Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
 

Davidson, Flavia Marie Hopson - Funeral Services for Flavia Davidson, age 98 of Bedford who died Sunday, July 17, 2005 at her daughter’s home in Columbia, Missouri were held Saturday, July 23, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in her name. Please leave a message of tribute to the Davidson family on our web page, www.ritchiefunralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Flavia Marie Davidson, was born July 21, 1906, near Bedford, in Taylor County, Iowa to John Wesley and Tessie (Hopson) Hopson, the third of nine siblings, where she grew up and was educated and spent all but nine years of her life. She had wanted to be a nurse, but her dad did not consider it a respectable profession for a woman so she taught in rural Iowa schools after high school graduation. Throughout her life she read about healthy diets and lifestyles and was attentive to the sick and disabled, nursing her family through many illnesses and cared for her husband at home after several strokes.

Flavia married Troy Wendell Davidson on the May 21, 1927, the day Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic Ocean. They went through the Great Depression together, parenting three children, Betty, June, and Dee. She was a good farming partner and wise mother, teaching and encouraging decent and frugal behavior and community participation. She was a 4-H leader and honorary life time member. Flavia raised big gardens, picked apples, apricots, cherries and plums from the orchard to can and freeze to supply each year’s needs for the delicious meals she cooked for family, friends, farm hands, boarding school teachers and visiting relatives. Each year she had baby chicks, for fried chicken and laying hens.

Her home and time was well organized; trash and clutter were not allowed. She would race with the clock to get her work done and could say she always knew where everything was placed. Flavia watered her house plants every day and spent hours sewing, making or remodeling clothes, making quilts and comforters or crocheting afghans. Yet amazingly, she always seemed to have time to read the weekly paper, magazines, and an occasional good book. Working beside her was interesting as she told family stories and everything was fun with races. No matter how busy she was with her own work or activities she was available, if needed, to help with grandchildren, nieces, nephews and neighbor children. Everyone had a grand time playing upstairs, under the shade trees, behind her hen house, in the barn, or riding the pony.

Flavia was a charter and 60 year member of the rural VVC women’s club. She enjoyed attending TOPS meetings and university extension classes. After Wendell died in 1977, she took many bus tours, usually with an old friend or acquaintance as room mate. She joined a pinochle club; also played in other groups as substitute and always won her share of family games even in recent years. Flavia drove her own car until nearly 90 years old when a friend had a bad accident. Then she voluntarily gave up her car to walk downtown or to visit neighbors.


Flavia was introduced to our Lord and Christ when visiting churches in Bedford as a child. She taught her children that church attendance was important and took them to different congregations, seeking acceptance, and the fellowship of Christian friends and the comfort of faith. She enjoyed people, lived by Christian principles of behavior, never spoke an unkind word about anyone, and showed her sense of peace after baptism before going to rest.

Flavia moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1996, to enjoy family activities including theaters and travel . She had been an active partner and accountant in the farming business and continued to manage her own affairs until very recent years.

Flavia is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wendell, son, Dee, three brothers: Carl, Frank and Oliver, and four sisters: Ruth Park, Marjorie Hopson, Lydia Holms and an infant Augusta.

Survivors include a brother, Humphrey Hopson and wife, Enamae, of Anderson, CA; a sister, Lucille Hopson of Burbank, CA; two daughters Betty Larison and husband James of Cedar Rapids; and June Owens and husband, Donald of Columbia, MO; eleven grandchildren: Dennis Larison of Winston-Salem, NC; John, Karen, Douglas and Kimberly Larison all of Cedar Rapids; David and Deric Owens and Julea Gerhard, all of Columbia, MO; Kyle Davidson of Bluff City, KS; Hugh Davidson of Lakewood, CO; and Sheila Moyer of Allentown, PA; 21 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law Mildred Davidson of Bedford; Grace Davidson of Columbia, MO; a brother-in-law Dean Davidson and wife, LaVeta of Maryville, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

She was a wonderful lady whom we all loved and will miss very much.

 

Davis, Emory Eugene "Gene" Funeral Services for Gene Davis, age 66 of Villisca who died Friday, June 9, 2006 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo were held Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Athelstan Cemetery.

Emory Eugene Davis was born on February 17, 1940, in Iowa City, Iowa the son of John Clinton Davis and Blanchie Fern (Smith) Davis. The family lived in Athelstan until he was 2 years old, at which time they moved to Clarinda. He started his education in Clarinda and later attended 4th & 5th grades at Works Country School. In 1954, Blanchie remarried and moved the family to Kansas City. Gene graduated from 9th grade and attended Wyandotte High School. He furthered his education by attending U.S. Trade School for auto mechanics in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1958, Gene met and fell in love with Jean Mulkey and on June 20, 1959, the couple was united in marriage in Edwardsville, Kansas. They were later blessed with one son, Harold Eugene.

