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

[ADAMS, FAYE MATILDA PERRY]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, March 25, 1976

Gravity Burial for Faye Adams

Funeral services for Mrs Levi Wiley (Faye) Adams, 90, of Gravity, were held March 17 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with the Rev Dwayne Madsen officiating. Mrs Adams died March 15 in Rosary Hospital, Corning. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Mrs Adams, daughter of Charles and Louisa Aid Perry, was born in Taylor County Sept 8, 1885. She lived in Taylor County and was raised in the Gravity-New Market vicinity where she attended the public school and Methodist Church.

On Feb 13,1904, she was united in marriage to Levi Wiley Adams at Bedford and they lived near Gravity in Taylor County on a farm until their retirement when they moved to Gravity in 1957.

To this union three children were born, Eva, Mary and Dale. She and her husband had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include her children, Eva Coy of Bedford, Mary Higgins of Gravity with whom she had made her home since the death of her husband in 1964, and Dale Adams of Corning, Ia; one brother, Clair V Perry of Clarinda; nine grandchildren; 37 great - grandchildren; 17 great -great - grandchildren.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Rebekah Lodge of Bedford, Past Noble Grands club and Wild Rose club of Gravity.

Mrs Adams was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters, Florence McCaffery and Juanita Benson and one brother, Lorel.

[AKERS, ROSIE LUCILLE RUBY]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 13, 1995

ROSIE "LUCILLE" AKERS

Rosie "Lucille" Akers, daughter of Ray and Beatrice Ruby, was born in Diagonal, Iowa July 6, 1918 and departed this life on September 7, 1995 at Pueblo, Colorado at the age of 77 years. She grew to maturity in Diagonal where she attended public school and church.

On October 10, 1938 she was united in marriage to Melvin Akers at Maryville, Missouri and they lived in Benton, Iowa until 1968, and then moved to Pueblo, Colorado until 1995.

To this union three children were born; Chester Ray, Duane Eugene, and Richard Franklin. She was employed as a seamstress and housewife.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Duane Eugene Akers and sister Dorthy Carson. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Melvin Akers; son, Chester Akers and wife Sandy; son Richard Akers and wife Choncie; 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was a kind and considerate wife, mother, and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held September 11 at Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home. Burial was in Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

[BARNES, A. C.]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, November 6, 1986, p. 8

Friday services for A. C. Barnes

Funeral services for A. C. Barnes, 74, of Braddyville will be at 1:30 pm, Friday at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda, with Rev. Max Gaffield officiating.

Visitation will be at the funeral home from 7-8 pm this Thursday evening.

Mr. Barnes died the afternoon of Nov. 4, 1986 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital.

He was born Jan. 13, 1912 near Athelstan, Ia, the son of Charles and Ola (Webster) Barnes.

He graduated from Athelstan High School in 1931. In 1935 he was married to Elsie Dukes who preceded him in death on March 11, 1949. In 1952, he was married to Blanche Walton who survives.

Mr. Barnes farmed most of his life and in later years drove a school bus.

He is survived by his wife of the home and children, Mrs. Don (Viola) Starlin, Creston, Russell and Ray Dukes of Lenox, Mrs. Tom (Sandra) Espey, Maryville, Mo, Randy Barnes, Lincoln, Ne, Martin Barnes, Braddyville and a son-in-law, Lloyd Ambrose, Gravity, and daughter-in-law, Arlene Barnes, Braddyville. Carmen Campbell of Mt. Ayr and Thelma Campbell of Cromwell, Ia., are sisters. There are 42 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Glade, Gerald, and his twin, R. C.; 3 infants, Charles, Mickey Joe and Susan Marlean, a daughter, Aneita Ambrose; son, Kermit Barnes; two step-sons, Virgil and Drexel Dukes and a grandchild, Charles Dukes.

Burial will be in Washington cemetery at Gravity.

[BARNES, BLANCHE MADGE WALTON]

Clarinda Herald Journal, April 12, 1995

Blanche M. Barnes

Blanche   M.   [adge] Barnes, 67   of Braddyville, died Wednesday morning, April 5, 1995, at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, where she had been a resident since August.

She was born Dec. 14, 1927 near Orient, the daughter of David Charles and Vera Olga Crist Walton. On Dec. 22,1952, she married A.C. Barnes who died Nov. 4, 1986.

Barnes was a homemaker and had worked for several years as a cook at Bethesda Care Center.

She is survived by three children: Mrs. Tom (Sandra) Espey, Maryville, Mo.; Randy Barnes, Lincoln, Ne.; and Martin Barnes, Braddyville. There are 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Sisters are Ruby Claiser, Livermore, Co., and Laberta Vanstone, Sublette, Il.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, two sisters and four children.

Funeral services were Friday, April 7 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, with burial in Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Memorials may be directed to the Braddyville Rescue Unit.

[BARNES, FRANKLIN CHARLES]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 8, 1943, p. 5

Barnes Infant Dies

Franklin Charles, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Barnes, was born March 24, 1943 and died Sunday, March 28, at the University Hospital in Iowa City.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Barnes of Sharpsburg; five brothers, Virgil, Russell, Drexel, Earl and Kermit; two sisters, Viola and Aneita; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Byrns  of Hopkins, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barnes of Gravity.

The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. F. J. Sines of Gravity. Burial was in the Washington cemetery at Gravity.

[BARNES, MICKEY JOE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 1, 1956, p. 8

Graveside Services

Graveside services were held at the Gravity cemetery Friday afternoon for the infant son, Mickey Joe, of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Barnes of near Kent. He was born Thursday at the Rosary hospital in Corning, but lived only a short time. He is survived by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

[BATTEN, CLEO HAROLD]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, January 19, 1984

Cleo Batten service Friday

Funeral services for Cleo Batten, 76, of Gravity, will be held this Friday at 2 pm at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Roger Charley of the Gravity Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Washington cemetery at Gravity. Visitation will be held this Thursday from 7-8 pm at the funeral home.

Mr. Batten died Tuesday at his home near Gravity.

He was born Sept. 28, 1907, in Yutan, Ne, the son of Forrest Albert Batten and Nettie Moore Batten. At an early age, the family moved to Gravity. On May 19, 1931, he was married to Ofie Marie Wolfe of Fleming, Co, and they farmed near Gravity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother and a son, Robert.

Survivors include his wife, Ofie, of the home; three sons, Bernard of Grand Island, Ne, and Clark and Steve of Clarinda; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild and a sister, Adda Dickerson of Denver, Co.

[BATTEN, CLEO HAROLD]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, January 30, 1984

CLEO HAROLD BATTEN

Cleo Harold Batten, son of Nettie Moore Batten and Forrest Albert Batten, was born at Yutan, Ne, Sept. 28, 1907, and departed this life on, Jan. 17, 1984, at his home near Gravity, Iowa at the age of 76 years, 3 months, and 20 days.

At an early age, he and his parents and sister moved from Nebraska to the Gravity area where he attended school. He was baptized at the Christian Church March 27, 1921.

On May 19, 1931, he was united in marriage to Ofie Marie Wolfe of Fleming, Co. They resided most of their married life, engaged in farming, in the Gravity vicinity, except for a short time in Colorado. To this union four children were born; Robert Dean, Bernard Lynn, Clark Wayne, and Stephen Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and his oldest son, Robert.

Left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Ofie; daughter-in-law, Barbara; three sons, Bernard and wife Verna of Grand Island; Clark and wife Marilyn; Steve and wife Carol, all of Clarinda; eight grandchildren, Dennis and wife Janice; Denise and husband, Les Adair; Curtis, Craig and wife Mary, Julie, Michael, Sarah, and Randy; One great-grandson, Jesse Adair; and one sister, Adda Dickerson of Denver, Co; also a host of nieces and nephews.

He was a kind and considerate husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services were held Jan. 20 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, Ia, with Rev. Roger Charley officiating. Mary Anderson was organist and Jim McAlpin soloist. Casket bearers were Dick Guilliatt, Gary Spring, Larry Stamps, Delmar Derry, Keith Wright and Orville Marsh. Honorary pallbearers were: Elsey Guilliatt, Dean Derry, Lawrence Ingram, Verle Wright, Gilbert Yearous, Ray Stamps, Harold Bailey, Dean Johnson, Johnny Hiatt and Willard Marsh.

Burial was in the Washington Cemetery at Gravity, Ia.

[BATTEN, FORREST ALBERT]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 11, 1963, p. 2

F. A. Batten Rites In Gravity

Funeral services for Forrest Albert Batten, former Gravity resident, were held April 7 in the Gravity Christian church. Rev. Donald Peel and Rev. Clarence Potter officiated. Mr. Batten, 83, died April 4 at the home of his son. Interment was in Washington cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Included in the service was the following obituary:

Forrest A. Batten, son of Lydia and Joshua Batten, was born on a farm near Mead, Nebraska, on December 28, 1879.

He was married to Nettie O. Moore on July 19, 1905 at Gravity, Iowa. To this union were born two children, Cleo H. [arold] Batten of New Market, Iowa and Mrs. Adda Dickerson of Denver, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Batten were privileged to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in July, 1955.

Mr. Batten became a member of the Christian church at Gravity, Iowa, in 1920, where he still retained his membership.

In 1919 they moved from Nebraska to the farm west of Gravity. They lived there until this past winter when they moved to Clarinda.

He is survived by his wife, two children, seven grandchildren, his brother, R. G. Batten of Inglewood, Calif., and a host of relatives and friends.

[BATTEN, FORREST ALBERT]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, April 8, 1963, [p. 1]

Retired Dallas Twp farmer died at sonÕs

Dallas Township (Special)—F A Batten, 83, who retired from the farm last fall to live in Clarinda, died Thursday at the home of hi son, Cleo. Services were to have been held Sunday at the Christian Church in Gravity.

His wife has been ill and was dismissed from the Clarinda Municipal Hospital Friday morning following his death the day before. Their daughter is Mrs Add Dickerson of Denver Colo. The Batten home had been in Gravity for many years, but they had chosen to live near their doctor since last fall.

[BATTEN, FORREST ALBERT]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, April 15, 1963, p. 8

Dallas Township, April 9 --- Those from a distance that attended the F A Batten funeral service were Mr and Mrs V A Dickerson, Tommy Dickerson and Mrs Claude Temmer, Denver; Vera Batten, Indianapolis, Ind; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Karnes, Mr. and Mrs. Dea Karnes, Laurel, Nebr; Mr. and Mrs George Batten, Valley, Nebr; Omie Jensen, Julesburg, Colo, and Gordon Gilster, North Platte, Nebr.

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Batten and sons of Maryville were called to the home of his parents, the Cleo Battens, Thursday because of the death of F A Batten.

[BATTEN, NETTIE ORAL MOORE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 20, 1970, p. 3

Last Rites Held Sunday for Nettie O. Batten

Funeral services for Mrs. Forrest (Nettie) Batten, 84, of Gravity, held August 16 at the Gravity Christian Church, were conducted by Rev. Perry Cozadd. Mrs. Batten died August 13, at Clarinda Municipal Hospital following an illness which covered a period of many years. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Nettie O. [ral] Batten, daughter of John and Addie Moore, was born March 20, 1886 near Gravity, Taylor County, Iowa and lived her young adulthood in or near the vicinity of her birth.

She received her education in the rural schools and on July 19, 1905 was united in marriage to Forest Batten of Yutan, Nebr. To this union were born three children, Cleo H. [arold] Batten of Gravity and Adda Dickerson of Denver, Colo.; and a child who died in infancy. The family resided at Yutan, Nebr., for 14 years and then in 1919 moved to their farm home near Gravity where they lived until retirement.

Mrs. Batten was a member of the Gravity Christian Church since March 13, 1921 and has been a faithful member for many years. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbor lodge for more than 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, her parents and one grandson.

Left to revere her memory besides her son and daughter are six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; four sisters: Mrs. Jessie Beery of Bedford, Mrs. Leonia Jensen of North Platte, Nebr., Mrs. Retta Nevius of Fremont, Nebr., and Mrs. Nina Crawford of Clarinda, Iowa; half-brother and sister, Darrell Moore and Mrs. Beth Kimpton of Gravity; one step-brother, Walter Hunt of Omaha, Nebr., many friends and neighbors.

