Ray, Ruth Mariam Kirby - Ruth Mariam Kirby was born November 7th, 1846 in Warren county, Illinois, and departed this life at the home of her daughter, Mrs J.W. Large near Athelstan, Iowa, on November 13, 1924.

She was united in marriage to Richard M. Ray, November 27, 1862, who preceded her in death October 17, 1886. To this union were born nine children, four sons and five daughters. Besides her husband, Ida Holbrook, and two sons, Arthur W. and R. Melvin Ray have preceded her to the great beyond.

Those left to mourn the loss of a great affectionate mother are T.A. Ray of Los Angeles, Calif, O.M. Ray, Tracy, Minn, Mrs J.W. Large of Athelstan, Iowa, Mrs E.W. Ames of Sheridan, Mo, Mrs Elvin Pierce and Mrs C.E. Teachnor of Bedford, Iowa, all of whom were present except T.A. Ray of Los Angeles, California.

Besides these she leaves 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

She became a member of the Baptist church in 1860, to which she remained faithful, being a member of the Baptist church of Bedford at the time of her death. On account of failing health she was unable to attend regular church services but she loved to read her Bible daily in her home and during her illness enjoyed listening in to the Radio chapel services.

She bore her intense suffering with great patience but often prayed to be relieved when it was God's will.

She had been a resident of Bedford, Iowa for 25 years, where she enjoyed her humble little home surrounded by kind and loving neighbors and friends. It was her request that her grandsons act as pall bearers. They are Floyd Ames, Ray and Earl Holbrook, Chas Teachnor, Beryl Mathers and Oliver Ray.

Funeral services were held at the home of her daughter Mrs J.W. Large at 2 pm Sunday November 16, 1924 conducted by her pastor, Rev C.W. Fletcher. The remains were laid to rest in the Platteville cemetery beside her husband and son.

Redburn, Mildred Oviatt Redburn - Funeral services for Mrs Cleo H. Redburn, 85, of Conway, held April 20 in the Bedford Methodist Church, were officiated by Rev Jim Dale and Rev Carl Cummings. Mrs Redburn died April 18, 1984 in St Louis, Mo. Interment was at Grant City, Mo.

Mildred Oviatt Redburn, daughter of William Oviatt and DeEtta Taylor Oviatt was born in Smithfield, Fulton County, Illinois September 8, 1898.

She moved with her parents to Grant City, Missouri when eight years old. Mildred attended the public school and joined the Christian Church. She was graduated from Grant City High School in 1916.

She taught in the rural school until she married Cleo H. Redburn November 22, 1922. They lived in Taylor County Iowa all of their days-first on a farm and then in Conway, Iowa. She taught school during many of those years in Lenox, Gravity and Conway. She also served as assessor of Conway for several years.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Women's Group; the Triangle Club and other social groups. She was an avid Bible student all of her life. Mildred will long be remembered as a lovely lady who grew beautiful flowers.

Loved ones passing before her were her parents; her husband, Cleo, with whom she shared 52 years of married life, who died March 6, 1974; an infant son; three sisters; and a son-in-law, Marvin Doran.

Left to cherish her memory are a daughter, Marceline Doran of St Louis, Missouri; grandsons; Stephen J. Doran and Michael R. Doran and his wife, Lisa, and their infant son, Eric Michael; other relatives and friends.

Her family and friends will remember her as a kind and loving person and she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Reed, Jacob Wolverton    (AKA Jacob William Reed)
January 26, 1826 -- July 01, 1888
 
 

OBITUARY

Jacob Wolverton Reed born in Northumberland Co.,
Pa.  Died at his home four miles southwest of
Platteville, Sunday, July 1, 1888, of paralysis, Jacob
Reed in the 61st year of his age.

Mr. Reed was born near Danville, Pennsylvania on
January 26, 1826.  He came to Taylor County, Iowa about
the year 1854 and settled on the land where he resided
at the time of his death.  He was living with his third wife,
his first wife having died, December 9, 1867.  Three
children were born to him by his first marriage, two by
his second and eight by his third.  His third wife and nine
children survive him.Funeral services were attended on
Tuesday last by a large concourse of people.  Rev. McDade
preaching the funeral sermon.  Mr. Reed was a faithful
member of the M. E. Church at Platteville.  He was also a
member of the Masonic Fraternity and was buried with
Masonic Honors.  He was also an Odd Fellow member.