During the early years of their life together, Gene worked as an auto mechanic until he obtained his CDL license and was able to pursue his love for trucking. In the early 1960’s, Davis-Schipper Trucking Company was established and operated until he moved his family to Ulysses, Kansas. After several years as a leased driver for Teeters Irrigation, he relocated his family to Milan, New Mexico where he transported uranium from the mines. One of his major accomplishments was logging over 2 million miles during his trucking career. Eventually, the mines were closed and he began managing Cibola Sands R.V. Park. In time, the RV Park was sold and they returned to Kansas City where Gene started a janitorial service. Following a heart attack, he retired and the couple moved back to Iowa, residing in Villisca.

Gene enjoyed many aspects of his life but was particularly proud of his membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Milan, New Mexico. Other cherished moments of his life were the hours spent with his grandchildren, Gloria and Dallas, and his beloved dog, Ruggles. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and working on his cars. One of his prized possessions was his collection of eagles.

Left to cherish Gene’s memory are his loving wife of nearly 47 years, Jean Davis of Villisca; a son, Harold Davis of Red Oak; two grandchildren, Gloria and Dallas Davis of Red Oak; his mother, Blanchie Schipper of Villisca; two sisters, Deloris Stutzman and husband Scott of Mount Ayr; and Deborah Hegarty and fiance Terry Wilson of Parnell, Missouri; three nieces, four nephews; five great-nieces and five great nephews.

Gene is preceded in death by his father, John Clinton Davis; step-father, Don L. Schipper; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Gene’s passing.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Davis, Herman "Butch" Norvell Funeral services for Butch Davis, age 71, of Lenox, who died Monday, March 3, 2008 at the Lenox Care Center were held Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment was held at the West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
Herman “Butch” Norvell Davis was born January 20, 1937, in Taylor County, Iowa the son of Melvin Marion Davis and Gladys Leah (Gold) Davis. He grew up attending school in Taylor County where he lived most of his life. On July 14, 1970, he was united in marriage to Lillian Lois Tice in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Butch was a member of the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. He worked for George Barrans & Sons and later had worked in Montana on a ranch. He also worked road construction for several years.

Butch loved car racing and the dirt track in Corning, and he also loved driving his car around town. Butch was a very loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews, always wanting them to come and visit, even stay a few days!

Left to cherish his memory are two brothers, Roquel Davis and wife Sandy of Lenox; and George Davis of Lenox; two sisters, Marton McMahill and husband Rex of Ankeny, Iowa; and Patty Shafar and husband Elvin of Bedford; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Butch in death were his parents, Melvin and Gladys Davis; his wife Lillian; and a sister, LaVon Vest.

Butch was a very generous, loving and caring man.
He will be missed by his family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Davis, Roquel "Rocky" M. Funeral services for Roquel “Rocky” M. Davis, age 73, of Lenox, who died Saturday, March 21, 2009 at his home in Lenox after a short battle with cancer with his family by his side will be held Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Visitation will be at the church from 12:00 Noon until service time with the family present. Interment will be held at West Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials can be given in his name. 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 Lenox.

Roquel “Rocky” M. Davis entered into eternal rest on March 21, 2009, after a short battle with cancer with his family by his side at his home in Lenox.

Roquel was born on June 13, 1935, to Melvin and Gladys (Gold) Davis in Lenox, Iowa. On September 10, 1961 he was united in marriage to Sandra Lee Lundy of Greenfield, Iowa. To this loving union four children were born, Kevin and wife Sally Davis of Leola, South Dakota; Doug and wife Cindy Davis of Creston, Iowa; Lisa and husband Eric Samuelson of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Traci and husband Pete Nelson of Lenox, Iowa. Also surviving Roquel is a brother George Davis of Lenox, Iowa and two sisters, Patty and husband Elvin Shafar of Bedford, Iowa and Marton and husband Rex McMahill of Ankeny, Iowa; along with eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Roquel’s greatest enjoyment in life was being with all of his family. He loved farming, having farmed for many years. Roquel helped his father-in-law on the family farm for years then went into custom work for other farmers. He tore down barns and buildings, recycling the lumber. He later retired from this work, but never from helping out his family and friends.

Preceding Roquel in death are his parents, Melvin and Gladys Davis; a sister LaVon Vest; a granddaughter Amber Davis; and a brother Herman Norvell “Butch” Davis.

Roquel will be greatly missed by his family and friends.


Davison, Mark Alan Funeral Services Mark Davison, age 47 of Bedford who died Sunday, February 4, 2007, peacefully at his home were held Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Life Missionary Church in Bedford. Interment was held in the Shearer Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Melanoma Association; Hospice of Central Iowa or Taylor County Public Health. Memories can be shared with the family on our web site at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Mark Alan Davison was born July 5, 1959, at Clarinda, Iowa, the second of four children born to Delmar and Marcella “Sally” (Runde) Davison, and passed from this life at his home in Bedford, Iowa on February 4, 2007. He graduated from New Market High School in 1977. After exploring career opportunities, he decided farming provided the lifestyle he preferred. Mark was a member of the New Market Church of Christ where he grew spiritually and passed this sense of faith on to his family. His first church-wide prayer was written on his hand, smudged from nervous perspiration, but he went on to become a Sunday School teacher and elder in the church.