[BATTEN, OFIE MARIE WOLFE]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 19, 1997

Ofie Marie Batten

Ofie Marie Batten, 86 of Clarinda, Iowa passed away Monday morning, March 17, 1997 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, following a long illness.

She was the daughter of Ida Pearl Bennett and John Ora Wolfe, born September 20, 1910 at Childers, Hickory County, Missouri.

In 1917 her parents moved by train to Fleming, CO. She received her education here graduating in May 1928. She played basketball and her love was music, winning local and state competition in vocal music.  

On May 19, 1931 she was united in marriage to Cleo Harold Batten of Gravity, IA in Omaha, NE. They were engaged in farming for several years in the Gravity, New Market vicinity, before purchasing the Batten family farm, which had been in the family for several generations.

She is a member of the Gravity Christian Church, Hazel Dell Club and other Civic community organizations.

In September 19, 1981, they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

After the death of her husband Ofie moved to Clarinda, IA still maintaining her home at the time of her passing.

Survivors include three sons, Bernard and wife Verna of Grand Island, NE; Clark and wife Marilyn, Steve and wife Carol of Clarinda, IA and daughter in law, Barbara Batten of New Market, IA. There are eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, which she dearly loved. Also surviving, one sister, Norma and husband Leslie Smith, Fleming, CO and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, and son Robert Dean, parents and three brothers, Amos, Ueal and Cleo.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m, Thursday, March 20th at Walker Merrick Funeral Home with Rev. Dave Miller officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 7-8 p.m., Wednesday evening. Burial will be in Washington cemetery at Gravity, IA. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.

[BATTEN, ROBERT DEAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 13, 1967, p. 3

Rites Held Here July 8 For Robert Batten

Funeral services for Robert Batten, 35, of New Market, were held July 8 at the State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, conducted by Rev. George White and Mr. Glen Mitchell. Mr. Batten died July 5, 1967 at the Veterans Hospital in Omaha. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. The New Market American Legion conducted the flag presentation.

Mr. Batten was born at Fleming, Colo., to Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Batten, the parents surviving him with residence near Gravity. He has been in the Air Force for 15 years and only recently returned from England.

His wife is the former Barbara Steel, and he is a brother-in-law of Mrs. Wayne (Marie) Campbell, Clarinda. He has two children, Dennis and Denise. Three brothers, Bernard of Maryville, Clark of Clarinda, and Steve of New Market, survive.

[BEEMER, GRACE OLIVE JOHNSON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 15, 1992, p. 6

GRACE O. BEEMER

Mrs. Grace Olive Johnson Beemer passed away April 8, 1992 at the Bedford Manor Care Facility in Bedford at the age of 92 years, one month and 24 days.

Grace was born in Taylor County, a daughter of Lewis L. and Olive Patterson Johnson on February 14, 1900. She spent her entire life in Taylor County.

On March 20, 1918, she was married to Homer Johnston Beemer. They had two children, Elvin Homer of Bedford and Marjorie Grace who lives in Columbia, S. C.

Mrs. Beemer was an active and constructive member of this community all her life. She became a member of the Oak Hill Church in 1914 and was affiliated with the Gravity Methodist Church from infancy. She served as president of the Oak Hill Aid Society and was also president of the Gravity Methodist Church Aid society. Grace was president of the Taylor County American Legion Auxiliary for two years and served as secretary-treasurer for five years. She also served on the Taylor County Welfare Board for several years and was on the Taylor County Election Board for 30 years.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Homer in 1981, three brothers and two sisters.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her children Elvin and his wife, Margaret; Marjorie Newman and her husband, Pete; seven grandchildren, Chris Beemer of Arkansas City, Kan., Britt Beemer of Orlando, Fla., Chad Beemer of Bedford, Dr. Forest Newman of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Roger Newman and Dr. Mark Newman, both of Charleston, S. C., and Susan Newman Appenzeller of Columbia, S. C., also 15 great grandchildren: Christa, Judson, Alan, Andy and Aric Beemer, Ned and Matt Appenzeller, Stephanie, Meredith, Andrew, Bryan, Taylor and Sarah Newman, two step grandchildren, Matthew and Gregory; a number of nieces, nephews and many friends.

Mrs. Beemer was a kind and loving wife, mother and friend. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home in Bedford on April 11, 1992 at 10 a. m. conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings. Interment was in Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Beery, David A.C.

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 6, 1944, p. 2

A. C. Beery Dies

A. C. Beery of Gravity died at his home southwest of town Thursday afternoon about 5:30, following a heart attack. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Christian church in Gravity, conducted by Rev. Eppard of Clarinda. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

David A. C. Beery, eldest son of Dan and Rachael Beery, was born Feb. 19, 1879 at Shambaugh, Iowa, being aged 65 years, 1 month and 11 days at the time of his death. At the age of 14 he moved with his parents to a farm near Gravity and spent the remainder of his life here, except for one year spent in Nebraska.

On July 20, 1904 he was married to Jessie Mae Moore and to them three children were born: Nova Pearl Klakken, who preceded her father in death Nov. 30, 1951 [1941] at the age of 36, Newell D. of Vida, Montana and Harold A. C. of Bedford.

He was a kind and loving husband and father and always honest in his dealings.  For the past two years he has been a silent sufferer, doing as he was willed and never complaining. Even though we all knew his time would have to come, he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Besides his wife and two sons, he is survived by his aged mother, ten grandchildren, one brother Lawrence of Wolf Point, Montana, two sisters, Iva Hicks of Richey, Mont. and Maybelle Argetsinger of Mason City, Iowa.

[BEERY, JESSIE MAE MOORE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 8, 1979

Jessie Mae Beery Final Rites Were Held in Gravity

Funeral services for Mrs. A.C. Beery, 95, of Gravity, held November 5 in the Gravity Christian Church, were conducted by Rev. Mel Smith. Mrs. Beery died October 31, 1979 in Rosary Hospital in Corning. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Ia.

Jessie M. Beery, daughter of John Moore and Addie Marshall, was born on a farm two miles south of Gravity, on March 25, 1884. She grew to maturity in the Gravity area where she attended the Washington Center rural school and the Gravity Christian Church.

On July 20, 1904 she was united in marriage to A.C. Beery at her home west of Gravity. A.C. and Jessie farmed in the Gravity area their entire married life, except for the year they spent at Villisca, when they were first married. To this union three children were born: Nova, Newell and Harold.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, A.C, and daughter: Nova; two sisters, Nettie Batten and Retta Nevius; a step brother, Walter Hunt; and four great grandchildren.

Left   to   cherish   her   me mory are two sons, Newell of Vida, Montana and   Harold of Richey, Montana; three   sisters, Mrs.   Nina   Crawford   of Clarinda, Iowa, Mrs.    Leoma Jensen of North Platte, Nebr., Beth Kimpton of Bedford, Iowa; one   brother, Darrell Moore of Gravity; 15 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; six     great     great grandchildren; a    host        of nieces and nephews and a few cousins.

She was a member of the Gravity Christian Church, and was a Charter member of the Wild Rose Club. She also had been an Eastern Star.

Jessie knew what it was to face hardships and to work hard. Her mother died when she was 14 and she took care of her four younger sisters. When her daughter, Nova, died leaving six small children, Jessie and A.C. took their grandson, Wallace Klakken to rear. A.C died in 1944 and Jessie remained on the farm for the next 21 years. Then went to the Bedford Nursing Home, where she spent almost 14 years.

Jessie was a kind and considerate person and will be missed by those who knew and loved her

[BRADLEY, LEAH FAE MONAHAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, February 8, 1995

LEAH F.BRADLEY

Funeral services for Leah F. Bradley, 94, were held on February 2, 1995 at the Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Funeral Chapel in St. Joseph, Mo., with the Rev. Robert Hodkins officiating. Burial was in the Washington Cemetery at Gravity, Iowa. Leah died on January 30, 1995 at Tiffany Square Convalescent Center in St. Joseph after an extended illness.

Leah Fae Monahan Bradley, the daughter of Robert Bruce Monahan and Fannie Ledgerwood Monahan was born at Gravity, Iowa on October 17, 1900. She attended rural schools near Bedford and Gravity in Iowa and at Barnard, Mo. She graduated from Bedford High School in 1918 and taught in a rural school for one year following graduation.

On September 3, 1919, she was united in marriage with Lloyd Enoch Bradley. Two children were born to this union.

Leah spent several years working as a clerk in grocery stores in Gravity before moving to St. Joseph in January of 1946. She then worked as a sales clerk in the United Department Stores in St. Joseph for 35 years.

Leah was a member of the Woodson Chapel Christian Church of St. Joseph, where she taught the Homemakers' Class for over 30 years. She was active in the Christian Women's Fellowship and Circle II.

Her husband, Lloyd Bradley, died in 1981. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one great granddaughter.

She is survived by her daughter, Norma Kemery and husband, John, of Villisca, Iowa; her son, Duane and wife, Polly of Chillicothe, Mo.; six grandchildren; two step grand-children; five great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Pearl Thornton of Bedford, Iowa; a step brother, Robert Perry and wife, Donna of St. Joseph; other relatives and friends.

[BURWELL, OMEGA DELORAS LARSON]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, November 1, 1989

OMEGA DELORAS BURWELL

Services for Omega Deloras Burwell, 72, were held October 19, officiated by   Rev.   Paul Shultz. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Omega Deloras Burwell, daughter of Hans Larson and Cora Taylor Larson, was born in rural Page County on June 17, 1917.

She grew to maturity in Taylor County and attended Bedford primary and secondary schools. After one year of college, Omega began teaching in the rural school system. In time, she earned her bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri Teachers College.

In 1939, Omega was united in marriage to Robert P. Burwell, and they moved to a farm outside of Gravity, Iowa, where she lived for the rest of her life. To this union was born two daughters, Delores  B Gaddis,   Ankeny,   Iowa,   and Marilyn B. Forster, of Greensboro, N.C.

Omega had an active and full teaching career. She taught at Garfield School in Clarinda, Iowa, and other area schools for 22 years before retiring.

She was an active member of the community: a long-time member of the Gravity United Methodist Church, the Rebecca Lodge, the Wild Rose Club, the United Methodist Women, and the American Cancer Society. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Robert; her daughters and their husbands, Delores and Archie Gaddis and Marilyn and Jim Forster; her brothers, Hans Larson, Jr., of Corning, Iowa, and Dean Larson of Bedford, Iowa; her two grandchildren, Julie Lynn Gaddis and Jeffrey Allen Gaddis, both of Des Moines, Iowa; and many wonderful friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Omega was a good wife and mother, a friend and neighbor. A person who gives a community strength and character. Many will miss her.

[BURWELL, ROBERT PHINEAS]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 27, 1996

ROBERT P. BURWELL

Funeral services were held for Robert P. Burwell of rural Gravity on Wednesday, March 20 at the Gravity United Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Evans presiding. Arrangements were made under the direction of the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home.

Robert P. [hineas] Burwell, son of Clearance Allen (C.A.) and Mirtie (Douthit) Burwell, was born on March 24, 1914 at the family farm in rural Gravity. He lived on the family farm in Gravity all his life and attended the Gravity School and the Gravity Methodist Church.

Robert married Omega Larson in Lincoln, Neb. on December 29, 1939. After their wedding they lived on the family farm. To this union two daughters were born: Delores and Marilyn. Robert was employed in farming all his life and died in his home at rural Gravity on March 17, 1996, one week short of his 82nd birthday. He was widely read and enjoyed reading books and articles from a wide range of topics. He enjoyed expanding his knowledge and was always willing to discuss anything he had read; life love of reading also allowed him the opportunity of sharing many humorous stories and jokes he found with friends and acquaintances.  

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Omega; one sister, Ruth Stearns; and one brother, Paul Burwell.

He is survived by his daughters, Deloris Gaddis of Ankeny, Iowa and Marilyn Forster of Greensboro, N.C.; two grandchildren, Julie Gaddis and Jeff Gaddis both of Ankeny, Iowa; and one sister Edith Johnson of Prescott, Ariz. He was a lifelong member of the Gravity United Methodist Church and a kind and considerate friend to all who knew him.

