Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - juliajoh@usc.edu

[Ernest, Glen Elmer]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 22, 1981    p. 4

Glen Elmer Ernest Last Rites Were Held October 17

Funeral services for Glen Elmer Ernest, 88, of Bedford, were held October 17 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings.  Mr. Ernest died October 13 in Rosary Hospital in Corning.  American Legion Post 164 conducted military honors at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Glen Elmer Ernest, son of August and Hannah Magdeline Dietch Ernest, was born in Jackson Township, Forest Grove community, in Taylor County, Iowa, April 20, 1893.

He lived in Jackson Township and grew to maturity in the Forest Grove community where he attended the public school and the Forest Grove Church.

Glen Ernest was united in marriage to Harriette Roxanna Lee on January 26, 1922 and they lived in the Bedford community all their married life.  To this union two children were born:  one son, Cecil, died in infancy; a son, Elvin and daughter-in-law, Donnabelle Ernest, survive and one sister Lulu Reece; also nieces; nephews; other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriette and the infant son, Cecil; his parents, three sisters and four brothers.

Mr. Ernest was engaged in farming and lived on the same land he and Harriette had purchased in 1935.  His son, Elvin, joined him in partnership farming in 1948.

He was united in marriage to Laurel Worley Churchill on February 8, 1941.  She made a home for Glen and Elvin until she died April 26, 1956.

During World War I, Mr. Ernest served his country and had overseas duty in France and Germany.  He was in the Medical Corps.

Since his wife LaurelŐs death, he had lived close to his son and daughter-in-law, Donnabelle, who welcomed him in their home and cared for him.  He remained active and never missed a day that he was not out helping to do what he could.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was a good husband and father and will be missed by his family and neighbors.

[Ernest, Laurel Alice Worley Churchill]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    May 3, 1956    [p. 1]

Mrs. Glen Ernest Rites Held Tuesday

Mrs. Glen Ernest of Bedford died at Municipal hospital in Clarinda, Sunday, April 29, after an illness of several months.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Fred H. Cowles.  Burial in Fairview cemetery.

Laurel Alice Worley, daughter of Charles and Vaughn Worley, was born Sept. 13, 1899 at Hopkins, Mo., and died at the age of 56 years, seven months, 16 days.

She attended both grade school and high school at Hopkins.  When a young girl she united with the Christian Church of Hopkins, where she has retained her membership.  She moved to Bedford when she was 18.

On Feb. 8, 1941, she was married to Glen Ernest.

She is survived by her husband, her father, one brother, Charles Worley of Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Grace White of Kansas City, Mo.; two sons, Charles Churchill of Kansas City, and Rev. Paul Churchill of Springfield, Mo.; one granddaughter, Martha Jannie [Jane] Churchill of Springfield.  Her mother died in 1955.

[Fine, William Roy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    May 3, 1956    [p. 1]

William Fine Died In Montana

William Roy Fine, 45, of Billings, Montana, died Sunday, April 29, following a heart attack, according to word received in Bedford by his aunt, Mrs. R. E. Bradley.  Last rites and burial will be in Billings Friday.

Mr. Fine was the only son of Roy and Maude McGinnis Fine, former residents of this community.  His parents and a sister preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife and one son.  Mr. Fine was a shoe salesman.

[Watkins, James Eslie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 30, 1964    p. 4

Jas. Watkins, 95, Taken In Death

Funeral services for James E. [slie] Watkins, 95, held April 21 at First Christian Church in Bedford, were conducted by Rev. Ivo Randels and Rev. Walter L. Bingham.  Mr. Watkins died April 19 at Chillicothe, Mo.  Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

He was 95 years old on March 8, living in Clarinda and Burlington Junction several years ago.  In recent years he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Maude Long, at Chillicothe.

Preceding him in death were his wife, three sons and one daughter.  Surviving are Mrs. Viola Day of Yakima, Wash., Mrs. Maude Long of Chillicothe, Mo., Cleo Watkins of Trenton, Mo.; a brother, Ross Watkins of Wichita, Kans.

[Pitman, Frederick L.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 29, 1936    [p. 1]

F. L. Pitman, Pioneer Civil Engineer, Dies

Many pioneers will recall Frederick L. Pitman, 73, pioneer civil engineer of the Inland Empire, who died Monday at his home in Grandview, which he located along with Benton City and Granger, following his arrival in the Yakima Valley in 1904 and his surveying of the North Coast line.

