Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Potter, Ollie Jane Wilson] Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 17, 1960 p. 6 SIAM NEWS Siam — Glen Potter of Oklahoma City, Okla., is visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Potter, being called here by the death of his grandmother. [Potter, Ollie Jane Wilson] Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 17, 1960 p. 6 SIAM NEWS OBITUARY - Ollie Jane Potter Ollie Jane Potter, daughter of Geo. and Mary Ann Wilson, was born in Decatur county, Iowa, Aug 29,1868 and died at the home of her son Loyd in Clarinda on March 10, 1960 at the age of 91 years, 6 months and 11 days. She moved to Taylor County with her parents and received the remainder of her education at the North Star school. When young, she united with the Methodist church in Siam, where she remained faithful the remainder of her life. On Sept. 17, 1890, she was married to Richard Potter. They made their home in Taylor county the most of the time. Four children were born to this union: Lizzie (Mrs. Wm. Landon) of Sheridan, Wyo., Frank of near Siam, Loyd of Clarinda and Mrs. Cleta Jeffrey of Portersville, California. Mr. Potter died in 1932 and for a few years Mrs. Potter lived in Siam, later moving to a home in New Market. She leaves to mourn her passing the four children, 12 grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ara Stewart of Siam and Stockton, Calif., and Mrs. Effie Nash of Portersville, Calif. Her father, mother, a brother and a sister preceded her in death. Funeral services were held Sunday March 13 at the Methodist church in New Market, conducted by the minister, Rev. Lacy Thompson, assisted by Rev. Clarence Moore of Clarinda. Interment in Siam cemetery. Taylor County Herald Thursday October 20, 1932 p. 4 Siam News Richard Potter died at his home in Siam Saturday morning, after an illness of several months. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Methodist church. Mr. Potter has been a resident of this community for several years. Clarence Moore of Clarinda. Interment in Siam cemetery. [Potter, Richard] Taylor County Herald Thursday October 20, 1932 p. 6 Obituary—Richard Potter Richard Potter, the oldest of a family of six boys and one girl, was born in Deryelavan [Delavan] Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, Ireland, August 9, 1862, and departed this life on the morning of October 15, 1932, at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 6 days. In the spring of 1882, longing to come to America, he left his native land and came directly to Bedford, Iowa, where he made his home for a time with two uncles who had previously come to this country and located on farms near there. He was married to Ollie [Jane] Wilson on Sept. 17, 1890. First 3 years of their married life were spent on a farm near Shambaugh, Ia. The remainder of his life has been lived near Bedford and Siam, excepting one season spent in Arkansas. Four children came to bless this home, all of whom are living. They are: Lizzie Landen of Big Horn, Wyo.; Frank and Lloyd Potter of the Siam community, and Mrs. Cleta Ewaldsen, of Sheridan, Wyo. Mr. Potter's wife and two sons constantly cared for and watched over him during his fatal illness which began last May. His daughters from Wyoming came to visit and minister to him. All that was humanly possible was done for him by his loved ones and neighbors and friends. Never once did he complain or murmur at his lot, but bore all his suffering with that quietude which marked his entire life until the final summons came and he just as quietly slipped away from us. At a very early age he was baptized and taken into the church of his parents' faith and all through his life he felt the influence of this early religious training, and to these childhood convictions he remained true. Mr. Potter was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, first belonging in Siam, and later transferring his membership to Bedford. Outside of his immediate family, consisting of his wife, two sons, two daughters, and twelve grandchildren, his only surviving relative in this country is a cousin, Mrs. Ed Henderson, of Bedford. Three brothers survive him in Ireland, his parents, 2 brothers, and sister have