX, ELVIN JAMES “JIM”]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, December 10, 1997

Elvin James (Jim) Cox

Elvin James (Jim) Cox was born February 17, 1919 on a farm east of Blockton, Iowa, in Ringgold County. Jim was the second son born to John Edward and Permilia J. Brown Cox. On May 2, 1942, Jim was united in marriage to Coryl Correne Hensley at the Christian Church in Maryville, Missouri. To this loving union three children were born: Larry James, Elaine Ann and Ronald Dee.

In 1942 Jim was inducted into the United States Army and was a member of the Headquarters and Service Company 2830 Engineer Combat Battalion. He faithfully served his country with honor and dignity receiving the rank of Sergeant T4 and was awarded seven Battle Stars and three Bronze Arrowheads while he served in the following campaigns: North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Southern France, Central Europe, and Rhineland. Through all these campaigns Jim served over five hundred days in active combat.

Jim became a Christian while serving in the armed services in Italy. He was baptized and became a member of the Bedford Christian Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Jim was engaged in agriculture all of his working life. He also butchered livestock, sheared sheep and dug wells. Jim was a fifty-year member of the Bedford American Legion. Upon his retirement he faithfully worked with the Legion until health problems prohibited him from carrying out his duties. Jim was a man of strong character and integrity. He upheld the principles he believed in. All his life Jim relied heavily upon God's strength and was devoted to providing a living for his wife and children. He loved animals and took great pride in raising quality livestock. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking long rides through the countryside enjoying wildlife and nature. He was an avid sports lover, including baseball and football. Another of Jim's favorite pastimes was to drive his army jeep around town, and he always looked forward to driving the jeep in the 4th of July parade. Jim was always supportive of his family and was strongly admired and loved by all. His kindness and love will always be felt and missed.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Coryl; two sons, Larry of Des Moines, Ron and wife Brenda Cox of Hopkins, Missouri; one daughter, Elaine and husband Tom Howard of Ralston, Nebraska; three brothers, Lewis Cox of Bedford, Vernon (Cork) and wife Norma Cox of Bedford and Clifford (Joe) and wife Deloris of Lincoln, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Susan and husband Shaun Hancock of Omaha; Andrea and Tom Howard, Jr.; of Ralston; Correne and husband Patrick Welch of Hopkins, Fletcher and Troy Cox of Hopkins; one sister in law, Norma of Wheatland, Wyoming; along with many other relatives and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Coryl's parents, one brother, Raymond Edward (Chub) Cox, two sisters, Lorene Beck and Phyllis who died in infancy.

Funeral services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford on Saturday, December 6, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. He was laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery with full military rites by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post #164.

[DALRYMPLE, JEFFERSON EZRA]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 18, 1965, p. 4

J. E. Dalrymple Rites Mar. 8

Funeral services for Jefferson Ezra Dalrymple, 69, of Gravity were held March 8 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Leonard Wilson officiating. Mr. Dalrymple died in a Kansas City hospital following surgery. Interment was at Fairview cemetery.

[DEMOTT, GEORGE RALPH]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, November 11, 1992

GEORGE DEMOTT

Funeral service for George DeMott, 81, Bedford, was held Thursday, Nov. 5, 1992 at the Hopkins Baptist Church with Rev. Joyce Nicholas officiating. Burial was at Hopkins Cemetery. Masonic services were conducted by the Xenia Masonic Lodge. He died November 2, 1992 at Maryville Health Care Center, Maryville, Mo.

George R. [alph] DeMott was born April 17, 1911 in Hopkins, Mo. to William H. DeMott and Bertha Filson. He graduated from the Hopkins High School in 1932. He was a farmer all his life.

He married Marie Logan August 24, 1933 in Savannah, Mo. He married Louise Whitten October 25, 1980 in Hopkins, Mo. They moved to Bedford in 1980.

George was a member of the Maryville Elks Club, Xenia Masonic Lodge AF & AM #50, Order of Eastern Star and the Eagles Lodge Chapter 401.

He was preceded in death by his first wife March 22,1979; second wife, May 22, 1991; one son, Ronald DeMott; two brothers, Henry and Harry DeMott; and one sister, Inez Winn.

He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Myron (Norma) Stites and Mrs. Chet (Dolores) Motsinger, both of Hopkins, Mo.; five grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one brother, Albert DeMott, Bella Vista, Ark.; two sisters: Pauline Rolfe, Boulder, Colo., Huldah Hensley, Denver, Colo.; one step-brother, Max Niles, Denver, Colo.        

