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

[Allen, John Edwin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    August 8, 1963    p. 8

John E. Allen Dies in K. C.

John E. [dwin] Allen, 73, of Athelstan, died Saturday at a hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary C. [atherine Booher] Allen of the home; two daughters, Mrs. Rosene Cook, Grant City, Mo., and Mrs. Thelma Morris, Avondale, Mo.; one son, Bobby Allen, Grant City; three brothers, Ronald Allen, Topeka, Kans., and James Allen and Ivan Allen, both of Bedford, Iowa; five sisters, Mrs. Hester Lemrick, Wendell, Idaho, Mrs. Mae Miller, St. Joseph, Mrs. Uva Dull, state of California, Mrs. Nancy Calvin, Harrisburg, Mo., and Mrs. Lena Luck, Chicago, and eight grandchildren.

Services were held Tuesday at the Community Church in Athelstan. Burial was in Athelstan cemetery.

[Allen, Mary Catherine Booher]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     March 18, 1987     p. 6

MARY ALLEN

Funeral services for Mary Allen, 81, were held from the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City, Mo., March 8 at 1:30 p.m. conducted by Rev. Kenneth Lee. Interment was in the Athelstan Cemetery. Mrs. Allen died March 5, 1987.

Mary Catherine (Booher) Allen was born March 9, 1905. She was the daughter of John W. and Viola Jane (Paris) Booher. She was born and raised in Harrison County, Missouri.

On July 11, 1928 she was united in marriage to John Edwin Allen in Grant City, Mo. During their married life they lived around Athelstan, Ia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John (Ed) Allen, two infant sons, a number of brothers and sisters, one grandson and one great grandson.

Surviving her are one son, Bobbie Allen of Grant City, Mo.; two daughters, Thelma Morris of Blockton; and Rosena Cook of Grant City, Mo.; one daughter-in-law, Ruth; two sons-in-law, Ray Morris and Keith

Cook; one sister Viola Chandler of Mt. Ayr; and one brother Virgil

Booher of Fleming, Co.; 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

She was always willing to help family and friends. She has been a resident of Worth County Convalescent Center for over two years.

She will be missed by her family and a host of friends.

[Anderson, Cora King]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       May 24, 1956    p. 6

ATHELSTAN

Mrs. Anderson Dies

Mrs. Cora Anderson died at Woodard, Iowa, Saturday, May 12. Funeral services were held at Community church Monday with burial in Athelstan cemetery.

[Anderson, Cora King]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 31, 1956    p. 2

Cora Anderson, 76, Died May 12th

Cora Anderson, 76, born in Taylor County, died May 12 at Woodward, Iowa and funeral services were held for her at the Community church in Athelstan Monday, May 21, with Rev. W. B. Campbell in charge. Burial in Athelstan cemetery.

Cora King, daughter of George and [Martha] Alice [Gray] King, was born in Taylor county, Iowa, on April 5,1880, and departed this life at Woodward, Iowa, on May 12,1956 at the age of 76 years, 1 month and 7 days. She was united in marriage to Alfred [Ferdinand] Anderson in the year 1909 and to them were born three children, the husband and two children passed on before the mother.

She leaves to mourn her departure, one daughter, Mrs. Garland Schuster of Athelstan; two granddaughters, Mrs. Marcelene Jones of Athelstan and Mrs. Maxine Baker of Waynesville, Mo.; also one brother and three sisters, Claude King of Rapid City, S. Dak., Mrs. Osel Hayes of Randolph, Iowa, Mrs. Nora Barnes of Athelstan and Mrs. Maude Scheaffer of Bedford.

[Anderson, Frank Ackel]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      July 25, 1968    [p. 1]

Frank Anderson Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for Frank Ackel Anderson, 84 of Athelstan, were held Wed., July 24 at the Community church in Athelstan, conducted by Rev. Ward Campbell. Mr. Anderson died July 21 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri. Interment was in Athelstan cemetery.

[Anderson, Frank Ackel]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 1, 1968    p. 2

athelstan rites for frank a. anderson

Funeral services for Frank Ackel Anderson, 84, of Athelstan, long time Taylor County resident, were held July 24 at the Athelstan Community Church with Rev. Ward Campbell officiating. Mr. Anderson died July 21 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville. Interment was at Athelstan Cemetery.

Frank A. [ckel] Anderson, son of Charley and Mary Johnson Anderson, was born July 8, 1884 in Nebr.

