Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
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Mary Louise (Bentley) Sheeks was born on November 6, 1928 in Blockton, Iowa the oldest of six children born to George Milford Bentley and Grace (Jennings) Bentley. She grew up attending school in Blockton, graduating with the Class of 1947 as Valedictorian. After school she worked for six years for Dr. Bosingham in Clarinda, Iowa. In January of 1952, she was united in marriage to Clayton Sheeks. She later moved to Kansas City where she worked for over 30 years in the accounting department of Business Men's Assurance Company. After retiring from there, she sold real estate for a time and later worked part-time for Cramer Trailer Service. In order to be closer to her family, she moved to Omaha in 2006. Mary was a member of the Midwestern Baptist Church in Omaha. Left to cherish her memory are her four brothers, Duane Bentley of Clarinda; Dean Bentley and wife Melba of Council Bluffs; Kenneth Bentley and wife Judy of Omaha; and Terry Bentley and wife Becky of Wyoming; a sister-in-law, Sue Bentley of Fremont, Nebraska; eight nieces and nephews, Brian, Heidi, Kimberly, Scott, Jill, Mark, Todd and Steve; 21 great-nieces and nephews; along with many other relatives and friends. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Bentley; and one brother, Gene Bentley. Although Mary will be greatly missed, her love and inspiration
will live on through her family. Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 20, 1950 [p 1] Obituary – Bessie Siemiller Bessie Siemiller, youngest daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Henry Siemiller, was born Sept. 1., 1886 near Blockton, and died at the home of her sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Goff at Grant City, Mo. July 13, 1950. In early life she united with the United Brethren church, later transferring her membership to the Methodist church at Blockton. She taught school for a number of years. After leaving the farm she moved to Blockton where she had lived since 1924. Her time was spent in caring for elderly people and small children whom she dearly loved. She leaves to mourn her death, two sisters, Mrs. Don Goff and Mrs. Amy Keplinger; two brothers H. [enry] F. Siemiller of Pueblo, Colorado, and F. [ernando] A.[ugustus] Siemiller of Blockton. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Blockton Sunday afternoon, July 16, conducted by Linda Tolby. Burial was in the Blockton cemetery. [Siemiller, Fernando Augustus] Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 12, 1953 p. 6 Obituary – F. A. Siemiller Fernando A. [ugustus] Siemiller, son of Rev. Henry and Deborah [Falkinberg] Siemiller, was born March 9, 1873, 2 ¼ miles north of Blockton on the Henry Siemiller farm, where he grew to manhood and died at his home in Blockton Feb. 23, 1953 at the age of 79 years, 11 months, 17 days. On March 10, 1897, he was married to Miss Iona Williams. To them two daughters were born, Ruby Beryl who passed away in Jan. 1909, and Gladys Marie, who passed away in Jan. 1913. Mr. Siemiller is survived by his wife; one brother, Henry Siemiller of Pueblo, Colo.; two sisters, Mrs. Dora Goff of Grant City, Mrs. Amy Keplinger of Maloy. He lived his entire life in Taylor County with the exception of one year in California. They lived in Blockton 33 years. Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Blockton, Feb. 26, with R. C. Yadon in charge. Interment in Rose Hill Cemetery. Bedford Free Press Thursday October 6, 1913 p. 3 Mr. and Mrs. F. [ernando] A. [ugustus] Siemiller, formerly of Blockton, returned last Wednesday from California with the remains of their 7-year-old daughter, Gladys, who died last Saturday. The family went to California hoping a change of climate would benefit the daughter, but it proved of no avail. [Siemiller, Gladys Marie] Bedford Free Press Thursday October 6, 1913 p. 3 BLOCKTON NEWS Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Siemiller returned form Dinuba, Calif., Wednesday with the remains of their little daughter, Gladys Marie, who died Saturday at Dinuba. They have the sympathy of their many friends. We understand that they will not return to California. [SIEMILLER, GLADYS MARIE] Blockton News, Thursday, January 30, 1913, [p. 1] Obituary – Yesterday morning Fernando A. Siemiller and wife arrived from Dinuba, California, with