Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 

[Keith, Dorothy Irene Thompson]

Dorothy Irene (Thompson) Keith was born October 14, 1919 on a farm south of Bedford, Iowa. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Troy and Cora (Parks) Thompson. She spent her elementary school years in a nearby country school, and then lived with her maternal grandparents in Bedford to be within walking distance of Bedford High School, graduating in 1936. Throughout her school years, Dorothy was an active 4-H member and won many awards, including “Most Beautiful Complexion.”

Following high school graduation, and teacher preparation, Dorothy taught elementary school at Ross #3 Country School. With her first paychecks she proudly purchased one of her prized possessions, a gold Bulova watch.

Dorothy taught for a few years while her high school sweetheart, James [Reece] Keith, moved to Kansas City to follow his dream as a commercial artist and continue his “Bobby Bear” cartoon for the Kansas City Journal. But a year later, missing the love of his life, and yearning for the farm, James returned to Bedford, became engaged to Dorothy in 1939 and married April 20, 1940.

Dorothy and James farmed south of Bedford for the next several years. During these years they purchased their first farm and three children were born. They enjoyed their family summer vacations—always west—Seattle, Rocky Mountains, the Black Hills, California. Weekends included the “Saturday Night 500 Club” with friends. Dorothy and James were active in the Church of Christ where she loved to sing with a lovely soprano voice. She had a passion for reading and learning and always followed her weekly shopping in town with visits to the public library.

Sadly, in 1957, her youngest daughter, Jana, passed away at the age of 18 months. This was a significant milestone that led to a lifestyle change for Dorothy and James. In 1958, they built a new home in Bedford on North Street—James doing almost all the labor. Dorothy began working at Thompson’s on Main Street, and shortly thereafter enrolled at Northwest Missouri State College. She and her best friend, Margaret Huelskamp, commuted a few times a week to Maryville, Missouri, to achieve their dreams of graduating from college. And that she did, with honors, in 1964.

During these years, Dorothy and James satisfied their entrepreneurial spirits and love for the West by spending summers in Estes Park where Dorothy worked at a western clothing retail store and James was a carpenter.

After graduating from college, Dorothy taught home economics for a year in Des Moines, Iowa, then landed the job of Page & Fremont County Home Economist. She and James bought a farm just east of Clarinda on Highway 71 and they began their plans to build a new home and a new life in Clarinda, Iowa.

Dorothy and James became vital and highly respected members of the Clarinda and Page/Fremont County communities. Dorothy achieved many honors in her field of work. She also supported James with his farming efforts and shared in his accomplishments, such as the State President Distinguished Pioneer Champions Club award for superior corn production. Her contributions to 4-H, the Page County Fair and the state fair are memorable.

After 15 years as Page/Fremont County Home Economist, Dorothy retired. James retired gradually over the next few years. During these retired years, Dorothy and James made many contributions to their community, actively supported their two adult children and had some fun.

Dorothy was a valuable member of PEO and other community organizations, belonged to several bridge groups and continued to be an avid reader. She and James made many improvements to their showcase home on 20th Street, designed by their architect son—none of which she loved more than her rose garden along the back patio. They were active members in the First Christian Church, gourmet club, and contributed significantly to the development of the Nodaway Valley Historical Museum. They travelled extensively with friends in the U.S. and abroad, and found great pleasure in visits to Denver and the Rocky Mountains where they snow skied with their children and grandchildren. Several years into their retirement they discovered Arizona and spent several enjoyable winter months in its sunshine. They had a very rich life with beloved friends and family.

In December, 1999, Dorothy lost James. Despite this great blow and several significant health episodes, Dorothy maintained a good life in her home in Clarinda. She enjoyed her coffee klatches with friends, her bridge, her church circle and other activities.

In 2004 Dorothy moved to Sioux City to be closer to family. She continued to find joy in her card games, though they now were on the computer, her reading and her contact with family and friends.

Dorothy passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at the Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City, Iowa. She is preceded in death by James, her husband of 59 years; her daughter, Jana; her daughter-in-law, Caye Cross Keith; and her parents and sisters.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Kenneth Keith and wife Judy from Dakota Dunes, S.D.; daughter, Joyce Gietl and husband Jerry from Denver, CO; four grandchildren and their six children: Lisa Sudtelgte and husband Tim from Cypress, TX, Braden Keith and fiancé Becca from Sioux City, IA, Erik Smith and wife Lisa from Denver, CO, Stephanie Langer and husband Mark from Stamford, CT. She is also survived by four step-grandchildren, Jenni and Jay Gietl, and Chris and Pat Fox and their six children.