preceded him in death. Our community has lost a friend and neighbor, one who was always ready to help in every way he could. For many years he has been a school and township officer, and was regarded by everyone as the very best type of citizen. Funeral services were held at the Siam Methodist church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. L. M. Kirby, and the body laid to rest in the Siam cemetery. Bedford Times-Republican Thursday August 7, 1919 p. 4 Obituary Elsie Ellen Stewart, daughter of [James] Albert and Sarah [Ann Bashore] Stewart, was born Nov. 25, 1878, in Taylor county, Iowa, near Siam, where she has always lived. She died at her home July 19, 1919, age 40 years, 7 months and 24 days. She was united in marriage to Ira [Elmer] Rankin January 5, 1905. To this union two daughters, were born, Gladys Fay, age 10 years and Frances Audrey, age 7 years. Elsie’ s mother died when Elsie was eleven years old. She is also preceded by two brothers and one sister. Surviving are the father, three brothers, Oscar of Clarinda. Iowa, and Jessie and Roy at home. Two sisters, Etta, at home, and Mrs. Alice Patterson of Lyons, Kansas, the husband and daughters and a number of relatives and friends. Elsie had been in poor health for some time, but was bedfast only a short time. She was a kind and loving mother and wife, a devoted daughter and sister and will be greatly missed in the home and community. Funeral services were held in the Siam M. E. church, conducted by Rev. C. E. McKilvey, July 21, and burial was made in Siam cemetery. -- Hopkins Journal [Redenbaugh, Francis Milton “Frank”] New Market Herald Thursday April 14, 1932 p. 3 Mrs. Chester Pratt received the sad news of the death of her father, Mr. Frank [Francis Milton] Redenbaugh, on April 11th, at the home of his son Hobart, in Camas, Washington. [Redenbaugh, Mary Isabel Johnston] Taylor County Herald Thursday October 27, 1932 p. 8 Mary Redenbaugh, 72, Dies Suddenly Mary Isabel Johnston was born November 7, 1860, in Bond County, Ill., near Greenville, and passed into life eternal from her home in Bedford, Iowa, on October 24, 1932. If she could have lived until two weeks more she would have attained her seventy-second birthday. She moved with her parents to Kansas when six years of age and lived there until her marriage to Francis M. [ilton] Redenbaugh in 1880. They came to Iowa in 1890 and their home has been in Page and Taylor counties since that time. Ten children were born to them, four of whom have preceded their mother in death, one dying in infancy. Mrs. Emma Ellison died in 1917, Mrs. Mayme Cade in 1918, and Glen Redenbaugh died in France in 1918. The surviving children are Ralph and Earl of Omaha, Nebr., Hobart of Camas, Wash., Mrs. Clara Lewellen of Bristow, Okla., Mrs. Margaret Pratt of New Market, and Nettie Redenbaugh of Bedford. One grand daughter, Mildred Cade Burks, made her home with Mrs. Redenbaugh from the death of her mother until her marriage. All are present except Hobart. Mrs. Redenbaugh united with the Methodist church when in Kansas soon after her marriage and has been a member of the church ever since that time. She was a most faithful attendant at all church and Sunday school services and we knew when she was not there that the absence was for a real reason. She was in the service last Sunday morning and was apparently in good health Monday morning when her daughter left home for her work. She was busy with her morning work when death came and had just stepped out of the door. Friends found her evidently within a few minutes after her death. The end had come evidently without a struggle and very quickly. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist church at 2:00 p. m., with Rev M. R. Talley officiating. Interment was made in Fairview cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Thursday January 7, 1965 p. 4 Benjamin Renfro Services Today Funeral services for Benjamin Butler Renfro of Tucson, Ariz., long time Taylor county resident, will be held today (Jan. 7) at the Hopkins Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Renfro died Jan. 3 in Tucson. Interment will be at Siam Cemetery. Benjamin Butler Renfro, son of Francis Marion Renfro and Mary Elizabeth Lasswell Renfro, was born June 7, 1901, in Taylor county. He was married to Almira [Elizabeth] Stewart. He was a member of New Testament Baptist He was a farmer for many years in Taylor County until five years ago when he moved to Tucson for his health. He is survived by his wife, Almira; a son, Benny Renfro of Tarkio, Mo.; two daughters, Mrs. Benny Maudlin, Tucson and Mrs. Smith Hardee, Kansas City, Mo.; four sisters, Mrs. May Jackson and Mrs. Edna Young, Bedford, Mrs. Elma Killam, Tucson and Mrs. Ira (Flo) Thomas, Denver, Colo.; two brothers, Jessie T. Renfro, Vallejo, Calif., and Ronald Renfro, Arvada, Colo.; and 12 grandchildren. Bedford Times-Press Thursday May 10, 1934 p. 3 SIAM Earl Renfro Dies Earl Renfro, son of Mrs. Mary Renfro of the Valley community, who died at his home near Chillicothe, Mo., last week, was buried Monday in the Siam cemetery. [Renfro, Earl Edward] Bedford Times-Press Thursday May 10, 1934 p. 8 Former Valley Resident Dies Earl [Edward] Renfro, 36, a former resident of the Valley community southwest of Bedford, died at his home near Strasburg, Mo., Saturday, May 5, death having been caused by the accidental discharge of a borrowed rifle he was returning to a neighbor. The funeral services were held in Hopkins Monday in charge of the American Legion members of that place. Burial was in the Siam cemetery. Renfro was born near Hopkins, Nov. 7, 1897. He was married to Elsie [Cleota] Whitman of Warrensburg, Mo., Nov. 2, 1925. To them were born three children; one son, Sorren Gerald, 8, and two daughters, Rachael Irene, 6, and Esther Mae, 4, all living. He is also survived by his mother, Mary E. [lizabeth Lasswell] Renfro of Hopkins, four sisters, Mrs. Dale Jackson of New Market; Mrs. W. A. Killam, Hopkins, Mrs. Edna Layton, McClelland, Iowa, and Mrs. Ira Thomas of Council Bluffs; five brothers, Jesse Renfro, Ben Renfro, and John Renfro, of Hopkins, Roy Renfro of Sidney, and Ronald Renfro of Council Bluffs. His father and an older brother preceded him in death. He spent his early life at the Renfro home near Hopkins, until his country entered the world war, when he enlisted in Company A, 135 U. S. Infantry, Aug. 1917, later being transferred to Company K from which he received his honorable discharge after spending a year in active service overseas, escaping unscratched until he was gassed following the battle of Verdun. His country gave him special training in vocational agriculture at the University of Columbia, Mo., where he specialized in poultry husbandry, a vocation which he followed for a time near Hopkins, following which he removed with his family to Warrensburg, Mo., and later to a farm near Strasburg. Bedford Times-Republican Thursday July 11, 1912 p. 4 HOPKINS Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Renfro lost their six months old baby [Howard] from some mysterious cause last Friday night. The child had been put to bed about an hour before the parents retired and when they came into the room where the child was, found it dead. Dr. Kirk and Dr. Large were called, but could do nothing. Burial took place at Siam on Sunday. Rev. Baker of this place conducted the services. Mr. and Mrs. Renfro have one older child. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday August 30, 1989 p. 6 JESSE TAYLOR RENFRO
Funeral services for Jesse Taylor Renfro, 99, Vallejo, Ca., were held August 23, 1989 at the Swanson Price Funeral Home in Hopkins, Mo. conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings and Rev. Joyce Nicholas. Interment was in the Siam Cemetery. Price Funeral Home of Maryville, Mo. was in charge of arrangements. Jesse Taylor Renfro, son of Francis Marion Renfro and Mary Elizabeth Lasswell Renfro was born January 20, 1890 in Taylor County, Iowa and departed this life August 18, 1989 at the Crestview Convalescence Hospital in Vallejo, Ca. at the age of 99 years six months and 28 days. He was one of 11 children. He was united in marriage to Verna Ellen Owens in 1910 and to this union seven children were born: Orville, Howard, Mildred (Holbrook), Kenneth, Harlan, Marjorie (Hanshaw) and Lillie. Howard and Lillie died in infancy. His wife, Verna died in childbirth in 1919 leaving Jesse to raise the children; the youngest being two years of age. This he did with a firm but loving