On a very hot July 19, 1980, he was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Johnson at New Market, Iowa. After a honeymoon trip to Colorado, the couple settled temporarily in rural Hopkins until moving to the Davison homestead in rural Braddyville. Mark was very resourceful and used wood to heat the house while he and Sandy lived there. The couple enjoyed entertaining and much volleyball was played in the summer with game nights in the winter.

Mark and Sandy moved to the Glen Stewart place south of Siam, in 1986 where they started their family. They were blessed with two children, Alicia Lee and Luke Andrew. Being a child at heart himself, Mark truly enjoyed his family. He was most eager to go sledding, build snow igloos, make apple cider, or to build a bonfire for a wiener roast for the kids. He enjoyed playing games with nieces and nephews, helping them learn to swim, or giving them motorcycle rides. It wasn’t uncommon for Mark to be found at the bottom of a “dogpile”.

Mark loved the outdoors and had a natural athletic ability that enabled him to enjoy various outdoor sports. Family vacations ranged from skiing in Montana, to hang gliding in Telluride, to water skiing at Lake of the Ozarks, and everything in between. He wasn’t a hunter or horseman himself, but he learned the skills needed because of his children’s interests.

Mark farmed and raised cattle and hogs; lots and lots of hogs! Mark took great pride in being a good steward of the land and enjoyed his livestock. Carpentry and woodworking were among his hobbies and his creations will be long cherished. Mark was always willing to extend a helping hand to complete those little odd jobs that no one else seemed to have time or patience to tackle.

Left to cherish Mark’s memory are his wife Sandy of Bedford, daughter Alicia and son Luke of the home, his mother Sally Davison of Lenox; two sisters, Sheryl Jensen and husband Tom of Canton, Michigan; and Brenda Weed and husband Lonnie of Bedford; a brother Dean Davison and wife Nancy of Laurie, Missouri; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy and Trish Johnson of Gravity; Cathy and Kevin Routh of Springfield, Missouri; Patty and Vilas Morris of Gravity; Roger and Kathy Johnson of Mendon, Missouri; James and Elaina Johnson of Gravity; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends.

Preceding Mark in death are his maternal and paternal grandparents and his father Delmar Davison in 2004.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Mark’s passing.
 
Day, Gertrude "Kitty" Rankin Graveside services for Kitty Day, age 90 of Bedford, formerly of the Lenox area, who died Sunday, July 29, 2007 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Visitation was held Wednesday morning at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to services. Memorials can be given in Kitty’s name. 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.

Gertrude “Kitty” (Rankin) Day was born November 14, 1916, in Council Bluffs, Iowa the daughter of Charles Lyle Rankin and Emma Louise (Baker) Rankin. She grew up attending school in Council Bluffs. On March 12, 1946, Kitty was united in marriage to Frederick Lester Day. Kitty and Lester farmed for many years in the Lenox area. When Kitty’s mother became ill she moved her closer to their home to better care for her. Kitty remained on the farm after Lester’s death in 1985, moving into Bedford where she lived on Dodge Street for fifteen years. She had been a member of the United Presbyterian Church and the Harmony Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Council Bluffs.

Kitty is survived by a nephew, Brad Rankin and family of Urbandale, Iowa; along with many good friends.

Preceding Kitty in death were her parents; her husband F. Lester Day on October 30, 1985; and a brother, Charles “Bud” Rankin.

She was a devoted wife and her enthusiasm, humor,
insight and gentle kindness will be sorely missed by many.
 
Derry, Gloria Darlene Thomas Visitation for Darlene Derry, age 82 of Bedford, who died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning was held Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 11:30 AM at the First Baptist Church in Bedford with a luncheon following at 12:00 Noon. Memorials can be given in Darlene’s name. 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.

Gloria Darlene (Thomas) Derry was born June 9, 1925 in Gravity, Iowa the daughter of Ansley Adolph “Tac” Thomas and Opha Ferne (McNutt) Thomas. She grew up attending rural schools in Taylor County. Darlene lived in Taylor County most of her teenage years, moving to Detroit where she lived for many years, returning to Taylor County in the early 1950’s. Darlene owned and operated the Hamburger Inn located on Main Street in Bedford for many years. She also was the manager of the concession stand at the swimming pool and at the boat dock at the Lake of Three Fires. In her spare time, Darlene owned and operated D & W Antique Store in Bedford.

Left to cherish Darlene’s memory are her seven children - three daughters, Gloria Hawn of Red Oak; Joanie Glidden and husband Larry of Bedford; and Ginger Read and husband Howard of Bates City, Missouri; four sons, Jerry Herron of Bedford; Jim Thrasher and June Martin of Bedford; Charles Thrasher and wife Jackie of Clarinda; and Tom Thrasher of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a sister, Barb Hawn and husband Rex of Bedford; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; along with many nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Preceding Darlene in death are her parents, Fern and Tac Thomas; husband Wes Derry; a daughter, Kathleen Thrasher; two grandsons; one sister and two brothers.

Darlene was a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother.
No woman was loved more dearly by her children.
She will be missed by her many family members and friends.
 