the remains of their daughter, Gladys Marie, who died at their home at that place Saturday morning at 5:30, aged 7 years and 18 days. Disease of the bowels cause her death, a disease that had brought her very near unto death before they left here last spring. She had been ill since the beginning of the year and from the nature of the disease suffered much. She was the only surviving child of her parents, a young sister, Ruth Berl, having died several years since. Gladys Marie was a bright, intelligent child; gentle in her ways to that degree, that her presence always brought sunshine into the home where she will be so sadly missed. The parents surely have the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement. Time heals all wounds and some time the other and brighter side will come to view. The funeral took place at the Christian church yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The sermon was preached and services conducted by Rev. D. J. Shenton. The floral offerings by friends were profuse and beautiful. The attendance was large, indicative of the sincere sympathy and respect in which Mr. Siemiller and wife are held in the community. The interment took place in the family burial place in Rose Hill cemetery. [SIEMILLER, GLADYS MARIE] Blockton News, Thursday, January 30, 1913, p. 4 George Williams came over from Coin to attend the funeral of his niece, Gladys Marie Siemiller, yesterday.
Bedford Times-Press Thursday April 18, 1957 p. 9 Obituary – Iona Seimiller Iona Seimiller [Siemiller], eldest daughter of Socrates and Eleanor [Graham Poor] Williams, was born August 3, 1872 at the farm home northeast of Blockton, living there until young womanhood. On March 9, 1897 she was married to Fernando [Augustus] Seimiller [Siemiller] of Blockton. To this union two daughters were born, Gladys and Ruby who died in early childhood. For a number of years she worshiped at the United Brethren church in Blockton, later placing her membership with the Blockton Christian church. Although ill health prevented her attending church in her later years, she spent many hours in Bible study. She was a resident of the Blockton community her entire life except for a short time spent in California and the last year spent at the Armstrong Rest Home in Bedford, Iowa, where she died on April 4, 1957 at the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 1 day. She was preceded in death by her two young daughters and her husband who died on February 23, 1953. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Sedalla [Sedalia] Wisdom of Villisca; three brothers, Everett of Cherokee, George of Blockton and Ames of Fullerton, Calif., and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Christian church
Sunday, April 7, with Rev. Clarence Moore and Rev. Lowell A. Hall officiating.
Interment was in Blockton cemetery. [Siemiller, Jennettie “Nettie” Pringle] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday October 31, 1912 p. 8 BLOCKTON Mrs. Nettie Siemiller, who had been so ill of paralysis of the bowels died Friday evening at Ensworth hospital. The remains were brought home Saturday. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Sunday at 11 o’clock, in the presence of a large number of friends and acquaintances. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery by the side of her husband who had preceded her ten years ago. Mrs. Siemiller was a faithful member of the United Brethren church since the age of fourteen years. She leaves three daughters and one son to mourn the loss of a beloved mother. They are Mrs. A. [dam] B. [ible] Keplinger of this place, Misses Dora and Bessie Siemiller and Milton [Wright] Siemiller all living at home. She also leaves a number of stepchildren all in homes of their own. Mrs. Siemiller was 60 years old. Blockton News Thursday February 23, 1933 [p. 1] Obituary Milton Wright Siemiller, son of Rev. Henry and Jenettie [Jennettie] Pringle Siemiller, was born on the farm in Ringgold County, near Blockton, on Dec. 23, 1879, and passed away at his home in Blockton Sunday Feb. 19, 1933, at the age of 53 years, 1 month and 27 days. Under the pastorate of his father he was converted at an early age and joined the United Brethren church to whose principles he remained steadfast until the disbanding of that congregation, when he united with the Methodist church of which he was a loyal member and