[BUSH, DOROTHY ALICE JACKSON]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, April 28, 2004

DOROTHY BUSH

Funeral services for Dorothy Alice Jackson Bush, age 93, who passed away on April 21, 2004, at 8:15 PM, at the Excelsior Springs Medical Center, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, after a brief illness, were held on Monday, April 26, 2004 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor William Ballard officiating. Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Taylor County Historical Society.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Dorothy was born February 14, 1911, to Wallis and Alta Jackson in Baldwin City, Kansas. The family moved to Taylor County, Iowa, in the fall of 1915 after her father purchased the J. C. McMaster homestead where her mother was born and raised. Dorothy has lived almost all her life in Taylor County, has lived in the four corners of the county and over 43 years in the center.

She was joined in marriage to Walter Bush on March 21, 1937, in Greenfield, Iowa. To this union were born a son, John, and three daughters, Elizabeth Maurine, Karen, and Nancy.

After graduating from the Hopkins High School in 1929, Dorothy     attended     the Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in Maryville, Missouri. She received a teacher's certificate, and then taught in Taylor County for seven years. After marriage and four children, she began teaching again in 1956. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education in August 1962, and a major in Library Science a few years later. Dorothy had a total of 17 more years teaching, retiring in 1973 from teaching in the Gravity and Bedford Community School System.

Dorothy   was   always interested in learning and teaching.   She pursued her education whether it was college classes, local classes and seminars, or elder hostels. She     loved     genealogy. Dorothy worked extensively on the J. C. McMaster family genealogy as well as some on the Bush family. She traveled to Scotland and Ireland at the age of 88 with her 82-year-old brother Mack, to do more genealogy research and visit McMaster relatives there.

Dorothy was a schoolteacher and Walter was a storekeeper in Blockton, Iowa, when they were married. In the fall of 1938, they sold the store and moved to a farm in Polk Township. There, three of their four children were born. In January 1948, they sold the farm and moved to Kimberly, Idaho, where their fourth child was born. Dorothy and Walter moved back to Iowa in the fall of 1950 and purchased the farm in Benton Township in January 1951. They lived there until Walter died October 4, 1982.   Dorothy sold the farm and moved to Bedford in June 1987, where she lived until 1994. Then she moved to Lawson, Missouri, to be near her, daughter Elizabeth Maurine. In 2000, she moved to Warrensburg, Missouri, to live with her son John and his wife Deb. Shortly before her final illness, she moved back to Lawson, MO.

Mrs. Bush was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Walter, her sister Jessie Elizabeth, and her grandson Andrew Rohlfs.

Left to cherish Dorothy's memory are her children, John Bush   and   wife   Deb   of Warrensburg, Missouri; Elizabeth Maurine Ferguson and husband Noel of Lawson, Missouri; Karen Youngson and husband Gordon of Sealy, Texas; and Nancy Piper and husband Gary of Platte City, Missouri; as well as ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren who know her, as   'Granny   Great', and several cherished nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was a member of the Methodist Church, the Wild Rose Club, the Study Club, the Taylor County Historical    Society, the Lawson Chapter AO the PEO Society, Order of the Eastern Star, among others. She was involved in many hobbies and community activities. One of her favorite activities was traveling to new places. Dorothy was always open to new educational experiences.

[BUSH, WALTER ARTHUR]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 21, 1982

Last Rites Held October 7 For Walter Bush, 75

Funeral services for Walter Arthur Bush, 75, of Gravity, held October 7 in the Gravity United Methodist Church, were conducted by Rev. James Dale. Mr. Bush died October 4, 1982 in Bedford. Taylor Lodge 156 extended fraternal honors at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Walter Arthur Bush, of Gravity, Ia., son of Frank U. [rbin] and Alma Bush, was born near Guss, in Taylor County, Ia., on September 8, 1907. Mr. Bush grew up on a farm in the Guss community, attending the Spaulding rural school, high school at Nodaway, Ia. and the Maple Grove Church at Guss.

In 1925, he moved with his family to Clearfield where he finished high school and helped in the family restaurant. As a young man he experienced a variety of jobs, helping farmers, husking corn, driving a moving van, clerking grocery stores, two of which were Harriman's general store and Vogel and Wood's in Clearfield, Ia., running a produce station with his brother in Gravity and working for Armour's in Clarinda and Creston. In 1932 he again moved with his family to Blockton, where his father, and sister, Elnora, and he ran a general store.

In Greenfield, Ia., on March 21, 1937, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Alice Bush who was a teacher in the Blockton School system. They lived in Blockton, running the Bush Store, until November 1938, when they moved to a farm in Polk Twp.

From 1948 through 1950 they lived in Kimberly, Idaho. In 1951, they moved to their present farm south of Gravity, Ia.

To this union four children were born: John, Elizabeth M., Karen and Nancy. Mr. Bush was engaged in farming for the majority of his life, being a good steward of the soil and a kind and considerate friend and neighbor. He was a member of the Gravity United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Floyd, and sister, Mrs. Harry (Lula) Grant.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dorothy and his children: ETCS John Bush of Guam, Mrs. Noel (Elizabeth) Ferguson of Lawson, Mo., Karen Nelson of Winter Springs, Fl., and Mrs. Tom (Nancy) Ware of Parkville, Mo.; sister, Mrs. Howard (Elnora Hoffman of Shenandoah, Ia.; brother, Glenn Bush of Lincoln, Neb.; brother-in-law, Harry Grant of Columbus, Neb.; and 11 grandchildren.

He will be missed by friends, neighbors and loved ones.

[COLE, BOYD E.]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 31, 1941, p. 3

Boyd Cole Drowns

Was Swimming In Pond Near His Home—Body Found After An Hour

Funeral services were held Friday for Boyd Cole, 10, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Cole of south of Lenox.

The little boy drowned while swimming in the pond at the Charles Reed home Wednesday afternoon. Men who were threshing a short distance from the pond were called and removed the body about an hour after the boy disappeared under the water.

Two local physicians were called and worked for an hour and a half trying to revive him but failed. He was in the water about half an hour and it is thought that cramps caused his drowning. He is survived by his parents and one sister, 4 years old.

[COLE, BOYD E.]

Taylor County Herald, Thursday, July 24, 1941, [p. 1]

Lenox Youth Is Drowned in Pond

Bedford Firemen Asked for Pulmotor

Boyd Cole, 10-year-old Lenox farm boy was drowned Wednesday afternoon in a farm pond at the Orval Reed home south of Lenox.

According to reports here the Cole lad, accompanied by two other small children, had gone swimming in the pond. He apparently crossed the deepest part only to fall the victim of cramps in water which, had he been able to stand up, would not have been over his head.

When the lad sank, his companions called workmen from a nearby field who pulled the boy from the pond. Physician applied artificial respiration to no avail.

A hurried call to nearby towns, including Bedford, failed to locate a Pulmotor.

[CREECH, EMILY VIOLET SPECK]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 5, 1947, p. 2

Mrs. Emily Creech Dies

Mrs. Emily Creech of Gravity died at the home of her niece, Mrs. Orie Cree, east of Gravity. The funeral services were held Sunday at the Methodist church at 2 p. m. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

Gravity Independent, Thursday, June 5, 1947, [p. 1

Funeral of Mrs. Emily Creech Held Sunday Afternoon

Mrs. Emily Creech, 84, was buried in the Gravity cemetery Sunday afternoon, on her 84th birthday.

Mrs. Creech had been in very poor health for several months and was living at the home of her niece [words missing]. The Rebekah Lodge and I. O. O. F. Lodge attended the funeral in a body. The Rebekah Lodge conducted their ritualistic ceremonies in the church as it was raining at the time and they were prevented from going to the cemetery for the service there.

The following obituary was read at the service:

Emily Violet Speck, daughter of Jacob and Mary Speck, was born near Wapello, in Louisa County, Iowa, on June 1, 1863, and passed away at the home of her niece, Mrs. Ora Cree, on May 29, 1947. She was one of a family of six, her four sisters and one brother having preceded her in death. At the age of five, she with her parents moved to Page County, where she grew to womanhood. In the year 1883 she was married to John W. Creech. After his death in 1911 [1910], she came to Taylor County, where she spent the remainder of her life in and near Gravity. When a young girl she became a member of the Methodist church, to which she remained faithful, always attending church services while her health permitted.

[DUNKIN, BINA FERNE AKERS]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, January 30, 1991

BINA FERNE DUNKIN

Funeral services for Bina Ferne Dunkin were held January 22, 1991 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings. Burial was in Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Bina Feme Akers Dunkin, daughter of Herby Akers and Jane Ann Alderson Akers, was born near Gravity, Iowa April 30, 1904 and departed this life January 19, 1991 at the Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa at the age of 86 years, eight months and 19 days.

She grew to maturity in the Gravity community where she attended the Gravity Public School and the Methodist Church.

On August 4, 1921 she was united in marriage to Carl E. [manuel] Dunkin at Bedford, Iowa. They lived and operated the farm where Carl was born all of their married life together.

To this union three children were born: Doyle, Lois and Jean.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Icy and Zelda and three brothers, Carl, Ivan and Doyle.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Carl of the home; their children, Doyle L. Dunkin and his wife Virginia of Albuquerque, N.M.; Lois D. Novak and her husband Ralph of Houston, Texas; and Jean D. Roeder and her husband Jim of Council Bluffs, Iowa; four grandchildren: Ralph Martin Novak, Jane Ann Robertson, Steve Roeder and Laura Roeder; two great grandchildren; a sister, Eva Harris of Council Bluffs, Iowa and two sisters-in-law, Eva Akers and Vera Akers of Bedford, Iowa; other relatives and friends.

She will be remembered by her family and friends as a good wife and mother, grandmother and neighbor and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

[DUNKIN, CARL EMANUEL]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, February 8, 1995

CARL EMANUEL DUNKIN

Funeral services for Carl Emanuel Dunkin were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 1995 at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Ted DeHass officiating. Interment was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Carl Emanuel Dunkin, son of Ruth (Rufus) Thaniel Dunkin and Mary E.[lviner] Konecne Dunkin was born in Taylor County, Iowa, in the Oak Hill community March 3, 1901 and departed this life at his farm home in Gravity, Iowa at the age of 93 years, 10 months and 28 days.    

He lived in Taylor County and grew to maturity there where he attended the public school and the Oak Hill Church.

On August 4, 1921 he was united in marriage to Bina Feme Akers at Gravity, Iowa and they lived on the family farm.

To this union three children were born: Doyle Dunkin, Lois D. Novak, and Jean D. Roeder.

He was engaged in farming.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ferne.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Doyle Dunkin and wife, Ginnie; Lois D. Novak and husband, Ralph; Jean D. Roeder and husband, Jim; grandchildren, Marty Novak and Jane Robertson, Steven and Laura Roeder; great grandchildren, Mary, Rebecca, and Michael Novak, and Ariel Sinclair; and many relatives and friends.

He was a member of the Oak Hill Church.

He was a kind and considerate husband, dad, and neighbor and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He had a special love for horses.

[DUNKIN, MARY ELVINER KONECNE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 21, 1957, [p. 1]

Mrs. Mary Dunkin Of Gravity Dies

Mrs. Mary E. Dunkin, 82, long-time resident of the Gravity community, died February 18 after having been in failing health for some time.

Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Roland Wendel. Burial in Washington cemetery at Gravity.

[DUNKIN, MARY ELVINER KONECNE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 21, 1957, p. 7

Gravity—Mrs. Mary Duncan [Dunkin], 81, died Monday after being in poor health for several months. She leaves one son, Carl of Gravity; 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Etta Parks and Mrs. Belle Schooling. Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Shum Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial at Gravity.

[DUNKIN, RUTH THANUEL "RUFE"]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 20, 1941, p. 3

GRAVITY

Rufus Dunkin Succumbs

Rufe Dunkin died Sunday morning at his home. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Free Methodist church in Gravity.

[DUNKIN, RUTH THANUEL "RUFE"]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 27, 1941, p. 3

Obituary – R. T. Dunkin

Ruth Thanuel Dunkin, youngest son of Henry and Susan Dunkin, was born Nov. 25, 1872 in Holt Township, Taylor County, Iowa and died Sunday, March 16, 1941 at his home in Gravity at the age of 68 years, 5 months and 9 days.

He resided in Holt Township until August 1922 when he moved into Gravity where he lived until his death.

On Feb. 11, 1896 he was married to Mary E. [lviner] Konecne and to them was born one son, Carl E. [manuel] Dunkin of Gravity, who with his mother, his wife, Ferne and his two children, Doyle and Lois, survive.