Donaldson, Mildred Mabel Grimm - Funeral services for Mildred Donaldson, age 96, of Sharpsburg, who died Thursday, February 1, 2007 at the Lenox Care Center were held Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. Cremation followed the services with burial to be held at a later date.

Mildred Mable (Grimm) Donaldson was the oldest daughter of Lloyd and Flo (Lovitt) Grimm born on April 21, 1910, near Sharpsburg, Iowa. She grew up attending near-by country schools, graduating with the Class of 1929 in Sharpsburg. Mildred met Robert (Bob) Donaldson at a dance in Corning and they fell in love and married March 5, 1931. Together they moved to the family farm southwest of Lenox where they resided until 1975. To this loving union two children were born, Donald Eugene and Janette Arlene.

Mildred was a homemaker, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, and enjoyed the farm life. She loved to sew, tend her flowers and remodel her surroundings. Her home was her haven. She taught Donald how to hunt in the timber south of the house, how to fish and swim in the creek. She was an excellent teacher. Mildred was a long-time member of the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church where they raised their children. She also loved to play bridge or any other game you could name. She taught her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that life isn’t always about winning.

In 1955, Bob and Mildred began going to St. Petersburg, Florida where they would spend part of the winter. Each year they would leave for the south a little earlier and return a little later. They both enjoyed those times together. In 1975, they moved from the farm to a house they purchased in Sharpsburg. Mildred made that her home until failing health made it necessary to reside at the Lenox Care Center until her death.

Left to cherish Mildred’s memory are her son Donald Donaldson and wife Betty of Lenox; four grandchildren, Craig Donaldson and wife Becky of Lenox; Donette Bish and husband David of Alabama; Michael Daggett of Georgia; and Cheryl O’Brien and husband Kevin of Georgia; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Bobby Grimm and wife Marianne of Arizona; a sister-in-law, Arlene Grimm of Winterset, Iowa; six nieces; a nephew; and a host of friends.

Preceding Mildred in death are her parents Lloyd and Flo Grimm; her husband Bob in 1978; daughter Janette and husband Brad Daggett; grandson John Donaldson; two brothers, Harlan & Wyatt Grimm; and her sister Maysel Boltinghouse.

Mildred enjoyed her family very much and received loving and attentive care her last two and one-half years at the Lenox Care Center.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

 

Dougherty, Jeffrey Craig - Funeral services for Jeff Dougherty, age 43 of Ozark, Missouri will be held Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial will be held at the Graceland Cemetery in rural Bedford.

Jeffrey Craig Dougherty, age 43, was born September 30, 1966 in Maryville, Missouri to Jerry and Ellen Dougherty, and departed this life with family by his side on January 4, 2010. Jeff, known as Jeva to family and friends, attended school in Kellerton, Iowa, Faucett, Missouri, and Malvern, Iowa. He graduated from Malvern High School in 1985. He earned a B.S. in Education Degree from Northwest Mo State University in Maryville in 1990. He taught and coached at Mound City, Missouri, Bedford, Iowa, Spokane, Missouri, and Macks Creek, Missouri. He was also women’s assistant basketball coach for a year at Kansas City Kansas Comm. College. In addition, he worked in the districts of Wheatland, MO and Weaubleau, MO. For the past nine years Jeff had sold real estate in the Branson area and also worked in other types of sales positions.

Jeff loved hunting pheasant and quail, fishing, the Kansas City Royals, Miami Dolphins and Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of all, Jeff thrived on having get-togethers with family and friends. Spending time and watching a game with family was what Jeff enjoyed most. His great disposition endeared him to everyone as he never seemed down or negative. His original sense of humor and positive attitude quickly turned acquaintances into friends. Jeff accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Augusta, KS. He kept his religious beliefs private as he did most of his personal life.

Jeff had recently found, and spent treasured time, with the love of his life, Julie Marlow. He adored Julie and considered her children his own. He especially took to heart the time he spent with the two “whos”, as he referred to the youngest two, Max and Olivia.

Jeff is preceded in death by his uncle, Don Dougherty, grandparents Marion and Ruth Dougherty, and grandparents Roscoe and Luella Dunn. He adored his grandparents and cherished the time they spent together. As a member of the Malvern Class of 1985, Jeff was one of 24 classmates who were very close. He never got over the loss of Michelle, Mary and Cindy, beautiful young classmates whose lives were taken in a car wreck shortly before their high school graduation.

Jeff is survived by his parents, Jerry and Ellen Dougherty, brother Greg and wife Kelly, brother Randy and wife Beccie, and nieces Amanda, Megan, Caitlin, and Ella, and nephews Brenden, Andrew and Brett; girlfriend Julie Marlow and Lauren, P.J., Max and Olivia, to which he had a very close relationship with all. Jeff cherished the time he spent with his nieces and nephews, keeping them laughing and being the understanding uncle. The Dougherty family and friends have permanent hole in their lives, but each can take comfort in wonderful memories of time spent together.

Jeff generously gave of his body to Mid-America Transplant Services in St. Louis, Mo. This donation can help up to 50 people improve their quality of life.

Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be made to HDSA (Huntington’s Disease Society of America), c/o Jerry Dougherty, PO Box 536, Forsyth, MO 65653. Make checks payable to HDSA, and they will be forwarded. Memories can be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.