Funeral services for Dorothy will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the First Christian Church in Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will follow the service at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday evening from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Clarinda. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Siouxland, 4300 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City, Iowa 51104.

Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Note: Online obituary available from Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, http://www.efc.cc/_main/obituaries.asp]

[Stein, Deva Margaret Younkin Beadel]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     April 4, 1990     p. 5

DEVA MARGARET STEIN

Funeral services for Deva Margaret Stein, 75, Blockton, were held March 28 at Shum- Novinger Funeral Home officiated by Gene Ehlers. Burial was at Platteville Cemetery, Platteville, Iowa. Mrs. Stein died March 25, 1990 at Lenox Care Center, Lenox, Iowa.

Deva Margaret Stein, daughter of Jesse Lee Younkin and Pearle Faye Younkin, was born at Blockton, Iowa on May 23, 1914. She attended public school in Blockton, Iowa where she lived and grew to maturity.

On April 14, 1935 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Dean Beadel at Lenox, Iowa. To this union six children were born: Betty JoAnn, Billy Dean, Patricia Lee, Harold Eugene, Melvin LeRoy, and Robert Duane.

On May 9, 1953, she was united in marriage to Ray Edwin Stein at Kansas City, Mo., where they lived for several years. Later they moved to their farm at Blockton, Iowa. Deva was employed by Tradex in Kansas City, and was a homemaker and farmer at Blockton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter Betty JoAnn, who died at the age of 2. Left to cherish her memory are: her husband Ray; her children Melvin Beadel and son LeRoy of Belton, Mo.; Robert Beadel and wife Candy of Raymore, Mo.; Harold Beadel and wife Darlene of Buckner, Mo.; Pat Dye and husband Curt of St. Joseph, Mo.; and Bill Beadel and wife Patsy of Lenox; two brothers, Dale Younkin of Versailles, Mo., and John Younkin of Veneta, Or.; one sister, Velma Cunning of St. Joseph, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She associated with the Bedford Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and expressed her desire to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Deva was a kind, considerate and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and neighbor. Her family and loved ones will long remember the enjoyment she shared in taking care of her lawn, house and garden, and also in helping others.

[Stein, Ray Edwin]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     February 13, 2002

RAY STEIN

Funeral services for Ray Stein, age 82 of Blockton, who died Saturday, February 2, 2002 were held Tuesday, February 5, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Ted DeHass officiating. Interment was held in the Platteville Cemetery in Platteville. Memorials can be given in Ray's name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Ray Edwin Stein was born December 12, 1919 in Judsonia, Arkansas the son of Carl Stein and Ollie Grimm Stein. Ray grew up attending rural schools in the Toad Hollar, Missouri area. In the 1940's Ray served in the United States Army for three years.  

On May 9, 1953 he was united in marriage to Deva Margaret Beadel in Kansas City, Missouri. Ray and Deva lived in that area for several years while he worked at Vets Lab. Later Ray and Deva moved to Blockton where he enjoyed farming and working at Uniroyal in Maryville, Missouri for over ten years.

Ray loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing when time allowed. He even enjoyed professional wrestling in his younger years. Ray loved people and always had a 'little ditty' to tell anyone who would listen. He was well known for his great sense of humor and would often laugh so hard he had trouble finishing the story he was telling. Ray had fond memories he enjoyed sharing about his many experiences growing up in the Toad Hollar area. He was a laid-back man who was always easy goings. He will be long remembered for his humorous tales and his musical enjoyment while playing the banjo and guitar. Ray always just seemed to live life to the fullest.

Left to cherish Ray's memory are Melvin Beadel and Leroy Beadel, both of Blockton; Robert Beadel and wife Candy of Belton; Missouri; Harold Beadel and wife Darlene of Buckner, Missouri; Pat Dye of St. Joseph, Missouri; Patsy Beadel of Shannon City, Iowa; a brother, Fritz Stein of Sedalia, Missouri; two sisters, Ella Thomas of Eudora, Kansas and Billie Waffel of Michigan; two half-brothers, Richard Stein of Kansas City, Missouri; and Clifford Stein of Colorado; ten grandchildren and their families; fourteen great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Ray in death are his parents, Carl and Ollie; two brothers, Buddy Stein and Merle Stein; a sister, Helen Roy; a son-in-law, Curt Dye; a son, Bill Beadel in 1992; and his beloved wife, Deva Margaret Stein in 1990.

He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Ray was a friendly man. It has been said, that if you couldn 't get along with Ray, then you probably couldn’t get along with anyone.