He was the youngest of a family of fourteen children, all deceased except one sister, Mattie E. Jones of Hayes Center, Nebr. There is also one stepsister, Mrs. S. J. Beemer of Gravity; one half-sister, Mrs. Dave Posten of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; and two half-brothers, Fred R. Dunkin of Gravity and Charles E. Dunkin of Oklahoma City.

In 1911 he joined the Free Methodist church. He was a devoted husband and father and always enjoyed the comradeship of his family.

Funeral services were held at the Free Methodist church in Gravity Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mr. Groesbeck of Clarinda. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[EGLESTON, VERDIA RUTH SANDERS]

Lenox Time Table, Thursday, April 9, 1970, [p. 1]

Services Held For Former Resident

Funeral services were conducted from the Bender Funeral Home in Lenox Friday, April 3rd at 1 p. m. for Mrs. Verdia Egleston, 78, of Vancouver, Washington. Mrs. Egleston died March 30th. She had lived in Vancouver since 1958.

The body was returned to Omaha by plane Thursday evening.

Left to mourn her passing are two sons, Lester A. [rthur] of Vancouver, and Marvin R.[oy] of Des Moines, a daughter, Mrs. Cleo Roberts of Vancouver, and a host of friends.

Rev. Donald Briley, pastor of the Lenox Christian Church, officiated at the services.

Pallbearers were Don Wolfe, Chas. Huss, Duane Jones, Everett Oster, Manford Sanders and Jimmie Milligan.

Burial was in the cemetery at Gravity, Iowa.

[EGLESTON, VERDIA RUTH SANDERS]
Columbian (Vancouver, Washington), Wednesday, April 1, 1970
Verdia Egleston – Funeral services will be held Friday at Lenox, Iowa, for Verdia R. [uth] Egleston, who died here Monday. She was 78.
Mrs. Egleston had been a resident of Vancouver for 12 years and lived at 9313 N. E. Sixth St. She was born Nov. 6, 1891, in Nodaway, Iowa.
Survivors are her sons, Lester A. [rthur] Egleston of Milwaukie, Ore., and Marvin R. [oy] Egleston; a daughter, Mrs. Cleo Roberts of Vancouver; five grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
The Vancouver Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

[EYRE, CHARLES]                           [EYRE, RALPH]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, July 17, 1969, p. 3

M M Orland Engstrand, Eddie and Mark, M/M Tom Norris, Mrs. Zeta Engstrand, Mrs Martin Engstrand and Mrs Virgil Kelley attended funeral services for Charlie Eyre, father of Mrs Orland Engstrand at Corning. On Saturday morning these same people and M/M Ralph Holliday, M/M Clif Bales and Mrs. Bill McClarnon of Kansas City went to Council Bluffs to attend the funeral of Ralph Eyre, brother of Mrs. Engstrand and son of Charlie Eyre. The elder Mr Eyre had a series of strokes over the past several months and the son suffered from a rare blood disease, which had affected him since last winter.

 EYRE, CHARLES]                           [EYRE, RALPH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 17, 1969, p. 8

Former Gravity Man and Son Died Last Week

Services were held last week for a former Gravity resident and his son who died of unrelated illnesses last week.

Charles Eyre, 69, died at his home in Corning and funeral services were held at the Lutheran Church in Corning Thursday afternoon.

His son, Ralph, 41, died of a rare blood disease discovered this past winter. He had been hospitalized in Omaha and died Thursday morning.

Charles Eyre had been ill for several years but had been at his home in Corning since February. The Eyres had farmed north of Gravity until moving to Corning about two years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Ida, and two other children, Mrs. Orland Engstrand, of Braddyville and Fred Eyre who lives in Montana; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild.

Ralph grew up in Gravity and attended country school north of Gravity. He moved from Gravity as a young man.

Besides his mother, brother and sister, he is survived by his wife, Arlene, and a daughter, Mrs. Richard (Kay) Russell of Council Bluffs. A son was killed about five years ago in a bicycle accident. Funeral services were held Saturday at Woodlin Chapel in Council Bluffs.

A son of the Fred Eyres had just returned from Vietnam after being critically wounded. He is hospitalized in California.

[EYRE, CHARLES]
Creston News Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Wednesday, July 9, 1969
Charley Eyre Dies at Corning
Corning—Charley Eyre, 68, died Tuesday morning at the Rosary hospital in Corning. He farmed between Corning and Gravity. He is survived by his widow, Ida, and three children, Phyllis Engstrand of Braddyville, Ralph of Council Bluffs and Fred of Montana.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday at the Lutheran church in Corning. Rev. Alfred Bertke will officiate. Burial will be in the Gravity cemetery. The casket will be open prior to the service but will not be opened afterward.

[EYRE, RALPH]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, July 21, 1969, p. 7

Gravity, July 14—Ralph Eyre, son of Charles Eyre, died Thursday at a hospital in Council Bluffs after a lingering illness; funeral and burial are at Council Bluffs Saturday.

[EYRE, DAVID WILSON]

Clarinda Herald, Thursday, June 26, 1919, p. 14

David Wilson Eyre

The funeral of David Wilson Eyre held Friday, June 20th, from the Christian church in New Market, took from our midst one of the older citizens. The services were conducted by the Methodist pastor, Rev. E. O. Douglas, interment being in Memory cemetery.

David Wilson Eyre was born in Pennsylvania, August 26, 1852 and died at his home in East River at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 18 days. He was married November 29th, 1877, to Mary C. Hegwood, who with one daughter proceeded him to the better world. To this union were born 10 children, of whom six are living, Mrs. Susie Arthur of Bedford, Wilson Eyre of Ritchie, Montana, Ina Wise of Riverside, Cal., Mrs. Grace White of Hopkins, Mo., Mrs. Esther Clayton of Sharpsburg, Ia., and Charles Eyre of Ritchie, Montana.

Mr. Eyre was an upright and honest man, loved and respected by all who knew him.

 

[FILBERT, DOROTHY MAE STAFFORD]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, March 18, 1963, [p. 1]

Sharpsburg Woman burial is Tuesday

Mrs. Johnny (Dorothy) Filbert of Sharpsburg died Saturday evening at the hospital in Corning, after many months of illness. She was cared for at home, after intermittent hospitalization at Iowa City, by her sisters and her daughter until she was recently hospitalized.

Services will be held Tuesday at 2 p m at the Presbyterian Church at Sharpsburg. Burial will be at the Gravity cemetery.

Mrs. Filbert leaves her husband and five children, Mrs. Mike (Ellen) Huggins, Dallas, Tex; John Stephen Filbert, a Marine at Camp Pendleton; Kathy, 11; Donald, 9 and Stanley 8.

Her three sisters are Mrs R E (Doris) Gooch, Scottsdale, Ariz; Mrs. Artie (Genevieve) Bratton, Dallas, Tex; Mrs Wilbur (Jeannette) Sieving, Clarinda.

Mrs Belle Stafford, Clarinda is her mother. Her father, Frank A Stafford died in 1948.

[FOSTER, DAVIS JAMES]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 6, 1947, [p. 1]

First of War Dead Buried At Gravity

Military funeral services for Davis F. Foster, whose body arrived Saturday from overseas, were held at the Christian church in Gravity Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. A. Purdy of Des Moines. T Sgt. Samson of St. Joseph was the military escort in charge of the body. The American Legion of Gravity was in charge of the military rites, the color guards, color bearers and firing squad being chosen from veterans of World War II, while the pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were veterans of World War I. All were in uniform. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Following the salute and taps, the service ended and Mrs. Foster and son carried from the grave that which is their most revered possession, the Flag of the United States of America, which draped the casket.

The music for the last rites was furnished by members of the Legion Auxiliary of Gravity. Included in the ministerÕs talk was the reading of a note from a friend, Mr. Hutchins of Des Moines, who was with Mr. Foster at Pearl Harbor during his last illness and at the time of his death. Mr. Hutchins was ill and unable to attend the funeral services. Bert Harlow of Onawa, Iowa, who also worked with Mr. Foster at Pearl Harbor, was with the family Sunday.

Davis J. [ames] Foster, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Foster, was born at Atlantic, Iowa, May 13, 1892 and passed away at Honolulu, Hawaii, Friday, December 3, 1943, at the age of 51 years, 6 months and 20 days. Spending his early life around Atlantic and Griswold, he enlisted in World War I, May 17, 1917, serving overseas with Co. K for thirteen months. After the war he received his honorable discharge and returned to Clearfield, where he lived until he was married to Miss Grace Konecne on March 19, 1927. To them one son, John Davis, was born.

Those remaining to mourn are his wife and son of Gravity; his father J. [ames] R. Foster of Ainsworth, Nebr.; 3 brothers, Findley Foster and Ernest Foster of Atlantic, and Lee Foster of Kearney, Nebr.; 3 sisters, Margaret Balcam of Washington, D. C., Berdie Jameson and Edith Houchin of Kent. His mother, Selena Foster, passed away in 1938.

He united with the Methodist Church in Clearfield in his youth. He was a member of the American Legion Post 573 of Gravity, of the Masonic lodge and Order of the Eastern Star.

At the entrance of the United States in World War II he felt he should take part, although his age and health would not permit active service. He was commissioned a guard for duty in Hawaii, where he was sent Oct. 10, 1943. He was taken ill on Nov. 11 and passed away Dec. 3, 1943.

[FOSTER, GRACE MAE KONECNE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 11, 1985

Services for Grace Foster held here

Services for Grace Mae Foster, 91, were held April 8 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, officiated by Pastor Carl Holdsworth. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Ia. Mrs. Foster died April 5, 1985 in Corning, Ia.

Grace Mae Foster, daughter of John and Effie Konecne was born in Taylor County, Iowa on February 4, 1894. She lived in the Gravity area all her life where she attended the public school and Oak Hill Church.

On March 19, 1927 she was united in marriage to Davis J. [ames] Foster at Bedford, Iowa and they lived in Gravity, Iowa. To this union one child was born, John Foster who now resides in Tama, Ia.

She was employed by Public Schools as a cook for many years.

She was preceded m death by her husband, her parents, one sister and two brothers.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Bessie Roberts of Vancouver, Washington; her son and    daughter-in-law    John    and Shirley of Tama, Ia; grandchildren Debra and Kriss Lightner of Lohrville, Ia., and Davis and Cathy Foster of Iowa City, Ia.; four great grandchildren, seven nephews; two nieces, and many relatives and friends.

She was a member of the Oak Hill Church, the Order of the Eastern Star and legion Auxiliary.

She was a kind and considerate mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

[FRANCIS, ALFRED C.]

New Market Herald, Thursday, October 10, 1918, p. 4

Mr. and Mrs. J. [ames] S. [mith] Francis were called to Kent Saturday by the death of Mr. Francis' father.

[FRANCIS, MARY ELLA COAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 17, 1980, p. 6

GRAVITY NEWS

Mrs. Jim (Mary) Francis of Clearfield passed away this past week. Services were Saturday in Clearfield with burial at the Washington Cemetery at Gravity. The Francis family resided here years ago in Gravity where Ralph Price lives now. Jim Francis was the editor of "The Gravity Independent." Mary Francis lived in Chicago with her daughter after the death of her husband until her daughter's death. She lived the remaining years of her life at a nursing home in Clearfield.

[HENINGER, JESSIE IONA BURWELL]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 20, 1975

Jessie Heninger Final Rites Held Novembers 18

Funeral services for Mrs. Charles (Jessie Iona) Heninger, 93, formerly of Gravity, were held November 18 at the United Methodist Church in Gravity with the Rev. Dwayne E. Madsen officiating. Mrs. Heninger died November 15, 1975 at West Heights Manor in Gravity. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

[HOUCHIN, CLEO EUGENE "GENE"]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, June 5, 1991

CLEO EUGENE HOUCHIN

Funeral services for Cleo Eugene Houchin were held May 31, 1991 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Carl Holdsworth and Perry Cozadd officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Cleo Eugene Houchin, son of Cleo Ott Houchin and Doris Lorene James was born in Gravity, Iowa March 21, 1935 and departed this life May 27, 1991 at Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa at the age of 56. He grew up in both Gravity and Oskaloosa, Iowa. He attended public schools in both and graduated from Gravity High School in 1954.