hand. Jesse farmed and trained horses in Hopkins, Mo. His greatest love was showing his American Bred Saddle Horses with the help of his youngest daughter Marjorie. In 1943 he was united in marriage to Beula Russell; she had been a teacher to all of his children. Following their marriage they moved to California where he was employed as a carpenter. He continued to train horses in Napa Valley and one of the horses he trained became a grand champion and this pleased him very much. He was also involved with the Renfro Photography Studio until 1952. His hobbies were photography, fishing, traveling as he and Beula had visited every state in the Union as well as Canada, Mexico and the Holy Land. He was a member of the Vallejo Wayside Methodist Church where he and his wife were very active and highly regarded in both their church and the community of Vallejo. He was preceded in death by his parents; nine brothers and sisters; his wife Verna; six of his children and one grandson Kenneth Holbrook. Surviving him are his wife Beula; daughter [Neva] Mildred of Los Angeles, Ca., 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; a sister, Elma Killam of Tucson, Az.; other relatives and friends. Bedford Times-Press Thursday February 20, 1936 [p. 1] John Renfro, 35 Is Fatally Hurt In Car Accident Monday; Dies Wednesday John Renfro, 35, teacher of the advanced grades in the Siam school, died in a hospital in Omaha Wednesday afternoon, as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident Monday. Renfro, driving his V-8, was corning from New Market when his car collided with a truck belonging to the Gilbert Trucking Company of Shenandoah, three miles east of New Market on No 2. The other occupant of the Renfro car was Walter Radke, 40, a farmer of the Siam community He escaped with only minor cuts and bruises. Both men were taken to New Market, where first aid treatment was given and Renfro was then taken to an Omaha hospital, where he died the next day. His legs and one arm were broken, his chest seriously crushed and his face cut. Drifting snow and snow banks were blamed for the accident. Renfro is a brother of Mrs. Mae Carson Jackson, former recorder of Taylor County. A wife and four children survive. [Renfro, John Espy] Bedford Times-Press Thursday February 27, 1936 p. 2 VALLEY Here For Funeral Of John Renfro Relatives from a distance tending the funeral services for John Renfro, Friday were Mr. and Mrs. Ira Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Renfro, Ronald Renfro, and Mrs. Edna Layton of McClelland, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Renfro of Sidney, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Dale Jackson of New Market. He will be greatly missed from this community, where he was a good, clean, moral young man and one of the best of friends and neighbors to everyone with whom he came in contact. [Renfro, John Espy] Bedford Times-Press Thursday February 27, 1936 p. 2 HOPKINS Open Road for Funeral A group of one hundred and twenty-three men from Siam and Hopkins worked last Thursday in opening the two miles and a half of road from the highway to the John Renfro place. [Renfro, John Espy] Bedford Times-Press Thursday February 27, 1936 p. 5 John Renfro Buried At Siam Friday Funeral services for John Renfro, 31, who was fatally injured in an automobile accident, were held Friday at the Hopkins Baptist church, conducted by Rev. R. A. Dick. Burial was in the Siam cemetery, the Masons having charge of the services at the grave and also assisting in the services at the church. John Espy Renfro, son of [Francis] Marion and Mary T. [Elizabeth Lasswell] Renfro, was born April 22, 1904 on the farm 3 miles north of Hopkins, Mo., where he made his home for the entire period of his life, although he established a temporary home at Siam the present winter, where he was engaged in teaching. He died Feb. 19, 1936, as a result of an auto accident. Oct. 30, 1925, he was married to Thelma Prather. To them were born four children, Doris Elaine, Mary Evelyn, Melba Alice, and John Edward. Besides, his wife and children he leaves to mourn his death, his mother of Hopkins; four sisters, Mrs. Mae Jackson of New Market, Mrs. Elma Killam of Hopkins, Mrs. Edna Layton of McClelland, Iowa, and