Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[AKERS, ATHA UVON CUNNING] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 2, 1986, p. 4 Last rites held for Atha Akers Services for Atha Uvon Akers, 73, were held December 21 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Loren Daley. Interment was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Ia. Mrs. Akers died Dec. 18, 1985 at Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Ia. Atha Uvon Akers was born on August 21, 1912 at New Market, Iowa. She was the daughter of Irvin S. and Carrie Raynor Cunning. Atha grew to maturity in the New Market vicinity. She was united in marriage to Darrell Akers in September, 1930. They shared their lives on a farm near Gravity, Iowa until illness forced them to move to Clarinda, Iowa where they lived in their new home for a short time and then moved into the Bethesda Care Center. Atha was a long time member of the Gravity Christian Church. Those left to cherish her memory include seven children---Mrs. Bob Barker (Wylene) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mrs. Lewis McColm (Dwylah) of Ludlow, Mo.; Corwan and his wife Virginia of Nevada, Mo.; Mrs. Bill Burns (Donna) of Bedford, Iowa; Mrs. Melvin Withington (Loris Karen) of Bedford, Iowa; Mrs. Eddie Johnson (Patricia) of Red Oak, Iowa; and Dennis and his wife Kathy of Clarinda, Iowa. Also surviving are two brothers, Frank Cunning of Hopkins, Minnesota and Ivan Cunning of St. Joseph, Mo.; 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Darrell, a son Roland, a daughter Phyllis, twin great grandsons, David and Dereck Underwood; one brother, Melvin Cunning; and a sister, Mildred Houston. Other relatives and friends will also miss her. Atha will be remembered by her love for cooking and caring for flowers. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 17, 1985, p. 6 Darrell Ray Akers services held Services for Darrell Ray Akers, 72, were held January 10 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Carl Cummings and Rev. Roger Charley officiating. Interment was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Mr. Akers died Jan. 7, 1985. Darrell Ray Akers, son of Otto Ray Akers and Rilla Anne Pfander Akers, was born March 2, 1912 at Gravity in Taylor County Iowa. He grew to maturity in the Gravity community where he attended the public school and the Christian Church. On September 25, 1930 he was united in marriage to Atha Uvon Cunning at Maryville, Missouri and they lived on the farm near Gravity all of their active years until ill health caused retirement and they moved to Clarinda, Iowa where they have since resided. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Eunice Akers, who gave him a motherÕs love and care; a son, Roland Theryl, and a daughter, Phyllis Kay. Those surviving to honor his memory are his wife Atha of Clarinda, Iowa; children are: Wylene, Mrs. Bob Barker of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dwylah, Mrs. Lewis McColm of Ludlow, Missouri; Corwan and his wife Virginia of Nevada, Missouri; Donna, Mrs. Bill Burns of Bedford, Iowa; Loris Karen, Mrs. Melvin Withington of Bedford, Iowa; Patricia, Mrs. Eddie Johnson of Red Oak, Iowa; Dennis and his wife Kathy of Clarinda, Iowa; four sisters: Mrs. Dorothy Crowe of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mrs. Lavelle Werner of Waxahachie, Texas; Mrs. Lois Whelan of Watson, Missouri; Youvaun, Mrs. Fred Fine of Bedford, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was a member of the Christian Church, Gravity, Iowa; and Taylor Lodge No. 156 A. F. & A. M., Bedford, Iowa. His family and friends will remember him as a kind and considerate person and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 2, 1969, p. 5 Merle Akers, 59, Rites Sept. 26 Funeral services for Merle Darus [Darius] Akers, 59, of Gravity were held September 26 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford conducted by Rev. Ross Keyt. Mr. Akers died September 24, 1969 in Gravity. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Merle Darus [Darius] Akers was born November 1, 1909 at Gravity, Iowa, the son of Neal and Elsie Piper Akers. He lived most of his life in Taylor County. He was married September 3, 1930 at New Market, Iowa to Goldie Oziah. To this union five children were born. Mr. Akers was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie, February 1, 1965; also by his parents and two grandchildren. He is survived by three sons, Lloyd of Bedford, Duane of Stanton and Junior of Omaha, Nebraska; two daughters, Darlene Armstrong of Carbon and Deloris Williams of Nodaway; one sister, and nine grandchildren. He lived the last four years in the home of Wilma Harland, where he passed away September 24. Merle was a loving father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 12, 1938, p. 2 Obituary – Phyllis Kay Akers Phyllis Kay Akers was born March 11, 1938 and died May 7 at the Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph, at the age of one month and twenty-eight days. She leaves to mourn her loss her mother, father, three sisters, Wylene, Dwylah Jean, Donna Rae and one brother, Corwan. She had one brother who preceded her in death in 1933 at the age of sixteen months. She also leaves four grandparents and six great grandparents. Phyllis Kay lived in her home only a few short days but will long be remembered by her sweet smile and pleasant disposition. The funeral services were held at the Christian Church, Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck of Bedford. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 17, 1914 GRAVITY The funeral services of Mrs. Ray Akers were held at the Christian church Wednesday, conducted by Rev. I E. Wade. Interment at Gravity cemetery. Clarinda Herald Journal, August 16, 2000 Avis Alexander Funeral services for Avis Alexander, age 95, of Gravity, who died Thursday, August 9, 2000 at the Montgomery County Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa, were held Saturday, August 12, at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor John Clark officiating. Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be directed to the Stanton Care Center. Avis Alexander was born October 27, 1904 in Mount Ayr, Iowa, the daughter of Russell H. [enry] Morey and [Hattie] Belle Smith Morey. Avis grew up in the Clearfield area graduating from the Clearfield High School in 1924; she then attended one year of Teacher College in Shenandoah. Avis taught school for a couple of years at a country school outside of Clearfield, returning home to help care for her family. On December 6, 1935 she was united in marriage to Malvern Alexander in Clearfield. After their marriage Avis and Malvern lived on a farm five miles northwest of Gravity. She moved into Gravity after her husband's death in 1973, living there until 1996 when she moved to the Stanton Care Facility. Avis was a very active member of the Gravity Christian Church and was involved in various church circles and local clubs, including the P.T.A. She was a well-known supporter of her children's activities as they were growing up. She also enjoyed gardening, quilting, sewing, and canning the produce from her garden. Avis was an excellent baker who baked bread every other day! The couple enjoyed their life on the farm and she was known as a "true farmer's wife" to others. In 1947 when her husband and several of their children had polio, she ran the family farm while they were in the hospital. Avis is survived by her four sons, Fred Alexander and wife Diane of Etowah, Tenn; Roger Alexander and wife Norma Jean of Haiti; Willis Alexander and wife Joyce of Colorado Springs, Colo; and Lyle Alexander and wife Judy of Gravity; two daughters, Carol Lee and husband Martin of Clive, Ia; and Lois Pratt and husband Tom of Red Oak, Ia; twenty-eight grandchildren and fifty-three great grandchildren. Preceding Avis in death are her husband Malvern in 1973; her parents Russell and Belle; a son Charles; four brothers, Harry, Gene, Dwight, and Russell Morey; and a sister, Bernice Beatty. [ALEXANDER, KATHRYN EMILY WENZEL] Clarinda Herald-Journal, Monday, April 16, 1934, p. 6 Gravity (Special)---Mrs. Katherine Alexander, wife of Malvern Alexander took her life Friday morning by shooting herself. Two baby boys are left motherless and a home thus broken up. She was a Dakota girl; her parents are now living there. Malvern is the eldest son of Chas. [and] Jennie Alexander, former Page County residents. [AMBROSE, ELMER CLEO, 1892-1947] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 16, 1947, [p. 1] Doctor Dies In The Ozarks Dr. E. [lmer] C. [leo] Ambrose, 55, Trenton, Mo., physician, died at a cabin on Washburn Point on the Lake of the Ozarks Tuesday night. He left Trenton a week ago on a hunting and fishing trip to the Ozarks. Doctor Ambrose was born in Gravity. He attended the public schools there and taught school in Taylor County before beginning the study of medicine in September 1913. He was graduated from the National University of Arts and Science at St. Louis in February 1918. He served as an intern at the Missouri Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph from the time of his graduation until May, when he entered the army. He served as a medical officer at the medical detention infirmary at Camp Greenleaf, Chickamauga Park, Ga., and was discharged in February as a first lieutenant. He became associated in St. Joseph with Dr. L. R. Forgrave, where he remained until September 1927, when he went to the University of Vienna in Austria to begin special medical studies. He returned to the United States in the spring of 1928 and began his practice at Trenton. He is survived by his wife Mrs. Carma June Merrick Ambrose, whom he married May 9, 1918, in St. Joseph. Funeral services were conducted in the First Christian Church in Trenton, Mo., this Thursday afternoon. Burial will be at Gravity Friday afternoon. Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, February 11, 1954, p. 3 Mrs A C Bedell, Mother of Mrs Ed Henneman, Died Monday Mrs A [rthur] C [yrus] Bedell, 82, of Gravity, mother of Mrs Ed Henneman of Clarinda, died in Clarinda, Feb 8. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Gravity on Wednesday, Feb 10. Burial was at Gravity. Mrs Bedell had been in ill health for over a year. She is survived by her husband, daughter, two sons, Arthur and Clarence of Fullerton, Calif.; four sisters and two brothers: Mrs Frank Downing and Mrs Alfred Hansen of Gravity, Mrs Winnie Hootman of Braddyville, Mrs Cleo Melton of Burlington, Iowa, Lewis Wire of Cantril, Iowa, and Ellis Wire of Sioux City. Clarinda Herald, Monday, September 7, 1925, p. 5 Mrs. Ellen Bell Funeral services for Mrs. Ellen Bell were held Friday afternoon from the Methodist Church in Clarinda, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Alfred T. Bishop D. D., a large number of people being present, friends of the family and neighbors of Elzie Bell at whose home she passed. Music at the funeral services was furnished by Mrs. Sam Pitman and Mrs. Ona Scroggs, with Mrs. Hoskinson at the organ, appropriate selections being sung. The procession then went to Gravity, the former residence, where the remains were laid to rest beside the grave of her late husband. The following obituary was read at the services: Ellen Abernathy, daughter of Elizabeth and Kellum Abernathy was born in Putnam County, Missouri, June 25, 1856 and departed this life at the home of her son, Elza Bell, near Clarinda Sept. 2, 1925 at the age of 70 years, 2 months and 8 days. She has often expressed during her last days of illness that she was ready and willing to go and often said it isnÕt hard to die. Her mother died while she was quite young leaving her father with quite a large family. She moved with her father to Shelby County, Iowa. Her sister took her then raising her till she was married. She was united in marriage to Geo. H. Bell in 1874 and to this union 4 children were born, Mrs. C. Pitman of North Platte, Nebr., Mrs. G. O. Hidy of Gravity, Ia., Elza Bell of near Clarinda, Ia. and Ira M. Bell of Rea, Mo. The family lived in Shelby Co. until 1891 when they moved to Page Co., afterward moving to Taylor Co., where her husband died in 1916, later making her home with her son Elza where she died. She was converted to the Methodist church when she was 15 years old, living a devoted Christian life to the last. She leaves to mourn her loss 2 sisters, 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and a host of friends and relatives. Grandma Bell as every one called her was an affectioned and devoted mother and was loved by all who knew her. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 28, 1918, p. 5 W. G. Blair Passes Away Following a long illness, Wm. G. Blair passed away at his home northeast of Gravity, Sunday morning about 9:30. The deceased was the son of William and Elizabeth Blair, and was born in Illinois April 2, 1844. He came to Taylor County in an early day and was one of the pioneer farmers of the county. The funeral was held in the Methodist church at Sharpsburg conducted by Rev. Rhoades of Corning, and the body was brought here for interment. ---Gravity Independent [BLAIR, WILLIAM GREGORY] North Taylor Review, (Sharpsburg, Iowa) Thursday, February 28, 1918, [p. 1] Obituary – William Gregory Blair was born April 2, 1844, in Knox County, Ill., and died Sunday, Feb. 17, at his home north west of Sharpsburg, of leakage of the heart and dropsy, after an illness of some sixteen months. His parents were William and Elizabeth Blair, natives of Nova Scotia, afterwards moving to Illinois where the deceased was born. He was a resident of Illinois for some years, moving to Kansas, and 35 years ago came to Taylor County, where he had since resided. On March 3, 1887, he was united in marriage to Amanda Hanna. To this union were born the following children: Mrs. Maud Welch, Lenox; Mrs. Blanche Andrews, Plattsmouth, Nebr.; Wilbur, Robert, Walter, Charles and Opal, all at home. One brother, Wilbur Blair, of DeWitt, Iowa, still survives him. He was an old soldier and a member of the G. A. R. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church and interment at Gravity cemetery. Mr. Blair was among the best known of the local farmers and had a wide circle of friends, who join with the family in their sorrow. [BLAIR, WILLIAM GREGORY] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, May 1, 1913, [p. 1] Gravity Man Dies From Blow Administered by Town Marshall Ed Brand of Gravity is dead, as a result of a blow from a billy in the hands of Marshall Henry Knott of Gravity. Marshall Knott is in jail in Bedford, but will probably be released before night upon bail in the sum of $2,000, fixed by Justice of the Peace M. A. Sawyer. The officer waived the preliminary examination upon the charge of manslaughter. The blow from which Brand died was administered about 6 oÕclock Tuesday evening, when the marshal was trying to take Brand into custody. . . . [BRAND, EDWARD "ED"] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 14, 1935, [p. 1] Mrs. Ed Brand Dies Mrs. Ed Brand, 61, former resident of Gravity, died at her home in Omaha Friday. Burial was made Monday in the Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 12, 1941, [p. 1] Jay Brown, Gravity, Dies Last Sunday Jay Brown, a resident of Taylor County his entire life, died at the Armstrong home in Bedford, Sunday, June 8 at the age of 75 years. The funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Gravity Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Ben W. Sinderson. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Jay Brown was born in Taylor County, May 31, 1866. He spent his entire life here, being first a farmer and later a business man in Gravity. He was a familiar figure on the street, followed by his faithful dog. He was married Jan. 27, 1896 to Miss Minnie Baker. They had no children. Mrs. Brown died earlier this year. He is survived by two sisters and a brother, Mrs. Meda Stincel, Mrs. Neva Sparks and Clark Brown, all of Buffalo, Wyo.; a sister-in-law, Mrs. W. C. Aid of Shenandoah; and by two cousins, Mrs. Louisa Perry of Gravity and Stillman Aid of New Market. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 30, 1941, p. 3 Obituary – Mrs. Jay Brown Minnie Mae Baker, daughter of Taylor and Martha Baker, was born at Conway, Iowa, Feb. 2, 1877 and after a lingering illness died at her home in Gravity, Jan. 22 at the age of 63 years, 11 months and 20 days. All of her life was spent in Iowa with the exception of five years in Missouri. She was married at Bedford Jan. 27, 1896 to Jay Brown and they have made their home in and around Gravity since. She became a member of the Christian church at the age of 26 years. Through all her long illness she was very patient and kind to all those who assisted in caring for her. She is survived by her husband; one sister, Mrs. Sarah Aid of Shenandoah; a half-brother, Albert Baker of Lineville, Iowa; a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral services were held at the Church of Christ in Gravity Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ben Sinderson. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 16, 1961, p. 4 Mrs. Alma Bush, 75, Rites at Guss Monday Mrs. Alma Bush, 75, passed away Friday evening at Municipal hospital in Clarinda, where she had been hospitalized seven days. Mrs. BushÕs home is at Gravity, but for the past five months she has been staying with her daughter, Mrs. Howard Hoffman, at their farm home southwest of Clarinda. Mrs. Bush was born Feb. 22, 1885 in Taylor County, Iowa, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rubin Stroud. She spent her entire life in the Gravity area. She was a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Bush was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Bush and one son, Floyd Bush. Survivors include two sons and their families: Walter Bush of Gravity; Glen Bush of Meisenheimer, North Carolina; two daughters and their families, Mrs. Harry (Lulu) Grant of York, Nebr., Mrs. Howard (Elnora) Hoffman of Clarinda. There are 16 grandchildren and one great grandson. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p. m. Monday at the Guss Methodist church. Rev. Frank Greenwood and Rev. Clarence Moore officiated. Interment in the Guss cemetery. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 24, 1955, [p. 1] Floyd E. Bush, 49, Dies At Corning Floyd E. Bush died Friday, March 18, at his home south of Corning. Last rites were held Monday, March 21 at 2 p. m. from the Roland Funeral Home in Corning, Rev. Clement Rowe in charge, and burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Floyd Edward Bush, son of Frank and Alma Bush, was born at Guss on December 9, 1905. He continued to reside in the Guss community until the family moved to Clearfield in 1925. While living at Guss he united with the Maple Grove church. On May 20, 1931 he was united in marriage to Alyene Posten of Gravity. To this union a son, Eddy Joe, was born. From 1937 to 1944 he was employed by Fairbanks-Morse Co., as an electrician. In 1944 he returned to this vicinity where he began farming. In 1948 the family moved to their present residence near Corning where they have farmed and for the past 6 years he was also employed [words unreadable] in the Corning school system. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife and son; his mother and father; two brothers, Walter of Gravity and Glenn of Carlisle; two sisters, Lula Grant of Columbus, Nebr., and Elnora Hoffman of Bedford; many other relatives and a host of friends. [BUSH, FLOYD EDWARD] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 31, 1955, p. 5 GRAVITY Mr. and Mrs. Harry Grant and daughter left Tuesday afternoon for their home at Columbus, Nebr., being called here by the death of her brother, Floyd Bush. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 10, 1977 Last Rites Held For William W. Chandler Funeral services for William W. Chandler of Santa Ana, Calif., were held November 2. Mr. Chandler died in his home October 30. William W. Chandler was born June 7, 1895 in Gravity, where he lived the early part of his life. He was graduated from Bedford High School in 1913. He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Posten, also a native of Gravity; two daughters, Jeanne Mohrman of Wilmette, Ill., and Mary Gibson of Newbury Park, Calif.; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 17, 1985, p. 6 Last rites held for Jessie Mae Churchill Services for Jessie Mae Churchill, 81, were held January 12 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Ross Keyt officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Mrs. Churchill died January 9, 1985 at Bedford Manor, Bedford, Iowa. Jessie Mae Typton Churchill was born August 1, 1903 at New Market, Iowa, the daughter of Elizabeth Jane Baker Typton and Byron Typton. She grew to maturity in New Market, where she attended the public school and the Methodist Church. On May 21, 1919 she was united in marriage to Elmer O. Churchill at Clarinda, Iowa, and they lived in the Gravity area. To this union five children were born: Doyle, Bobby, Max, Delores, Arlene. Her husband Elmer preceded her in death in 1957. Also preceding her in death were her parents, three brothers, a son Doyle E. Churchill, and a grandson Craig A. Eyre. She is survived by two sons Bobby D. Churchill of Gravity and Max K. Churchill of Elizabethton, Tenn.; two daughters Delores L. Barton of Fremont, Nebr. and Arlene M. Conaway of Council Bluffs, Ia.; 19 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and one sister Helen Wolfe of Shenandoah, Iowa. She was a member of the Methodist Church and a former member of Rebecca Lodge. She was a kind and considerate mother, grandmother, and friend, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. [Note: Errors in the above obituary. The correct name for Jessie Mae Typton Churchill Is Jessie May Baker Churchill, not Typton as stated in the obituary. The correct names of her parents are Elizabeth Jane Sowles and Bryant Tipton Baker, and not the names given in the obituary. Source : Jessie May Baker's christening and marriage records.] [CREE, FLOSSIE AGNES "FLOY" CROUCH] North Taylor Review (Sharpsburg, Iowa), Thursday, December 26, 1918, [p. 1] Mrs. Art Cree Dead Dies Tuesday of Influenza at Her Home Mrs. Flossie Cree, wife of Art Cree, one of our prosperous young farmers, died Tuesday afternoon at 2 p. m., of influenza followed by pneumonia, in spite of all the medical attention and care that could be obtained. Mrs. Cree was the daughter of Jas. Crouch, one of the prominent old families of the Blue Grove Community, and was among the best known and liked of the younger folks of this community, and her death comes a shock to all. This is the third death from the influenza epidemic in this community. Mrs. Cree was a member of the Methodist church of Sharpsburg and had been an earnest Christian all her life, taking an active interest in the work of the church and Sunday school. The funeral was held Thursday morning at 11 a. m., in the yard at the home, and interment was at Gravity cemetery. Rev. Shaw of Blue Grove and Rev. Anderson of this city conducted the services. The obituary will be given next week. [CREE, FLOSSIE AGNES "FLOY" CROUCH] North Taylor Review (Sharpsburg, Iowa), Thursday, January 2, 1919, [p. 1] Obituary – Flossie Agnes Crouch, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Crouch, was born Feb. 21, 1895, at Cambridge, Ill., and died Dec. 24, 1918 of influenza and pneumonia. She moved to Iowa with her parents at the age of about 4 years. She united with the Christian church at Blue Grove at the age of 13 and remained a true Christian, joining the M. E. church at Sharpsburg after marriage. She leaves besides her husband, her father, mother, three sisters and two brothers, and other relatives and a host of friends to mourn her loss. Clarinda Herald, Thursday, December 14, 1911, p. 4 Mary E. Piper Cree Mrs. Mary E. [lizabeth] Cree was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, July 26, 1834, and moved with her parents to Illinois in March, 1857. On February 20, 1862, she was married to Robert Cree. To this union were born five children, two having died in infancy. She leaves three children to mourn their loss, though they mourn not as those who have no hope. They are Mrs. W. W. Kirby, of Sutherland, Nebr., Mrs. W. H. Pfander and Mr. D. [aniel] R. Cree, of Sharpsburg. Three brothers two of whom, Benjamin and Ezekiel, were present at the funeral, and three sisters, one of whom, Mrs. Wm. Rush, of St. Joseph, was present. She also leaves eighteen grandchildren and a host of friends to mourn their loss. At the age of 16 she united with the United Brethren church of which she was a faithful member until her death, which occurred on November 25th, 1911, she being 77 years, 3 months and 29 days old. The funeral was conducted by Rev. J. A. Mitchell, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Union township, Plymouth County, who was for several years her pastor here and at Clarinda. Services were held at Gravity M. E. church Wednesday, November 29, and interment was at Gravity cemetery. The Review joins with the many friends of the family in extending their sympathy to the bereaved relatives in this their hour of trouble. ---Sharpsburg Review.
[ERVIN, MAUDE ALICE FLEMING POSTEN] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 27, 1965, p. 5 Maude P. Ervin Rites May 18 Funeral services for Mrs. Maude P. Ervin, 79, lifetime Gravity resident, were held May 18 at the Methodist Church in Gravity with Rev. James Sheckler officiating. Mrs. Ervin died in the Olson Nursing Home in Creston May 15. Interment was at the Gravity cemetery. She was born Maude Fleming in Page County on April 10, 1886, daughter in the Frank Fleming home. She was married to George Posten in 1906, his death occurring in 1930. She was married to R. D. Ervin in 1939 and he died in 1957. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Floyd (Alyene) Bush of Lenox; two sons, Carrol Posten of Davenport and Lyle Posten of Creston; five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; and a brother, Dean Fleming of Gravity. [ERVIN, MAUDE ALICE FLEMING POSTEN] Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, May 27, 1965, p. 2 Gravity, May 23---Funeral services for Mrs. Maud Erven [Ervin] were held at the Methodist Church here Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. James Scheckler was in charge. Pianist was Garland Fickess and soloist was Shirley Rainforth. Burial was in Gravity cemetery. She was a resident of Gravity but had lived at a nursing home in Creston for several months. She leaves two sons, Carroll Posten of Davenport and Lyle Posten of Creston; a daughter, Mrs Alyene Bush of Creston; a brother Dean Fleming of Gravity and a number of other relatives. [FLEMING, BERTHA FERN "BERT" HERRING] Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, September 22, 1969, [p. 1] Burial of Mrs Dean Fleming was at Gravity Thursday Mrs Dean Fleming of Gravity died Tuesday after being in the Corning hospital where she had been under care for two weeks. Her illness has been extended over several months. She is survived by her husband. She was formerly Bertha Harrington [Herring] of Corning. The couple had lived at New Market a short time about a year ago. They had observed their 50th wedding anniversary last Feb 15, an observance at New Market Church of Christ honoring them. The services were held at Gravity on Thursday. [FLEMING, BERTHA FERN "BERT" HERRING] Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, September 22, 1969, p. 11 Gravity, Sept 22—Funeral services were at the Christian Church here Thursday afternoon for Mrs. Dean (Bert) Fleming, 71, who died Monday at the Colonial Manor home in Bedford. The Rev. Glen Mitchell a close friend of the family from Cheyenne, Wyo, was in charge. Pianist was Mrs Gladys Combs and soloists Gail and Gary Portenier. Pallbearers were Robert Babcock, Lester Posten, Neil Combs, Tommy Moore, Horace Nickel, Lyle Majors. Burial was at Washington Cemetery at Gravity. [FLEMING, BERTHA FERN "BERT" HERRING] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, September 25, 1969, p. 3 Bertha Fleming Rites Sept. 18 Funeral services for Mrs. Dean (Bertha) Fleming, 71, of Gravity, held September 18 at the Gravity Christian Church, were conducted by Pastor Glen Mitchell and Pastor Loren Daly. Mrs. Fleming died September 16, 1969 at Pearl Terrace Manor in Bedford after several years of ill health. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Bertha Fern Herring was born the sixth child in a family of nine children to Douglas and Rhoda Herring on July 12, 1898 on a farm near Corning. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and four brothers. Surviving are her husband, Dean; one son, Dick Rainforth, and wife, Shirley, of Gravity; four grandchildren, Jim, Doug, Andy and Richard Rainforth; one sister, Lois, and her husband, Harry, of Corning; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Bert, as she was known by her friends and family, was united in marriage on February 15, 1919, to Dean Fleming with whom she celebrated her Golden Wedding Anniversary of this year. In the spring of 1929 Bert and Dean took Dean's sister's baby son, Gordon Richard Rainforth, to rear as their own, and legally adopted him in 1959, fulfilling a long awaited desire to call him their son. On Dec. 7, 1965, Bert, along with Dean, was baptized into her Lord, and placed her membership with the Gravity Church of Christ, drawing much comfort from her brothers and sisters in Christ. Bert spent her life in caring for her home and family and found many of her greatest joys in the company of her grandchildren who have a storehouse of memories of their Grandma Bert. [FLEMING, FRANKLIN BENJAMIN "FRANK"] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 22, 1946, p. 3 Obituary – Frank Fleming Frank B. [enjamin] Fleming, son of Thomas and Jane Fleming, was born in Page County, September 15, 1862 and died at Bedford, Saturday, August 17, 1946, at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 2 days. On February 8, 1883 he was married to Mary Elizabeth Garrison, who preceded him in death on February 22, 1937. To them five children were born: Nellie Mahaffy [Mahaffey] of Sterling, Colorado, Maude Posten Ervin of Corning, George Fleming and Dean Fleming of Gravity and Hattie Rainforth, who died March 21, 1929. Mr Fleming lived on a farm near Gravity during all of his active years, except from 1924 to 1928 when he served as Taylor County Clerk of the Courts. He was a member of the Methodist Church and of the Modern Woodman Lodge. Besides his children he leaves nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. The funeral services was held at the Shum Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. W. Proctor. Burial was in the Gravity Cemetery. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 13, 1956, [p. 1] George M. Fleming Of Gravity Dies George M. [ilton] Fleming, 68, a longtime resident of the gravity community, died Sunday night, December 9, at Municipal hospital, Clarinda, where he had been a patient several weeks. Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home in Bedford Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Waunita McConnell of Clarinda. Burial in Washington cemetery at Gravity. He is survived by two sisters and a brother: Mrs. Maude Irvin [Ervin] of Clarinda, Mrs. Nellie Mahaffey of Akron, Colo., and Dean Fleming of Gravity. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 15, 1984 Paul Fleming, 84 Last Rites Held March 6 Funeral services for Paul Fleming, 84, of Bedford, formerly of Gravity, held March 9 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, were conducted by Pastor Roger Charley. Mr. Fleming died March 6, 1984 in Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Ia. Paul Fleming, son of Archie and Elizabeth Nixon Fleming, was born on January 24, 1900 at Gravity, Iowa. He departed this life at Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa' on March 6, 1984 at the age of 84 years one month and 11 days. He lived on a farm with his parents and taught in a rural school in Taylor County after graduation from Bedford High School in 1918. Later he went to Iowa State, University for one year. He was a member of the Gravity Christian Church. For several years he lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He worked at the Albuquerque Country Club. Then he moved to Cannon City, Colorado, where he was employed as a repairman of small machines. In 1978 he suffered a stroke and was brought by his sister and nieces to the Bedford Manor. Last spring he was transferred to Clearview Nursing Home in Mt. Ayr. He loved reading and studying. He was also fond of small children. Those left to remember him are his sister, Bertha Stafford; two nieces: Lorene Triggs and Thelma McPherson and their husbands; three great nephews, Harry McPherson, Brian McPherson, and Allan Triggs; two aunts; Ruth Boltinghouse, Isabel Nixon; an uncle Bill Nixon and wife Edith; other relatives and friends. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, January 31, 1907, p. 8 At Rest Phletha [Philetha] Fouts (nee Leaming) was born in Indiana, Oct. 2, 1823 and passed peacefully from earth, January 16, 1907 at the ripe age of 83 yrs., 3 mos., and 14 days. She was united in marriage to Mr. E. [ri] W. [right] Fouts, April 10, 1842. To this union were born 10 children; the father and five children have preceded her into the realm of the hereafter. Sister Fouts was converted to God at the early age of 16 years and united with the M. E. church and lived a devoted life, until her work on earth was done. Two of her sons were soldiers in the civil war, one of them being killed in battle. The five surviving children are as follows: Asbury Fouts, Salina, Kans., Louisa McMinn, Tingly, Iowa, Esther Rutledge, Alva, Okla., Smith Fouts and Mrs. Mary Menhoer [Menoher] of Salina, Kans. Sister Fouts was a resident of Taylor County for 50 years. She was a charter member of the M. E. church of Gravity, also of Bedford M. E. church. About 3 months ago she took sick, being stricken with paralysis; she was patient and cheerful in all her suffering. Before she fell asleep she requested that her favorite song be sung at her funeral "Am I a soldier of the cross" and that the beautiful words in John's Gospel 14:2 be read as her funeral text, "In my Father's House are many Mansions." Five sons and daughters, a number of grandchildren, many friends and acquaintances mourn the going away of this splendid Christian mother and servant of God. "Servant of God well done Funeral services were held in 1st M. E. church of Gravity, Iowa, Saturday, January 19th at 10 a. m. by Rev. J. H. Freedline, assisted by Revs. Dunlavy and Sellards. Interment in Gravity cemetery. J. H. Freedline Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 25, 1978, p. 7 Charles Grayson Last Rites Were Held May 10 Funeral services for Charles D. Grayson, 78, of Gravity, held May 10 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. Grayson died in the Clarinda Municipal Hospital May 6, 1978. Taylor Lodge No. 156 A. F. & A. M. conducted fraternal honors at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Ia. Charles Dooley Grayson, son of George and Maude Freeman Grayson, was born on a farm three miles west of Gravity, Iowa, July 29, 1899. He lived his entire life on the farm where he was born. He was a member of Taylor Lodge #156 A. F. & A. M. of Bedford, Iowa. He was a past Master of Sunlight Lodge at Gravity, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his one brother, Clarence, of the home and a host of cousins and friends. Charles tried to be a friend to everybody and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. New Market Herald, Thursday, April 29, 1920, p. 3 Ed Harris Dead Ed Harris, brother of Walter and Tom Harris, died Monday night at the home of his brother Walter south of town. Mr. Harris had been in poor health for some time with Bright's disease. Funeral services were held today, Thursday. Obituary will appear next week. [HARRIS, EDGAR "ED"] New Market Herald, Thursday, May 6, 1920, p. 3 Obituary – Edgar Harris was born in Nodaway County, Mo., December 28, 1858 and departed this life April 27, 1920, being 61 years, 3 months and 29 days of age at the time of his death. On March 2, 1882, he moved to Taylor County, Iowa, and resided on a farm three and one half miles west of Gravity, Ia., where he lived for thirty-seven years. On the 15th day of August 1900 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Rose Scofield. To this union one son was born, being Nide Harris who is now 17 years of age. His wife preceded him in death March 22, 1912. His health failing and being unable to care for his farm he moved to New Market, Ia., March 1, 1919, where he lived until a few days before his death, when he was taken to the home of his brother, Walter, who resides 5 miles southeast of New Market where on Tuesday morning at 8:30 o'clock he answered the summons of his Heavenly Father to come up higher. He leaves to mourn his departure one son, one stepson, the stepson being Glenn Scofield, also four brothers and one sister. The brothers being, James of Villisca, Ia., Flemming of Gravity, Ia., Thomas of Hopkins, Mo., and Walter of New Market; and the sister, Mrs. Wm. Robb of Sheridan, Mo. His father and mother and one brother, Nide Harris and three infant sisters having proceded him to the better world. In early life he united with the Christian church of Gravity, Iowa. On moving to New Market he transferred his membership from Gravity to the church at this place. One of the greatest enjoyments of his life was to attend the services of Gods house and his life was an open book to the community in which he lived, being held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He was a member of Sun Light Lodge No. 459 of the Masonic fraternity of Gravity, Iowa. The funeral services were held at the Christian church in New Market, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Lodwig of Dallas, Iowa officiating. The interment was in the Gravity cemetery and the ceremony was conducted by Sun Light Lodge No. 459 A. F. and A. M. of which he was a member. The working tools of life are now layed down, The steady hand, the throbbing heart is still; The mortal part is here, but where is he Who sought to do his Masters will. Let not your heart be troubled, is the word That reconciles in hours of great- est need; For him who's work is layed down is gone before, To dwell on yonder shore in Peace. New Market Herald, Thursday, May 18, 1922, p. 2 GRAVITY The funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Silas D. [ooley] Harris were held last Thursday afternoon at 2:30 in the Christian church, conducted by her pastor, Rev. W. S. Johnson. Interment in Gravity cemetery. [HARRIS, ELSIE CROUCH] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, May 11, 1922, [p. 1] Passes Away at Gravity Mrs. Silas Harris passed away Tuesday morning at 3:30 o'clock at her home near Gravity. Mrs. Harris, formerly Miss Elsie Crouch, held the position of principal of the Bedford High School two years ago. While here she made many friends who are grieved to hear of her death. Funeral services were held this afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the Church of Christ at Gravity, Ia. Interment in the Gravity cemetery. [HARRIS, ELSIE CROUCH] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 16, 1961, p. 4 Mrs. Nide Harris, 93, Dies At Hopkins Mrs. May Harris, 93, a lifelong resident of the Hopkins community, died early Saturday morning, February 11 at her home three miles south of Hopkins. Her husband, Nide Harris, died Nov. 6, 1915. She lived with her grandson, Wayne Harris. Other survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Nora Hodges, Napa, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Gertrude Fleming, Hopkins; two great grandchildren. Services were Monday afternoon at two at Wray Memorial Methodist church, Hopkins. Rev. A. V. Hart officiated. Burial in Hopkins cemetery. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, November 11, 1915, [p. 1] Nide Harris Dies After Hard Fight Noted Physicians and Surgeons Do Nothing to Save Life From Cancerous Growth Funeral Is Held Tuesday Largely Attended by People From Vicinity of Gravity Where Brothers Reside Nide Harris, who had four brothers residing in the vicinity of Gravity, died Sunday morning at his home two miles west of Hopkins, Mo., and funeral services were held Tuesday. The ceremony was conducted by L. R. Cobb of Ross Township, and a large number from the vicinity of Gravity were in attendance. He was 51 years of age. Mr. Harris had sought the aid of the most skillful physicians and surgeons in the United States in an effort to overcome the effects of a cancerous growth in his neck, but without avail. Numerous trips were made to New York and Baltimore for medical treatment. Mr. Harris was born in Gentry County, Missouri, February 10, 1864, and when a boy went with his parents to Nodaway County, where he resided until his death. In 1890 he was married to Miss May Wood. They were the parents of two children, Mrs. Curtis Hodges of Hopkins and Samuel Harris, at home. Five surviving brothers are Edward, James, Thomas, Fleming, and Walter Harris, all of whom reside near Gravity except James, who lives near Villisca. A sister, Mrs. May Robb, lives at Sheridan, Mo., and the mother and wife are also among the living relatives. Mr. Harris was a member of the Masonic, I. O. O. F., and Modern Woodmen of America fraternities. [HARRIS, NIDE] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, November 11, 1915, p. 8 HOPKINS The funeral services of Nide Harris, a prominent farmer west of Hopkins, were held at the home Tuesday morning at 10:30. Interment was at the Hopkins cemetery. Mr. Harris died Sunday morning, after a prolonged illness, the cause of his death being sarcoma. For the last two years Mr. Harris had made a desperate fight for life, going to Rochester, Minn., New York City, and Baltimore, Md., for treatment. Every thing that medical science could suggest was used but without success. Mr. Harris was a prominent Mason and the funeral was under the auspices of that fraternity. Mr. Harris leaves a wife, one daughter, Mrs. Curtis, and one small son. He was a man who will be greatly missed in his home and in the community. [HARRIS, ROSE CAROL PFEIFFER SCOFIELD] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 28, 1912, p. 5 GRAVITY Nide Harris of Hopkins came Saturday to be present at the funeral of Mrs. Edgar Harris, which was held Sunday. Mrs. Edgar Harris died Thursday evening at her home west of town, after a long illness. Funeral services were held Sunday morning at 11 o'clock at the Christian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Wade. Interment at Gravity cemetery. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, July 12, 1900, p. 1] Dropped Dead S. [ilas] D. [ooley] Harris, a resident of Dallas township, died suddenly Friday, July 6, of heart disease, aged 66 years. [HARRIS, SILAS DOOLY, 1833 - 1900] Its walls are all of jasper, But back of it gleams of its glory, And high on the hills of that country, In fields that are fruited and fragrant, And one I am watching among them, Once through earth's pastures he led me, For ever and ever together,
Bedford Free Press, Thursday, Dec. 27, 1923, [p. 1] Silas Harris Died Friday Silas Harris of northwest of Gravity died at his home last Friday after several days illness from typhoid fever and the funeral services were held Sunday in Gravity. It will be recalled that Mrs. Harris, his wife, and their baby died about a year ago and Mr. Harris' father died about the same time. Mrs. Harris, formerly Miss Elsie Crouch, was principal of the Bedford high schools at one time. [HARRIS, SILAS DULY, 1888 – 1923] [HARRIS, SILAS, - 1923] [HARTSHORN, EULA MYRTLE PFANDER] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, April 9, 1997 Eula Myrtle Hartshorn Eula Myrtle Pfander, one of eight children born to William H. [enry] and Ollie Cree Pfander, was born on January 23, 1902 near Clarinda, Iowa in Page County. Myrtle moved with her parents to Taylor County near Sharpsburg in 1903 where she grew to womanhood. She taught school in Taylor County for several years. She became a member of the Presbyterian Church in Sharpsburg. Myrtle was a hard worker; some of her nieces and nephews remember her carrying heavy milk buckets long distances. She took care of her mother for ten years, seven of which her mother was bed-ridden. Family has always been important to Myrtle. When she was still living at home, she was the one when the nieces and nephews came to visit, played games with them and gave them attention. On April 23, 1949, she was united in marriage to James Louis Hartshorn. They had the longest courtship I think I've ever hear of; they courted, for 25 years! Until one day when James said, "We think we kids will get married!" James was a coal miner and an inventor, making such things as a clean anything soap. Myrtle gardened, sewed, cooked and canned. Myrtle and James lived in Appanoose County until James' death on May 26, 1976. Myrtle later moved to Bedford and attended the United Christian Presbyterian Church. Myrtle was always willing to go, "You just tell me when and I'll be ready" was her theme song. Thelma Strong was always there to share supper and a trip to the grocery store on a Friday night. Daisy John always had a big piece of pie for Myrtle when she went to visit. There were many friends and family who were there for her and she appreciated that. Her 95th birthday celebration was a joyous time, family and friends were together sharing stories and celebrating the day. She was a great correspondent with family and friends; she worked very hard to put together a family history. She was independent and had a great sense of humor. Myrtle continued to garden, sew, quilt; some of you probably even have a quilt she made, she also crocheted and had a green thumb with plants. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ollie Pfander, her husband James Louis Hartshorn, four sisters, Hattie, Zenith, Rilla and Grace, and two brothers, Burl and Ira. Those left to remember her are one brother, Cloyd Pfander, 40 nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Myrtle had a good heart; she was a committed and dedicated Christian; she was tireless in bringing family together; she loved her family dearly as well as her friends. We will miss Myrtle, but we do believe in the words of Jesus, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." Myrtle died on March 27, 1997 at the Bedford Nursing Home; her services were held March 29,1997 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Christian Presbyterian Church. Funeral services were provided by the Novinger Taylor Funeral Home; she was buried at the cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. Bedford Times-Press, January 17, 1985, p. 6 Beulah Irene Hodges services in Bedford Final rites for Beulah Irene Hodges, 68, were held January 9 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, officiated by Pastor Duane Hunt. Burial was at Bedford City Cemetery. Mrs. Hodges died Jan. 6, 1985 at Bethesda Care Center in Clarinda. Beulah Irene Akes Hodges, daughter of Harvey and Emma Akes, was born near Leon, Iowa on September 17, 1916 and grew to maturity in Decatur City, Iowa, where she attended the public school and the Assembly of God Church. On November 3, 1934 she was united in marriage to Charles Alvin Hodges in Leon, Iowa, and they lived on a farm south of Leon. They later lived in Clinton, Iowa; Sun Valley, California; the state of Washington; Unionville, Missouri; and then in Bedford, Iowa. To this union two children were born: Eleanor and Joann. Beulah enjoyed her work as a homemaker, wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Eleanor; two brothers; and two sisters. Left to cherish her memory are: her husband, Charles, her daughter Joann Bowman, all of Bedford, Iowa; her sister, Mrs. Dale Kelley, of Seattle, Washington; her brother, Fred Akes and his wife Maxine, of Bedford, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a born again Christian and a member of the Hamilton Memorial Missionary Church. Beulah was a sweet and gentle woman, who knew Jesus Christ as her Savior. She spent much time in prayer with her Lord, and she enjoyed reading, especially her Bible. Though she will be missed by her family, she is now in Heaven with her Lord. Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, August 16, 1965, [p. 1] Mrs W Hootman, 79, was at ISU hospital Braddyville---Mrs W R (Maude) Hootman, 79, died Friday morning at the Clarinda nursing home where she had been a patient for a week. She had had surgery at the University hospital in Iowa City a month ago. She is survived by her husband at Braddyville, two of her five sisters, Mrs Emma Hansen of Red Oak and Mrs Leota Milton of Burlington, and a niece, Mrs Marie Johnson, of Red Oak. Mr and Mrs Hootman lived on a farm east of Braddyville until their retirement 20 years ago when they moved into town. Funeral services were Sunday afternoon with burial at Gravity in the family lot. The Rev James Warner of the Methodist Church at Braddyville was clergyman and Aletha L Hutchings was organist Casket bearers were Bob Vase, Cliff Bales, Junior Osborn, Ronnie Davison, Arlo Sunderman and Truman Lusk. [HOOTMAN, WENTFORD R. "WINNIE"] Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, April 28, 1966, [p. 1] Wenford Hootman died at Iowa City Wenford [Wentford] R Hootman, 82, died at 5:05 a m Wednesday at the State University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa after being hospitalized for the past several weeks. He was a native of Iowa, being born at Mt Zion, but for the past 15 years he has been a resident of Braddyville. When able to work his occupation was that of farming. His wife, the former Maude Evelyn Wire, preceded him in death on August 13, 1965. Funeral services will be conducted from the Walker Funeral Home at 2:30 p m Friday, with Rev James Warner of the College Springs Methodist Church in charge. Organ music will be by Aletha L Hutchings. Casket bearers will be members of the Braddyville Lions Club, and burial will be at the side of his wife in the Gravity cemetery. [HOUCHIN, GRAYCE CAROL BEEMER] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 15, 1993 GRAYCE HOUCHIN Funeral services for Grayce Mae Beemer Houchin were held Wednesday, Sept. 8, 1993 at Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Ted DeHass officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa Grayce Carrol Beemer Houchin, youngest child of Simeon and Alice May (Whitecotton) Beemer was born November 27, 1911 north of Conway in Taylor County, Iowa. She grew to maturity attending the Conway and Sumner, Mo. schools. On January 20, 1931 she was united in marriage to Ivan F. [ranklin] Houchin of Gravity, Iowa at the Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Neb. with her sister Nellie (Beemer) and husband Walter Blair attending. Their rural farm home was five miles north of Gravity for several years. They moved to Corning, Adams County, Iowa, to make their home in 1970 where she resided until her death September 5, 1993. Grayce was very active in community, church and political work in her younger years. She was very willing to help any neighbor or friend and