On June 1, 1953 he was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Abel in Oskaloosa at the bedside of his mother. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in front of family and friends at the Gravity Christian Church. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Kevin and Jill Ann.

Gene was involved in various occupations including carpentry, mechanics and for the last 22 years farming in the Gravity area.  

He was preceded in death by a brother, Duane and stepfather, John James.

Left to cherish his memory are: father, Cleo Houchin and his wife Betty; mother Lorene James; wife Beverly; son Kevin Houchin and his wife Lori; daughter, Jill Maxwell and husband Tom; very special friends Bill and Linda Dondelinger and family, sisters Carol Goodlett, Pat Hassa, Susy Fitzgerald and brothers Kenneth James and Norman Houchin; many nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the Gravity Christian Church for 22 years and was baptized in 1971. He served as Elder, Sunday school teacher, treasurer. He served on the board of the Iowa Christian College for two years.

He was more than just a kind and considerate husband and father, but also a helpful and compassionate counselor to many people and couples. He will be very deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Beloved One

You are like no other,

As precious as gold,

A Christian brother,

So mighty and gold.

A life in Christ,

Showing others the way,

Not always without strife,

 Making the best of each day.

 Memories we hold

So precious of thee

Crisp as the winter cold

As wide as the sea.

 We'll miss you each day

 Being side by side.

Words cannot convey

All our love deep inside.

That ornery smile

A can of Key,

A life much worthwhile

To you and to me.

A pair of Big Smiths,

A farmer at heart,

He's been such a gift

 God's gift from the start.

Always thinking of others,

Doing what's right,

Our precious big brother

Now shining in God's light.

We love you Big Brother,

We'll miss you.

Take care of him Father,

We know he is with you.

Susie

Dedicated to Eugene, May 31, 1991.

[HOUCHIN, CLEO OTT]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, October 19, 1994

CLEO O. HOUCHIN

Funeral services for Cleo O. Houchin, 79, Gravity, were held Monday, Oct. 10, 1994 at Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Imel officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Cleo Ott Houchin was born on the old Estle homestead north of Gravity on October 10, 1914, to Ethel Meredith Houchin and Franklin Lewis Houchin. He graduated from Gravity High School and farmed in partnership with his brother, Ivan, a few years.

On August 9, 1943, he married Betty Muriel Balch and they moved to their present home. They were privileged to celebrate their 50th anniversary last year. Four children were born to bless this union: Carole, Patricia, Norman, and Susan, and two children, Eugene and Duane, by a previous marriage.

Cleo was a farmer and did trucking a number of years. He loved the outdoors to hunt and fish, for several years, he hunted big game in Wyoming and he loved to go to Canada fishing. In earlier years he owned and piloted a piper cub plane.

For a number of years, he was secretary of his school district and of the telephone line when it was still country.

He is survived by his wife Betty; daughters, Carole and husband Bill Goodlett; Pat and husband Pete Hass; Susan and husband Ron Fitzgerald; son, Norman and his wife Debbie; daughter-in-law, Beverly; sister, Faye Scheel; 13 grandchildren, Tracy and Lance Rome; Therrese Goodlett; Kevin Houchin and wife Lori; Jill and husband Tom Maxwell; Shane, Shannon, and Stacy Bennett; Jamie, Jodie, and Franklin Houchin; Jason, Jackie, and Elyse Fitzgerald; one great-grandchild Caitlyn Maxwell; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Duane Franklin and Cleo Eugene; his mother and father; a brother, Ivan; and a sister, Geneva.

He was always willing to help others in need and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

[Poem follows.  Not transcribed.]

[HOUCHIN, DUANE FRANKLIN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 27, 1941, p. 3

Obituary – Duane Houchin

Duane Franklin Houchin, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Houchin, died as the result of an accident at the farm home north of Gravity late Thursday afternoon, March 20, 1941. The exact circumstances which led to the accident could not be determined. He was born at Oskaloosa, Iowa, Jan. 30, 1938.

His untimely death was a shock to the community and has brought grief to the family circle, reaching back to the third and fourth generations.

He is survived by his parents, one brother, Eugene; and uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Houchin, who live in the home; three aunts, Miss Geneva Houchin and Mrs. Tom Reed of Gravity and Mrs. Myron Wright of Guthrie Center, Iowa. Also his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Houchin of Gravity and Mr. and Mrs. Rollie Phillips of Oskaloosa, Iowa; his great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Phillips of Bedford and Mrs. Ruth Nixon of Conway.

The funeral services were held at the Gravity Church of Christ Saturday afternoon, March 22, conducted by Rev. Ben W. Sinderson. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[HOUCHIN, DUANE FRANKLIN]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, April 3, 1941
Duane Houchin, three-year-old son of Cleo Houchin of north of Gravity, was accidently killed recently when the lad entered the driveway of a double granary, a workman being unaware of his presence, left the building with a load of feed, the child in some manner being thrown to the floor of the driveway and killed.

 

[LISTON, DELONE "DEE"]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 29, 1984

Services held for Dee Liston

Services for Dee Liston, 73, were held November 20 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings and Rev. Emmanuel Tabelisma. Burial was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Mr. Liston died Nov. 17, 1984 at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Ne.

Dee Liston, son of Philip Liston and Lillian Mae Sexton Liston was born at Cainsville, Harrison County Missouri   February   7, 1911.   He moved to Taylor County with his parents when he was four years old and they resided in the Gravity area, where he attended the public school and became a member of the Oak Hill Church.

On   February   4, 1932   he   was; united in marriage to Hilda Mae Reynard at Maryville, Missouri and they lived on a farm northwest of Gravity until November 20, 1974 when they moved to Gravity where they have since resided. He was engaged in farming and truck gardening all of his active years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and the beauty of nature, which he shared in his farming activities.

Dee was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Vera Reed.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Tillie of the home; three nephews: Robert Reed and his wife Barbara; Larry Reed and his wife Donna; Jim Reed and his wife Wanda; a niece, Phyllis and other relatives and friends.

He will be remembered as a kind and considerate husband and friend and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

[LISTON, HILDA MAE "TILLIE" REYNARD

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, December 10, 1997

Hilda Mae (Tillie) Liston

Hilda Mae Liston, the daughter of Fay E. and Madge M. (Horton) Reynard, was born in Lincoln Township of Ringgold County on February 3, 1914. She lived in Southwest Iowa all her life attending school and the Christian Church.

On February 4, 1932 she married Dee Liston in Maryville, Missouri. After their wedding, they farmed in the Gravity, Iowa area later retiring and moving into Gravity.

After suffering a stroke in 1994, Tillie entered the Bedford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she lived until her death on December 5, 1997 at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 2 days.

Tillie was preceded in death by her husband, Dee; and her parents, Fay and Madge Reynard.

At the time of her death, Tillie was a member of the Gravity United Methodist Church. Left to cherish her memory are her brother, L. S. Reynard of Creston, Iowa; and three nephews as well as a host of friends.

Services for Tillie were held December 8, 1997 at the Novinger/Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Evans officiating. Interment was at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa.  

[LISTON, LILLIAN MAY "LILLIE" SEXTON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 4, 1943, p. 7

Obituary – Mrs. Philip Liston

Lillie May Sexton, daughter of Isaac F. [ree] and Elizabeth Sexton, was born in Mercer County, Mo. August 4, 1878 and died at her home northwest of Gravity Feb. 24, 1943 at the age of 64 years, 6 months and 20 days. She was a member of a family of 12 children, six of whom are still living: Three sisters and three brothers, Mrs. J. A. Melton of Ridgeway, Mo.; Mrs. M. B. Hoadley of Cainsville, Mo., Mrs. J. [ames] P. [eter] Hamilton of Gravity, Joe Sexton of Cainsville, Mo., John Sexton of Portales, New Mexico and Nate Sexton of Gravity.

She graduated from the Cainsville high school and for several years was a successful teacher in and near that city.

She then went to New Mexico and lived there for several years where she met and married Philip Liston. To them one son, Dee, was born. Philip had a small daughter whom she also raised as her own, Vera, who now lives in Omaha.

They moved to a farm north of Gravity in 1912, later moving into Gravity where she passed away.

She became a Christian in early life and for years taught a Sunday school class at the Oak Hill church. She lived for her family, friends and church, and will be greatly missed by her family and the entire community.

Her son Dee and wife Hilda were with her at the time of her death.

The funeral services were held at the Oak Hill church on Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. W. Proctor. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[LISTON, PHILIP HENRY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 2, 1955, p. 7

Obituary – P. H. Liston

Phillip Henry Liston, son of Henry G. and Lucinda Liston, was born near Birmingham, Alabama, March 12, 1883 and passed away May 16, 1955, at his home northwest of Gravity, Iowa.

He came from a family of eight children; four sisters and one brother are still living. When he was a young man, the family moved to Indian Territory of Tussy, Oklahoma, where he and his father operated a general store.

He was married to Minerva Scott on July 7, 1903. To them was born one daughter, Vera Liston Reed. In 1907 the family homesteaded on the plains of New Mexico, where he and his father had a general store and post office in Liston, New Mexico. Shortly thereafter his wife died.  On May 4, 1909 he was married to Lillian Sexton, a schoolteacher in Liston, New Mexico.

In 1911 their son, Dee was born and the family then moved to a farm north of Gravity. There he built a home in which he lived the remainder of his life. His wife, Lillian preceded him in death February 14, 1943.

He is survived by his daughter, Vera and husband Bill Reed of Omaha; son, Dee and wife of Gravity; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was a member of the Oak Hill church.

Funeral services were conducted from the Shum Funeral Home May 18, by Mr. Clyde Kelley. Burial in Gravity cemetery.

[MILLER, IVA MAE RICHARDSON ROBINSON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 27, 1962, p. 8

Iva Mae Miller Rites Dec. 23

Funeral services for Mrs. Iva Mae Miller were held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford Sunday, Dec. 23, with Rev. Donald Peel officiating. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

Included in the services was the following obituary:

Iva Mae Miller, daughter of Frances and Ben Richardson, was born Dec. 4, 1891 on a farm north of Gravity, Iowa, and passed away December 20, 1961 in Omaha, Nebr., where she had lived for many years.

She was the oldest of a family of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James Carl. She united with the Christian church in Gravity and was baptized as a young girl.

She is survived by her husband J. [ohn] J. [oseph] Miller of Omaha, Nebr.; three children, Olen Robinson of Omaha, Eva Miller and Bud Robinson of Los Angeles, Calif; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one sister, Carrie Young and one brother, Earl Richardson both of Gravity; and a number of other relatives and friends.

[MONAHAN, FANNIE LEDGERWOOD]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 14, 1947, [p. 1]

Former Resident Dies In St. Joseph

Mrs. Fannie Monahan, 63, wife of R. [obert] B. [ruce] Monahan, died at her home in St. Joseph Monday afternoon after a long illness.

The funeral services were held at St. Joseph Wednesday forenoon with burial in the Gravity cemetery.

Mrs. Monahan was born at Conway and this community had been her home most of her life, moving to St. Joseph four years ago.

She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Floyd [Lloyd] Bradley of St. Joseph; one sister, Mrs. Ollie Heater of St. Joseph; two brothers, Carl Ledgerwood of Omaha and Frank Ledgerwood of Greenfield; two grandchildren and one great grandson.

[MONAHAN, ROBERT BRUCE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 20, 1961, p. 8

Bruce Monahan Dies In St. Joe

Bruce Monahan, a long-time resident of Taylor County, died at his home in St. Joseph, Mo., Thursday, April 6, 1961.

Funeral services were held at the Stamey Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Saturday, April 8 conducted by Rev. Mr. Hagee of Woodson chapel. Burial was in Washington cemetery at Gravity.

Robert Bruce Monahan, son of James and Sarah Walker Monahan, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, December 24, 1875 and died at the age of 75 years, three months, 12 days. He formerly lived at Gravity and in Bedford, moving to St. Joseph in 1942.

He was married to Fannie Ledgerwood Feb. 1, 1899. They were the parents of one daughter, Leah. His wife, Fannie, passed away in 1947. He later married Mrs. Marie Perry, who with his daughter, Leah, gave him constant and loving care during his long weeks of illness.

Bruce gave his heart to God and joined the Christian church at Gravity in early manhood.