 

Douglas, Sandra Kay Horton - Funeral services for Kay Douglas, age 65, of Lenox, who died Saturday, March 3, 2007 were held Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Interment was held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Sandra Kay (Horton) Douglas was born September 17, 1941, in Clearfield, Iowa the daughter of William Horton and Grace (Short) Horton. She grew up in the Clearfield area attending school, graduating from the Clearfield High School with the Class of 1960. She met Lanny Douglas when she was eighteen, and the couple was united in marriage on July 9, 1960, in Des Moines, Iowa. After their marriage, Lanny and Kay lived in Lenox where she helped Lanny run the family business. Three children were born to bless their lives, Connie, Ed and Monty.

Kay’s family was always very important to her. She loved attending their activities as they were growing up. Always a sports enthusiast, she especially enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeye’s play football. Kay was active in the Clearfield Lion’s Club and enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair each year helping with their activities. When she was blessed with grandchildren, she always looked forward to babysitting them … that and running ‘Kay’s Diner’, a place where you only left hungry by your own choice! She loved being around people and enjoyed traveling, having been to many places around the United States while on the local bank bus trips. Kay was also a member of the Lenox United Presbyterian Church.

Left to cherish Kay’s memory are her loving husband of forty-seven years, Lanny Douglas of Lenox; a daughter, Connie Sullivan and husband Ed of Ankeny; two sons, Ed Douglas of Lenox; and Monty Douglas and wife Christy of Lenox; six grandchildren, Adam and Abby Sullivan; Dylan and Madison Douglas; and Camryn and Cadence Douglas; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Kay in death were her parents William and Grace Horton; three brothers, Bob, John and Vernie Horton; and a sister, Cleota Larsen.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Kay’s passing.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.


 

Dowlin, Robert D. - Robert D. Dowlin, age 80, passed away on December 25, 2009, in Vancouver, Washington after a long battle with cancer. Born in Blockton, Iowa to the late Glade and Letha Dowlin (Roe) on October 1, 1929. He made his home in and around Blockton and Bedford, Iowa most of his life. After retirement he and his wife of 62 years, Donna, enjoyed the open road in their RV until 2007. At that time, they settled in Vancouver, Washington, to be closer to family.
Robert is survived by his wife Donna, 2 daughters, Roberta Dowlin-Tamayo and Renee Dowlin (Madeline) of Portland, Oregon; sister, Gwendolyn Miller (Dick) of Wenatchee, Washington, sisters-in-law, Wanda Lovitt of Bedford, Iowa, Shirley Anson of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Thelma Pierce of Longview, Washington; grandchildren, Jennifer, Kimberly, Bryan, Kiel and Bo; 1 great-grandson, Jacob as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding Robert in death were his parents and grandson, Nathan.
Graveside services with Military Honors were held on Jan. 4, 2010 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. As a proud member of the American Legion for over 50 years, Robert will be honored by his family and friends with a flag on the Avenue of Flags in Blockton, Iowa.

 

Dukes, Charles Funeral Services for Charles Dukes, age 76 of Bedford who died Thursday, August 10, 2006 at his home in Bedford were held Monday, August 14, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the following: Bedford United Methodist Church, Taylor County Museum or the American Cancer Society.

Charles Dukes, the son of Ora and Chloe Dukes, was born on December 27, 1929, at the Dukes farm home near Sheridan, MO. Surrounded by his family, he died at home in Bedford on August 10, 2006.

Charles attended a rural school in Worth County, MO, graduated from high school at Sheridan in 1947, and worked with his father after graduation in learning the skills of carpentering. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in January, 1951, and served in Korea until late 1952.

He married Louise Wintermute in January, 1953, and moved to the farm east of Bedford where they lived for 42 years. Charles farmed not only to make a living, but because he liked to watch the progress of the corn and bean crops from spring planting to harvest. He liked the Sunday evening drives to the South 80 to check on the cattle, and the smell of new-mown hay. He liked the challenge of conserving the soil, and the satisfaction of improving his farming efficiency. He liked working with his neighbors, sharing great stories, and good-natured teasing. He was a quiet, unassuming man of few, but inspiring words and a great sense of humor.

Between the seasons of planting and harvest on the farm Charles did carpentering, including building several homes in Bedford. He liked working with wood whether it was in restoring the Taylor County Round Barn, building a scale-model doll house, a rocking horse for a grandchild, or the wood case for his next stained glass clock project.

He was an enthusiastic supporter of Bedford, and helped with many community projects, including the building of the Red Barn at the fairgrounds, helping organize the Fourth of July parades and restoring artifacts or mowing the lawn at the Taylor County Museum where he was chairman of the board in recent years. He was a member of the Bedford Community School Board at the time of reorganization (1959-1964), served on the Taylor County ASCS committee (1981-1990) and was an active member of the Bedford Lions Club.

He was a member of the Brethren Church near Sheridan until 1953 when he joined the United Methodist Church in Bedford. He served on many church committees over the years and helped with a number of building and repair jobs at the church, including the building of the United Methodist parsonage. He lived his faith, loving God, his family, and his neighbors as himself.