He resided in Spokane at W. 2008 Ninth for several years, about 1912, as chief engineer of the road, when the line was undergoing construction under R. E. Strahorn, friends yesterday recall.

Pitman, graduating from Agriculture College at Ames, Iowa, in 1884 as a civil engineer, had done considerable railroad surveying in the east and south and was known as an engineer of ability, and for 25 years had been engaged in that work.  Burial was at Grandview.---Spokane Review

Mr. Pitman was a former Taylor County schoolteacher and resident of the Conway community.  His wife was the former Miss Mary Hough, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jere Hough who were residents of Bedford for many years.

[Haun, Alva Oren]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 15, 1956    [p. 1]

Hauns Killed In Auto Accident

Head-on Crash At Line North of Hopkins

Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Alva O. [ren] Haun were held Monday afternoon at the Christian Church, and interment made in Fairview cemetery.

The elderly Bedford couple, 66 and 59 years old, respectively, were killed Friday afternoon about 4 p. m. when their car collided with another car near the oil station located just south of the Iowa line on Highway No. 27, two miles north of Hopkins, Mo.

Enroute north the Hauns turned off to the left to enter the oil station and cafŽ driveway, squarely in the path of a car coming from the north, driven by Lyle Henry Silker, 40, Onamia, Minn.  With him was his wife, 43, and their son, Edward, 15.

The Silkers were taken to the St. Francis hospital in Maryville, all seriously injured.  Mr. Silker was reported to have received extensive head and face lacerations from broken glass, Mrs. Silker received a broken leg, facial lacerations and possible back injuries, and their son, recovering from polio, had both legs broken.

Tracks on the cement pavement indicated Silker applied his brakes and slid his wheels for about 64 feet before the crash.

[Lantz, Mary Virginia Barrett]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 16, 1944    p. 3

Obituary - Mrs. Mary Lantz

Mrs. Mary Virginia Lantz, daughter of James and Isabella Barrett, was born March 10, 1869 in Pike County, Illinois.  When a girl of fifteen years of age she came to Worth County, Mo., where she spent her life.

On December 20, 1885 she was married to Benjamin Lantz.  To them eight children were born, three of whom died in young childhood, Floyd, Dan and Leo.

The surviving children are Mrs. Elva Hibbs of Kansas City, Mrs. Mamie Dawson of Bedford, Susie C. Bownes of Athelstan, Guy H. Lantz of Parnell, Lester H. Lantz in the armed services in the Southwest Pacific, twenty grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Also two brothers, John Barrett of Nebraska City and Cal Barrett of Columbus, Kans.  She also leaves to mourn her passing four nieces and one nephew, left motherless, who were very fond of her because of the motherŐs care which she gave them.

Her companion preceded her in death on February 3, 1940.

She joined the Methodist Church in early life and in the year 1900 placed her membership in the Baptist church.

She had been making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Elva Hibbs since the death of her companion until five months ago when she came to live with her daughter at Athelstan, where she died Friday evening, March 3, 1944.

She had two grandsons in the services of their country, Leroy P. Hibbs and Duane L. Hibbs.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Croy of Maryville at the Methodist church Sunday, March 5.  Burial was in the Blockton cemetery.

[Wisdom, Thomas Alvah]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 16, 1944    p. 3

Obituary - T. A. Wisdom

Thomas Alvah Wisdom, son of George W. and Ida Wisdom, was born September 24, 1873 near Blockton, Iowa, where he grew to manhood.  He died at his home Thursday, March 9, 1944 at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 14 days.  He spent all of his life with the exception of one year in Canada and two years in Davis County, in and near Blockton.

He was married to Sedalia Williams August 19, 1896.  One son, Cecil, was born October 23, 1902, passing away the same year.  One daughter, Bernice Leota, whom he dearly loved, was born July 26, 1907.

In 1901 he united with the Baptist church at Mount Zion, transferring his membership to the Methodist church of Blockton in 1913, serving as treasurer of the Sunday school for a number of years, an office he held at the time of his death.  He was also teacher of the MenŐs Bible Class for 15 years, and was always ready and willing to perform any task as long as health permitted.

He was a kind and loving husband and father, a thoughtful and helpful neighbor and friend.

Besides his companion and daughter, he leaves one brother, Arthur E. Wisdom, two sisters, Mrs. Stella R. Sunberg of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Mrs. Mary G. Proctor of Keosauqua, Iowa.

The funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Sunday.  Burial was in the Blockton cemetery.