His survivors include his wife Marie; his daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bradley; two grandchildren, Duane Bradley and Norma Deane Kemery; five great grandchildren; a stepson, Robert Perry; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Menoher of Pueblo, Colo., Mrs. Lillie Menoher of Bedford; a number of nephews and nieces; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Nelle Nevius of New Market; a cousin, Mrs. Will Irwin of Clarinda.

[MOORE, JOHN DARRELL, 1912-1987]

Bedford Times-Press, April 1, 1987

JOHN DARRELL MOORE

Services for John Darrell Moore, 74, were held March 30 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Ia. Rev. Carl Holdsworth officiated. Mr. Moore died March 26, 1987.

John Darrell Moore, son of John D. Moore and Mary Elizabeth Clouse Moore, was born at Gravity, Ia. June 27, 1912. He lived and grew to maturity in the Gravity community where he attended the public school and the Gravity Christian Church.

On March 4, 1936 he was united in marriage to Claris Jones at the Christian parsonage in Bedford and they spent their 51 years of marriage in the Gravity area.

To this union four children were born: Norma Jean, John, Janice, and Jane.

He was engaged in farming for 35 years and later was employed by Taylor County and worked for the road department until retirement in 1977.

He was preceded in death by three half sisters, Jessie Beery, Rettie Nevis, Nettie Batton, a half-brother Walter Hunt, and a grandson Jaye Moore.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Claris, children Norma Jean Alexander of Port de Laix, Haiti; John Moore of Dubuque, Ia.; Jan Lemert of Pittsburg, Ks.; Jane Calfee of Gravity; sister Beth Kimpton of Bedford; half-sister Nina Crawford of Clarinda; Oma Jensen of North Platte, Ne.; 12 grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

He was a longtime member of the Gravity Christian Church and the Masonic Lodge.

He was a kind and considerate husband, father, and Grampa and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

[MOORE, JOHN DARRELL "JAYE", 1965-1980]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 3, 1980

Jaye Darrell Moore Final Rites Were Held March 28

Funeral services for John Darrell Moore, 14, of Spencer, Ia., were held March 28 in Warner Chapel in Spencer with Rev. Roger Alexander officiating. Mr. Moore died March 25, 1980 at his home in Spencer. A memorial service was held in the Gravity Christian Church March 28 conducted by Rev. Mel Smith. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

John Darrell Moore was born August 13, 1965, in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of John Moore and Jolene Mankle. His early years were spent in Red Oak, where he attended school for two years. For the past eight years, the family has made their home in Spencer.

Jaye, as he was better known, was presently a ninth grade student at Spencer Junior High School. His interests were varied, but he was especially active in both golf and basketball.

Jaye died on March 25, 1980, at his home in Spencer, at the age of 14. He was preceded in death by one grandmother and three great grandparents.

Jaye is survived by his mother, Jolene Moore of Spencer; his father, John and his step-mother, Judy, both of Boone, Iowa; one brother, Jeffrey and one sister, Jacinda, both at home in Spencer; one half-sister, Jonna Moore of Boone; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Moore of Gravity, Iowa; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Mankle of Clarinda, Iowa; one great grandfather, E. [llsworth] E. Jones of Gravity; numerous aunts and uncles; other relatives and many friends.

[NAGEL, MINNIE EMILY RASCHER WELCH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 29, 1971, p. 4

Rites Held Wed. For Minnie Emily Nagel

Funeral services for Minnie Emily Nagel, 85, were held April 26 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here conducted by Carl Cummings. She died April 24, 1971. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

[NAGEL, MINNIE EMILY RASCHER WELCH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 13, 1971, p. 3

Minnie Nagel, 85, Rites April 28

Funeral services for Mrs. Will (Minnie) Nagel, 85, lifetime Taylor County resident, held April 28 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, were conducted by Carl Cummings. Mrs. Nagel died at Colonial Manors in Corning on April 24, 1971. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Minnie E. [mily] Rascher, daughter of Charlie and Lena Shriva [Shuva] Rascher, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, July 1, 1885. She grew to adulthood on the farm where she was born which was to be her home for her remaining years.

On January 27, 1904 she was united in marriage to Charles A. Welch and they farmed the home place their entire married life. Mr. Welch passed away June 19, 1955.

On September 16, 1958 she was united in marriage to Will Nagel and they resided on the farm until his death April 26, 1969.

She was preceded in death by her parents and nine brothers and sisters. She was the last member of her family of ten children.

Following the death of Mr. Welch she resided with a niece whom she loved as a daughter, Mrs. Frances Morrison of Springfield, Oregon. Since the death of Mr. Nagel she was with a niece Mrs. George R. Hamman until hospitalization and extended nursing care was necessary for her.

She was a faithful member of the Oak Hill church for many years.

Left to cherish memories are nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Mrs. Nagel was kind and considerate in her daily living with those about her. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

[NAGEL, WILLIAM FREDRICK "WILL"]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 8, 1969, p. 7

William Nagel, 83, Rites April 30

Funeral services for William Fredrick Nagel, 83, of Sharpsburg, held April 30 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, were conducted by Mr. Carl Cummings. Mr. Nagel died April 26, 1969, at Rosary Hospital in Corning. Graveside services were held May 1 at Schaller, Ia.

William Fredrick Nagel was born in Nebraska on March 4, 1866. On September 18, 1958 he was united in marriage to Minnie E. [mily] Welch at the home of her brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rascher, at Nodaway, Iowa.

He was well known for his honesty and everyone knew that when Will gave his word to do a thing it was always carried out to the best of his ability.

He is survived by his wife, Minnie; and two brothers, Frank Nagel and Ben Nagel; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was a kind and loving husband, friend and neighbor and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

[PERDEW, CHARLES EDGAR]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 8, 1966, p. 6

Charles Perdew Rites Dec. 4

Funeral services for Charles Edgar Perdew, 72, of Bedford were held December 4 at the State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Mr. Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Perdew died at his home in Bedford December 1, 1966. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Charles Edgar Perdew, son of Emmanuel W. [ilkinson] and Inez Carpenter Perdew, was born Dec. 13, 1893 near Gravity in Taylor County, Iowa.

He attended the public schools of Taylor County and grew to adulthood in the Gravity community.

On January 27, 1915 he was united in marriage to Nettie Brown at the Christian Church parsonage in Gravity with Rev. Wade officiating.

To bless this home were born Howard, Leonard and Robert and a son died in infancy.

Mr. Perdew lived and operated the same farm north of Gravity where they moved when married until ill health caused him to retire in 1959 when they moved to Bedford and where they have since continued to reside.

A short time following their marriage both Mr. and Mrs. Perdew united with the Christian Church in Gravity during the ministry of Rev. Wade.

On Jan. 27, 1965 they were privileged to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary but because of ill health it was a quiet occasion—but the joy of their many happy years together remains a precious memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wilbur Perdew; and a grandson, Monte Perdew.

Left to cherish memories are his wife and companion of many years; sons, Howard, and his wife, Lola, Leonard and his wife, Dorothy Joanne; two sisters, Neva Lawrence of Harlan, Ia., and Vera Brown of Gravity; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mr. Perdew was a kind and loving husband and father, friend and neighbor and he will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends.

[PERDEW, NETTIE ZOE BROWN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 9, 1978

Last Rites Held November 4 For Nettie Perdew, 82

Funeral services for Mrs. Charles Edgar (Nettie Zoe) Perdew, 82, of Bedford, formerly of Gravity, held November 4 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, were conducted by Rev. Fred Cowles. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Ia.

Nettie Zoe Perdew, eldest daughter of Harper Brown and Maude McPherren Brown was born March 16, 1896 at Adams County, Iowa.

She attended the public schools in both Taylor and Adams Counties.

She was united in marriage to Charles Edgar Perdew at the   Christian   Parsonage   in Gravity, Iowa on January 27, 1915 by Rev. Wade.

A short time after their marriage both she and her husband united with the Christian Church during the ministry of Rev. Wade.

To this union were born four sons, Howard, Leonard and Robert and a baby who died in infancy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters, Edna Cotton, Lavada Greeley and one brother Ernest Brown and a grandson Monte Perdew.

She was proud of her family and her home which was always   surrounded   by   flowers growing   both   inside   and out in her garden.

They lived 44 years on the same place north of Gravity before moving to Bedford in 1959.

Left to cherish her memory are Howard and Lola, Leonard and Marie, Robert and Joanne; four sisters Alta Archer, Ruby Palmer, Gertrude Bailiff, and Lois Bailiff; nine grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; many relatives and friends.

[PERDEW, MICHAEL ROBERT]

Bedford Times-Press, January 13, 1988

MICHAEL PERDEW

Funeral services were held for Michael Perdew, 28, on January 5, 2:00 p.m. at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Ted DeHass as the minister. Interment was at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Mr. Perdew died December 31, 1987 at Louisville, Co.

Michael Robert Perdew, son of Robert E. and Dorothy J. Perdew was born at Shenandoah, Ia. on March 7, 1959. He lived in Essex, Ia. before moving to Boulder, Co. in 1972 where he attended the public school.

On April 21, 1979 he was united in marriage to Debbie Hulett at Cleveland, Tn., and they lived in Cleveland until moving to Louisville, Co. in 1986.

To this union one child, a son, Daven Michael, was born. He was employed as a chef for McCabe's Island    Cafe    in    Boulder, Co.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Debbie and son Daven of Louisville; his parents, Robert and Joanne of Boulder; two brothers, Chuck and his wife Sandy of Irving, Tx., Randy and his wife Stacey of Louisville; his sister, Teresa of Louisville; his grandfather, Harvey French of Bedford; with a host of other nieces and nephews, friends and relatives.

Michael was a member of the Church of God; a member of the American Bando Association, Cleveland, Tennessee branch. He was First Level Black Belt in Martial Arts.

He was a kind and considerate husband and father of his son Daven with whom he spent much time hunting and fishing. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

[PIERSON, ELISE JUNE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 17, 1980

Services To Be Held Here July 21 For June Pierson

E. June    Pierson, long time resident of Gravity, Iowa died on June 20, 1980, at St. Paul's Home for the Aged in Belleville, Illinois.   Interment and graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 21, 1980 at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa with Rev. Jim Dale presiding.

Elise June, daughter of the late W. [illiam] P. ]er] and Fannie I. [Elnora Galigher] Pierson, was born on a farm near Gravity, in Taylor County, Iowa, July 18, 1883.

June attended Simpson College and taught in country schools for a time. She worked at the post office in Gravity when her father was postmaster and later at the Gravity State Bank. She also spent a number of years in Portland, Oregon working in a bank. After selling the Pierson home in Gravity in the late 1960's, June resided at Westgate Manor in Corning for a number of years before going to Belleville, Illinois in 1974 to live with her nephew and wife, Robert and Viola Reynolds.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Mrs. Pearl Rice in 1955 and Mrs. S.[olomon] A. Swanson in 1970, and was the last survivor of the W. [illiam] P. [er] Pierson family.

[PIERSON, ELISE JUNE]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, July 21, 1980, p. 8   

Graveside service for June Pierson

Gravity—Graveside services were held at the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, this Monday for E. [lise] June Pierson, long time Gravity resident. She died June 20 at St. Paul's Home in Belleville, Il, where she had resided the last few years.

Miss Pierson taught school, worked in the post office and in the bank at Gravity. She was the last survivor of the W. [illiam] P. [er] Pierson family.

[PIERSON, WILLIAM PER]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, July 26, 1945, p. 3

William Per Pierson

William Per Pierson, eldest son of John and Bengta Pierson, was born at Ignaberga, Christiantad, Sweden, November 7, 1856, and passed away on June 24, 1945, aged 88 years, 7 months, 17 days. When 13 years of age, he with his parents, two older sisters, Sigrid and Alice, younger brother, Nels and three younger sisters, Elsie, Tillie and Ollie came to America.

Three weeks shipping on a passenger ship on a storming sea, did not dampen his youthful ardor and in six months he had mastered the English language, adopted the name, William and pronounced himself an American, rarely thereafter speaking his native tongue. After spending the first winter in Galesburg, Ill the family pioneered to Page County, Iowa, where another brother was born.

In 1878 he was married to Fannie E [lnora] Galigher. To this union three daughters were born: Flo, Mrs S A Swanson, Miss June, both of Gravity and Pearl, Mrs S S Rice of Chicago, Ill.