faithful attendant as long as his health permitted. On Feb. 12, 1926, he suffered an eye injury, which resulted in blood poison, after which he never regained his health. On Nov. 16, 1924, he was united in marriage with Miss Freda Mumm. One child was born to this union, Betty Marie. He leaves besides his immediate family, sisters and brothers, Henry of Pueblo, Colo., and Fernando, Dora, Bessie and Mrs. Amy Keplinger of Blockton, nieces and nephews and many other relatives and numerous friends, who will mourn his untimely departure. He will be sadly missed from the community where he spent his entire life. Milton was ever a lover of children and young people, winning their love by friendly ways and kindly deeds, then by his example of a good life and wise admonitions he would try to lead them to a higher life and into better ways. Of his means, of his time and of himself he gave freely wherever he found human need. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Warrior, and burial in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. [Siemiller, Milton Wright] Blockton News Thursday February 23, 1933 p. 2 Milton W. [right] Siemiller was brought home from the University hospital at Iowa City on Friday evening of last week. He was in a critical condition and passed away early Sunday morning. Blockton News Thursday December 3, 1925 [p. 1] Obituary George Porter Simpson was born in Ripley County, near Evansville, Indiana, and departed this life at his home in Blockton, Nov. 27, 1925, aged 69 years, 10 months and 27 days. He came with his parents to the state of Missouri when he was three years of age and located on a farm northwest of Grant City where he grew to young manhood. Aside from working on the farm, he taught in the public schools for several years. On Jan. 2, 1877, he was united in marriage to Cornelia Salmon. To this union were born five children, three sons and two daughters, who survive their father, and all of whom were present at the funeral services. Early in life he confessed faith in Christ as his personal Savior and united with the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Vernon. When he moved to Blockton he transferred his membership to the Methodist church at that place, where he remained a true, faithful, loyal member until the end. Though death came suddenly, it did not find him unprepared, for all his life had been a preparation, so living here as to deserve a higher and better life. His chief virtue was in his moral influence and Christian manhood. He was one of the pillars in the church, and also in the Sunday school. For many years he was treasurer of the Sunday school, and was faithful to the task, until he was compelled to lay down the work, owing to poor health. He was honest with himself, and with others. His life was a living evidence of his profession. Everyone who knew him, had the utmost confidence in his word, and esteemed his good character very highly, as was shown by the large crowd in attendance at the church where the funeral was held. He was a loving husband, an affectionate father, a loyal citizen and a good neighbor. Besides his wife he leaves to mourn three sons: Charles F. [oster], of Kansas City, Mo.; Silas T. [ruman], of Columbia, Mo., and Chester H. [oward], of Grinnell; two daughters, Mrs. Elmer Saville, of Redding, and Mrs. Harry Searles [Ida Marie], of Blockton; five brothers: Homer Simpson, of Grant City; Thomas L. Simpson, of Ruston, Louisiana; Dr. Grant Simpson, of Naperville, Ill.; Noel Simpson, of Fort Collins, Colo., and Arthur Simpson, of Lincoln, Neb.; one sister: Mrs. Henry Swift, of Grant City; 10 grandchildren, other relatives, as well as a host of friends. The funeral service was conducted from the home Sunday afternoon, Nov. 29, to the Blockton Methodist church, at 2:30. Rev. Arthur S. Olsen, pastor of the Grant City M. E. church, preached the sermon, assisted by Rev. H. V. Reeves, pastor of the Blockton Christian church. A quartet composed of Miss Lindsey, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Ford and Mr. Ware sang “One Sweetly Solemn Thought;” “Jesus Lover of my Soul;” “The City Four Square” [words unreadable] presiding at the piano. The pallbearers were Wm. Cloos, M. Judy, Ray Shafer, G. R. Williams, J. P. Minor and T. A. Wisdom. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, where the body was tenderly laid to rest. May God bless the bereaved family. [Skinner, Jean Elizabeth Davis] Bedford Times-Press Thursday May 27, 1982 Jean Skinner Final Rites Were Held May 11 Funeral services for Mrs. Ralph (Jean Elizabeth) Skinner, 67, of Blockton, held May 11 in the Blockton Christian Church, were conducted by Rev. Bill Farrens and Rev. Mel Smith. Mrs. Skinner died May 8, 1982 in Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Jean Elizabeth Davis, daughter of Arthur Davis and Irene Boughton Davis was born at Keosauqua, Iowa on April 8, 1915. She was the third child in a family of six, three boys and three girls. The family moved to Diagonal, Iowa while Jean was young. She attended school there. She was united in marriage to Ralph Skinner on November 28, 1937. To this union were born three children: Bennie Lee of Lady Lake, Florida, Mary Jo Hughes of Denver, Missouri, and Freddie Arthur of Blockton, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Daisy. Jean was a kind and loyal friend to all who knew and loved her. Besides her husband and children she leaves to cherish her memory: three brothers: Donald Davis of Diagonal, Iowa, Keith Davis of Ames, Iowa, and William Davis of Creston, Iowa, a sister, Myrtle Frezee, of Creston; her mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Skinner of Blockton; daughters-in-law: Rita of Lady Lake, Sherry of Blockton; a son-in-law, Glenn of Denver, eight grandchildren, Bennie Lee Davis, Tammy Davis Hare, Jeanie Davis, Glenda Hughes Findley, Penny Hughes Woods, Glenn Hughes Jr., Jennifer Skinner and William Skinner; three great grandchildren: Stephanie Hare, Bobbie Joe Findley, and Joshua Woods; many other relatives and friends. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday January 10, 2001 RALPH SKINNER Funeral services for Ralph Skinner, age 85 of Blockton, who died Monday, January 1, 2001 at the Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City, Missouri were held Wednesday, January 3, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blockton Christian Church with Pastors Scott Marcum and Bill Farrens officiating. Interment was held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in his name. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Ralph P. [ercy] Skinner was born October 29, 1915 in Kellerton, Iowa the son of Fred [Cloyd] Skinner and Frances Elizabeth Gray Skinner. Ralph grew up in the Kellerton, Mount Ayr and Shannon City areas graduating from the Mount Ayr Community School in 1936. On November 28,1937 he was united in marriage to Jean [Elizabeth] Davis. In 1963 he graduated from Northwest Missouri State University. Ralph always thought that education was very important and was a schoolteacher, teaching Math, English, History and Physical Education most of his life. He taught for ten years for the Ringgold Rural Schools, twelve years for the Blockton Community Schools and twenty years for the Bedford Community Schools. Along with teaching, Ralph coached for over fifty years. He coached high school basketball, baseball and softball along with Jr. High football, baseball, girl’s basketball, baseball, softball and track. Ralph officiated several years for high school football, basketball and baseball. Not only was Ralph an excellent teacher and coach he also played town team basketball until he was forty-five years old. Ralph also drove a school bus for over thirty years. He was a diehard Iowa Hawkeye fan and St. Louis 'Cardinal fan. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing when time allowed. He was a member of the Blockton Christian Church. Ralph is survived by two children, Mary Jo Hughes and husband Glenn of Grant City, Missouri; and Fred Skinner and wife Virginia of Blockton, Iowa; a stepson, Bennie Lee Davis and wife Rita of Brunswick, Georgia; eight grandchildren; many great grand-grandchildren, and a special friend, Lyla Enabnit. Preceding Ralph in death are his wife Jean in 1982; his parents, Fred and Elizabeth; a brother, Cloyd. Skinner; two sisters, Frances Skinner and Ruth Vanderflute; and a great granddaughter, Etta Jo. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday July 1, 1987 p. 4 Bertha J. Smith Services for Bertha J. Smith, 88, of Blockton were held June 24 at Tent Chapel Church near Blockton with Ralph Pierce officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Mrs. Smith died June 22, 1987 at Blockton, Ia. Bertha Jennings Smith, daughter of Thomas J. [ohn] and Emma Anderson Jennings, was born January 2, 1899 near Alanthus Grove, Mo. At an early age she was united with the Church of Christ at Alanthus Grove and continued faithful to that belief through the last Sunday of her life with her membership transferred to the Blockton church at the time of her marriage. She was in her third year at Northwest Missouri State Normal College, Maryville, Mo., now Northwest Missouri State University when on January 20, 1918 she was united in marriage to Samuel J. [esse] Smith, and they moved to a farm southeast of Blockton where they resided until 1975 when they moved to Blockton. She was preceded in death by her parents who died at an early age and two aunts who cared for her after the death of her parents. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, a daughter Maxine Kean of West Des Moines, a daughter and son-in-law Gayle and Edward Hilt, and a son and daughter-in-law Paul and Frances Smith, all of Blockton; grandchildren Marcia Allen and Kenneth Smith and three great grandchildren. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday July 6, 1988 p. 10 BLOCKTON Freida Smith [Weaver], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Smith [Weaver] passed away in St. Paul, Mn. on June 27 with burial there. [Smith, Freda Weaver] Lenox Time Table July 13, 1988 p. 10 BLOCKTON Correction: Freda Smith was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Weaver of Blockton. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday August 12, 1998 Ivan E. Smith Ivan [Edward] Smith, son of Ralph [Raymond] and Millie [Bentley] Smith was born in Athelstan, Iowa on February 26, 1924 and passed away July 7, 1998 at the VA Medical Center at Tucson, Arizona. Ivan spent his young life here in Blockton and graduated from high school in 1942. Shortly after Ivan joined the US Navy where he served his country. Ivan spent his duty in both the Theaters of Operation. After World War Two Ivan was sent to the South Pacific where his ship was involved in operation crossroads where they conducted atomic bomb tests. Later on Ivan went to the South Pole with the Admiral Byrd Expedition. After his enlistment was up in 1948 Ivan was asked to serve his country again in the Korean War. After his tour of duty Ivan came back to Blockton where he lived until going to Arizona. Ivan continued his occupation as a painter and paperhanger until his health would not permit him to work. Ivan was a life member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #549 Tucson, AZ. Ivan enjoyed his hobbies of fishing and seeing his nieces and nephews and he made several trips to Blockton over times. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Millie Smith; two brothers, Lloyd Smith and Cecil Smith. Ivan leaves to mourn his passing a brother Leonard and wife Sandra; two nephews and five nieces. Graveside services were held in Blockton on August 1st, 1998 by Reverend Scott Marcum with military rites by VFW of Creston, Iowa. Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 6, 1964 p. 4 Millie Smith Rites July 23 Funeral services for Mrs. Ralph (Millie) Smith of Blockton were held July 23 at the Blockton Methodist Church with Pastor Clarence H. Landis officiating. Mrs. Smith died at her home in Blockton July 20. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. The following obituary was included in the services: Millie Bentley Smith, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Bentley and Mary Etta Coddington, was born Oct. 6, 1890 in Ringgold County, Iowa. With the exception of a few years, she lived the greater part of her life in Taylor and Ringgold Counties, Iowa. She lived with her parents in Colorado about three years and about four years in Cedar County. On Feb. 24, 1910 she was united in marriage to Ralph Smith at Mt. Ayr, Ia. To this union were born four sons: Cecil Raymond Smith, born Oct. 2, 1912 at Clearfield, Ivan Edward Smith, born February 26, 1924 at Athelstan; Lloyd Harold Smith, born March 24, 1926 at Blockton; Leonard Ralph Smith born Nov. 29, 1928, at Blockton. In 1960 Mr. and Mrs. Smith observed their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary in their home in Blockton, Iowa. Survivors include her husband, Ralph Smith, Blockton; four sons, Cecil, Lloyd and Leonard Smith of Blockton; Ivan Smith of Parnell, Mo.; four brothers, Milford and Glenn Bentley of Blockton, Willard Bentley of Glidden, Ia., Lester Bentley of Kansas City, Mo.; two sisters, Lucy Daugherty of Kansas City, Mo., Lela Johnson of Easton, Kans.; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; also many relatives and friends. She had been a member of the Clearfield Methodist Church prior to transferring her membership to the Blockton Methodist Church. Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 31, 1949 p. 3 Smith Infant Dies Paula Lynette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith, was born in St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo., Feb. 12, 1949 and departed this life Tuesday, March 22, 1949 at the age of 5 weeks and 3 days. She was unable to leave the hospital due to an acute illness, from birth. Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Smith; and grandmother, Mrs. Nellie Allabac. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Christian Church, Thursday, March 24 at 2 p. m., G. W. Swan officiating. Interment in the Rose Hill cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Thursday September 7, 1972 p. 3 Raymond Smith Rites Aug. 28 In Blockton Funeral services for Ralph Raymond Smith, 84, of Blockton, were held August 28 at Blockton Methodist Church conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan. Mr. Smith died August 25, 1972, at Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Ralph Raymond Smith, foster son of Isaac and Fransinia Smith, was born at Parkersburg, Ia., September 30, 1887. On February 24, 1910 he was united in marriage to Nellie [Millie] Bentley at Mt. Ayr, Iowa. To this union four sons were born: Cecil, Ivan, Lloyd and Leonard. He became a member of the Clearfield United Methodist church at an early age, later transferring to Blockton United Methodist church, where it remained until his passing. He followed the occupation of farming in early life, until 1914 when his health failed and he then began working as a photographer at Clearfield and later had offices in Blockton. In later years he worked as an interior decorator until ill health forced his retirement. He was lover of all people and the outdoors. His hobbies were hunting and fishing. His smile won him many friends along life’s pathway. Those who survive him include: sons, Cecil and wife of Warsaw, Mo.; Ivan and wife of Tucson, Arizona; Lloyd and wife; Leonard and wife of Blockton; one brother, Forrest Law, of Des Moines, Iowa; 13 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends. Those preceding him in death are his wife, Nellie [Millie]; two brothers, Earl Reintz and Cecil Lunt. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday May 30, 1990 SAMUEL J. SMITH Services for Samuel J. [esse] Smith, 93, Blockton, were held May 24 at Wilson-Watson Funeral Home in Mt. Ayr with Pastor Ralph Pierce and Pastor Scott Marcum officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Mr. Smith died May 21, 1990. Samuel J. [esse] Smith was born at Barnard, Mo. on August 17, 1896 to John William and Olive Jane Cole Smith. He was married January 20, 1918 to Bertha Jennings at Maryville, Mo. Bertha passed away June 22, 1987. To this union three children were born: Maxine Kean of West Des Moines, Gayle Hilt of Mt. Ayr, and Paul J. Smith of Blockton. Sam lived in the Blockton area since 1912 and graduated from the Blockton High School in 1915 with the first class to graduate in the then new brick building. After graduation he attended Highland Park College in Des Moines. He returned to the Blockton area in 1917 and began farming southeast of Blockton. He retired from farming and moved into Blockton in 1975. On January 14, 1988, he married Flora Jennings Harrison of Albany, Mo. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Flora; his three children, one sister, Mabel Fink of Creston, two grandchildren, Marcia Allen of Red Oak and Kenneth J. Smith of Blockton and five great grandchildren. He also leaves six stepchildren: Myrlene Brown of Albany, Mo., Dean Showen of Stanberry, Mo., Audra Craven of Liberty, Mo., Gordon Showen of Running Springs, Calif., Leeta Ickes of Independence, Mo., and Paul Showen of Lenexa, Kan., and 17 step grandchildren, 15 step great grandchildren. Sam accepted Christ as his Saviour at an early age and has been faithful in church attendance throughout his life. [Stephenson, Velora Marie Campbell] Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 