He came to Taylor County, Iowa at a very young age and has lived here all his life.

His mother and father preceded him in death.

He is survived by several cousins and a host of friends.

 

[Benadom, Floretta “Flo” Martin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      July 4, 1957     p. 7

Clearfield News

Those attending the funeral of Mrs. Flo Benadom at Clearfield Sunday were Tom Benadom, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Sickels, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rusco, Mrs. Leonard Rusco, Miss Katherine Barber and Mrs. M. F. Older.

[Benadom, Thomas “Tom”]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday    March 11, 1987    p. 4

TOM BENADOM

Graveside services for Tom Benadom, 88, were held March 7, 1987 at Athelstan Cemetery with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Benadom died March 4, 1987 at Lenox Care Center, Lenox, Ia.

Tom Benadom, son of Hila Benadom and Floretta Martin was born at Athelstan, Iowa September 21, 1898. He grew to maturity in Athelstan where he resided until ill health caused him to live at the nursing home.

He had been employed by the railroad and had helped on farms in the area. During the CCC days he was with the camp located at Bedford where he shared in the operation of it and then he enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II and was stationed at the Army Air Base of Hammer Field, Fresno, Calif, where he served as a cook and baker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mable Parkins.

Left to cherish his memory are a sister, Lelah Rusco of Fresno, Ca.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was a member of the American Legion Post at Blockton, Iowa.

His family and friends will long remember him as he was a friend of all who knew him.

[Pratt, Salem]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      January 16, 1908    [p. 1]

VERY SuDDEN DEATH,

Mr. S. Pratt ANSWERS SUMMONS.

Dropped Dead On Way To Town For Treatment. —Funeral Will be Held Sunday.

As a clap of thunder from a clear sky came the announcement Tuesday morning of the death of Mr. Salem Pratt. During the early hours of the morning on Tuesday he complained a little of not feeling well and arose about 5:30 saying he would go down and take an osteopathic treatment. About six o'clock he left his home, telling his daughter, Mrs. B. [enjamin] F. Williams [Eva] that he was feeling better but would go down any way. About an hour later his son-in-law B.[enjamin] F. Williams and Mr. F. M. Parker, a neighbor, saw an object lying near the walk about a block north of the house. Investigation in the dim light showed the object to be none other than Mr. Salem Pratt. He had only got this far from home when death, which was instantaneous from heart failure, seized him. He was tenderly carried back to the house and the funeral will be held Sunday afternoon and will be in charge of the G. A. R. Post.

Mr. Pratt is probably one of the best-known men in Bedford and he was held in the highest esteem by all. When he gave his word it was considered as good as any man's bond. Only last Saturday he was installed as commander of the G. A. R. Post, and during the evening he made a little talk to his comrades that was filled with wit and good fellowship to all mankind. He was always of a cheerful disposition, rugged in appearance and honest integrity illumining his countenance. Often has he been heard to say that when his time come to go he wanted to be taken off suddenly and in this his wish came true.

For thirty years Mr. Pratt has conducted a blacksmith shop in Bedford, commencing as an apprentice for Cy Wolverton. Last year he sold out to his partner, John Hindman and son Frank.

The subject of this sketch was born near New Holland, Erie County, New York, August 25, 1843, and died at Bedford, Iowa, January 14, 1908. When the clouds of rebellion broke in this fair land he was anxious to be in the thickest of the fray and in 1861 enlisted for three years in Co. K. 6th U. S. Cavalry. When his term of service expired he took his discharge, having served his country faithfully, bravely and well. He came to Bedford about 1868, having worked in the oil regions of Pennsylvania during the interim.

On Nov. 6, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Catherine Wilkins, and to this union three children were born, all of whom survive him, his wife and devoted companion departing this life, however, April 14, 1894. His children have all grown to manhood and womanhood and are married, one, Mrs. B.[enjamin] F. Williams [Eva], living at the family home; another, Mrs. Mable Klopp, of Sioux Falls, S. D., and a son, Ira, of Enterprise, Ore., all of whom will be here to attend the funeral, and all have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their dark hour of bereavement.

[Pratt, Salem]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     January 23, 1908     p. 4

Obituary.

Salem Pratt was born near Holland, New York, August 25, 1843, and died at his home in Bedford, Iowa, Tuesday morning, January 14, 1908, at the age of 64 years, 4 months and 19 days. His death was without warning, he being in his usual good health, when the heart ceased to act and Salem Pratt was no more.