>From a poor man and a small beginning, by industry,
economy and good management, Mr. Reed had become one
of the wealthiest and most substantial farmers in the county,
but the man who would breathe the thought that he had
taken aught but his own or accumulated wealth by oppression
would be held in execration.

Truly it is said of him, "a good man has gone to rest". And
this may be said of Uncle "Jakie" Reed in the highest sense
of that term.  His goodness did not consist in a profession
or in sounding a trumpet when he gave alms to the poor, but
in a faithful discharge of all the duties of life.  All his acts were
governed by the highest and purest motives.  When he gave
alms or assistance to a neighbor, who called upon him in a
time of need, he gave it freely and without hope of reward.
His goodness and generousity are recognized whereever he
was known.  All his actions were governed by the highest
standard of virtue and morality, a desire to do right for the
sake of right.  This is the supreme standard.  In accordance as
men approximate that standard, we place them high in the
scale of virtue, and in proportion as men depart from it, the
universal judgment of mankind calls them low and mean.
Judged by this standard Jacob Reed towered far above the
average citizen.  He was a stranger to jealousy and antipathy.
Wealth did not make him haughty or exclusive.  He loved his
neighbors and his neighbors loved him.  They will miss him
sadly and will cherish his memory through life.  One who has
lived such a life as Jacob Reed has lived, need not fear death.
He has no need to recoil at leaving this state of existance.  He
is perfectly willing to meet the consequences of a well spent
life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Submitted by
Tracy St Claire
aaf@ais.net

[107] Rainforth, Catherine Sweeney - Mass of Christian burial services for Catherine (Sweeney) Rainforth, age 74, of rural Lenox who passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at her home were held Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox.  Interment was held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.   Memorials can be given in Catherine's name.  Memories can be shared with the family on our web page at www.ritchiefunralhome.com under Obituaries.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Catherine Jane (Sweeney) Rainforth was born June 28, 1932, in Conway, Iowa the daughter of Frank Sweeney and Ellen (Leahy) Sweeney.  She grew up attending school in Conway and graduated with the Class of 1950.  After graduation Catherine worked at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company in Omaha, Nebraska for several years.  In 1958, she graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing / Creighton University in Omaha with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.  Throughout her career as a Registered Nurse, she worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha, Alegent Hospital (formerly known as the Rosary Hospital) in Corning, Iowa and for the Taylor County Iowa Department of Public Health.

On April 23, 1960, Catherine was united in marriage to Gerald F. Rainforth at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox, Iowa.  The couple resided in Sterling, Colorado for a year before returning to rural Lenox, Iowa to farm and raise a family. 

Catherine was active in the St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Chapter FW of the PEO Sisterhood.  She served on the Lenox Public Library Board; the Taylor County Board of Health; as a Taylor County 4-H Leader; and as a volunteer for the Taylor County Extension 4-H Services.

In addition to family, church and community, Catherine's interests included reading, gardening, music, lunching with friends, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Catherine will be remembered in the way she touched many lives with her warmth and wit.  She had a way of making people feel at ease because she enjoyed sharing in their lives.  She was a compassionate friend.

Left to cherish Catherine's memory are her son Paul Rainforth and wife Brenda and their daughters Paige and Bailey of rural Sharpsburg, Iowa; two daughters, Carol Rainforth of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Joan Rainforth Jensen and husband Jon and their daughters Kaylyn and Mikayla of Johnston, Iowa; a step-son, Larry Rainforth and wife Helen of Lincoln, Illinois and their sons Vince Rainforth and wife Melissa and son Cole of Yorktown, Illinois; and Lance Rainforth also of Lincoln, Illinois.

Preceding Catherine in death are her parents; husband Gerald in 1999; a son Robert in 1987; a sister Margaret Sweeney and two brothers, William F. and George Sweeney. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Catherine's  passing.