Charles loved to travel, and had visited 49 of the 50 states (he missed South Carolina.). He and Louise rode a ship through the Panama Canal, landed in a helicopter on a glacier in Alaska, saw the fireworks display from a gondola on the Grand Canal in Venice, picnicked in the Alps, saw Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard in London, attended Mardi Gras festivities in Vera Cruz, Mexico, went salmon fishing off the Oregon coast, camped in many parks in the United States and Canada, revisited South Korea and noted the amazing transformation from its wartime appearance and walked the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They spent seven fun-filled winters in Tucson, AZ.

Among his pleasures were holding a new-born grandchild or “great”, bouncing a squealing toddler on his foot, playing a game of pool or golf with grandchildren, sharing conversations about the progress of the crop or the report of the most recent rains with family and friends; these were his great joys. He loved life and lived it to the fullest in spite of the limitations posed by the cancer which ravaged his body over the last year. He could have said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. (2 Timothy: 7)

Frank Meysman says of Dad, “Great men have some commonalities: they are often tall and handsome, they have an all-spotting eye and mind. They are scarce on words, but when they talk they are listened to. But above all, they have CHARACTER. One of these characters is DAD. He felt as comfortable and looked as handsome in his blue overalls as in his Sunday suit. Although no longer alive, he is not dead, because you’re only dead when they forget. I’ll never forget.”

Included in the family who survive him are Louise, his wife for 53 years, three children and their spouses: David (Pat) Dukes, Bedford; Mary Jane (Dr. Terry) Sprague, Audubon, IA; Martha (Doug) Standerwick, Mountain Lake, MN; eight grandchildren: Elaina (James) Johnson, Gravity, IA; Troy (Erin ) Dukes, Roland, IA; Katy (Dustin) Longfellow, Woodlawn, TN; Kristen (Jon) Lucas, Rockport, MO; Steven Sprague, Whitney, TX; Justin Sprague, Fort Sam Houston, TX; Nathan Dukes, Rachel Dukes, Mountain Lake, MN; eight great grandsons: Zachary , Alex and Bradley Johnson, Mason and Quinton Dukes, Ethan, Caleb and Ryan Lucas. Another great grandchild is expected next month. AFS son Frank Meysman (Leen) and their children Tom and Ann, Merchtem, Belgium are also a part of the surviving family. Siblings who survive are Harold Dukes (Gerry), Lebanon, OR and Glenn (Donna) Dukes, Phoenix, AZ; and Helen (George) Guhl, Vallejo, CA. Also surviving are many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Lowell Dukes and Wilber Dukes.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.


Dukes, Rex Donald Funeral services for Rex Dukes, age 82 of Bedford, who died Monday, June 4, 2007 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning were held day, Saturday, June 9, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Burial was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to Bedford Ambulance Service.

Rex Donald Dukes was born on December 30, 1924, to Fred Lee and Myrtle (Auten) Dukes. He was the fifth of seven children. He moved to the farm south of Bedford with his parents in the 1950’s to help work the family farm.

On January 11, 1964, Rex was united in marriage to Mary Lou Goudie. To this union three children were born, Brenda, David and Amy. He was also a loving father to Donna, Ann and Mike Goudie.

Rex loved farming, raising livestock and caring for numerous pets of all breeds. Rex continued to live on the family farm until a heart attack forced him to sell and move into town in 1989. Rex and Mary Lou purchased a home as close to the country as they could get. Rex spent his retired years taking care of many stray cats and walking his dogs through the neighboring field. You could always find Rex sitting on his swing under the shade tree in the back yard with a cat on his lap and a dog at his feet, complaining about the speed of the traffic going by the house!

Rex was well known for teasing his children and grandchildren. He loved to ask them if they knew ‘how an Indian pinched’ and then proceed to ‘show them’! Rex was very quick witted and always had an ornery grin on his face! He loved sweet treats and liked to hide some around the house so he would have a treat later for himself when everyone else had left.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Mary Lou of forty-three years; children and spouses Brenda Dukes of Bedford; David Dukes of Bellevue, Nebraska; Amy (Jeff) Scott of Bedford; Donna (Matt) Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska; Ann (Stan) Miller of Albion, Iowa; Mike (Marlys) Goudie of Ames, Iowa; grandchildren Taylor Dukes, Erika and Connor Dukes; Colt Scott; Jennifer (Darin) Taylor; Kate, Leah and Molly Johnson; Kerry (James) Gill; Kraig (Nicole) Miller; Kristen and Kody Miller; Michelle (Josiah) Connor; David (Melissa) Goudie; Pete and Amanda Goudie; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kolton, Kooper and Kaleb Gill; Myles and Addison Miller; Davey, Michael and Danielle Goudie; also surviving Rex are a sister Eva (John) Fine of Maryville, Missouri; and a brother, Cleo (Mary Lou) Dukes of Tarkio, Missouri; along with many other nieces and nephews.

Preceding Rex in death were his parents Fred and Myrtle Dukes; a grandson Michael Paul Goudie; Fae and Nina Dukes, Denzel and Elizabeth Dukes; Rachel and Ober Cox and Clara and Joe Holker.