[Larabee, Kenneth Dale]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 7, 1966    p. 3

Dale Larabee Rites March 31

Funeral services for Kenneth Dale Larabee, 30, Taylor County carpenter, were held March 31 at the Siam Christian Church with Rev. Glen Mitchell officiating.  Mr. Larabee died March 29, 1966 in a one-car auto accident.  Interment was at the Siam Cemetery.

The following obituary was included in the services:

Kenneth Dale Larabee, son of Edward F. and Iva P. Currier Larabee, was born at Burlington Junction, Mo., on April 1, 1935.

He received his elementary education in the rural schools of Missouri and attended high school at College Springs, Iowa.

He was baptized at the Christian Church at Elmo, Missouri.

He was married to Beverly Ola Beal on June 4, 1954.  To this union seven children were born:  Jerry Dean, Josephine Sue, Larry Lee, Charles Daniel, Wanda Kaye, Jeffery Scott and Arlen Edward Larabee.

The daughter, Wanda Kaye Larabee, died on May 7, 1961 at the age of three weeks.

He is survived by his wife and six children; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Larabee of Lincoln, Nebr.; three sisters, Mrs. Kenneth (Phyllis) Shields of Coin, Iowa; Mrs. Curtis (Myrtle Ann) Tripplett and Mrs. Lewis (Lois) Reynolds, both of Lincoln, Nebr.; two brothers, Darrel Larabee of Lincoln, Nebr., and Dennis Larabee with the U. S. Navy stationed on the U. S. S. Nereus; parents-in-law, the Arlie Beal family of Siam; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Will Larabee of College Springs and Mrs. Cora Currier of Knoxville, Iowa; a number of uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.

The family moved near Siam, Iowa in 1956.  Kenneth was a carpenter by trade and was employed by the Warren Construction Company of Clarinda.

[Beck, Mary Anna Bear]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday   May 13, 1909    p. 4

Obituary

Mary Anna Bear was born in Davis County, Mo., Oct. 19th, 1871, and died at her home in Siam, Iowa, May 5th, 1909, aged 37 years, 6 months and 14 days.

On May the 8th, 1886 she with her parents moved to Cheyenne County, Kansas, where for several years she taught school.  While there she became acquainted with A. [aron] T. [homas] Beck and was united in marriage with him on May 30th, 1891.  To this union were born five children, two sons and three daughters, Vivian, Vernon and Vera, Gladys and Mildred.  Mr. and Mrs. Beck moved to Bedford, Iowa, in January 1893 and lived in the vicinity of Bedford until August 10, 1908, when they moved to Siam, Iowa.

Mrs. Beck was converted in 1890 and joined the congregational church in St. Francis, Kansas and held her membership there until she came to Bedford and then she transferred her membership to the M. E. church in Bedford and from there she transferred her membership to the M. E. church in Siam.  During her life since she was converted she has been an earnest worker in the church.  She was always ready and willing to do her part in the church and wherever she lived she won the heart of the people by her Christian life.

The funeral services were conducted from the Siam M. E. church by her pastor, M. H. Jordan of Shambaugh, Iowa, May 8th at 1 p. m. in the presence of a large crowd of sympathizing people.

The casket was covered with beautiful floral designs by her many friends.  The floral wreath placed by Mrs. BeckŐs Sunday school class was perfectly beautiful.

The interment took place in the Titus Cemetery four miles west of Bedford.

Looking at things from a human viewpoint, Mrs. Beck ought to have lived; it seems she was needed in the home community and church, but we bow our heads in submission to the dealings of providence and wait until the future when things will be explained which are now unexplainable.

Mrs. Beck leaves to mourn her loss a husband, five children, four brothers and four sisters and an aged father and many relatives and friends.  Mr. Beck and children have the sympathy of the entire community in this time of great bereavement.

[Beck, Mary Anna Bear]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday   May 13, 1909    p. 4

On Wednesday of last week May 5th the people of this village and vicinity were saddened by the news that Mrs. A. [aron] T. [homas] Beck was dead.  Mrs. Beck had not been feeling well for some few days and on Saturday took worse and on Sunday Dr. M. B. Dunning was called and did all that could be done to alleviate her suffering, but her condition grew gradually worse until the above date when her spirit took its flight.  Everything that loving hands could do to relieve her suffering was done by relatives and friends but [to[ no avail; the Lord had called her and she must go.  This home is made more sad from the fact that besides her leaving a husband and two grown up sons, she leaves three little girls, who so much need a motherŐs care.  We cannot understand why Mrs. Beck had to be called away at this particular time when it seems she was so much needed in her home but it was the LordŐs will and we must submit to his divine will.  Perhaps some day in the future when the mists clear away and all mysteries are explained we shall know but we feel that Sister Beck is asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep where none shall ever wake to weep.