Funeral services for Ben Rankin, age 66 of Omaha,
Nebraska, formerly of Bedford, who died Monday, October
22, 2007 at his home were held Thursday, October 25,
2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford.
Burial was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.
Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society.
Memories can be shared with the family on our website at
www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home
of Bedford.

[110] Reed, Iola Fern DeVault - Graveside Services for Iola Reed, age 93 of Bedford who died Friday, March 3, 2006 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center were held Monday, March 6, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Visitation celebrating Iola's life was held Monday from 9:00 to 11:00 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford where coffee and cookies were served along with the sharing of many memories. Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Ambulance Service. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Iola Fern Reed was the second child born to Carl and Eldora (Schradter) DeVault on September 8, 1912, in Blockton, Iowa. She grew up attending school in Blockton, graduating with the Class of 1929. After graduation she and a girlfriend went to Des Moines to find work. Both girls found work with a family needing a cook and housekeeper, however, they had 3 spoiled children, and the girls only lasted 3 days!

In the fall of 1929, she started college in Maryville, Missouri attending for two years, and graduating with a lifetime Teacher's Certificate. Her first year of teaching school was in Benton, Iowa and she was only 18 years old and received $90 a month, paying $20 a month for room and board.

She met Roy Raymond Reed and the couple was united in marriage on March 8, 1935, in St. Joseph, Missouri at a cousin's home. Roy and Iola made a home adjacent to Roy's parents. On June 14, 1936, a daughter Agatha June was born in Blockton, in a small house by the Platte River. Times were hard and when Agatha was 14 months old, they went west to seek better employment, returning in the fall to Bedford. Finding no work, they moved to Council Bluffs, and returned to Blockton where Billy Carl was born on October 30, 1938, and Ronnie Ray on October 10, 1940. In 1941, the family moved to Bedford with Roy working for the Iowa State Highway Department, developing the Rest Areas on the Interstates.

In 1943, Roy was called to enlist in the United States Army Air Force. Iola was left with 3 small children, 2 cows, some pigs and chickens, and a Model A Ford. Roy was gone for 1 year and 9 months, and to survive, Iola worked the 5 acre truck patch and at the Bedford HyVee, where she worked for 10 years. Iola also managed the concessions at the Lake of Three Fires for 9 years. She also owned and operated Iola's Snack Bar across from the Bedford School for several years, where she made many lasting friendships. Because of Roy's employment with the State Highway Department, the couple moved many times to various locations to be near his work. From 1965 to 1971, Iola and Roy moved to Adair where she worked as a clerk in a grocery store and also cooked at the Adair Nursing Home. In 1971, they moved to Leon where she worked as a clerk in the discount store until 1975. In 1976, upon their retirement, she and Roy moved back to Bedford and enjoyed traveling for many years across the United States.

Iola served as Past-President of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a tremendous supporter and volunteer for the Congregate Meals for 13 years, receiving 2 Service Awards for Volunteering from the Governor of the State of Iowa. She was also a long-time member of the Bedford Christian Church.

Left to cherish Iola's memory are her daughter Agatha and her son Billy; two daughters-in-law, Karen Reed and Barbara Harms; six grandchildren, Mark Norton and wife Brenda, Jason Norton, Robin Mooney, Todd Carlton Reed and wife Candice, Kristi Johnson and husband Jim; and Kerri Greenberg and husband Jordan; eight great-grandchildren; two nephews and many friends.

Preceding Iola in death are her husband Roy Raymond Reed in 1980; a son Ronnie Ray Reed in 1993; a son-in-law, Dean Norton; her parents and a sister Opal Rupp.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Iola's passing.

[114] Rusco, Nancy Lee Bartrem - Funeral Services were held Wednesday November 16, at the Peterson Mortuary at 10:00 am, 2005 for Nancy Lee Rusco was born June 1st, 1934 in Lenox, Iowa and departed
this life on November 12th, 2005 at the age of 71 years, 5 months, and 12 days after losing a long, courageous battle with cancer.

