Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Briggs, Bertha V. Nemier] Blockton News Thursday August 31, 1939 p. 5 Obituary Bertha V. Nemier was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, August 3, 1896. At the age of 19 she was converted, and three years later united with the Free Methodist church, of which she remained a member until her death. She married Leslie E. [mmert] Briggs on Dec. 25, 1916. To this union three children were born---Clara A. Briggs, Leslie J. Briggs, and Lawrence R. Briggs. She underwent an operation in January, from which she never fully recovered. She passed away at the family home at 425 North 11th street, St. Joseph, Mo., Aug. 23. Besides her husband and three children, she is survived by three brothers, E. H. Nemier, A. J. Nemier, and A. [lbert] A. [lford] Nemier, all of Colorado; and a stepsister, Mrs. Marie Fay, of Los Angeles, Calif. Funeral services were held in St. Joseph Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. [Briggs, Clara Eleanora Bellus] Blockton News Thursday October 3, 1929 [p. 1] Obituary Clara Elenora Bellus was born in Pierpoint, New York, June 18, 1863, and died in St. Joseph, Mo., Saturday morning at 1 o’clock, Sept. 28, 1929. At the age of about 12 years she came with her parents, Dr. and Mrs. G. [eorge] W. [esley] Bellus, to Blockton, Iowa, then Mormontown, where she finished her schooling. In the year 1882 she was united in marriage to Walter E. Briggs. To this union was born three children---Leon E., Leslie E. [mmert], and Edna M. [ay]. Walter E. Briggs, the husband, died Jan. 31, 1898, and Leon E., the elder son, died in October 1917. She leaves to mourn her death one son, Leslie E. [mmert] Briggs of St. Joseph, one daughter, Edna [May], Mrs. Kanan of St. Louis; five grandchildren; three brothers and one sister, L. A. Bellus of Ft. Pierce, Florida, F. [orest] E. Bellus of Conception Jc., Mo., G. E. Bellus of Blockton, and Mrs. Marian Huxtable of Yakima, Washington, and a host of other relatives and friends. She was converted in her youth and joined the United Brethren church at Blockton, transferring her membership to the Huffman Memorial church in St. Joseph. She has always been an active member in church work, and was a member of the W. C. T. U. and Fraternal Aid union. She was of the most loving, kind nature, always sacrificing for others. One of her last messages was that she was ready to go whenever the Lord called for her. Funeral services were held in the Huffman Memorial church in St. Joseph Monday morning at 10 o’clock, the sermon being preached by the pastor. Short services were held at the grave in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton, Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. David Kratz. [Briggs, Clara Eleanora Bellus] Blockton News Thursday October 3, 1929 [p. 1] Among those accompanying the Mrs. Clara Briggs funeral party here from St. Joseph Monday were F. [orest] E. Bellus and wife of Conception, Eldred Bellus and family of Gilman City, Mo., L. [eslie] E. [mmert] Briggs and family of St. Joseph; J. R. Kanan and family of St. Louis; Bruce Spangler and family of Creston, and G. E. Bellus and wife of this place. [BRIGGS, CLARA ELEANORA BELLUS] Blockton News Thursday November 1, 1917 [p. 1] Leon Briggs Dead
Leon [E.] Briggs, son of Mrs. R. [Clara Eleanora Bellus] Briggs of St. Joseph, passed away at the home of his mother Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The remains were brought to Blockton last evening and the funeral services will be held at the Methodist Episcopal church this afternoon at 2 o’clock. Interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetery. [BRIGGS, LEON E.] Bedford Times-Press Wednesday January 19, 2000 Maynard Maxwell
