Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
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Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 4, 2004 p. 8 Cecil Newkirk Funeral services for Cecil Newkirk, age 83 of Bedford, who died Sunday, July 25, 2004, at the Greater Community Hospital in Creston, were held Wednesday, July 28, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Marcum and Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Interment was held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton with military rites accorded by the Blockton American Legion Post No. 443 and the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164. Memorials can be directed to Alzheimer's Research or the Bedford/Blockton Ambulance Service. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Cecil Greeley Newkirk was born March 8, 1921, on a farm near Blockton, the eldest son of Carl Dudley Newkirk and Jennie Greeley Newkirk. He grew up in the Blockton area, graduated from Blockton High School in 1938, and attended college in Maryville. Cecil served in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands as an airplane armorer with the VII Bomber Command, U. S. Army Air Corps, from October 15, 1942, to December 14, 1944. He received an honorable medical discharge. Upon returning from the war, Cecil married Dorothy Aline Matheny on February 15, 1945, at the Methodist parsonage in Bedford. Cecil wore his wedding suit to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary, and he is wearing it to celebrate his going home to be with Jesus. Cecil and Dorothy moved to Colorado shortly after their marriage, and their three girls were born in Colorado----Cheryl Lynne and Marilyn Ann, both born in Rifle, Colorado, and Janis Elaine, born in Aspen, Colorado. Cecil worked with the Public Service of Colorado, repairing electric lines all over the mountains of Colorado, then later worked on a sheep ranch and then a beef ranch. Cecil's love of farming stayed with him and the family moved to Arkansas, where Cecil and Dorothy purchased a small farm and Cecil farmed and worked in a sawmill. In 1957, the family moved back to Iowa, where Cecil continued to farm for a few years, before going to work for the Postal Service. Cecil and Dorothy moved to Blockton to be close to Cecil's rural mail route. Many people still remember Cecil as the "whistling mailman." Cecil was a caring, compassionate person, who never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation everywhere he went with anyone he saw. He had a dry humor and could give his family what they called his "double whammy" look. Cecil's biggest joy was his grandchildren, and Dorothy and Cecil enjoyed going on vacation to see the grandkids and/or taking the grandkids with them on vacation. Cecil accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age, and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford. He enjoyed reading his Bible daily, and has taken many trips clear through the Bible. He enjoyed riding horses and mules and was a member of the Platte River Mule Rider's Association, where he made many dear friends. Cecil was also a member of the Blockton American Legion. Dorothy lovingly cared for Cecil up until the time he had to go to the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center. Cecil left his earthly home on July 25th, after a short stay at the Creston Hospital. His survivors include his wife, Dorothy, children---Cheryl and husband Steve Mick of Bedford; Marilyn and husband Bob Timberlake of Auburn, Kansas, and Janis and husband, Steve Melvin of Rochester, Minnesota. Grandchildren---Matt and wife, Dawn Mick of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Josh and wife, Angel Melvin of West Des Moines, Iowa; Alicia and husband, Bryan Navarette of Arlington, Texas; Rob Timberlake and Nicole Timberlake of Lawrence, Kansas; Stephanie Melvin and Rebekah Melvin of Rochester, Minnesota. Great grandchildren---Tucker and Mackenzie Melvin of West Des Moines, Iowa. Sisters---Jean Vance of Leavenworth, Kansas and Ann and husband, Ed Meek of Athelstan, Iowa. Sister-in-law---Beulah Mae and husband, Dale Kernen of Bedford, along with many nieces and nephews. Cecil will be truly missed by his family and all the rest of the people who knew and loved him, but we have some really special memories to keep us going until we see him again. Preceding him in death were: father and mother---Carl and Jennie Newkirk; brothers---Dean and Dale Newkirk; brothers-in-law----Joseph Vance, John Matheny, Marion Matheny and Lem Dant; sisters-in-law----Ethel Dant and Ellen Matheny Gibson; father-in-law and mother-in-law----James and Mattie Matheny. Bedford Times-Press Thursday November 1, 2006 p. 7 Roy Dwight Newkirk Roy Dwight Newkirk was born on the family farm north of Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa on February 24, 1922, the son of Garret Roy Newkirk and Flossie (Thompson) Newkirk. He grew up attending the Crum School across the road from the family farm until graduating from the eighth grade. He then attended