 

 

 

 

[Terrill, Maxine]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 25, 1965     p. 5

Final Rites Held For Maxine Terrill

Funeral services for Maxine Terrill, 55, well-known Bedford resident held Mar. 22 at the Bedford Presbyterian Church, were conducted by Rev. John Kerr and Mr. Carl Cummings.

Eastern Star rites were conducted by Bedford Chapter No 228 Order of Eastern Star. Miss Terrill died March 19 at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Included in the services was the following obituary.

Maxine, daughter of Dr. Jay S. [tandley] and Ruby [Pearl Ewart] Terrill, was born August 21, 1909 at Blockton, Iowa.

When she was five years old she moved with her parents to Bedford and here she attended school graduating from the Bedford High School. She continued her education for the next two years at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., and then she taught in the public schools in Missouri. In 1932 Maxine enrolled at the Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, Mo. for an additional two years of education. In 1936 she graduated from the Capital City Commercial College In Des Moines.

She united with the Presbyterian Church in Bedford at the age of nine years.

She was a friend to all who knew her; ever ready and willing to help anyone in time of need. Her long months of suffering of the past five years she accepted as God's plan,

Her father Dr. Jay S. [tandley] Terrill preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Mrs. Ruby Terrill, her brother, Dwight E. [wart] Terrill of Bedford; two aunts, Ethel Wright and Garland Ewart of Creston, Ia.; two uncles, Cecil V. [ere] Ewart and his wife Mabel of Bedford and Gweldon O. Ewart and his wife Ione of Connell, Wash.; one great aunt, Mrs. Maud Chaney of Winterset, Ia.; several cousins, William V. Ewart and his wife Garnita of Bedford; Bunnie Jo Scott and her husband Ross of North Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Truman Straight of Bedford and Mrs. Trula Steen of Kansas City, Mo., and Mickey Ewart of Connell, Wash.;

Maxine became a member of the Order of Eastern Star when she was 19 years of age, while residing in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

She was a kind and loving daughter, sister, friend and neighbor and will be missed by all who knew her.

 

 

 

[Wright, William Mordecai]

Blockton News

Thursday      September 13, 1928     p. 4

Dr. Jay S. [tandley] Terrill and wife, of Excelsior Springs, were here Saturday attending the funeral of W. [illiam] M. [ordecai] Wright.

Geo. Felton and wife, of Parnell, attended the funeral of W. [illiam] M. [ordecai] Wright here Saturday afternoon.

Randolph Tignor and wife, of Long Beach, California, who are visiting relatives in Northwest Missouri, attended the funeral of Mrs. Tignor's brother, W. [illiam] M. [ordecai] Wright, Saturday.

[Wright, William Mordecai]

Blockton News

Thursday      September 13, 1928    [p. 1]

W. M. Wright

The body of W. [illiam] M. [ordecai] Wright, who died at his home in Long Beach, California, Monday evening, Sept. 3, arrived here on the early morning train Saturday morning and was taken to the home of C. S. Liggett .The body was accompanied here by his son, I. [ra] V. [ane] Wright and wife.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church Saturday afternoon at 2:30 conducted by Rev. J. Arthur Dillinger, of Des Moines, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

Mr. Wright is survived by his four children, two sons and two daughters— I. [ra] V. [ane] and W. [illiam] V. [ail] Wright and Mrs. Paul O. Bridger, of Long Beach, and Mrs. Robert Harcus, of Burma, India, the last named, with her husband, being in Scotland and on their way to their home in Burma at this time.

The deceased was well known to most of our readers. He was the head of the Peoples Bank, later incorporated as the First National bank, for more than twenty years. He first operated the bank for one year back in about 1890 and in 1901 again took charge of the institution, conducting its affairs until in September, 1920, when he disposed of it and moved to California.

He had not enjoyed the best of health for several years.

Obituary next week.

[WRIGHT, WILLIAM MORDECAI]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, September 6, 1928
W. M. Wright Dead
Messages were received here Tuesday morning stating that W. [illiam] M. [ordecai] Wright had died at his home in Long Beach, California, Monday evening. At the time the messages were sent it was the intention of the family to arrive in Blockton Saturday morning on train No. 4 with the body and the funeral services will probably be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30.

[WRIGHT, WILLIAM MORDECAI]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, September 13, 1928
U. S. and H. E. Wright and Mrs. Rebecca I. Gray of Maryville, attended the funeral of their brother, W. M. Wright, here Saturday.
Mrs. Lola Blagg and daughter, of Maryville, attended the funeral of her uncle, W. M. Wright, Saturday.