On last Wednesday June 20, 1945, the family including S [olomon] A Swanson gathered Ôneath the home roof to celebrate the 67th anniversary of this marriage. In the spring of 1908 he retired from his farm northwest of town and moved to Gravity where he served as postmaster for two terms. He then followed the carpenter trade for several years. His last years were devoted to the care of his home and grounds. He was a member of the first confirmation class of the Swedish Lutheran church of Stanton, Iowa. The three daughters were all privileged to be with their father to care for him during his last illness.

Robert Ramon Reynolds son of Mrs S S Rice and only grandchild reared in the Pierson home came to spend two days with "Dad" Pierson the first week of his illness. Besides the immediate family he leaves two sisters, Ollie and Tillie Pierson of Stanton, one brother O [scar] T [eodor] Pierson of Oakland, fourteen nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends to mourn his loss.

[PRICE, RALPH OREN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, February 10, 1988

RALPH OREN PRICE

Services for Ralph Oren Price, 72, Gravity, were held February 2 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Paul Shultz officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Mr. Price died January 30, 1988 at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Mo.'

Ralph Oren Price, only child of Oren Henry and Emma Millie Barker Price, was born February 26, 1915, on a farm west of Oak Hill Church, Taylor County, Ia. When Ralph was one year old, his parents and he moved to the "home place" five miles northwest of Gravity in Washington Township owned by his grandfather, William H. [enry] Price. He lived there 46 years. He attended Washington No. 3 country school through eighth grade then graduated from Gravity High School in 1933. He rode a horse to high school along with several other boys and girls in the neighborhood. 

On May 3, 1937, he was united in marriage to Vadonna Pearl Lucas, daughter of Joseph Leroy and Lena Pearl Statesman, at her parent's home one mile north of Bedford. To this union eight children were born: Karen Irene, Marilyn Jean, twins Betty Elaine and Richard Duane, Robert Craig, Barbara Vadonna, Alan Ralph, and Bryan John.

Ralph and Vadonna farmed the home place for 25 years then moved to Gravity in 1962. Ralph worked at dynamiting for various rock quarries and later worked in the plant at Lucas Products Co. in Bedford for 15 years retiring in 1977. Ralph took great pride in his large family and enjoyed each one's accomplishments. His next love was fishing. He could wait patiently for hours on a pond or riverbank for a nibble. He also enjoyed hunting and being in the outdoors. He was a dedicated and loyal husband and father. Ralph and Vadonna celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 1987.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Vadonna; children: Karen and Norman Akers, St. Joseph, Mo., Marilyn and Lawrence Leek, Indianola, Ia., Betty and Keith Swigart, Coffeyville, Ks., Richard and Sharon Price, Council Bluffs, Ia., Craig and Katie Price, Bentonville, Ark., Barbara and Dennis Elder, St. Joseph, Mo., Alan and Debra Price, Shawnee, Ks., and Bryan Price, Lenox. Also grandchildren Ricky and Shereyl Akers, St. Joseph, Mo., Roger and Tamra Akers, Kansas City, Mo., June and David McFarland, St. Louis, Mo., Scott Leek, Indianola, Marty, Michael and Sonja Swigart, Coffeyville, Ks., Reo and Dick Price, Council Bluffs, Bridget and Doug Price, Bentonville, Ark., and Kelsey Price, Shawnee, Ks.; step grandchildren Sharina, Christopher, Trent, Wally, and Chandra Owens, Bentonville, Ark. and great grandchildren Ryan and Kevin Akers and Tara and Jon Ross Akers.

Ralph was a member of Gravity United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Board and he was a member of Royal Neighbor of America and the Bedford Rock Club.

Ralph will be remembered for his love of people, his willingness to help others, and his good humor.

[SHAFAR, FRED LESLIE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 21, 1962, p. 7

Fred Shafar Obituary

Fred Leslie Shafar, son of Hugh and Irene Dewey Shafar, was born near Indianola, Iowa, Jan. 16, 1900, and died suddenly of a heart attack, June 4, 1962 at the age of 62 years, 4 months and 18 days.

When in the second grade, he moved with his parents to Indianola, Ia., where he attended elementary and high school. There he met Mabel Alice Price whom he married Aug. 1, 1920.

To this union were born four children: one son, Elvin of Gravity, three daughters, Merolyne, Mrs. Jack Heacock, Ormond Beach, Florida, Geraldyne, Mrs. Keith Farrens, Conway, and Elverta, Mrs. Dean Beemer of Gravity. There are 12 grandchildren, Jerry and Jaclyne Heacock, James, Rosalyne, Ronnie and Roger Farrens, Connie and Michael Shafar, Pamela, Dennie, Randy and Deana Beemer. He has two sisters: Mrs. Sadie McKissick and Mrs. Letha Smith, both of Racine, Wisconsin. His parents, one brother and two sisters preceded him in death.

When 12 years old he joined the Methodist church in Indianola, Iowa, later moving his letter to Bedford, then to the Oak Hill church.

He and his wife lived in Bedford until 1923 then moved to the present farm, where they resided for 39 years, except 2 years they lived in Omaha.

Fred was always a loving husband and father and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He was very interested in his family, friends, sports, hunting and fishing.

He will be greatly missed.

[SHAFAR, MABEL ALICE PRICE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 26, 1966, p. 4

Final Rites Held For Mabel Shafar

Funeral services for Mrs. Fred (Mabel) Shafar, 66,long time resident of the Gravity vicinity, were held May 20 at Oak Hill Church with Rev. Ivo Randels officiating. Mrs. Shafar died May 17 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Included in the services was the following obituary.

Mabel Alice Shafar, daughter of William H. [enry] and Mary Alice Price, was born near Gravity, Taylor County, Mar. 5, 1900.

She lived with her parents in Taylor County until 1915, when they moved to Indianola, Iowa. There she attended high school and Simpson College.

She was united in marriage to Fred Leslie Shafar August 1, 1920. To this union four children were born: one son, Elvin of Gravity, three daughters, Merolyne (Mrs. Jack Heacock) of Ormond Beach, Florida, Geraldyne (Mrs. Keith Farrens) of Conway, and Elverta (Mrs. Dean Beemer) of Gravity.

There are 12 grandchildren, Jerry and Jaclyne Heacock; James, Rosalyne, Ronnie and Roger Farrens, Connie and Michael Shafar; Pamela, Dennie, Randy and Deana Beemer; one great grandchild, Lisa Annette Farrens.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Grace, and three brothers, Oren, Blair and Raymond.

After her marriage she and her husband lived in Bedford until 1923, then moved to a farm north of Gravity, where they resided for 42 years. After the death of her husband she moved to Gravity.

She was an active member of the Oak Hill Church, a member of the Rebekah Lodge at Bedford and also belonged to the Woman's Study Club at Gravity.

Mabel was a devoted mother and especially fond of her grandchildren. She enjoyed her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

[SHEPHERD, WILLIAM GORDON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 29, 1932

GRAVITY

Former Resident Dies

William G. [ordon] Shepherd, a former resident of Gravity, died at Hartford, Mich., Dec. 19. The body was sent to Gravity for burial, the funeral services being held at the Methodist church Friday.

[SLACK, VIVIAN GREENWAY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 6, 1985

Services for Vivian Slack held in Gravity

Services   for   Vivian Slack, 91, were held May 31 at the Gravity United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. E.M. Tabelisma. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Mrs. Slack died May 28, 1985.

Vivian Slack, oldest daughter of James Greenway and Anna May Gill Greenway was born May 9, 1894   in   Holt   Township, Taylor County.

Vivian lived her entire 91 years in the Gravity area. She married Leslie Slack January 27, 1915 and moved east of Gravity where her daughter Edith May was born. She made her home   there   for   61   years.   After leaving her farm, she moved to Northside Apartments in Bedford where she spent the past nine years. Due   to   arthritis   she   moved   to Bedford Manor April 9.

She was baptized June 23, 1895 at the New Church Gilead by E.H. Curtis and became a member of the Gravity Methodist Church at age 18 and remained faithful to her church.

Besides her daughter, Edith, she is survived by grandson, Kennard Leslie and wife Jill, great grandchildren: Sarah Irene and Clinton James, a brother Jack Greenway and family of Detroit, Michigan, a sister Pauline Buck and family of Dallas, Texas, a   niece   Beulah Moretz    and    family    of    Kent, Washington, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, Orie, son-in-law, Kenneth.

Vivian has been a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and a UMW member. She will be remembered as a woman with strong character who took pride in being able to care for and live in her home until near the end.

[SMITH, FRANCIS D. "FRANK"]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 17, 1946, p. 7

Frank Smith Dies

Frank Smith of Gravity died Monday afternoon, January 7 at his home after several weeksÕ illness. Mr. Smith was employed at the Aken Lumber Co., for a number of years.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Christian church. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

He leaves his wife and three daughters, Mrs. Otho Brown of Corning, Mrs. Dorsey Chaffin of Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Lee Travis of St. Louis, Mo.

[SMITH, MARY JEAN WALLACE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 5, 1959, [p. 1]

Former Gravity Lady Died In Colorado

Mrs. Frank (Mary Jean) Smith, a former resident of Gravity, passed away in Arvada, Colorado, on Monday, January 26.

The body was brought to Bedford by plane and the funeral services were conducted from the Shum Funeral Home, Friday, Jan. 30, by Father Reiss of Lenox. Burial in Washington cemetery at Gravity.

Mrs. Smith is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Veronica Travis and husband, of St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Eunice Brown and husband of Brooks, Mrs. Ariel Chaffin and husband of Arvada, Colorado. There are also five grandchildren.

[STAFFORD, BERTHA MAE FLEMING]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Word has been received of the death of Bertha Stafford 100 yrs. of Mt. Ayr, formerly of Gravity. Services were at the Christian Church in Mt. Ayr, with burial at Washington Cemetery at Gravity.

[STAFFORD, HARRY LAVERNE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 29, 1984

Harry LaVerne Stafford services held

Services for Harry Laverne Stafford, 85, were held November 25 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford. Rev. Roger Charley and Rev.   Carl Holdsworth  officiated.

Burial was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Mr. Stafford died November 22, 1984 at Clearview Nursing Home in Mt. Ayr, Ia.

Harry Stafford, son of Henry and Amanda Edmonds Stafford, was born in Page County near Clarinda, Iowa on August 3, 1899. He lived near Clarinda when he was married to Flossie Faye Schenck in 1917. She died in 1918 and to this union one son, Verne King, was born.

On May 31, 1921 Mr. Stafford was united in marriage to Bertha Mae Fleming at Corning, Iowa and they lived near Gravity, Iowa, where three daughters were born: Lorene Triggs of Mt. Ayr, Ia., Thelma McPherson of Wheaton, Il., and Violet Arlene who died in infancy.

Harry was engaged in farming all of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Frank.

He is survived by his wife, three children; his son Verne and his wife Jennie, Lorene and her husband, Merritt, Thelma and her husband, Alexander. Five grandchildren, Allan Triggs and his wife, Marilyn; Harry McPherson and his wife, Barbara; Brian McPherson and his wife, Yvonne; Donald King and his wife, Jane, and one granddaughter Shirley King and three great grandchildren John and Justin King and John Douglas Triggs, one sister Zella King, and three nieces.

He was a member of the Christian Church in Gravity.

He was a kind and considerate husband, father, grandfather and uncle and will be missed by all who knew and loved him

[STEARNS, RUSSELL MILLER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 9, 1977

Hold Last Rites May 31 for Russell Stearns

Funeral services for Russell Miller Stearns, 72, of Bedford, were held May 31 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Stearns died in his home in Bedford May 29, 1977. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Russell Miller Stearns, son of Alonzo Lewis Stearns and Sarah Elizabeth Miller Stearns, was born at New Market, Iowa, January 10, 1905.

He grew to maturity in Taylor County where he lived on a farm southwest of Bedford.

On January 26, 1926, he was united in marriage to Ruth Burwell, at the Gravity Methodist Church and they lived near Bedford for two years before moving to a farm near Gravity where they lived until they sold the farm and moved to Bedford in 1965 where they have since continued to reside.

He enjoyed the farm - especially raising livestock. Since moving to Bedford his garden and flowers have been of interest and beauty.