the Bedford High School, graduating with the Class of 1940. In 1942, he was united in marriage to Helen Ruth Damewood in Maryville, Missouri. In 1942, Dwight enlisted in the United States Navy serving during World War II on a ship in the South Pacific until the end of the war. After Dwight's discharge in December of 1945, he and Helen Ruth farmed the family farm for eleven years. In 1958, he joined the United States Postal Service in Council Bluffs. In 1966, he transferred to the Post Office in Shenandoah, retiring in 1984. After his retirement, Dwight and Helen Ruth spent several winters in Arizona. Both Dwight and Helen Ruth were baptized in the Christian Church in Shenandoah on October 25, 1969. Dwight and Helen were blessed with the birth of two sons, Larry Allen and Norman Lowell, who died at infancy. Left to cherish Dwight's memory are his loving wife Helen Ruth of Shenandoah; his son Larry Newkirk and wife Linda of Council Bluffs; two granddaughters, Jessica Newkirk and Mikala Newkirk; three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kassidee and Hailee; a brother Don Newkirk of Branson, Missouri; and a sister, Ethel Mae Hanshaw of Bedford; along with many other relatives and friends. Preceding Dwight in death were his parents Garret Roy and Flossie Newkirk; their infant son Norman Lowell; and a brother Howard Newkirk. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Dwight's passing. Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 9, 1961 p. 5 Grover Magel Of Sidney, Iowa, Dies Grover Magel, widely known farmer of the Sidney, Iowa, community, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, in Mercy hospital, Council Bluffs. Mrs. Magel is the former Mrs. Pearl Parker of Bedford. Funeral services and burial were at Sidney, Friday afternoon, March 3rd. [Mary Elizabeth Kauble Campbell] Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 9, 1961 p. 5 Mrs. Mary Campbell Rites Held Today Mrs. Mary E. [lizabeth Kauble]Campbell of Blockton, who had been making her home in Bedford with her daughter, Mrs. J. R. Freemyer, died about 10 o'clock Monday forenoon, March 6. Mrs. Campbell was 85 years old on Sunday previous to her death. Funeral services will be held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home on State Street at two o'clock Thursday afternoon, March 9. Rev. Colvin Caughey is the officiating clergyman. Burial in the Athelstan cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 27, 1933 [p. 1] William Osburn of Bedford Is Dead William Osburn, a resident of the Bedford community for the past thirty-eight years, died at his home east of Bedford Sunday afternoon. The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery. Mr. Osburn was born near Le Claire, Iowa, Jan. 24, 1855. He was married to Miss Linnie A. Miles [Anna Linard], daughter of Rev. and Mrs. E. [dward] M. Miles [Julia Erwin], Dec. 11, 1878. They resided on a farm in Scott County for three years when they moved to Lake City and finally to Taylor County. They were the parents of seven children, two of whom, Jimmie and Mrs. Gertie Henderson, preceded their father in death. Surviving with the wife are Roy and Minnie at home, F. [rancis] I. [rvin] Osburn of Auburn, Iowa, Emmett L. [loyd] and Walter Osburn of Bedford. There are also twelve grandchildren. Mr. Osburn was converted during the Rev. Billy Sunday meetings in 1902 and became a member of the First Baptist church. He was a trustee of the church for several years. Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 27, 1933 [p. 1] Services Held For Mrs. Frank Walker Funeral services for Mrs. Frank Walker, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Carrie Schuyler, Tuesday, April 18, were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home, Thursday afternoon, conducted by the Order of Eastern Star and Rev. Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery. Mrs. Walker, who before her marriage was Hannah B. Snow, was born in Franklin, Penn., April 29, 1843. When she was twelve years old her mother died, leaving her the responsibility and care of her younger sisters and brothers. Soon after the mother's death the father and children moved to Quincy, Ill., and later to Maryville, Mo. Finally in the early sixties, they located in Bedford. At the age of eighteen she was married to Mr. Walker, who at that time was engaged in the mercantile business in Bedford. To them were born five children, three of whom died in infancy. The two surviving children are Bruce Walker of Mona, Wyo., and Mrs. Carrie Schuyler of Bedford. There are also two grandchildren, Ruth Schuyler Erwin of Bedford and Frank Walker of San Jose, Calif., and one sister, Mrs. Clara Wilkins. Mr. Walker died in January 1932. All of Mrs. Walker's married life, with the exception of three years spent in California, was spent in Bedford. In the early days following the war, both Mr. and Mrs. Walker were prominent in the social and civic activities of the community. She was a charter member of the Bedford chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She was christened in infancy in the Methodist faith, but later became interested in Christian Science. Bedford Times-Press Thursday May 4, 1933 p. 4 Mrs. Forrest Zeluf Dies At Home Here Mrs. Forrest Zeluf, 20, died at her home in Bedford Thursday afternoon, following a short illness. The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Saturday forenoon, conducted by Rev. M. R. Talley. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery. Mrs. Zeluf, whose maiden name was Dorothy Lois Wright, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. V. C. Wright of Bedford. She was born in Bedford, April 17, 1913, and attended the Bedford public schools. She was married to Forrest Zeluf, September 13, 1928. To them were born two sons, Duane Harley and Jackie Leroy, who with the husband and parents, survive. There are also three brothers and one sister. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Bedford Times-Press Thursday May 4, 1933 p. 4 Mrs. W. D. Ashcraft Of Bedford Dies Mrs. W. [arren] D. Ashcraft, 90, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. W. [illiam] H. Kemery, in Bedford, Thursday afternoon. The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. M. R. Talley. Burial was in the Graceland cemetery. Mrs. Ashcraft, who before her marriage was Louisa C. Arnold, was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, August 10, 1842. She was one of a family of seven, one brother having died in infancy, the other members of the family living to a ripe old age, she being the last to go. The family moved from New York when she was seven years of age to Adrian, Mich., later to Ohio and Illinois, where she grew to womanhood. She taught school for several years. She was married to Warren D. Ashcraft October 23, 1867, in Illinois. In 1870 they moved to Taylor County, which place had always been their home since that time. Mr. Ashcraft died in August 1926. Since there were no children in the home her mother [ly?] heart took into the home a little girl who she raised to womanhood and who is now Mrs. Elmer Beall. Mrs. Ashcraft united with the Methodist church at Gilead in 1895, later transferring her membership to the Bedford church. Bedford Times-Press Thursday May 4, 1933 p. 4 Former Resident Of Bedford Dies Mrs. W. [illiam] D. Harris, 77, a former resident of Bedford, died in a Kansas City hospital Sunday. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church in New Market Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. B. Osborne and assisted by Rev. E. K. Shackleford. Burial was in the Memory cemetery. Mrs. Harris, who before her marriage was Laura Turner, was born at Martindale, Ohio, March 22, 1856, and was the sixth of a family of eight children. The family moved to Taylor County when she was a small child and she spent the greater part of her life here. She was married to William D. Harris Feb. 28, 1877. Mr. Harris died in 1907. Surviving are the five daughters, Elva, who is now Mrs. T. J. Wright, Seattle, Wash., Ola, now Mrs. C. W. McCloy of Yakima, Wash., Pearl, now Mrs. L. D. McMaster of Middleport, Ohio, Miss Georgia Harris of Arlington, Wash., and Gayle, now Mrs. Roy W. Hoover, of Kansas City, Mo. There are also seven grandchildren. All of the daughters except Miss Georgia Harris were with their mother during her last illness. Mrs. Harris had been a member of the Baptist church for many years. Bedford Times-Press Thursday October 18, 1934 p. 6 Mrs. Mary C. Hayes Succumbs At Home Mrs. Mary C. [atherine] Hayes, 76, died at her home in Bedford, Friday, Oct. 12, after an illness of several months. The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. Stanley Decker. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Mrs. Hayes, who before her marriage was Mary Catherine Fender, was born in Clay County, Ill., near Edgewood, Oct. 22, 1857. At the age of 18 she moved with her parents to Beaconsfield, Iowa. In November 1875 she was married to Charles E. Hayes. To them were born five children, Maude, Arthur, Bessie, Carrie, and Lottie. Three of them preceded their mother in death. Mr. Hayes died July 4, 1920. Surviving relatives are the two daughters, Mrs. Bessie Boydstun of Sharpsburg and Miss Carrie Hayes of Bedford, and one grandson, Gerald Boydstun. There are also two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Elizabeth Hayes of Raton, N. Mex., Mrs. Isabelle Munyon of Alva, Okla., Lincoln Fender of Carlton, Wash., and Samuel Fender of Caddoa, Colo. Mrs. Hayes united with the Methodist church at an early age. Bedford Times-Press Thursday October 18, 1934 p. 6 John M. White Dies Here Saturday John M. White, 65, for many years a trusted employee of Taylor County, died at his home in Bedford, Saturday, Oct. 13, after having been in ill health for several months. The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery, the Masonic order having their service at the grave. He was born in Franklin, Warren County, O., Dec 25, 1868. He moved to Atlantic, Iowa, and later to Bedford, having resided here for the past twenty-three years. Surviving relatives are a half sister, two nieces, and two nephews, all residing in California, and a niece in Omaha. He was a member of Triangle chapter and of Taylor lodge, A. F. & A. M. Bedford Times-Press Thursday October 18, 1934 p. 6 Hold Funeral For Memo P. Cirksena Funeral services for Memo P. Cirksena, 54, who was killed in an automobile accident Monday, Oct. 15, were held at the Christian church this afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. C. Harris. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery. He was born in Whiterock Township, Ill., Feb. 23, 1880. He was married to Miss Sophia Ehmen, Oct. 10, 1901. To them were born eight children, Enos E. Cirksena of Jefferson, Iowa, Adolph F. Cirksena of Bedford, Evelyn Anna Edwards of Pollock, MO., Ruth, Alice, Ada Jean, William, and Mary Ellen at home. Surviving with the wife and children are one brother, Sieger Cirksena of Oregon, Ill., and five grandchildren. He united with the Christian church in Bedford in 1931.
Bedford Times-Press Thursday June 14, 1951 [p. 1] Simeon F. Farlow Dies At Siam Home Siam----Simeon F. [rancis] Farlow, 80, long-time resident of Taylor County, died June 10 at his home in Siam. Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Siam Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clarence Moore of New Market. Burial was in Old Memory cemetery at New Market. Times-Republican Thursday May 5, 1927 [p. 3] Mrs. Hiram M. Long Mary C. Mattice was born in Adrian, Michigan, March 26th, 1855. She was the daughter of Mary McCreary Mattice and William Mattice. On her mother's side she was the great granddaughter of George McCreary, a strong rugged type of manhood known as Scotch-Irish. Mr. McCreary came to this country from Northern Ireland at the beginning of the Revolutionary war. He settled in the fertile valley of the Potomac River in Virginia. Mr. McCreary served as a sergeant in the Revolutionary war. After the war was ended this family moved to southern Ohio, where the son James was born and later James McCreary's daughter, Mary McCreary. Mrs. Long's father, Mr. Mattice, was Canadian French and was born in Toronto, Canada. From Canada, Mr. Mattice went to Delaware County, Ohio, where he married Mary McCreary. Four children were born to this family in Ohio and then they went to Adrian, Michigan, where the fifth child, Mary, was born in 1855. In 1858 the family came to Iowa, settling first in Lucas County. In 1864 they came to Page County and lived on a farm near Hawleyville. After living here for a time they moved to Essex and Villisca and finally came to Bedford. Three other children were born to them after they came to Iowa. Mary Mattice was married to Mr. Hiram M. Long on Oct. 15, 1879, at Bedford, Ia., where her home has been until her death. To this union were born three children, Forest P., of Minneapolis, Minn., Cecile F., and Benjamin E. [arl], of Bedford. All of whom were with her at the time of her going, at 8 o'clock on the evening of April 30, 1927. Mr. Long preceded her in death six weeks and one day. Mrs. Long suffered a stroke of paralysis Dec. 29, 1926, but had been improving in health up to the time of Mr. Long's death; the shock and strain of this proved too much for her. She had done so much for others but in these last days friends and loved ones could do nothing for her to stay the ravage of disease and the hand of death. Her immediate surviving relatives are the three children, four grandchildren, Florence, Ruth and Mary Long of Bedford, and Jamie N. Long of Pomona, Calif.; one brother, Andrew F. Mattice of Rockport, Mo.; one sister, Mrs. Arminda Sroufe of Los Angeles, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Long was connected with every good movement which meant the betterment of home, church, or community. She was a faithful and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having served as president of the Ladies' Aid Society from 1893 to 1918, a period of 25 years. She was a charter member both of the Eastern Star and of the Twentieth Century Club. Mrs. Long was 72 years, 1 month and 4 days of age. However, she kept young in years and no one ever asked her to do anything in her power, which she did not willingly do. She had been in failing health for about four years but kept busy until paralysis made it impossible for her to continue doing the things which her eager, ambitious, independent spirit wished to do. She longed to be at rest beside Mr. Long, for she thought that in her helpless condition she could no longer be of service to others, little realizing what an inspiration her calm endurance and cheerful patience were to those who knew her and loved her. Out of town relatives attending the funeral were Andrew F. Mattice, brother, from Rockport, Mo.; W. A. Mattice and family, nephew, Rockport, Mo.; Mrs. Geo. Carroll, niece, Omaha, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Bradford [Ethel King], niece and nephew, Lincoln, Neb. Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon, May 3rd, at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Roberts, and interment was made in the Bedford cemetery., |