Funeral services for Maynard Maxwell, age 81, of Bedford who died at his home on Wednesday, January 12, 2000 were held Saturday, January 15, 2000 at 2 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Pastor Ruth Melick officiating. Interment with military rites accorded by John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in his name. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Maynard LeRoy Maxwell was born July 30, 1918 in the New Market area of Taylor County, the son of John R. [William] Maxwell and Mezzie [Estella] Friend Maxwell. He grew up attending rural schools and Bedford High School. On January 12,1938 he was united in marriage to Olive Walters in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1942 he entered the United States Army, spending a year in Louisiana and Texas before going overseas to France in 1944. Upon his discharge from the Army, the couple lived in north Bedford where Maynard drove [a] truck and worked for Phillips Oil Company and the Farmers Co-op. In 1960 he went to work for Walnut Grove Seeds, retiring in 1980. Maynard and Olive had a large produce garden and they enjoyed selling this produce for many years. Maynard was a "people" person; he enjoyed being with others, whether it was playing cards, such as Pitch or Pinochle, or bass fishing. He and Olive wintered in Florida for many years and while there they attended many flea markets. In 1994 Maynard suffered a stroke, which slowed him down a bit, however, he still liked to visit. Being a farm boy at heart, Maynard always had a dog to keep him company, his last dog "Mandy” a Yorkshire terrier, was his pride and joy. Maynard and Olive attended the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Maynard is survived by his loving wife Olive of Bedford; a nephew, John Maxwell and wife Gerri and a sister in law, Juanita Maxwell, all of Tillamook, Oregon; along with many friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Mezzie, a brother, Loren and a nephew, Jerry Dale Maxwell. [Mincks, Lillie Dale Starkey Kniepe] Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 31, 1967 p. 4 Final Rites Held For Mrs. Mincks Funeral services for Mrs. Phil (Lillie) Mincks, 89, long time Bedford resident, were held Tues., Aug. 29, at State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Rev. J. Milton Kinney. Mrs. Mincks died August 24 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Witt Cemetery, Bridgewater, Iowa. [Mincks, Lillie Dale Starkey Kniepe] Bedford Times-Press Thursday September 7, 1967 p. 2 Final Rites Held For Mrs. Mincks Funeral services for Mrs. Phil (Lillie) Mincks, 89, long time Bedford resident, were held Tues., Aug. 29, at State Street, Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Rev. J. Milton Kinney. Mrs. Mincks died August 24 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Witt Cemetery, Bridgewater, Iowa. Lillie Dale Mincks, daughter of William R. and Eva Anthony Starkey, was born at Conway, Iowa, on August 26, 1877. She and her family lived in Conway for a while, and she began her schooling there. Later they moved to Bridgewater, Iowa. It was there that she joined the Bridgewater Church of Christ. She remained faithful to her church for the rest of her life. In 1923 she was united in marriage to Phillip E. [dgar] Mincks of Blockton, Iowa. Early in the 1940’s, she and Phil moved to Bedford where she lived the rest of her life. Phil preceded her in in death in 1964. Before her health failed, she was an ardent gardener, a good housekeeper, and a great cook. Advancing years and declining health forced her to become less active in these and other activities. Surviving her are one sister, Myrtle Bauer of Orient, Iowa; three nephews and one niece. Many friends and in-laws also survive. Her memory will be with us for many years. Bedford Times-Press Thursday September 23, 1965 p. 8 Phil Mincks Rites Sept. 20 Funeral services for Phillip Edgar Mincks, 79, long time Taylor County resident, were held September 20 at the Blockton Christian Church with Rev. James Ferris officiating. Mr. Mincks died September 18, 1965, in Veterans Hospital, Omaha, Nebr. Military honors were conducted by American Legion Post 164 at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Included in the services was the following obituary. Philip Edgar Mincks, son of Hiram Minor Mincks and Nancy Ann Spooner Mincks, was born July 2, 1886, on a farm northwest of Blockton, Iowa. At the age of 20, he moved with the family to Buffalo, Missouri. Three years