She was the fourth of seven children born to Lloyd Samuel and Edith Mae Crispie Bartrem. Nancy
attended school in Lenox, graduating in the class of 1952. She was united in marriage to Jack Rusco on December 31st, 1952 in Bedford, Iowa. Jack and Nancy spent the first 10 months of their marriage in California as Jack was in the United States Navy. Jack was discharged in September, 1953 and returned home. Three days later, Nancy gave birth to their first child Stephen in Omaha, Nebraska. They spent the next seven years living in Kansas City, KS where three more children, Michael, Robert, and Susan were born.

They moved to the Lenox area in 1960. Their children all attended and graduated from Lenox High school. In 1985 they moved to the Mills County area. For 8 years they lived in a cabin on the Missouri River. They then moved to rural Glenwood where they presently reside.

Nancy's special talents included cooking, canning, making beautiful Afghans, and shirt making. For several years, Nancy made many shirts for Jack and the boys and a few other people who were lucky enough to talk her into making one for them.

For the last 15 years, Nancy, Jack, and Bobby have been in business in Glenwood operating Cheers Lounge. Nancy dedicated most of her time seeing that Cheers ran smoothly and efficiently. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. One great grandchild was very special to Nancy, as she cared for Lane Scott Rusco almost daily for the time his mother was stationed in the Persian Gulf.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Jack, sons Stephen and wife Lorelei of Gravity, Iowa, Mike and wife Roxanne of Omaha, Nebraska, Robert of Glenwood, Iowa, daughter Susan and fiance Dan
Vanderpool of Malvern, Iowa, sisters Betty Campbell and husband Bob of Lenox, Iowa, Melody Bartrem of Council Bluffs, Iowa, brothers Ron Bartrem of Omaha, Nebraska, Don Bartrem of Los Angeles, California, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death was both of her parents, Brother Melvin, and Sister Norleta Reed. Nancy and many friends and was dearly loved by Jack, her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She will be forever missed.       

Memorials suggested to American Cancer Society. Peterson Mortuary, Glenwood, Iowa in charge of arrangements.

Nancy's family would like to thank everyone for their expressions of kindness during her illness. A special thanks to the doctors and surgeon for their efforts. Nancy waged a brave and courageous battle for the last 1 1/2 years against cancer.

Funeral services for Jean C. (Goodale) Rusk of Newton, Iowa,
formerly of Lenox, were held Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 at the Wallace
Family Funeral Home in Newton. Burial was in Wittenberg Cemetery
in rural Newton. She died Sunday, Jan. 27 at the Hospice of Jasper
County's Monarch Wing in Newton.
Jean was born on February 23, 1953 in Des Moines to Eugene V.
and Fanny M. (Wilson) Goodale. She grew up in Lenox. She was a
graduate of Lenox High School and received her Associate of Arts
degree from Southwestern Community College in 1973; received her
B.S. in Elementary Education from Iowa State University in 1976. She
had worked for the State of Iowa for 24 years, most recently as a
Purchasing Agent II.
She lived in Creston and Ames, Red Oak.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Iowa State
University Alumni Association. She enjoyed flowers, traveling, and
was a very good cook.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Randy of Newton, son, Nichoals
Rusk of Newton, daughter, Krystal Rusk of Newton, brother, Robert
Goodale of Omaha, Ne.

[116] Rowe, Anna May -Anna May Rowe, daughter of Eldridge S. and Mary Ann Rowe, was born in Jackson township, Taylor county, Iowa, November 22, 1872 and died in Bedford, Thursday, February 13, 1938 [sic, 1958], at the age of 85 years, two months, 21 days.

She lived on the family farm in Jackson township until she became an invalid several years ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Isaac and Eldridge; one sister, Mrs Minerva Risser. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa Feb 20, 1958

[117] Rowe, E.S. - E.S. Rowe, 80, died Thursday, September 16, at his home in Sheridan [Missouri]. The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Christian Church. Rev Ted Masters of the Grant City Methodist Church officiated. Burial was in the Luteson [Luteston] cemetery.