Mrs. Floe Thomas of Council Bluffs; and four brothers, Jess Renfro and Ben Renfro of Hopkins, Roy Renfro of Sidney, and Ronald Renfro of McClelland, Iowa. The father and two brothers, Earl and Elmer, preceded him in death. Clarinda Herald Journal Monday December 7, 1987 Funeral Tuesday for Renfro, 76 Funeral services for Mrs. Ruby N. [ell] Renfro, 76, of New Market will be at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will be from 7-8 p.m. this Monday evening at the funeral home. Mrs. Renfro died Saturday morning at Municipal Hospital where she had been admitted on Friday. She was born April 30, 1911, near Siam, of Perry and Rachael Roush Fine one of 10 children. She was married to Joseph (Roy) Renfro in 1929. He preceded her in death in 1962. Mrs. Renfro is survived by three sons, Darrell Renfro, Tulsa, Ok, Paul Renfro, New Market, and Charles Renfro of Summerton, SC. There are seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Elza Fine of Bedford is a brother and sisters are Inez Horner, Des Moines, and Lida Wynn, Santa Barbara, Ca. She was preceded in death by parents, husband, grandson Bobby, three brothers and three sisters. Burial will be in the Siam Cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Thursday November 8, 1962 p. 5 Renfro Rites Held Mon, Funeral services for Joseph Leroy Renfro, lifelong resident of Taylor County, were held Monday at Walker's Funeral Home, Clarinda. Mr. Renfro died Oct. 30 at Tucson, Ariz., where he had gone two months ago because of his health. Preacher Clarence Potter of the New Market Church of Christ conducted the services. Burial was at Siam cemetery. Mr. Renfro worked the roads of Taylor County for many years as the operator of a motorized road maintainer. Included in the service was the following obituary: Joseph Leroy Renfro, son of Mary [Elizabeth] Lasswell and [Francis] Marion Renfro, was born in Taylor County, Iowa near Hopkins, Mo. Feb. 27, 1899 and passed away at Tucson, Ariz. Oct. 30 at the age of 63 years, eight months and three days, On September 3, 1929 he was married to Ruby Fine, who survives. To this union were born three sons, Darrel, Stanton, Calif., Paul, Tucson, Ariz., Charles, Wellington, Nevada. Other survivors include seven grandchildren, three daughters-in-law; four sisters, Mrs. May Jackson, Bedford, Mrs. Elma Killam, Tucson, Mrs. Edna Layton, Boone, Ia.; three brothers, Ben, Tucson; Ronald, Denver; and Jessie, Vallejo, Calif. All of Mr. Renfro's brothers and sisters attended his services except Ben and Ronald, who are ill. Taylor County Herald Thursday May 28, 1942 p. 8 Rites Sunday for George Roberts Funeral services were Sunday afternoon at two o'clock from the Gravity Christian church for George H. [enry] Roberts, 62, who died suddenly Thursday afternoon following a heart attack. Surviving are his widow; three sisters, Nellie Haden of St. Joseph, Mary Campbell of Lincoln, Nebr., and Lillian Hosic of Kansas City, and eight nieces and nephews. Rites were conducted by the Rev. Ben W. Sinderson. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery. [Roberts, George Henry] Taylor County Herald Thursday May 28, 1942 p. 4 George H. Roberts
George Henry Roberts, son of William and Emma Roberts, was born in Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa, on October 29, 1879, and died May 21, 1942 at his home near Gravity, Iowa. He was married April 16, 1902, to Emma Deane Walker of Clarinda, Iowa. His mother died when he was 11 years old and his father preceded him in death in 1923. Two brothers, Leslie and Will Roberts and a sister, Grace Shaw, have also preceded him Surviving is his widow, three sisters, Nellie Hadey of St. Joseph, Mo., Mary Campbell of Lincoln, Nebr., and Lillian Hosic of Kansas City, Mo.; eight nieces and nephews together with a host of friends. Mr. Roberts spent his entire life in the vicinity of Gravity. He was a kind husband, a good neighbor and loved his church and home. Funeral services were Sunday afternoon at two o’clock from the Gravity Christian church with the Rev. Ben W. Sinderson in charge of the rites. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.