relatives in need, giving of her time and talents, of which she had many. Preceding her in death was an infant daughter in 1936, her father Simeon in October, 1943, her mother, Alice, in April 1959, also her sisters: Rella Akers, Mollie Rumbaugh, Lottie Ross, Minnie Bean Triller, Ollie Sturm, Nellie Blair, Sarah Foster, and two brothers Simmie and John Beemer. She was the last survivor of her family. Surviving her is her husband of 63 years, Ivan Houchin; two sisters-in-law: Fay Scheel and Betty Houchin; one brother-in-law, Cleo Houchin; and a host of relatives and friends. Ivan and Grayce spent 22 winters in Texas, and Grayce loved Texas, Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, July 13, 1994 IVAN FRANKLIN HOUCHIN Ivan Franklin Houchin, age 84, (two days short of 85), was born July 2, 1909 near Gravity, Iowa, to parents Franklin Lewis Houchin and Francena Ethel Meredith. He died June 30, 1994 after an extended illness, at the Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa. He grew to maturity near Gravity, attending both the Gravel Point School and Gravity High School. He and his family were also frequent attenders at tie Oak Hill Church near Gravity. He was married on January 20, 1931 to Grayce Carol Beemer at the Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Neb. They lived and farmed five miles north of Gravity most of their productive years until he developed a heart problem. Then, in 1970, they moved to Corning, Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his days, outside of 23 winters in Texas. It was noted that Mr. Houchin's health had failed rapidly after the death of his wife last September of 1993. He was also preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter (and only child), two sisters, and one brother. Survivors include one brother, Cleo Houchin and his wife, and one sister, Fay Scheel, and a host of nieces and nephews who considered him a second father. Funeral services were held at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home in Bedford July 2 with Pastor Jamie Mogler of the First Baptist Church of Bedford officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery at Gravity. Clearfield Enterprise, Thursday (Clearfield, Iowa), March 14, 1928, [p. 1] Scott Johnson Dead Mr. A. [ndrew] S. [cott] Johnson, [Johnston], who has been very ill for months, died at his home in Clearfield at a little past eight o'clock, Saturday evening, March 9. He was one of the small number of Civil War veterans still living in this community and has ben in infirm health for many years, so that he conserved his strength by strict retirement from active efforts. The old family home was at Gravity, though he had lived in Clearfield for over twenty years. Burial was at Gravity. The obituary appears in another column. [JOHNSTON, ANDREW SCOTT] Clearfield Enterprise, Thursday (Clearfield, Iowa), March 14, 1928, [p. 1] Andrew S. Johnson Andrew S. [cott], son of Emily and Andrew Scott Johnson [Johnston], was born in Feesburg, Ohio, January 31, 1845. He died at his home, Clearfield, March 9, 1929, at the age of 84 years, 1 month, 9 days. When he was three years of age, he moved with his parents to Monroe, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in Co. L, 9th Iowa Calvary, where he served his country three years, being honorably discharged at the close of the war. Shortly afterward, he was married to Miss Caroline Avery. They moved to a farm two miles west of Gravity where they lived for years. Later they moved to Conway, where he bought livestock. In 1888 they moved back to Gravity. Later he became postmaster and served eight years. On account of his health he was forced to resign his position. A few years later he moved to Clearfield where he resided until his death. In 1915, during the pastorate of D. B. S. Prather, he became a member of the Methodist Church at Clearfield, attending regularly so long as his health permitted. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge of Gravity, and belonged to the Modern Woodmen at Clearfield. He was a kind and loving husband and father, always a friend to those in need. He leaves to mourn his departure an aged wife, and three daughters: ---Mrs. Hattie Featherby of El Segundo, California; Mrs. Henrietta Van Nice of Gravity; and Mrs. Grace Mann of Clearfield. Also five grandchildren---Reed Featherby of El Segundo, Cal.; Naomi Van Nice of Gravity; Walter S. [cott] Van Nice, of Omaha, Neb.; Bernice Van Nice, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Dwight Mann of Des Moines; and one great grandson, Dale Mann of Des Moines. Funeral services were held at 10:30 on Tuesday, March 12th, Pastor E. S. MacCartney conducting the same. Beautiful floral offerings attested the esteem in which the deceased was held. Interment was at Gravity, Iowa. Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, January 29, 1914, p. 7 William Henry Kirby Many people of Clarinda and this vicinity will remember William Kirby, whose death occurred Sunday morning, Jan. 17th, at the home of his son near Sharpsburg. Mr. Kirby was 80 years of age last October, and had spent a great deal of his life in this part of the state. The funeral was held at the Christian church in Gravity the next Monday. The interment was in the Rosehill cemetery, north of this city the following Tuesday morning. [KIRBY, WILLIAM HENRY] [KIRBY, WILLIAM HENRY] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 9, 1969, [p. 1] Final Rites Held Here Monday For Carroll Little Funeral services for Carrol D. Little, 60, of Bedford were held Monday at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. Little died Jan. 3 at Greater Community Hospital in Creston. Military honors were bestowed by Bedford American Legion Post 164 with interment at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Carroll Donovan Little, son of George L. [ester] and Exie Reynolds Little, was born at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, December 24, 1908. When he was a small boy he moved with his parents to Clearfield where he attended school and grew to adulthood. He was united in marriage to Flossie Ely at Kahoka, Mo., and they resided in Burlington, Iowa, where he was the Lt. Guard at the Iowa Ordinance Plant until his induction into the Armed Forces. He was attached to the 3rd Command Sq. of the U. S. Air Corps, serving in Africa, Sicily and Italy. Following his military service he returned to Clearfield and in 1947 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Taylor County and moved to Bedford. He returned to Burlington for a time where he was employed and then in the early 1950's he was appointed city police officer at Bedford, serving until ill health caused him to retire. Carroll was an amateur radio operator having earned and received his license in 1930. He had many friends and acquaintances known by voice or number only. He was ready and willing to relay distress calls and messages when other means were limited and he especially took interest in the military calls for those in the service of their country. He was a member of the Clearfield Methodist Church; Royal Neighbors of America and the Taylor Lodge No. 156 A. F. & A. M. Bedford. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Dixie Lee, who died in infancy; a grandson, Larry J. Mesecher, who died in June 1967. Left to cherish memories of his good life are his wife, Flossie; a daughter, Betty June Mesecher, and her husband, Harry, of Saginaw, Mich.; two granddaughters, Sherry Lynn and Patty Rae Mesecher; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. Carroll was a helpful friend both in words and in deeds and he will be sadly missed by his family and all who know him. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 1, 1904, [p. 1] Obsequies of Dr. McColm The funeral of Dr. McColm at Gravity yesterday was perhaps the largest ever held in the county. His death has cast a gloom over the entire community, and has left vacant a place none other can fill. As a man and as a physician he had a hold on the hearts of those who knew him such as is permitted few men to have. For years his kindly face has been familiar to all; in any enterprise looking to the betterment of his town and country, Dr. McColm was always foremost; no suffering and needy person ever applied to him in vain, and his cheerful, cheering, hopeful presence in the sick room was more efficacious in healing, than medicine. For over a quarter of a century through rain and sun, snow and mud he has gone. No difference how dark the night, the call of suffering met a prompt response and the question of remuneration was the last considered. Although he is gone from the world he still lives in the hearts of those whom he has succored in their distress, and the love and gratitude of thousands who were once invalids, but now by his skill and kindness restored to health in a grander monument than would be any granite shaft that could be hewed by man. [The funeral was] yesterday at the M. E. church. The Presbyterian Church was also open to hold the overflow, and this, as well as the church where the sermon was preached, was entirely filled. Grief was universal, and every person in all his wide acquaintance who could possibly attend was there to pay their last respects to the noble life just ended and mingle their tears with those who claimed a closer relationship than that of friend. The funeral oration was by Rev. Dunlavy, a life-long friend, and his eulogy, so feelingly spoken, found an echo in the heart of every hearer. The Masonic lodge conducted the ceremony, though members of the other orders in large numbers were in the procession. The floral offerings were beautiful and testified to the respect and love with which he was regarded by the givers. The sad and solemn ceremonies ended at the Gravity cemetery, where the body was laid to rest to await the great awakening. [MCCOLM, JOHN THOMAS] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 1, 1904, p. 3 From Monday's Daily. At 1:20 o'clock this morning the grim reaper death entered a house in Gravity and bore away a kind husband, a loyal friend, and useful citizen. At that early hour the spirit of life took flight from the body of Dr. J. [ohn] T. [homas] McColm, and his soul returned to the Maker who gave it. J. [ohn] T. [homas] McColm, M. D., was born in