One daughter, Evelyn was born to bless this home and to share their love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Ethel McMahill, a brother, Albert, and a brother, Charles, who died in infancy.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ruth of the home; daughter, Evelyn and her husband, Wayne Peterson, of Coin, Iowa; two grandsons, Stephen and his wife, Carol, and Kendall and his wife, Shirley; a granddaughter, Patricia Lea; two great grandchildren; two brothers. Glen and Robert, of Arapahoe, Nebr., a sister, Iva Cunningham of New Market, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

He will be remembered as a kind and considerate husband, father, friend and neighbor and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

[STEPHENS, CECIL GRAVES]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 4, 1983

Last Rites Held July 27 For Cecil Stephens, 89

Funeral services; for Cecil Graves Stephens, 89, of Bedford, were held July 27 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Stephens died in his Bedford home July 25, 1983. Bedford American Legion Post #164 conducted military honors at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Honorary and casket bearers were: Larry Herzberg, Howard E. Stephens, Stephen Turner, John Turner, Edward Herzberg, Cecil Lee Stephens, Dennis Hullinger, James Turner and Marc V.   Stephens.

Cecil Graves Stephens, son of John W. Stephens and Laura A. Workman Stephens, was born at Inman, McPherson County, Kansas, November 9, 1893. His family lived in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri before moving to Iowa where he attended the public school and the Christian Church.

He answered the call of his country during World War I and served with Company 52nd Bn. 163rd Depot Brigade, U. S.   Army.

On December 12, 1920 he was united in marriage to Martha Haidsiak and they lived on farms in Taylor County until they retired and moved to Bedford in 1961 where they have since resided.

To them three children were born:  Frances, Carl and Ruby.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Martha of the home; daughter, Frances, and her husband, Edmond Herzberg, of Coin, Iowa; son, Carl Stephens, and his wife, Lois, of Villisca, Iowa; daughter, Ruby, and her husband William A. Turner of Hopkins, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Brooke; four brothers: Wilson, Howard, Harold and James W. Stephens; other relatives and friends.

His family and friends will remember him as a kind and considerate person and he will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, August 4, 1983

Cecil Stephens funeral held

Funeral services for Cecil G. [raves] Stephens, 89, of Bedford, were held July 27 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Stephens died at his home July 25.

He was born in Inman, Ks, on Nov. 9, 1893, the son of James and Laura Workman Stephens. On Dec. 12, 1920, he was married to Martha Haidsiak, who survives.

Besides his wife of the home, he is survived by three children, Mrs. Ed (Frances) Herzberg of Coin, Carl Stephens of Villisca and Mrs. William (Ruby) Turner of Hopkins, Mo; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters Wilson Stephens of Clearfield, Mrs. Mary Brooke of Northglenn, Co, John Stephens and Harold Stephens of Boulder, Co, and James Stephens of Clarinda.

Burial was in the Washington cemetery at Gravity.

[STEPHENS, MARTHA HAIDSIAK]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, January 13, 1993

MARTHA STEPHENS

Martha Stephens, daughter of Frank and Belle Haidsiak, was born at Yorktown, Iowa on August 27, 1899 and departed this life on January 6, 1993 in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 93 years, four months and 10 days.

She lived in Taylor County, Iowa where she attended Dunning public school and Gilead Methodist Church.

On December 12, 1920 she was united in marriage to Cecil G. Stephens at her father's farm in rural Bedford and they lived in Taylor County, Iowa.

To this union three children were born; Frances Herzberg of Shenandoah, Iowa, Carl Stephens of Villisca, Iowa, and Ruby Turner of Hopkins, Mo.

She was a wife, mother and a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Left to cherish her memory are: her three children, 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bedford, Iowa.

She was a kind and considerate wife and mother and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services were held January 9, 1993 at Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Peters officiating. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

[SWANSON, FLORENCE MAY "FLO" PIERSON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February19, 1970

Mrs. Sol Swanson

Funeral services for Mrs. S. A. (Florence May) Swanson, 90, of   Bedford, were held February 17 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with   Rev.   Darrel Draper      officiating.      Mrs. Swanson died in a nursing home in Corning February 14, 1970.  Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Florence May (Flo), daughter of the late W. [illiam] P. [er] and Fannie E. [lnora] Pierson, was born on   a   farm near Essex, in Page   County, Iowa, April 24, 1879.

In 1881 the Piersons purchased a farm just east of Gravity the year the railroad went through. In 1890 the   family    spent   several months     in     Oregon     but thoughts    of    Iowa   turned them   eastward again.  They finally purchased the farm Talton Hicks now owns and Florence May studied to be a   dressmaker   under   Mrs. Cora Burge in Gravity.

Later when her father became Postmaster she assisted   until   her sister June came   home   from Simpson College   and   relieved   her. Flo then became a photographer and had a good business in Gravity until in 1923 she married S.[olomon] A. [nton] Swanson to become a farmer's' wife.

They farmed in Taylor County until about 1947 and then retired to Bedford where they spent their remaining years.

Flo's husband "Sol" Swanson died very suddenly and was buried on Jan. 26, 1970. She is survived by one sister, June Pierson of Westgate Manor, Corning, Iowa and a nephew, R. R. Reynolds and wife, Viola, of Belleville, Il.

She was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Mrs. Pearl Rice in 1955.

[SWANSON, SOLOMON ANTON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 29, 1970

Sol Swanson, 91, Rites Here Mon.

Funeral services for Solomon Anton Swanson, 91, long time Bedford resident, were held Mon., Jan. 26, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here. Mr. Swanson died January 24, 1970 at Court Street Rest Home in Bedford. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Solomon Anton Swanson was born in Sweden October 10, 1878.

He is survived by his wife, nee Florence Pierson, of Gravity, Iowa; a sister, Mrs. J. W. Quick of Halsted, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews residing in Kansas, Washington and Illinois.

Mr. Swanson farmed for many years in Taylor County and has been in semi-retirement in Bedford for the past 20 years during which time he served as part time fence building specialist, cattle dehorner and blacksmith to the nearby farming community

[TRASTER, BLANCHE GWENDOLYN WEATHERLY]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 18, 1992

BLANCHE TRASTER

Blanche Weatherly Traster died February 13, 1992 after a long illness. She was buried at Gravity, Iowa.

Blanche Weatherly Traster was born in Bedford, Iowa June 14, 1918 to Frank and Feme Weatherly.

She was a schoolteacher in Taylor County and lived in Hopkins [and] Maryville, Mo. until 1958.

She is survived by one son, James F. [ranklin] Traster of the home; one grandson of Seattle, Wash.

[TRASTER, BLANCHE GWENDOLYN WEATHERLY]

Hopkins Journal, March 11, 1991

Blanche G. Traster

Word has been received of the death of Blanche G. Traster. Mrs. Traster passed away after a long illness, at Heartland East Hospital in St. Joseph.       

She was born on June 14,1918 in Bedford, Iowa and was a rural schoolteacher until 1958. She then lived in Hopkins and Maryville.

She was preceded in death by her husband [Douglas] James Traster and is survived by one son James of the home, and one grandson in Seattle, Washington.

Burial was in Gravity, Iowa.

[TRASTER, BLANCHE GWENDOLYN WEATHERLY

Maryville Daily Forum, Monday, March 10, 1992

Blanche Traster

Blanche G. Traster, 73, St. Joseph, died Thursday, Feb. 13, 1992.

Born June 14, 1918 in Bedford, Iowa to Frank and Ferne Weatherly Traster, she taught school in Taylor County, Iowa.

She lived in Hopkins and Maryville until 1958 then moved to Glenwood, Iowa. She then moved to Kansas City in 1962, and to St. Joseph in 1969.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

 Survivors include one son, James Traster and one grandson.

Burial was in Gravity, Iowa.

[WALKER, DOROTHY BECKETT]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, June 12, 1996

Dorothy Walker

Services for Dorothy (Beckett) Walker were held on Wednesday, June 5, 1996 at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Evans officiating. Interment was at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa.

Dorothy (Beckett) Walker, daughter of George and Grace (Ginn) Beckett, was born at Gooding, Idaho on April 22, 1922. When she was six years old, she moved with her parents to a farm southwest of Gravity. She was a 1939 graduate of the Gravity High School.

After graduation from high school, Dorothy worked as an employee of the Taylor County Ration Board. Later, she worked as a secretary for thirty-seven years in the Taylor County Social Service office retiring in July of 1984. On February 15,1948 Dorothy married Lewis Walker at her parents' home east of Gravity.

 Dorothy passed away at Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa on June 2, 1996 at the age of 74 years and 41 days. She was a member of the Bedford Lioness Club and the Bedford United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Robert Beckett and George Beckett. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Lewis of Bedford; one sister, Martha Mendenhall of Bedford; one brother, Richard Beckett of Villisca, Iowa; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was a kind and loving person and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

[WALKER, LEWIS O.]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, May 6, 1998

Lewis O. Walker

Funeral services for Lewis O. Walker, age 81, of Bedford who died at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center on Saturday, April 25, 1998 were held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford on Wednesday, April 29, 1998 at 11:00 a. m. with Rev. Paul Evans officiating. Burial with military rites accorded by the Moore Rutledge American Legion Post #578 was in the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Lewis O. Walker was born to Ray and Nellie Philips Walker on April 2, 1917 in Gravity, Iowa. Growing up he attended the Gravity Community School graduating in 1936. In October of 1941 he answered the call to serve his country after being drafted in the United States Army. Over the next four years Lewis would serve in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. On February 15, 1948 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Beckett in Gravity. He and Dorothy had been life long Taylor County residents. On June 2, 1996 Dorothy died of cancer. Since that time Lewis put his heart and soul into the Taylor County Round Barn project. He was always willing to help out with neighborhood projects, and just really loved being part of the Bedford Community. Lewis was a life long member of the United Methodist Church, the Bedford Lions Club and A.F. & A.M. Taylor Masonic Lodge # 156. He was also a fifty-year member of the Moore Rutledge American Legion Post #578.

Survivors include two sisters, Leoma Beckett of Omaha, Nebraska and Gwen and husband Pete Stogdill of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three nieces, Barbara Collier of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Janet Stogdill of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Lynell Boberg of Las Cruces, New Mexico; four nephews, Dennis Walker of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Greg Beckett of Villisca, Jeff Beckett of Omaha, Nebraska and Gary Lee Beckett of Des Moines; and a special friend, Mary Ellen Norton of Clarinda, along with many, many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Nellie; his loving wife Dorothy on June 2, 1996; one brother, Waite Walker; two sisters, Darlene Johnson and an infant sister; and one nephew, Randy Stogdill.

[YOUNG, MARK RAY]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, January 8, 1992

MARK RAY YOUNG

Mark Ray Young, oldest child of Thomas and Miranda Jane Young, was born January 12, 1897 on a farm near Sharpsburg, Iowa and departed this life December 28, 1991 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, at the age of 94 years, 11 months, and 16 days.

When he was about two months old he moved with his parents to a farm northwest of Gravity, Iowa where he lived most of the rest of his life. He was later joined by a brother, Lyle, and sister, Helen. He attended school at Holt  #8 where he graduated from eighth grade in 1912. He and his family were some of the first members of Oak Hill Church when it was built in 1909. After graduating from school, he engaged in farming with his father.

On October 25, 1922 he was united in marriage to Carrie Jane Richardson. Five children were born to them, Orville Glen, who passed away when 12 days old, Helen Mae, Frances Jane, William Lyle, and Carolyn Janice.

Mark was active in his church where he, at various times, served as secretary of the Sunday school, Sunday school teacher, and Sunday school superintendent. He also served as secretary of Holt #8 school district for a number of years and at one time was clerk of Holt Township.

For the past several years, he has been a resident of a nursing home in Des Moines.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother and sister, his wife, a son, and two granddaughters.

Survivors are four children, Helen Mae Burright and husband Wayne, Frances Young, Bill Young and his wife Harriet, and Carolyn Bennett; six grandchildren, Warren Burright and his wife Pam, Dennis Burright and his wife Terri, Marvin Bennett and his wife Linda, David Young and his wife Kathy, Brenda Young Lindsay and her husband Doug, Annette Young Koenig and her husband Mike; four great grandchildren, Catherine and Christine Burright, Aaron and Anthony Bennett; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral service was held December 31,1991 at the Gravity Christian Church with Rev. Carl   Holdsworth   and   Mike Hardee officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.