later, after the death of his mother, the family returned to Blockton to make their home. During World War I, Phil was stationed in Waco, Texas, where he served his country as a cook. After his discharge from the service, he followed the trade of painter and paperhanger. He was affiliated with the Masonic Order. In 1923 he was united in marriage to [Lillie] Dale Starkey Kniepe. In 1942, they moved to Bedford, where they resided until the time of his death. The following members of his family have preceded him in death; his father and mother; six sisters, Clarinda, Christiania, Millie Kathryn Streepy, Mae Etta, Lillie Ostrander Besco, and Ola [Maude] Mincks; two brothers, Asa and Hiram. He is survived by his wife, Dale; his sister, Margaret [Nancy] Slaughter; nine nephews, Donald Starkey, who spent the past several years in the home helping to care for Phil; other nephews, Glen and Ivan Starkey; Robert Mincks, Glen and Wid Ostrander; Joe Slaughter, Bob and Ora Streepy; three nieces, Fern Starkey, Myrtle Slaughter Fletchall and May Streepy. Phil was a perfectionist in his work, which brought admiration from all whom he served. Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 30, 1978 p. 4 Risser, 79, Dies March 25 in Maryville Funeral services for Lelan Risser, 79, Bedford, held March 28, in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were officiated by Rev. Carter Smith. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Mr. Risser died March 25 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville after a short illness. Lelan Risser, son of Minerva [Rowe] and Senator Risser was born in Nodaway County, Mo., on May 20, 1898. He lived most of his life in Taylor County, Iowa where he grew up and attended the public schools. He attended the Forest Grove Church before transferring his membership to the Baptist Church in Bedford. On July 30, 1917, he was united in marriage to Lola Pearl Townsend at Bedford and they lived in Taylor County until his death. They were privileged to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary last year. To this union two children were born, Irene Swain of Southern Missouri and Dean Risser who preceded him in death. He was engaged in farming, which he dearly loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Anna Cubbage and Hattie Kemery, one brother, Abbott; a son, Dean; and two grandsons, Marvin Dan Swain, and Ronnie Risser in infancy. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lola, his daughter, Irene Swain and her husband Joe; his daughter-in-law Mary Risser of Diagonal. Also surviving are three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was a member of the Modern Woodman Lodge, and First Baptist Church of Bedford. He was a kind and considerate husband, father, and neighbor. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday June 4, 1997
Lola Risser
Lola [Pearl] Risser, 97 years of age, died May 28th at her home in Bedford. She was the daughter of Ed [ward Clark] and Nettie [Mae Matheny] Townsend and was a life long resident of the Bedford area. Left to remember her are her daughter, Irene Swaim, daughter in law, Mary Risser, granddaughters, Connie Brewington and Mary Swaim, grandson Robert Risser, great grandchildren, Billie Willets, Mary Kurban, Robbie Kurban, Courtney Risser, and Lori Risser, and a great great grandson, Alex Kurban. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Mable, her son Dean, a son in law, and a grandson. She was laid to rest in the Fairview Cemetery next to her husband of 61 years, Leland [Lelan]. Lola was an active
member of the Baptist Church. Friends and family well remember her as a devout wife and mother. Her
avid gardening skills and love of poetry are expressed as only she could in the
following poem written by her: Mary Mary quite
contrary Little plants -I beg your [Russell, Florence May Bailey] Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 17, 1947 [p. 1] Mrs. Florence Russell Succumbs Tuesday Mrs. Florence [May
Bailey] Russell, who had been in failing health for several months, died
about noon Tuesday. She is a sister of I.
[win] J. Bailey.
The funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock, Friday afternoon, at the Shum Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Mr. Swan of the Christian church. Burial will be in the Fairview cemetery. [Russell, Florence May Bailey] Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 24, 1947 p. 5 Obituary – Mrs. Florence Russell Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Friday afternoon for Mrs. Florence Russell, who passed away Tuesday, April 15 at the age of 79 years, 2 months and 24 days. Rev. G. W. Swan officiated at the last rites. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery. Florence [May] Bailey, daughter of Mary [Garrigues] and David Bailey, was born January 21, 1868 near Springdale, Iowa. In February 1876 she moved with her parents to a farm north of Bedford, where she resided until 1891. On September 22, 1891, she was married to Wm. G. [rant] Russell and for several years they made their home in Phillipsburg, Mont. The remainder of her life was spent in Omaha, Nebr., with the exception of the past five years she spent in Bedford. Mr. Russell died April 16, 1929. In her early life she united with the Christian church. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Mariel Johnson and a granddaughter, both of Minneapolis; also one brother, I. [rwin] J. Bailey of Bedford; and fours sisters-in-law. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday April 28, 1999
David Smith
Funeral services for David Smith, age 48 of Bedford, who died on Friday were held Tuesday, April 27, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Memorials can be given in his name. Burial was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. David Keith Smith was born February 13, 1951 in Osceola, Iowa the son of Victor [Keith] Smith and Beverly Van Scoy Smith. Dave grew up in the Osceola area graduating from Clarke Community School in 1969. Dave then entered the United States Army on November 24, 1970 where he was a Marksman M16 and later received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Occupational Medal (Berlin). He was honorably discharged on November 12, 1973. Dave returned to the Osceola area after his discharge and on July 29, 1978 he was united in marriage to Susan Sitzman in Osceola. In 1988 David and Susan moved to Bedford where he delivered propane for Union Gas and later Ferrell gas. Dave was always a great mechanic and at the time of his death he was employed by Taylor County Motors. This was a job he thoroughly enjoyed. Keeping busy never seemed to be a problem for Dave. He and Jason were known to mow between ten to fifteen yards every week! He was an avid enthusiast of old model cars. He enjoyed working in his garage restoring his Chevy Coupe. Many hours were spent with his son Jason at his side overhauling motors and restoring various vehicles. He was a member of the National Street Rod Association and the Iowa Street Rod Association. In his spare time, he enjoyed shooting snooker, listening to music, playing with his nieces and nephews. But most of all he enjoyed being a husband and father. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Susan and son Jason of Bedford; his parents, Victor and Beverly Smith of Woodburn; a daughter, Donna Goldman of Colfax; a brother, Duane Smith and wife Tena of Woodburn; three sisters, Diane Loney and husband Tom of Weldon, Donna Irving and husband Rick of Woodburn and Denise Morris and husband Frank of Osceola; and a mother-in-law, Dorothy Sitzman. Preceding him in death are his grandparents and a father-in-law, Fred Sitzman. Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 11, 1974 p. 4 Last Rites Held In Bedford For Glenn Snyder Funeral services for Glenn Weaver Snyder, 82, of Bedford, held April 1 at the First Baptist Church in Bedford, were officiated by Rev. Ollie Odle. Mr. Snyder died at his home in Bedford March 20, 1974. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Glenn Weaver Snyder was one of eight children born to John and Jennie Snyder, on February 7, 1892 in Taylor County, Iowa. He grew up on a farm east of Bedford and he attended the rural schools. By trade he was a farmer, a carpenter, and a painter. On December 4, 1917 he was united in marriage to Cassie A. [lma] Miller and to this union four children were born. She passed away in April of 1926. On November 23, 1927 he was united in marriage to Jeanette Lillian Boyd at Blockton, Iowa and to this union nine children were born. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, two daughters, one son, five brothers, two sisters and two grandsons. Glenn is survived by his wife, Jean of the home; five sons, Paul of Louisa, Virginia; Donald of Conway, Iowa; Harold of Sidney, Ia.; Leo and Edward of Rock Springs, Wyo.; five daughters, Lucille [Marie] McCandless and Ferne Mingus of Lexington, Nebr.; Eleanor Boyle of Elwood, Nebr.; Donna Pitman of Hoodsport, Wash.; and Betty Espinosa of Bedford; together with their husbands and wives; one sister, Mary Sharp, of Bedford, Iowa; 41 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He united with the Baptist Church at East Mission at an early age and he was a former member of the Odd Fellow Lodge. Glenn was a loving husband and father, a kind neighbor and a friend to all. He will be greatly missed by his family, relatives and friends. [Snyder, Glenn Weaver] Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 11, 1974 p. 9 Out-of-Town Relatives and Friends Attend Glenn Snyder Service Friends and relatives at the Glenn Snyder service here April 1 are: Paul Snyder, Louisa, Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Don Snyder and Steve Snyder, Conway; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McCandless, Sharon McCandless, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Mingus and Barbara Kent and Scott Mingus, Lexington, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Snyder and David and Roger Snyder, Sidney, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Snyder and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Snyder, Rock Springs, Wyo. Mr. and Mrs. John Boyle, Tim, Angie Boyle and Vicki Curtis, Brenda and Shelly Walston, Elwood, Nebr.; Mrs. Gary Pitman, Hoodsport, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Evans, Doug and David and Don McCandless, Lexington, Nebr. Mrs. Maurice Andres, Cozad, Nebr.; Capt. and Mrs. Larry Leighton, Ft. Campbell, Ky.; Mr. and Mrs. George Callison, Des Moines, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Snyder, Diagonal; Harold Sharp and Mrs. Russell Hegwood, Omaha, Nebr. Bedford Times-Press Thursday October 9, 1947 p. 7 Blockton Obituary – Charles F. Simpson Charles F. [oster] Simpson, son of [Caroline] Cornelia [Salmon] and [George] Porter Simpson, was born Jan. 17, 1882 in Worth county, Mo, and died at his home in Nevada, Iowa, Sept. 29, 1947, aged 65 years, 8 months and 12 days. He grew to manhood on a farm south of Blockton, known as the Simpson home place. After attending school at Blockton he attended business college in Missouri and for many years lived at Neosho, Mo., and in Kansas City. From there he moved to Chicago, and later to Nevada. On May 6, 1946 he was married to Alma Christenson of Nevada at Marshalltown, Iowa. He had been in failing health for sometime, but the end came suddenly and as a shock to the family. His father and one brother, Silas of Columbia, Mo., preceded him in death. Those surviving are his wife of Nevada; his devoted mother of Redding; two sisters Mrs. Fanny Saville of Redding and Mrs. Ida Searles of Blockton; one brother, Chester Simpson of Algona, Iowa. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Blockton Methodist Church conducted by Rev. McEleney. [Simpson, Sarah Angeline “Angie” Strachan] Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 10, 1947 p. 7 Blockton Obituary – Angie Simpson Angie [Sarah Angeline] Simpson was born in Worth County, Missouri, November 4, 1869, and died at her home in Grant City, Missouri, June 25, 1947, at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 21 days. She was the second daughter of William and Mary J. [ane Hagans] Strachan and was reared in a Christian home and united with the Christian Church of Pleasant Ridge. She was married to John R. [ichard] Simpson on September 27, 1893, at her home near Grant City and lived in Worth county until after the death of her husband in 1915. She then went to live with her sister, Mrs. B. [ird] H. Miller, in Blockton. After the death of Dr. and Mrs. Miller, she moved to Grant City, where she lived until her death. She was interested in missions and helped organize the Missionary Society of the Christian Church in Blockton. She was a life member of the United Missionary Society and made her sister, Nellie A. Wall, a life member of the same organization. Ill health kept her at home for many years. She is survived by two sisters, Nellie A. Wall of Grant City, and Stella J. Moore of Jerome, Idaho; two nephews, Chester and Dick Wall and their families of Grant City. The funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Blockton, Friday, June 27 conducted by E. E. Stringfellow of Des Moines. Burial was in the Blockton cemetery. Blockton News Thursday July 9, 1925 [p. 1] Little Vivian Ware Dead It was a shock to the people of Blockton when it was reported that little Vivian Hope Ware, the three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. [saph] Ware, had passed away about 6:30 yesterday morning after a brief illness. The little girl has been ill for three or four days with paresis of the bowels and under a doctor’s care. Her condition was not considered serious and she was considered as improving the evening before. She became worse yesterday morning and a physician was called, but she passed away as above stated. The little girl would have been 4 years old on the 29th of September. Funeral services will be held this (Thursday) morning at 10 o’clock, conducted by Rev. I. B. Holman of Mount Ayr, assisted by Rev. H. V. Reeves, and interment in Rose Hill cemetery. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved parents. [WARE, VIVIAN HOPE]
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