Rex will be greatly missed by all family, friends and pets.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.


Dalton, Doris M. Tranbarger - Doris M. Dalton, age 86, of Red Oak, Iowa passed away Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Care Center after an extended illness. Doris M. Dalton was born June 15, 1922 in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of John Corbet and Emma Catherine (Lucas) Tranbarger. She attended country schools near Bedford and attended church at the Church of Christ in Bedford where she was baptized in 1934. Doris then attended Bedford High School where she graduated in 1939. Doris attended Business School in Chillicothe, Missouri and was later united in marriage to Dale Dalton on September 3, 1941 in Maryville, Missouri. This union was blessed with three children: John, Catherine, and Stephen. They moved to Montgomery county in 1950 and farmed for three years when they bought the Wales Store. Doris took car of the store while Dale operated a County Maintainer. During this time Doris was received into the Wales Presbyterian Church on March 30, 1953. In 1962 she went to work for the Red Oak Schools as a secretary retiring in 1984 after 22 years of service. In 1975 Doris and Dale became members of the Red Oak Presbyterian Church were Doris served as Trustee from 1978-1981 and Elder from 1987-1990. Doris and Dale enjoyed camping, fishing, sports, and traveling. And Doris was quite talented at crocheting.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, and brothers: Doyle Tranbarger and Clark Tranbarger. Survivors include her children: John Dalton and wife Nancy of Garden City, Missouri; Cathy Woods and fiancé Lee Leiferman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Stephen Dalton and wife Mary of Topeka, Kansas; five grandchildren: Jeff Woods and wife Sherri of Sharpsburg, Georgia; Stacey Shanahan and husband Thom of Peoria, Arizona; Maegan Green and husband Jayme of Topeka, Kansas; Chad Dalton of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and Angela Kneip and husband Peter of Garden City, Missouri; five great grandchildren: Justin and Jacob Briggs; Lacie Kneip; Dustan Dalton; and Dalton Green; brothers: Jim Tranbarger and wife Jan of Sumner, Iowa; and Francis Tranbarger and wife Evelyn of Cincinnati, Ohio; brother-in-law: Don Dalton and wife Rosalie of Bedford, Iowa; sister-in-law: Frances Dalton of Lenox, Iowa; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held 10:30 AM Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church with Rev. Caryn Pedersen officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family were held from 6-8 PM Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials suggested to the Red Oak Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Damewood, Ronald Lee "Bud" - Ronald Lee “Bud” Damewood was born in the New Market, Iowa area on May 16, 1930 the son of Glen Vernon and Candace Iowa (Lathrop) Damewood. He grew up in the Shambaugh area and graduated from Davis School. Bud was married to his wife Maureen (Krenek), for over fifty-three years, on August 31, 1952 at Clearmont, Missouri. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Burlington Junction, Missouri. Bud had a sawmill at home and enjoyed his woodworking business. He also farmed, did road work for Nodaway Township and especially enjoyed running the sawmill at Elliott, Iowa at the Eschelmans Steam Engine Show. He enjoyed sharing his skills in woodworking with his family and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Surviving Bud are his three children; Cynthia and husband Mike Hanig of Burlington Junction, Missouri, Roy Damewood of Burlington Junction, Missouri, and Rodney and wife Susan Damewood of Burlington Junction, Missouri; eleven grandchildren: nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn and husband Duane Cerven of Blanchard, Iowa and Eula and husband Phillip Bennett of Clarinda, Iowa: one brother Darwin Damewood of Larned, Kansas; nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Maureen, brothers Darrell Damewood and wife Doris, Eldon Damewood, and infant brother, Carroll Faye Damewood, grandson Mathew Kane Reasoner.
Funeral Services for Ronald Lee “Bud” Damewood age 78, of Skidmore, Missouri were held 10:30 a.m. Thursday April 23, 2009 at United Methodist Church, Burlington Junction, Missouri. With interment in the Clearmont Cemetery, Clearmont, Missouri, Memorials to the United Methodist Church, Burlington Junction, Missouri and West Nodaway Rescue Squad. The Tradition of Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa has served the family.
Dinsmoor, Kay Sawyer - Kay (Sawyer) Dinsmoor, 77, died at home on May 25, following a long illness. She was a long time resident of Bloomington and was very active in the politics of the town, particularly in the 1960s through 1980s.
She was born in Ames, Iowa and grew up on a farm outside of Bedford, Iowa, where she graduated from high school. She then graduated from Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Northwest Missouri State) where she was an accomplished pianist and singer, and attended graduate school at Indiana University, where she met her husband, James A. Dinsmoor, a Professor of Psychology at the university.
After working for the fledgling IU-based journal Victorian Studies, she became the business manager for The Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, a position she held for almost 30 years. She received the Victor Laties Lifetime Achievement award in 2008 for her work with the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.
Locally, she served as Treasurer for the campaigns of several candidates, including Marilyn Schultz, Francis X McCloskey and Tomilea Allison. She worked tirelessly as the Chairman of her precinct and frequently had the highest voter turnout in her precinct, due in no small part to her enthusiasm in registering voters (Republican and Democrat alike) and ensuring that people remembered to vote. She was also very active in Citizens for Good Government.
Kay was loved by all and was a surrogate mother to many people. She is fondly remembered for her generosity, kindness, passion for politics, and her keen sense of humor, which made her a joy to be around.
She was preceded in death by her husband and by her sister, Elise Tranbarger, and her brother, Charles Sawyer. She is survived by her son Daniel, his wife Jeanne Briskin and children Ari, Gabriel, Joseph and Lily Dinsmoor, all of Arlington, Virginia; her daughter Mara Dinsmoor of Wilmette, Illinois; and son Robert of South Hamilton, Massachusetts. She will also be missed by her sister Sonya and Lowell Parman of Marion, Iowa and her brothers John and Georgealee Sawyer of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Bill and Ann Sawyer of Lenox, Iowa; Bob and Katherine Sawyer of Maryville, Missouri; and Tom and Claire Sawyer of Littlefield, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life were held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday June 27 at Day Funeral Home. Memorial services were held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday also at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and Planned Parenthood.
Diggs, Harley Ellsworth - Harley Ellsworth Diggs was born November 28, 1912, in rural Taylor County, Nodaway Township near Gus, Iowa, to Frank and Alta Jane (Hoffman) Diggs. Harley passed away Wednesday evening, December 24, 2008, at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, Iowa.
Harley grew up in the Hawleyville, New Market and Clarinda areas, where he attended school. After his formal schooling, he started farming, which was a lifelong passion. He participated in the Hawleyville Rodeo and was a member of the N.F.O. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes. Harley married Grace Worth in Troy, Kansas on February 4, 1932 and they lived on the farm near Gravity, Iowa for over 40 years. They moved to Clarinda in 1982. Harley and Grace attended the Gravity Christian Church.
Harley is survived by his son, Duane and wife of Eufaula, Alabama; four grandchildren, David and wife Connie Diggs of Maryville, Missouri, Roger and wife Michele Diggs of Wellston, Michigan, Karen Motley of Sacramento, California, and Dale and wife Vickie Diggs of Eustis, Florida; 10 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren; sister Elzene Diggs of Clarinda. Harley is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents, wife Grace in 1995, six sisters and two brothers.
Funeral services were held Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home in Clarinda with Rev. Loren Daly officiating. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to family choice. The Tradition of Walker-Merrick Funeral Home served the family.
Durfey, Wilbur Dean Funeral services for Wilbur (Tobe) Durfey, age 76 of Clarinda, Iowa, who died Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa, were held Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hillside Missionary Church, Clarinda, Iowa, with Reverend Ed Fidler officiating. Visitation with the family was held 7-8 p.m., Friday, June 29, 2007 at the church. Burial was in Athelstan Cemetery, Athelstan, Iowa with military rites by John F. Hardin American Legion Post 164. A memorial will be established. Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Service, Clarinda, Iowa.