[Robey, Elma Robins]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    August 23, 1906    p. 5

Obituary - Mrs. A. D. Robey

Mrs. A. [dolphos] D. Robey was born July 1st, 1872, [and] died Saturday August 10, age 34 years, 1 month and 9 days.

Elba [Elma] Robins was born in West Virginia and moved to Taylor Co. near Bedford with E. L. Bowers, where she made her home until she was married to Mr. Robey.

She leaves a little infant boy only 4 days old, who will never know what the tender care of a mother is, nor will he ever have that kind mother to give him his goodnight kisses and share with him in all his trials and hardships of this cold world.  Also she leaves a husband and a host of friends to mourn her loss.

Elba Robins was married to A. D. Robey February 4, 1903, and to this union were born three children, two of whom have gone to the Great Beyond before her.

While Mrs. Robey has lived in Taylor County she has won the respect and the friendship of many people.  She was a conscientious Christian and faithful member of the M. E. church.

The funeral services were conducted Monday at the A. C. church at one p. m. by Rev. Bixler.  The body was laid to rest in the Gravity Cemetery.----Gravity Independent

[Singleton, James Pinney]

Times-Republican

Thursday    April 8, 1909  

His Suffering Ended

James P. [inney] Singleton was born Jan. 15, 1864 in Johnson Co., Iowa, near Iowa City, passed away from earth life to the life beyond April 9, 1909 at the age of 45 years, 2 months and 24 days.  He was the son of John T. [homas]  and Caroline [Pinney] Singleton, the former passing way in 1880 and the latter June 2, 1906.

He was married to Edna E. DeForest at Iowa City October 7th, 1896.  To this union were born four children; one died in infancy and three, ranging from 6 to 12 years old, two boys and one girl, remain to mourn the loss of their father.  It was his desire that he might live to help rear the children to a useful manhood and womanhood, but God decreed otherwise and to his will James Singleton was ever obedient.  In addition to the wife and three children he leaves four brothers and eight sisters to mourn for him.  Clay Singleton, the only brother here, is a successful farmer near Bedford and Mrs. Alcorn [Bessie], the wife of Scott Alcorn, in Bedford.

The deceased united with the Christian church in Bedford when 28 years old and continued to the end a faithful member, consistent in life and upright in character.  His last days were days of the closest fellowship with Christ.  He took delight and comfort in prayer and in the things that go to sooth the dying pillow.

The greater part of his life was spent at West Liberty but for quite a part of that time he lived in Bedford and was well and favorably known here.  For the past three years he had been here among his relatives that they might make his last days happy and I am sure they did.  No hands were ever more willing to do for him than the hands of his wife and brother and sister.  He seemed to want them always near him towards the closing of the day to him.  For many years he held responsible positions in the commercial world and only relinquished his position when his health would no longer permit him to do the work.  The sickness which terminated in his death began some five years ago but he continued to do business until three years ago, since which time he was confined to the house and the greater part of the time to his bed.

He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and was remembered by this body of men during his sickness and death.  He was also a member in good standing of the Modern Woodmen of America in which order he carried insurance.  The funeral was held at the home Saturday evening at 7:30, after which the body was taken to West Liberty where by his request, his body was laid by the mother.  The service here was by Geo. A. Hendrickson assisted by Rev. Dudley and a quartette of singers.  Many beautiful floral offerings were on the casket, as tokens of respect for the deceased.

The subject of this sketch was a man of more than ordinary caliber intellectually.  He was possessed of giant mind, a retentive memory and tender heart.  His heart was responsive to the best that there is in the world.  His conscience was right because truth was his master and when truth leads we are right in conscience.  He was a good husband, a loving father and a friend in whom there was no guile.  As a brother he was everything that a brother could be.  As a citizen he was loyal and law-abiding.  A good man has gone.

 

[Hardenbrook, Helen Melissa]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 10, 1947    [p. 1]

Attend Hardenbrook Rites

Among those from out of town who attended the funeral services for Miss Helen [Melissa] Hardenbrook in Bedford Wednesday afternoon, were Dr. D. B. Sollis of Chariton, Iowa; Miss Carolyn Sollis of Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coley (the former Miss Delmasa Sollis) of Denver, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ogden, Mrs. Bruce Montgomery of Maryville; Miss Olive Peterson and Mrs. Earl Chambers of Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Weir and Jimmie, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Mutti of Hopkins.