22, 1963 p. 3 Obituary- Velora Stephenson Velora [Marie] Stephenson was born Sept. 16, 1901 in Taylor County, Iowa. She passed away at the age of 61 years, 10 months and 19 days in Ringgold County Hospital, Mt. Ayr, Iowa. She was the daughter of Robert and Ida [Elizabeth Carter] Campbell. On April 25, 1925, she was married to Willie Samuel Stephenson and to this union were born three children, Norma Jean, William S., and Dorothy Ann. Velora and Wid lived most of their lives in or near the community of Blockton. She was active in the affairs of the community and for many years taught devotedly in the schools of the area. Velora was a member of the First Christian Church, Blockton, Iowa, and was a member of Eastern Star No. 447, Blockton, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her husband, Wid Stephenson, who is hospitalized in Mt. Ayr; one son, William C. of Grundy Center; two daughters, Mrs. Harry Stokes of Rolling Meadows, Ill., and Mrs. Bob Dreher of Springdale, Ark.; nine grandchildren and three sisters, Mrs. Strausy Denhart of Winnebago, Ill., Mrs. Effie B. Krucker of Miami, Okla., and Mrs. Emma Payton of Fullerton, Calif. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many friends and children of this community. [Stephenson, William Samuel “Wid”] Clearfield Chronicle Thursday March 21, 1968 p. 9 Obituary Willie Samuel Stephenson was born June 24, 1896 on a farm near Blockton and passed away on March 7, 1968 in Grundy Center, Iowa at the age of 71 years, 8 months and 12 days. He was the son of John and Margaret [Evans] Stephenson and spent his entire life in and around Blockton. On April 25, 1925 he was married to Velora Campbell and they were happily married for 38 years before her death on August 4, 1963. They were the parents of three children, Norma Jean, William and Dorothy. “Wid,” as he was always known, was a farmer and trucker for many years in this area. He was a member of the Blockton Christian Church and Bethany Lodge 320 AF & AM. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his children, Mrs. Harry (Norma Jean) Stokes of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; Bill Stephenson of Grundy Center, Iowa; Mrs. Bob (Dorothy) Dreher of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law; nine grandchildren; a sister, Georgia Drake of Blockton and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, a brother, Don, and a sister, Maude. During the final years of his life, Wid received much comfort and consolation from all the prayers and kind deeds of his many friends in the community. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Christian Church
Sunday, March 10th at 2:00 p. m. with G. W. Swan officiating.
Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday August 11, 1993 CECIL RAYMOND STEVENS Cecil Raymond Stevens was born October 4, 1907 near Diagonal, Iowa to Homer R. and Edith Beadel Stevens and departed this life July 30, 1993 at Mercy Hospital following a brief illness. On January 15, 1934 he was united in marriage to Dorothea Cronk with whom he shared 57 years. To this union were born three children. He was a truck driver in Des Moines until 1949 when he moved his family to the family farm at Redding, Iowa. In 1955 he and his family moved to Blockton where he spent the remainder of his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothea; his parents, Homer and Edith Stevens; one sister, Vera Harriman; two brothers, R. B. and Walter Stevens; and two grandchildren, Connie Kemery and Neal Stevens. He is survived by his children, John Stevens, Arlington, Texas; Shana Woodfield, Santa Rosa, Calif.; Karen and Jerry Kemery, Blockton, Iowa; his grandchildren, Kathy and Scott Coulter, Maryville, Mo.; Marilyn and Ron Miller, Hopkins, Mo.; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas Garrett Rucker, Taylor Nicole Miller, Cody Scott Coulter; his sisters, Glee Moore, Mt. Ayr, Iowa; Donna Bear, Tingley, Iowa; his sisters-in-law, Mary Stevens and Verna Stevens; and many friends. Cecil was a Mason for 49 years and a member of Taylor Lodge #156 A.F. & A.M. and was also a member of the Christian Church in Blockton, Iowa. [Stevens, Dorothea Marguerite Cronk] Bedford Times-Press Wednesday September 4, 1991 DOROTHEA MARGUERITE STEVENS Dorothea Marguerite Stevens was born September 28, 1914. At the age of three weeks she was adopted by Blanche and Frank