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.

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.