[Roberts, Nancy Alice Sparks] Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 2, 1964 p. 4 Nancy Roberts Rites Monday Funeral services for Nancy Alice Roberts of New Market were held Monday (June 29) at Walker Funeral Home in Clarinda. Mrs. Roberts died June 26, 1964 at Clarinda Municipal hospital at the age of 83 years, nine months, two days. Interment was at Memory Cemetery, New Market. The following obituary was included in the services. Nancy Alice Roberts, daughter of William [Reuben] and Deborah [Ann Williams] Sparks, was born Sept. 24, 1880 in Nodaway Co., Mo. While a child the family moved to a farm five miles east of New Market, Iowa where she grew to womanhood. Early in life she became a member of the Baptist Church. On August 18, 1900, she was united in marriage to Linton Henry Roberts. To this union six children were born: Elmer N., Bedford, Linton Harry of New Market, Mrs. Al (Vera) Meuller, Easton, Mo., Mrs. Bud (Marjorie) Brouilette, Westminster, Calif., Mrs. John (Birdie) Butcher, Shenandoah, Ia., Mr. Don Orville, Omaha, Nebr. If she had lived until August 15th, she and her husband would have celebrated their 64th anniversary. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, five brothers, three sisters and one son, Linton Harry who passed away Nov. 12, 1967. She is survived by her husband, Linton H. [enry] Roberts; two sons, Elmer and Don; three daughters, Vera, Marjorie, Birdie, one daughter-in- law, Helen; eight grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; one great, great, grandchild; several nieces and nephews. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday March 12, 2003 Lee Edward "Jerry" Rucker passed away Saturday, March 8, 2003 at his home in Bedford, Iowa, surrounded by his family. Lee was born June 30, 1931 in Shambaugh, Iowa, the son [of] Harry LeRoy and Velma Fern Phipps Rucker. He grew up and lived in Page and Taylor Counties: Shambaugh, Guss, Siam, and Bedford. Lee attended grade school at Guss and left school at the age of 13 to help on the family farm. On September 1, 1950 he was united in marriage to Rose Irene Whaley at Clarinda, Iowa. To this union ten children were born: Spichael Lee, Nancy Lavada, Baby Rucker, James Edward, Ginger Irene, David Irving, Penny Jane, Jerry Matthew, Shelia Ann, and Jeffrey Vinton. Rose went to be with our Lord on September 16, 1997. Lee found comfort and compassion these last five years in a treasured angel, Loretta Terry, and grew close to her family. Lee worked all his life to support his family. He was a mill operator at Barry's Seed Company in Clarinda, worked for the M.H.I. in Clarinda in the pasteurization room, worked for the Taylor County Roads Dept., and for the last eighteen years he worked for the Iowa Highway Department. A lot of times he worked two or three jobs while he was raising his family. Lee loved his children and cherished the years he spent raising them. Through his illness, these memories comforted and cheered him. He loved to hunt and taught each of his children the respect of hunting and gun knowledge. Lee loved to cook and he was a good cook. He was famous for his potato soup. He loved to visit with family and friends. He holds a very special place in each of his grandchildren's hearts. Not only did Lee and Rosie raise their children, they opened their home to their children's friends, and they were a part of their family also: Clifford Henry, Danisha (Susie) Daniels, Rick and Randy Sheley. As a child and growing up in a large family himself, Lee was very close to his older brother Merlyn and his wife Marilyn and his baby sister Judy and her husband Larry. Lee came to know Christ as his Lord and savior. Lee was preceded in death by his two infant sons, Baby Rucker and David Irving; his parents Harry and Velma; Two brothers, Wayne and Robert; and his wife Rose in 1997. Left to cherish Lee's memory are his children: Spike Rucker and his wife Cindy of Floresville, Texas, Nancy Brown and her husband Gary of Gravity, Iowa, James Edward Rucker and his wife Stephanie of Hopkins, Missouri, Ginger Pullen and her husband Kenny of Bedford, Iowa, Penny Rucker of Sugar City, Colorado, Jerry Matthew Rucker and his wife Lacy of Bedford, Iowa, Shelia Lang and her husband Jeff of Readlyn, Iowa, Jeff Rucker of Bedford, Iowa; grandchildren: Darrell Brown, Mary Jo Brown Manley, Isha Pullen, Joshua, Jesse, and Jaime Lang, James, Seth, and Javen Rucker, Christian Rucker, Micheal Woods, Cindy Woods, Nick, Derek, Dalton, Destanie, Daina Rucker, and one great granddaughter Tayla Manley. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Bedford with Rev. Herbert Hall officiating. Burial is at Siam Cemetery, Siam, Iowa. Memorials suggested to Hospice of Central Iowa, Mount Ayr, Iowa. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, is in charge of arrangements. Bedford Times-Press September 24, 1997 Rose Irene Rucker