[DEMOTT, GEORGE RALPH]

Maryville Daily Forum, Friday, November 6, 1992

George DeMott

Services for George DeMott, 81, Bedford, Iowa, were held Thursday, November 5, 1992 at the Baptist Church, Hopkins, with the Revs. David Raster and Joyce Nicholas officiating.

Mr. DeMott died Nov. 2 in Maryville.

Pallbearers were Don DeMott, Danny DeMott, Lanny DeMott, Terry Larison, Leonard Bartles and Richard Morehouse.

Bill Brand served as organist with Richard and Lois Brand as vocalists.

Burial was at Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins.

Masonic services were held at the church following the service under the direction of the Xenia Masonic Lodge, conducted by Dean Duff.

Services were under the direction of Swanson-Price Chapel, Hopkins.

[DEMOTT, GEORGE RALPH]

Maryville Daily Forum, Wednesday, November 4, 1992

George DeMott

George R. [alph] DeMott, 81, Bedford, Iowa, died November 2, 1992 at Maryville Health Care Center.

Born April 17, 1911 in Hopkins to William H. and Bertha Filson DeMott, he was a retired farmer.

He was married to Marie Logan on August 24, 1933 in Savannah and to Louise Whitten October 25,1980 in Hopkins.

Mr. DeMott was a graduate of Hopkins High School in 1932 and had lived in the Hopkins area for many years.

He was a member of the Maryville Elks Club, Xenia Masonic Lodge AF&AM50, Order of the Eastern Star and the Eagles Lodge Chapter 401.

Mr. DeMott was preceded in death by his first wife in 1979 and his second wife in 1991; one son, two brothers and one sister.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Byron (Norma) Stites and Mrs. Chet (Dolores) Motsinger, both of Hopkins; one brother, Albert DeMott, Bella Vista, Ark; two sisters, Pauline Rolfe, Boulder, Colo, and Huldah Hensley, Denver, Colo.; one step-brother, Max Niles, Denver, Colo.; 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation is currently under way at the Swanson-Price Chapel, Hopkins.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hopkins Baptist Church with the Rev. Joyce Nicholas officiating.

Masonic services will be conducted at the church immediately following the funeral service by the Xenia Masonic Lodge.

Burial will be at the Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins.

Services are under the direction of Swanson-Price Funeral Home, Hopkins.

[DEMOTT, LOUISE LENA BALL WHITTEN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, May 29, 1991

LOUISE LENA DeMOTT

 Funeral services for Louise Lena DeMott were held Friday, May 24, 1991 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery

Louise Lena DeMott, daughter of Sidney and Lena Ball was born in Omaha, Neb. July 19, 1921 and departed this life May 22, 1991 at Omaha, Neb. at the age of 69 years, 10 months and three days.

She moved with her parents from Omaha to a farm southwest of Bedford, Iowa and she attended the public school in Hopkins, Mo.

On July 20, 1939 she was united in marriage to John Edward Whitten at Hopkins, Mo. [Maryville, Mo.] and they made their home on farms southeast of Bedford, Iowa. To this union three children were born: John Jr., Janet and Jack. Her husband John Whitten, Sr. died September 25, 1978.

On October 25, 1980 she was united in marriage to George DeMott and they resided in Bedford, Iowa

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John Whitten, Sr., her son Jack Whitten, who died April 7, 1983.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, George DeMott of the home; her daughter, Janet Henderson and her husband Larry of Omaha, Neb.; her son, John Whitten, Jr. and his wife Janet of Denver, Colo.; a brother, Wilbert Ball of Castro Valley, Calif.; grandchildren: Greg, Randy, and Paul Henderson; Jimmy Whitten, Jeannie Whitten Murphy, Jason Whitten and Johanna Whitten and a great grandchild, Missy Murphy; two step-daughters Norma and her husband Byron Stites and Dolores and her husband Chet Motsinger; other relatives and friends.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church.

Her family and friends will remember the love she shared with them and she will be missed by one and all.

[LAUGHLIN, CARRIE]

Iowa South-West, Saturday, January 25, 1879, p. 3

---Last Sunday night, about eight o’clock, little Carrie, aged five years and eight months, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. [ugh] P. [orter] Laughlin, died of diphtheria and was buried Monday at three o’clock.