He came to Bedford about 1867 and has since that time been a resident and identified with all the better interests of Bedford. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. [atherine] Wilkins, Nov. 6, 1870, who preceded him beyond, April 14, 1894. To this union were born three children, Mrs. Mable Klopp, of Sioux Falls, S. D., Ira Pratt, of Enterprise, Ore., and Mrs. Eva Williams, who lived with her father until his death. All of the children were present to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of a kind and loving father. He enlisted in Co. K, 6th U. S. cavalry and with honor and great fidelity served his country until the close of the war. He was held in high esteem by his comrades of the days gone by and only a few days before his death was made Commander of the local Post.

The funeral was held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Elder Geo. A. Hendricks, of the Christian church, assisted by a quartette from the church, who furnished appropriate music. The Post attended in a body and buried their comrade with the soldier's honors.

Salem Pratt was a good man in the true sense of that term. His word or promise was law to him and to those with whom he had dealings. His life was pure and above reproach. He was kind and ever ready to do a man a favor even though it lead him to make a sacrifice to do it. The deceased possessed many traits of character worthy of emulation. A very large crowd assembled to pay their respects to the memory of a good citizen. Peace to his ashes.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Times-Republican, January 23, 1908, page 7.]

[Pratt, Salem]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    January 16, 1908    p. 5

DEATH OF SALEM PRATT

Unheralded the Dread Summons Came

Salem Pratt, one of the old residents of Bedford, and one of the best known men in the county, dropped dead in the street in front of Dr. Paschal's residence at about 6:30 Tuesday morning. He had arisen from bed about 6 o'clock, and after building the fire he remarked to his daughter, Mrs. Eva Williams, who with her husband, reside at the Pratt home, that he was feeling ill, and thought he would go to the osteopath for a treatment. Mr. Williams proposed to go for the doctor, but he said he felt perfectly able to go himself, and started. About 7 Mr. Williams telephoned Dr. Mace, and learning that Mr. Pratt had not reached the doctor's home, he started out to see what had become of him. As he was passing Dr. Paschal's residence, he saw something laying in the street a few feet from the pavement. It was quite dark, and Mr. Williams had to go quite close before he discovered that it was the body of Mr. Pratt. Frank Parker had discovered the body a few moments earlier, and had gone for assistance and soon several persons arrived.

Mr. Pratt had apparently been dead 30 minutes or more for the body was still warm, there were no signs of a struggle, and death had no doubt come suddenly and painlessly.

Salem Pratt had lived in Bedford 40 years and was known all over the county, and wherever he was known he was held in the highest regard. He was one of those whole souled, big-hearted men to whom no one in distress ever appealed in vain and upon whom his friends could always depend in time of need. Everyone liked Salem Pratt, and his sudden death is a shock to the community such as no death in our city has been in years. The day before he had been apparently enjoying good health, and just the evening before he had attended the council meeting and was in his usual jovial mood. It was hard indeed to realize less than twelve hours later that he was cold in death, and that this was true, brought sincere sorrow and grief to every home in the family.

Mr. Pratt was born near Holland, New York, and was 64 years of age. He was married to Miss Mary C. [atherine] Wilkins after coming to Bedford in 1867, and three children of this union survive him. His wife died fourteen years ago. He served efficiently and faithfully as a soldier in Company K, 6th U. S. cavalry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. A more extended obituary notice will appear next week.

The funeral services will be held at the home Sunday afternoon, Sedgwick Post G. A. R., of which he was an honored member, and of which he was installed commander for the third time only last Saturday night, will have charge of the ceremonies.

[Pratt, Salem]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    January 23, 1908     p. 6

Ira Pratt arrived here Saturday evening from his home at Enterprise, Ore. He started at once upon receipt of the message telling of his father's death, but was delayed by storm and accident until he did not think it possible to arrive here until Monday. He wired his sister at Bedford to that effect, and it was decided to postpone the funeral until his arrival. Later, however, he was fortunate in catching an extra train, and arrived here Saturday evening, so the funeral was held Sunday. Ira will remain several days to settle up his father's business so another trip to Iowa for that purpose will not be necessary.