Surviving are his wife; four sons, Rex of Shenandoah [Iowa], Otis and Ellis of Bedford [Iowa], Oakley of Sheridan; three daughter, Mrs Willie Randel of Shenandoah, Mrs Earl Scott of Sheridan, and Mrs Rex Houk of Colorado; one sister, Anna Rowe of Bedford.

Sheridan items, Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa Sep 23, 1948

[118] Rowe, Isaac - Isaac Rowe, 71, died at the home of Mr and Mrs Roy Spurgeon, Saturday, March 23, 1935. The funeral services were held at the home of Mr and Mrs E.S. Rowe, Jr., Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Luteston cemetery.

Isaac Rowe, son of E.S. Rowe, Sr and Mary A. Rowe, was born in Nodaway county, Mo., Nov. 27, 1863, and moved with his parents to Iowa when a small child. He resided on a farm in Jackson township until he was brought to the Spurgeon home in January 1934, to receive medical care.

Surviving relatives are one brother and one sister, E.S. Rowe, Jr of Sheridan, Mo., and Anna May Rowe of Clarinda. His parents and one sister, Mrs Minerva Risser, preceded him in death.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa, Mar 28, 1935

[119] Rowe, Mary Ann Dowis - Funeral services for Mrs Mary Ann Rowe, 89, who died at the home of her son Eldridge Rowe, Thursday, Jan 4, were held at the son's home Saturday morning, conducted by Rev Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Luteston cemetery.

Mrs Rowe, whose maiden name was Dowis, was born near Savannah, Mo, Feb 8, 1844. In early childrhood she moved to Taylor county, which place had been her home since that time.

She was married to Eldridge Smith Rowe, Dec 27, 1862. To them were born four children, Isaac, Minerva, Eldridge, and Anna May. Her husband died in May, 1913, and one daughter, Minerva Risser, Dec 20, 1928.

Surviving relatives are three children, eleven grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. Also one brother, Jasper Dowis of Blockton, and two sisters, Judy Tharp of Benton and Sirilda Gardner of Oakland, Calif.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa, Feb 20, 1958

[120] Eldridge S. Rowe - Eldridge S. Rowe was born September 18, 1840 in West Virginia. He moved with his parents to Missouri at the age of 12 years and has resided from that time in either Nodaway county, Mo., or Taylor county, Ia. He died at his home 7 miles northwest of Sheridan [Missouri] May 16, 1913, at the age of 72 years, 8 months and 8 days.

Mr Rowe was married to Mary Ann Dowis in 1862 who with her four children survive him. The children are: Isaac, Eldridge jr., Minerva Rissor and Anna May Rowe, all who live in this vicinity.

Mr Rowe has been a resident of Jackson township for more than half a century, and he had the respect and confidence of all who knew him.

Bedford Free-Press, Bedford, Iowa, May 27, 1913

[121] Risser, Ulysis Senator - Funeral services for Senator Risser, 81, were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home, Thursday afternoon, July 15, conducted by Rev U.E. Burroughs of Mount Ayr. Burial was in the Luteson [Luteston] cemetery near Sheridan, Missouri.

Ulysis Senator Risser, son of J.J. and Jane Ann Risser, was born December 17, 1866 at Florence, Colorado, and died at the St Francis Hospital in Maryville [Missouri], Tuesday, July 13 after a long illness, at the age of 81 years, 6 months and 25 days.

Mr Risser moved with his parents to Nodaway county, Missouri, when 15 years of age. In 1902 he moved with his own family to the Risser farm in Jackson township, Taylor county, Iowa, where he resided until his death.

He was married to Minerva Rowe on February 24, 1891. To them five children were born: Mrs Hattie Kemery, who preceded her father in death; Mrs Anna Cubbage, Abbott Risser and Lelan Risser, all of Bedford. Also one son, who passed away in infancy. Mrs Risser died Dec 20, 1928.

Surviving with his children are two sisters and one brother: Mrs Edith Rowe and Otto Risser of Sheridan, Missouri, and Mrs Lula Brown of Thermopolis, Wyoming; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa, Jul 29, 1948