Mrs. Rose Irene Rucker, 65 of Bedford, IA died Tuesday evening, September 16th at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, MO after a brief illness. She was born May 3, 1932 at Siam, Taylor County, Iowa the daughter of Victor Hugo and Lois Oxley Whaley. In 1950 she was married to Lee E. [dward] Rucker who survives. Mrs. Rucker had retired from Eveready Battery Co. in Maryville. She is survived by her husband Lee of the Bedford home and eight children: Spike Lee Rucker and wife Cindy, Ft. Polk, LA, Nancy L. Brown and husband Gary, Conway, IA, James E. Rucker and wife Stephanie, Hopkins, MO, Ginger Pullen and husband Kenny, Bedford, IA, Penny J. Hasenfratz and husband Richard, Sugar City, CO, Jerry M. Rucker and wife Lacy, Bedford, IA, Shelia Lang and husband Jeff, Readlyn, IA, Jeffrey V. Rucker and wife Lisa, Dennison, IA. There are 16 grandchildren. A special friend who was like one of her own sons, Clifford Henry and wife Jackie. Sisters and brothers, Wava Twiford, St. Louis, MO, Clyde Whaley, Council Bluffs, IA and Wilbur Whaley, Fremont, CA. Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 19 at Walker Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda with Rev. David Kaster officiating. Burial in the Siam cemetery. A memorial is established. [Shields, Randall Lee “Randy”] Randy Lee Shields,
52, died Sunday, September 5, 2004 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center of
lymphoma. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 10, 2004
at Visitation Catholic Church. Cremation followed the service and graveside
services were held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 18, 2004 at Siam
Cemetery, Siam, Iowa, the gravesite of his beloved grandparents Edward and Iva Pearl Larabee.
Randy was born the son of Kenneth and Phyllis (Larabee) Shields on September 4, 1952 in Elmo, Missouri and had lived in Iowa most of his life. Randy lived in Des Moines for the last 24 years and was a member of Visitation Catholic Church. Randy was a graduate of South Page High School and received his Nursing Degree from Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda, IA. Randy later went to DMACC and obtained his Associate Degree as a Paralegal. Randy was in the Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas near the end of the Vietnam Era. Randy had done volunteer work for CASA and LTUEO (learning to Understand Each Other) a group to help socialization and interaction for mentally ill adults. He worked at Broadlawns Medical Center and other health care facilities as a nurse and currently worked at Principal where he continued his legal and nursing skills as a case manager. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph and Lois Shields and Edward and Iva Pearl Larabee. As part of his love for his children, he gave them nicknames at their birth. He is survived by his children, Benjamin (Buddy) Shields, Lauren (Peanut) Shields of Des Moines, his parents Kenneth and Phyllis Shields of Essex, IA; brothers and sisters, Sandy (Mike) Alexander of Blanchard, IA, Ray (Jody) Shields of Miller, NE, Debbie (Donnie) Argo of Shenandoah, IA, Ronnie Shields and his companion Terri of Lincoln, NE, Pam Sittner of Lincoln, NE, and Nancy Anthony-Dobson (Steven Dobson) of Buckner, MO, and his former wife and mother of their children, Teresa Cooley of Des Moines and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation was from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, September 9, 2004 at Grandview Park Funeral Home with sharing of memories especially Randy’s sense of humor at 8 pm. Memorials may be made to LTUEO club P.O. Box 30104, Des Moines, Iowa 50310-9402. MISPA Daddy (God be with you and I while we’re apart from one
another). We love you Papa.