[Pratt, Salem]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    January 23, 1908     p. 6

Among the old soldiers from Gravity who attended the funeral of their old comrade, Salem Pratt, Sunday were: B. F. Chandler, J. Nelson, John Locke, H. Adams, J. P. Taylor, G. L. Brookman, H. Swanders and A. Smith.

[Schuster, Garwilda Babe “Honey” Rusco]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday    March 11, 1987    p. 4

HONEY SCHUSTER

Funeral services for Honey Schuster, 79, were held at the Blockton Christian Church March 2. The Rev. Scott Marcum officiated and burial was in the Athelstan Cemetery in Athelstan, Ia. Mrs. Schuster died February 28, 1987 at Ringgold County Hospital in Mt. Ayr, Ia.

Garwilda Babe (Honey) Schuster was born November 21, 1907 at Athelstan, Iowa to John Rusco and Hilda Andersen Rusco. She grew to maturity in Athelstan and attended the public school and church.

On November 24, 1925 she was united in marriage to Ralph Schuster at Bedford, Ia. Ralph and Honey lived most of their 61 years of marriage in the Maloy, Clearfield, and Blockton communities. To this union was born one daughter, Jodene Schuster Brown.

Honey was preceded in death by her parents John and Hilda Rusco; one sister, Juanita Cordell; four brothers, Guy, Roy, Ray, and one brother who died in infancy.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Ralph Schuster of Blockton; her daughter Jodene and husband Elton of Clearfield; and her three grandchildren and their families, Marilyn, Steve, and Traci Maltzahn of Creston; Carolyn, Jim, Dana, and Danny Nelson of Clearfield; and Jerry, Sheila, Brooks, and Amber Brown, also of Clearfield. Honey also leaves to mourn her passing, two sisters, Mildred Jonas of Holt, Mo., Deliliah Hanks of Kansas City, Mo., and a host of nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

Honey was a resident of the Clearfield Clearview Nursing Home for the past two months. Prior to this, Honey and Ralph spent the past 26 years in Blockton.

Everyone who knew Honey could appreciate all of the long hours she spent with her handiwork. Honey knitted and crocheted many items, many of which she gave away. She was especially proud of all of her beautiful afghans.

Honey was a kind and considerate wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. God receive her soul...Peace has come at last.

[Note: On her gravestone her first name is spelled Grawilda.]

[Schuster, Ralph Franklin]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday    August 26, 1987     p. 3

RALPH SCHUSTFR

Ralph Franklin Shuster was born December 3, 1903 in Lyon County, Ks. to Mary Ellen Thompson Schuster and Fred Schuster and departed this life on August 12, 1987 at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mt. Ayr, at the age of 83 years, eight months and nine days.

Ralph was born in Lyon County, Ks. and later in his boyhood years he moved to Waterton, Mo. He attended country school in Waterton. Ralph moved to Blockton in his teen years.

On November 4, 1925 he was united in marriage to Grawilda Babe (Honey) Rusco at Bedford, Ia. Ralph and Honey lived most of their 61 years of marriage in the Maloy, Clearfield and Blockton communities. To this union was born one daughter, Jodene Schuster Brown.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Honey, on February 28, 1987; his parents, May and Fred; and eight brothers, Lee, Clarence, Cecil, Clyde, Forrest, Fred, Paul, and one brother who died in infancy.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter Jodene and husband Elton of Clearfield; and his three grandchildren and their families, Marilyn, Steve, and Traci Maltzahn of Creston; Carolyn, Jim, Dana, and Danny Nelson of Clearfield; and Jerry, Sheila, Brooks, and Amber Brown of Clearfield. Ralph also leaves to mourn his passing, two brothers, Homer and wife Lois of Stockton, Ca., and Arthur of Fontana, Ca. and a host of nieces, nephews and many many friends.

Everyone who knew Ralph could appreciate all of the long hours he spent with his gardening. Ralph enjoyed raising fruits and vegetables and giving them away to his many friends. Even after retiring from farming, Ralph kept very busy with his many hobbies of hunting, fishing, trapping, bird watching, gardening, and building wooden crafts. Number one in Ralph’s mind was his family. Ralph enjoyed the many many hours he spent with his wife, his daughter and son-in-law, and his three grandchildren and their families. In later years, he spent a lot of time watching, playing with, and making things for his five great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Blockton Christian Church at 2 p. m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.

The Rev. Scott Marcum officiated and burial was in the Athelstan Cemetery in Athelstan, Ia.