Wilbur Dean Durfey was born March 31, 1931, in Clayton Township, Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Harold Durfey and Cordys Estel Cordell. Wilbur “Tobe” was raised by his grandfather, Ike Cordell. He attended school at Athelstan.

Tobe served his country in the United States Army from 1948-1952. He was stationed in Japan with the 7th cavalry and the 21st infantry for three years. Following his return to the states he was stationed at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin where he helped build the obstacle course. He was a member of the American Legion of Villisca and Maryville.

Tobe was a farmer, and also raised horses, in addition he was a truck driver and his radio handle was “Charlie Brown”. He also was a school bus driver for the Clarinda School district. Tobe enjoyed life and had many interests. He loved to dance, enjoyed going to stock car races at Corning especially when his son-in-law, Larry was driving. He was a Kansas City Royals baseball fan. Watching truck pulls was another fun time for Tobe.

Tobe was married to Doris Virginia Hakes and to Dorothy McCall Pratt. Their families included children, Janice and Denise (Denny), Randy, Mary, Deanna, Denise, Debbie and Michael. Tobe was also Dad to several of his children’s friends. Family was very important to Tobe; he loved being with his grandchildren and attended all of their sports activities. Friday night was their family night at the Junction Café in Bedford.

Tobe is survived by children, Janice Barr and husband Larry of Clarinda, Iowa, Denny Neville and friend Mike Brown of Wilcox, Missouri, Randy Durfey and wife Lisa of Clarinda, Iowa, Mary Collier of Clarinda, Iowa, Deanna Harris and husband Lanny of Clarinda, Iowa, Denise Pierce and husband Chuck of Jefferson City, Missouri, Debbie Farmer of Clarinda, Iowa, Michael Durfey and wife Jennie of Clarinda, Iowa; sixteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; half sisters, Rosemary Kirchner of Trenton, Missouri, Janet Shelton of Des Moines and special friend, Marie Sickels of Villisca, Iowa.

Preceding Tobe in death were his parents; brother, Harold “Tuff” Durfey; half brothers, Billy Newby, Marvin Newby, Willis Newby; half sister, Wilma Newby.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Tobe’s passing.