[Shoemaker, Charles Henry, Jr.] Charles Shoemaker, Jr., age 75, of New Market, Iowa died on Tuesday, July 31, 2001 at Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa. He was born on June 29, 1926 in Bartlett, Iowa, the son of Charles Henry and Marguerite Parr Shoemaker. He graduated from New Market High School in 1943. He served in the US Navy during WW II. On March 7, 1946 he was married to Dorothy Young who survives. He farmed near Siam through the years and retired from NSK Corporation in Clarinda, Iowa. He is survived by his wife of the home, daughters, Laura Albin and husband Terry of Clarinda, Iowa, and Teresa Cole of Corning, Iowa, five grandchildren, sisters Katherine Luther and husband Carroll of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Delores Renander of Clarinda, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Myra, and brother-in-law Junior Renander. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 3, 2001 at
Walker-Merrick with Rev. Loren Daly officiating. Burial was in the Siam
Cemetery. Memorials were suggested to the Siam Church of Christ or the New
Market Fire & Rescue. Walker-Merrick was in charge of arrangements. Bedford Times-Press Thursday October 7, 1954 [p. 1] Prank Sleep Rites At Siam Frank Sleep, a resident of the Bedford community all of his life died at Clarkson hospital, Omaha, Thursday, Sept. 30. Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Siam, Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Philip Prickett of New Point, Mo. Burial in Siam cemetery. Francis Earl Sleep, oldest son of James [Francis] and Eva [Clement Proffitt] Sleep, was born near Bedford, Iowa, April 24, 1896 and died Sept. 30, 1954 at the age of 58 years, five months, six days. He spent his entire life on a farm in Taylor County and was
married to Mary Orleen [Orlean] McNeese on June 20, 1917. To them was born one daughter, Mrs. Elsie Ruth Clark.
He was preceded in death by his father, one brother Harold and a sister Susie. Surviving with his wife, and daughter are the son-in-law, Frank Clark, his mother, Mrs. Eva Sleep; four brothers, Troy, Clarence, Harley and Harmon, all of Bedford; three sisters, Mrs. Edna Delaney of San Diego, Calif., Mrs. Elza Fine of Bedford, Mrs. Vernon Narber of Hopkins. He was a member of the Christian church at Siam. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday October 14, 1998 p. 5 Vera Blanche Sleep
Funeral services for Vera Blanche Sleep, age 90, who died at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center on Sunday, October 4,1998 were held at the Ritchie Funeral Home on Thursday, October 8, 1998 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Burial was in the Siam Cemetery. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Vera Blanche Sleep was born to Edgar and Lavilla Welton Murray on January 15, 1908 on a farm east of Bedford in Gay Township, Taylor County, Iowa. On August 24,1926 she was united in marriage to Dale Henry Sleep in Clarinda. To this loving union eleven children were born: Gerald, Darlene, Eldon, Wilbur, Robert, Marvin, Marvis, Betty, Johnny, Ronnie and Karen. Vera grew up in Taylor County, attending country schools to the eighth grade and three years at the Bedford High School. After her marriage to Dale they moved to a farm in Mason Township. Vera always had a large garden, growing most of the food to feed the family. She loved to bake, and her children have fond memories of her bread and rolls, but it was her dressing they remember most. Growing up on the farm the kids had their usual chores, working in the garden and helping can, but the activity of milking the family cow often proved entertaining. Being the creative cook she was, Vera could whip up the best tasting home made ice cream, along with her fudge and everyone's sweet tooth was satisfied. Raising eleven children was eventful. The brothers were known to stick up for their sisters and the sisters were known to tease their brothers. In 1958 her husband, Dale and eldest son Gerald were both killed in a car accident. Vera remained on the family farm until moving to Bedford in 1970. After all the children moved from home Vera went to work for Bedford Nursing Home aiding in the care of her mother who resided there until her death. After that Vera would take several elderly ladies into her home to care for and provide a home atmosphere for them. Once the grandchildren started to arrive Vera would crochet a bonnet and booties for each. All of her children received an afghan which she lovingly prepared for each family's heirloom. Every Sunday the family would gather at Vera's where mass quantities of food would be prepared followed by a game of basketball or football. With everyone in attendance, there were enough for two teams. When everyone would go home for the evening she would sit and remember the whirlwind of good times shared by each family member, and to thank God for the blessing each had been in her life. Vera was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bedford. Survivors include six sons, Eldon and wife Barb of Bedford; Wilbur and wife Joyce of Bedford; Robert and wife Mary Jo of Bedford; Marvin and wife Dorothy of Bedford; Johnny and wife Sandra of Gravity; Ronnie of Lenox; two daughters Betty Miller and husband John of New Market and Karen Drake and Daryl of Moravia; thirty two grandchildren; sixty one great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren along with many other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Lavilla; her husband Dale; a son, Gerald [Gerold]; two daughters, Darlene Claybaker and Marvis Ballard; two sisters, Leona Fitzhugh and Edra Christenson. |