Adams County, Ohio, on August 3d, 1850. Only the first six years of his life, however, were spent in that state for in 1856 his parents decided to move to Iowa. The sturdy lad accompanied them and they settled in Wayne County, where the rest of his boyhood days were spent. Here he attended the country schools, and later, as he neared manhood's estate, entered Simpson College at Indianola, where for a number of years he pursued his studies. Leaving this college with a mind well stored with useful information, and a good general education he matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, then one of the leading medical colleges of the West, and graduated therefrom with honors in the spring of 1877. Dr. McColm began his professional life at Chariton, Iowa, where in partnership with Dr. S. Sturdevant he practiced his profession for about two years. From here he emigrated to Taylor County, locating first at the little inland town of Holt Center. When the railroad was built and Gravity became a town he moved there, and has ever since been one of its most enterprising and useful citizens. Though not old in years, his life as a physician in Taylor County extended over a period of more than a quarter of a century and his name and face are familiar to nearly every one within a radius of twenty miles from his home. On December 19, 1878, he led to the altar, Miss Lotta M. [arie] Johnson [Johnston], the daughter of ex-Member of the Board H. [ermanus] H. Johnson [Johnston] of Holt Township. Their married life has been a well nigh ideal one and the sorrowing wife is mourning the loss of a husband, loyal, loving and kind, who shared with her his joys but who always took upon his own broad shoulders the lion's share of her life's troubles. To her the loss is irreparable, and the kind, loving and willing friends can do little to assuage her agonizing grief. Dr. McColm, during his life in Gravity, was identified with many business enterprises, and was always foremost in taking hold of anything which might serve to promote the best interests of his town. He has always taken an active part in political matters, and was honored by the voters by being elected to the office of coroner. For years his practice has been enormous. His skill as a doctor, his tenderness to the invalid, his cheering personality, all endeared him to the people and his services were in constant demand. His kindness of heart forbid him refusing any one in need, and in striving to answer all the demand upon him, he has presumed too much upon his splendid physique and strong constitution, and with his life he has paid the penalty of striving to do more than is permitted man to do. For months at a time he would drive day and night, catching his only sleep while in the buggy being driven from patient to patient. For a long time he stood the strain, but it is now known that for more than two years he has been on the decline, though his unselfishness prevented him from letting it be known. Cheerfully and uncomplainingly he went his way, never pausing until overcrowded nature called a halt. He practically died in the harness. Although it has since been discovered that the doctor has been suffering from Bright's disease for some time, up to a few days before his death his friends believed him to be in good health. Up to Friday he attended to his business as usual until about noon, when the stroke came suddenly and he never again regained consciousness. Deceased was a member of the Masonic and Oddfellow lodges and the former will have charge of the obsequies. The funeral will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2 o'clock at the Presbyterian Church in Gravity, conducted by his life long friend, Rev. W. L. Dunlavy. Interment at Gravity cemetery. [MCCOLM, JOHN THOMAS] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, January 19, 1905, p. 6 Resolutions of Respect Adopted by the Southwestern Iowa Medical Society and the Taylor County Medical Society Once more are we reminded that man will be called from the scenes of his labors and duties in this earthly existence to enter upon an immortal life in the, to us, invisible existence beyond the grave. Dr. J. [ohn] T. McColm was born in Ohio, Aug. 3, 1850. He moved to Iowa in 1862. While living in Wayne County, Iowa, he attended the public schools from which he received his education. He began the study of medicine in 1872, and afterward graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. After his graduation he located at Holt, in Taylor County, Iowa, and practiced medicine and surgery the remainder of his life. In 1888 he was married to Miss Lottie Johnson [Johnston], who still resides in Gravity, Iowa. He was a member of the Iowa State Medical Society, the Southwestern Iowa Medical Society and the Taylor County Medical Society at the time of his death. He was successful both in business and in his professional achievements. Dr. J. T. McColm died at his home in Gravity, Iowa, Nov. 28, 1904, having been sick only a short time. He was prominent in the Masonic, I. O. O. F. and K. of P. Societies. Many are the friends who have gone from our midst. All those to who we have said goodbye blended in their lives the human heritage of faults and virtues. What better can we say of him, or what more truthfully, than that those who knew him best esteemed him most highly . . . . [ Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 11, 1926, p. 7 S. T. McColm Sherman Tecumseh McColm was born in Wayne County, Iowa, August 12, 1863. He was the son of Wm. Q. McColm and Mary Query, and was one of fourteen children, only two of which are living, Dr. C. B. McColm of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Dr. C. W. McColm of New Market, Iowa. At the age of fourteen he moved with his parents to Rooks County, Kansas. He took normal work at Emporia and Salina, after which he taught a number of years in Cloud County, Kansas. He passed away at 6:45 p. m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, after an illness of only a few weeks. [MCCOLM, SHERMAN TECUMSEH] Bedford Free Press, Thursday, March 4, 1926, p. 6 GRAVITY Sherman McColm died at his home northeast of town last Tuesday evening at 6:45. Funeral was held last Thursday at the Christian church at 2 P. M. Rev. Burkhart of Leon preached the funeral sermon. Burial was in Gravity cemetery. [NEVIUS, ALTA LORETTA MONAHAN] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 12, 1960, [p. 1] Mrs. Alta Nevius Rites Here Monday Mrs. Alta Nevius, a native of Taylor County, died at St. Francis hospital, Maryville, Friday, May 6, after a long illness. Funeral services were held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home on State Street Monday afternoon, with Rev. Anthony Blankers of the Bedford Methodist church officiating. Burial in Fairview cemetery. Alta Loretta Monahan, the youngest child in a family of 12 children, was born to James and Sarah Walker Monahan, August 8, 1878, on a farm three miles north of Gravity, Iowa, and passed away at the age of 81 years, eight months, 28 days. In September 1895, she was married to Wm. Jason Nevius, and to this union were born two daughters, Ferne, now Mrs. Virgil Vincent of Bedford, and Ruth, Mrs. Mrs. Allen Smoldt of Fairbank, Iowa. The daughters were both with their mother during much of her illness and at the time of her death. Her husband passed away May 10, 1947. Most of their married life, except for four years when Mr. Nevius served as sheriff of Taylor County, was spent on a farm. They retired from farm life in 1942. She was a faithful member of the Methodist church, having united with that denomination in her early teens. She was a Past Noble Grand of the Rebekah lodge, a member of the Triangle club and of the Wild Rose club. She leaves the two daughters and their husbands; one grandchild, Mrs. Helen Campbell and her husband, W. E. Campbell; two great grandchildren, Susan and Bill Campbell; one brother, R. B. Monahan of St. Joseph, Missouri; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Menoher of Pueblo, Colo., and Mrs. Lillie Menoher of Bedford. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 15, 1947, [p. 1] Jason Nevius Dies At Home In Bedford W J (Jason) Nevius, 72, took his own life by hanging in his garage here Saturday morning. Apparently he had been in his usual good spirits, but it is believed he was worried and despondent over his health. Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Gordon F MacLean. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. William Jason Nevius, son of William H [elms] and Rosetta Nevius, was born near Coffeyville, Kansas, Feb. 22, 1875, being aged 72 years, 2 months and 18 days at the time of his death. He came to Iowa with his parents when 4 years old. After reaching young manhood, he chose farming as his occupation, retiring from the farm in 1920 to serve as deputy sheriff. In 1924 he was elected Sheriff of Taylor County and served in that capacity for two terms. He then returned to the farm, but failing health caused him to retire from that life in 1942. Mr. Nevius was a man of honesty and uprightness, a good neighbor and a friend esteemed by all. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Mrs. Alta L. Nevius; two daughters, Mrs. Ferne Vincent of Bedford and Mrs. Ruth Smoldt of Waterloo, one granddaughter, Mrs. Ernie Campbell of Bedford; one sister, Mrs. Barbara Reed of Eldorado Springs, Mo.; one brother, Brown Nevius of Denver, Colo. Bedford Free Press, Wednesday, May 23, 1917, p. 8 GRAVITY The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Parks died Thursday evening. Burial services were held Friday. Interment at Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 2, 1986, p. 4 Donald Perkins services held Services for Donald Dean Perkins of Gainesville, Georgia were held Friday, December 20, 1985 at Shum-Novinger Funeral. Rev. Emmanuel Tabelisma officiated. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Mr. Perkins died December 16, 1985 at the age of 59. Don, son of Jasper and Cleo Perkins, was born September 11, 1926 and lived in Bedford through his high school years. He graduated from Iowa State University. Don was a life long member of the United Methodist Church and presently a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Georgia. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Maxine, a daughter, Janet, a nursing student, a son who is in the Navy, Jeffrey, and a twin brother, Dwight and many other relatives and friends. His family, friends and relatives will surely miss this friendly, faithful and caring and compassionate person. Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, April 21, 1993 PEARL PFANDER Pearl Pfander, 97, of Creston, died March 18, 1993 at Crest Haven Care Center. Services were held Saturday at the Keating-Lindsay Golden Rule Funeral Home in Creston with Rev. Thomas Woodin, pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Mrs. Pfander was born December 15, 1895, in Andrew County, Mo. to Charles Curtis and Julie Dell (Stevens) Clark. She married Ira Daniel Pfander December 20, 1911 in Sharpsburg. She resided in Taylor County west of Sharpsburg for about 17 years and then moved to Blockton. They farmed west of Osceola for several years before moving to a farm on the High and Dry Road south of Creston. They moved to Creston in 1961. She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors include three sons, Lyle (wife Virginia) Pfander of Colorado Springs, Colo., William (wife Arlene) Pfander of Newton, and Robert A. (wife Kathy) Pfander of Whittier, Calif.; three daughters, Thelma (husband George) Shields of Las Vegas, Nev., Lorene L. (husband Paul) Hardy, Tulsa, Okla., and Bethel (husband Edgar) Best of Des Moines; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and three sisters, Eva Marsh of Iola, Kan., Bessie (husband Dr. Everett) Pennebaker of Lenox, and Lilly Belle Philpot of McAllen, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on December 16, 1983; infant daughter; a grandson; two sisters, Mabel Grimm and Aileen Hoker; a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law. North Taylor Review (Sharpsburg, Iowa), Thursday, September 20, 1917, [p. 1] Ezekiel Piper Dead Ezekiel Piper, one of the best known and liked of the older citizens of this part of the county died Tuesday of paralysis. Mr. Piper had been ill since last May, so the end was not a surprise to the many friends of the family. With his family he had been a resident of Taylor County for ten years, coming from Page County, and his sterling character and integrity had endeared him to all who knew him, so that the entire community will unite with the Review in extending their heartiest sympathy to the family in the bereavement. Obituary Ezekiel Piper was born Jan. 11, 1845 in Franklin County, Penn., the son of Daniel and Anna Piper, and lived there till 12 years old, when he moved with his parents to Illinois in 1857, staying there until 1868, when he came to Page County, moving to Taylor County in 1907. He was married Sept. 3, 1885 to Miss Ida Muckey, [who] still survives him with the following children: H. [erbert] A. [riel] Piper, Conway; Mrs. N. N. Akers, Sharpsburg; and Mrs. Ray Akers, Gravity. His brothers, Ben Piper of this city, and Levi Piper of Leedey, Okla., and sisters, Mrs. Susan Rush, of St. Joseph, Mo. and Mrs. Hattie Ferris of Clarinda, also survive him. Mr. Piper had been a member of the United Brethren church for 32 years, and was a devout Christian, living strong in the faith and all its teachings, and was a constant church attendant. The funeral was held at the Methodist church at Gravity, Rev. J. A. Mitchell, a former pastor and great personal friend of the family officiating. The services were held at 2:30 p. m. today with interment at Gravity cemetery, and was doubtless attended by many, as the deceased had a wide circle of friends.
Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, February 8, 1973, p. 5 Posten burial held at Gravity Gravity, Feb 7---Carroll Posten, 53, of Corning, former resident of this community, died at Rosary Hospital in Corning Sunday. Funeral services were at Roland Funeral Home in Corning Tuesday afternoon with burial at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, December 6, 1945, p. 4 Oliver C. Posten Oliver C. [arr] Posten was born near Gravity on Dec. 1, 1891, the only son of James and Jane Posten. He passed away Nov. 14, 1945, at the age of 53 years, 11 months and 14 days. He attended the public schools in Gravity until he entered business with his father. After his fatherÕs death he continued the business and was active in it until a short time before his own passing. He was united in marriage with Stella Bradley April 5, 1911 to which union one daughter, Dorothy, was born. Oliver, as he was known by his many friends, became a member of the Christian church in childhood, and remained a faithful and active member all his life. Mr. Posten was a member of the Masonic Order, and entered into all civic and community activities. He leaves behind him his widow, his daughter Dorothy Gallagher, two sisters Zona Posten and Bernadine Bender, and two grandchildren, Deborah and Jeffrey Charles Gallagher. The many friends who mourn his passing are a tribute to a lifetime of consideration for the welfare of others. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 22, 1945, [p. 1] Fleming's Brother-in-Law Dies Dean Fleming of Gravity received word Saturday of the death of his brother-in-law, Roy Rainforth of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, following a heart attack. The body was brought to Gravity for burial. [RAINFORTH, FRANCIS ROY] [RAINFORTH, FRANCIS ROY]
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 17, 1977 Edward Sharp, 67 Final Rites Held Here March 10 Funeral services for Edward Andrew Sharp, 67, of Gravity, were held March 10 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carter Smith officiating. Mr. Sharp died March 8, 1977 in Bedford. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Edward Andrew Sharp, son of A. [lexander] A. [llen] and Sally Ann Grable [Graybiill] Sharp, was born at Parnell, Missouri, March 18, 1909. He lived in Gravity, Iowa, and grew to maturity in Taylor County where he attended the public schools and the Baptist Church where he was a member. On January 22, 1931 he was united in marriage to Helen Marie Johnson at the Methodist Parsonage in Clarinda, Iowa. To this union four children were born; one son, Charles Edward Sharp of Clarinda; Lois Jean Konecne of Hardy; Helen Joan Bartles of Bedford, and Patricia Kay Hanshaw of Bedford. He has been self-employed as a carpenter for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Helen; one son, Charles, and his wife, Marg, of Clarinda; Lois and her husband, Dwane, of Hardy; Joan and her husband, Leonard, of Bedford; and Pat and her husband, Jim, of Bedford, his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Olin Collar of Gravity; two sisters, Sue Souder of Bedford and Mable Mahan of Lake Wood, Colorado; three brothers, Roy of Bedford, George of Shenandoah, and Oscar of Bedford; grandchildren Dennis Konecne and his wife, Kathy, of Lenox; Steve Konecne of Humboldt, Curt, Mike, Kathy and Amy Jo Konecne of Hardy; Rebecca and Jeffery Bartles of Bedford; Jennifer, Randall, and Rodney Sharp of Clarinda; Angela and Jason Hanshaw of Bedford; one great grandson, Allen Konecne, of Lenox; a host of nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Ed will be missed in the Bedford community by all who knew him as he was a friend to all. [STEARNS, BENJAMIN CLARK "BEN"] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 17, 1948, p. 2 Gravity Ben Stearns Succumbs Ben Stearns, 94, died Monday night at the home of Miss Mary Hill, where he had been cared for for several years. [STEARNS, BENAJMIN CLARK "BEN"] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 24, 1948, p. 8 B. C. Stearns Dies At Gravity B. C. Stearns, a resident of Gravity for many years, died Monday at the home of Miss Mary Hill, where he had been cared for. The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Gravity Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Gordon F. MacLean. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. B. [enjamin] C. [lark] Stearns was born in Bolen [Bolton], Vermont, August 21, 1853, being aged 94 years, 9 months and 24 days at the time of his death. As a young man he came from Vermont to Gravity. He married Linda Million, and following her death, he married Mond (Maud) Million, who also preceded him. Surviving are two nephews and three nieces: M. B. Seabolt of Kansas City, Mo.; C. A. Seabolt, Bertha Breuster and Delphia Calwell of Colorado Springs; Mrs. J. T. Burton of St. Joseph; three stepsons: Virgil Million, Nolan Million and Homer Million of St. Joseph, Mo. [STEARNS, MARY MALINDA MILLION] New Market Times, Thursday, April 6, 1922, p. 2 Gravity Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Million and sons, Nolan and Virgil returned to their home at St. Joe, Mo., Monday after attending the funeral services of M. M. Million's sister, Mrs. B. [enjamin] C. [lark] Stearns. Mrs. Oscar Snodgrass of Hiawatha, Kans. who has been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Million and attended the funeral service of her sister, Mrs. Stearns, left Saturday for her home. The funeral services of Mrs. B. [enjamin] C. [lark] Stearns, who passed away at Ensworth hospital last Friday evening, after a serious operation. Funeral services were here at the Christian church Friday at 3:30 p. m., conducted by Rev. W. S. Johnson. Interment in Gravity cemetery. [STEARNS, MARY MALINDA MILLION] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 2, 1976 Emery Wallace, 64, Final Rites Held Nov. 23 Funeral services for Frank Emery Wallace, 64, of Gravity, were held Tues., Nov. 23, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Pastor Ross Keyt. Mr. Wallace died November 21, 1976 in Rosary Hospital, Corning. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Frank Emery Wallace, son of Emery and Leona Norris Wallace, was born at Ladoga, Iowa, January 23, 1912. He lived in Ladoga and grew to maturity there where he attended the public school. He was engaged in farming and had a wide interest in other fields, particularly working as a farm mechanic, electrician and in later years, television repair. He was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are cousins and his many friends. Mr. Wallace was patient in his illness, a kind and considerate neighbor and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
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