 

[Pace, Martha Ann Carmichael Garrison]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 6, 1939   p. 2

Martha A. Pace

Martha A. [nn] Pace passed away at her home in New Market, Monday, March 27.

She was a daughter of William and Ellen [Wamsley] Carmichael and was born in Page County, Iowa, May 23, 1865.   She grew to womanhood in this vicinity.

In 1882 she was married to A. [dam] C. Garrison and one son was born to them, Walter Garrison, who, with his wife Hazel and daughter, Adena Joan, survive.

In 1908 she was married to Young Farris Pace, who died in May 1912.

Of a family of twelve, only three survive, two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Bertha Stevens of Kearney, Nebr., Eura Carmichael of Shenandoah, who helped care for her during the last days of her illness, and Mrs. Emily Taylor of New Market, who was also with her during her last illness.

Mrs. Pace resided in New Market for thirty-five years and has for many years been a member of the Baptist church.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. K. Shackleford Wednesday afternoon at the home.

Burial was in Memory cemetery.

 

[Humphrey, Samantha Elizabeth Jones]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 6, 1939   p. 2

Mrs. F. M. Humphrey

Samantha Elizabeth Jones, daughter of George and Caroline Jones, who was born in Madison County, Ind., Oct. 11, 1861 and died at her home in Conway, Saturday, April 1, 1939 a the age of 77 years, 5 months, and 28 days.

She was married to Francis Marian Humphrey Jan. 30, 1881.  Together they moved to Missouri and later to Conway.  They had no children of their own but took a girl to raise when she was nine years of age.  They treated her as a daughter and she looked upon them as father and mother.  Her husband preceded her in death May 31, 1934. 

She united with the Christian church when she was only a girl and later transferred her membership to the Methodist church at Conway.  She remained a faithful worker in the church and Sunday school as long as she was able.  She was a member of the Willing Workers Class.  She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge.

She resided in Conway and vicinity for thirty-three years.

She is survived by her foster daughter, Mrs. Gladys Graham of Mount Ayr; a foster granddaughter, Alma Lou Graham; and a sister, Mrs. David Warjel of Daleville, Ind.

The funeral services were held from the Conway church Monday April 3, 1939, conducted by Rev. B. R. Weetman.  Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

 

[Benson, James Roy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 19, 1974    p. 3

Last Rites Held December 17 For James R. Benson

Funeral services for James R. [oy] Benson, 78, of Bedford, were held Tues., Dec. 17, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Gerald Chapman officiating.  Mr. Benson died December 15 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville.  Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery north of Clarinda.

Among his survivors are his wife, Blanche; and three daughters, Lillian Slusher, Madelyn Taylor and Betty Greenway, all of Bedford.

 

[Benson, James Roy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 26, 1974    p. 2

James Roy Benson Last Rites Held Here December 17

Funeral services for James Roy Benson, 78, of Bedford, held December 17 at Shum-Novinger Home were officiated by Pastor Gerald Chapman.  Mr. Benson died at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo., December 15, 1974.  Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery north of Clarinda, Ia.

James Roy Benson, youngest son of William and Flora Wilson Benson, was born in New Market, Iowa, August 4, 1896.  In his younger years he farmed with his father in the Siam and New Market, Iowa area.

On December 8, 1915, he was united in marriage to Blanche Sullivan.   To this union three daughters were born, Lillian, Madelyn and Betty.  For several years he farmed in the Blue Springs and LeeŐs Summit, Mo., area.  Later, he moved his family to the Bedford community, where he continued farming, and helped Ivan Wells at the Bedford Community Sale barn.  He loved horses and always kept them until he was unable to train them.  Prior to his death his hobby was raising pedigreed dogs.

He leaves with memories his wife, Blanche, of the home; daughters, Lillian, Madelyn and Betty; two sons-in-law, Robert and Chub; five grandchildren, Linda and husband, Robert, Janet and husband, Bob, Jim and wife, Barbara, Mark and wife, Ellen, Cathy and husband, Terry; four great grandchildren, Todd, Erik, Laurie Ann, and Jordan; one brother, Clyde Benson, of Joplin, Mo.; two sisters, Mae Hurdle of New Market and Della Nowells of Des Moines; many nieces; nephews; and a host of friends.

He will be sadly missed, especially at this Christmas season.