Cronk. She graduated from Des Moines North High in 1933 and on January 15, 1934 she was united in marriage to Cecil Stevens. To this union three children were born. In 1949 they moved to Redding, Iowa where she became a farm wife for the first time in her life. In 1955 they moved to Blockton, Iowa where she resided until her death on August 20, 1991. She spent the past few months in the Clearview Nursing Home in Clearfield, Iowa due to a lengthy illness. She was an active member of the Blockton Christian Church, the Blockton Garden Club, and local newspaper correspondent for several years. Survivors include her husband Cecil; her children John Stevens, Shana Woodfield, and Karen Kemery; son-in-law Jerry Kemery; grandchildren Kathy and husband Scott Coulter and grandson Eric Stevens; Marilyn and husband Ron Miller; and great grand-children Nicholas Garrett Rucker and Cody Scott Coulter. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Blanche and Herman Sumner; granddaughter Connie Kemery; and grandson Neal Stevens. Services were held August 24, 1991 at the Blockton Christian Church from the Wilson-Watson Funeral Home and conducted by Scott Marcum, minister. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Blockton, Iowa. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday October 9, 1996 Charles S. Stout Charles Sanford Stout, 75, of Shipyard Plantation, S.C. died Friday at the Hilton Head Hospital. He was a native of Fillmore, Missouri and the son of the late Claude L. [indsay] and Mary G. [arnett] Stephens Stout. He moved to Hilton Head Island in 1987 from Kansas. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a retired banking executive. His memberships included 50 years in Sharon Springs Masonic Lodge #0417, VFW, American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution and life member of the 57th Bomb Wing. Mr. Stout is survived by his wife Darlene; a son and daughter-in-law R. Craig and Pamela Stout; a daughter and son-in-law Charlene H. and Donald Elder both of Hilton Head Island; five grandchildren and one great grandson. Services were private. The family suggests that those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, Post Office Box 6113, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. The Island Funeral Home of Hilton Head Island, S.C, was in charge of arrangements. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday February 29, 1990 CLARK EMIL STROBURG Services for Clark Emil Stroburg, 94, Blockton, were held February 25 at the Christian Church in Blockton with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Military honors were by the Blockton American Legion Post #443. Mr. Stroburg died February 23, 1990 at Veteran's Hospital in Des Moines. Clark Emil Stroburg, son of Gus Carl and Laura Esther (Rose) Stroburg, was born May 25, 1895. Clark Emil and Sola Alice Straight were united in marriage on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1922. They enjoyed a large celebration for their 50th anniversary in 1972 and again for their 65th anniversary in 1987 at the Blockton Community Hall. To this union four children were born: Harold Dean, Eldon Leonard, Alena Rose, and LaVelle Sola. Clark was a member of the Blockton Christian Church, expressing faith in his Lord through baptism in 1915. He was a lifelong resident of rural Blockton. Clark served 2 ½ years in World War I, 18 months of which were active duty in France. He and Sola lived west of Blockton from their marriage. Clark was a long-standing member of the Masonic Lodge and the Veterans of World War I of Taylor County, Iowa. He was a super mechanic and farm conservationist, being one of the first in the state to practice such techniques and receiving the Master Farmer Award of Iowa in 1950. Clark was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Clyde, Glenn, and Lloyd; and one son, Harold. He leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory his wife Sola; three children -- his son Eldon and Mary Stroburg of Blockton, Iowa and their four children; Sue and Bill Harder and sons Matt and Dustin; Jeff and Nancy Stroburg and children Jacob, Berndt and Emily; Monica and R.T. Tvinnereim and children Tony, Angela, Abigail and Eric; and Randy and Peggy Fugle and children Jessika, Mason and Crystal; his daughter Alena and Bill Stephenson of Grundy Center, Iowa; and their six children; Mark and Shon Stephenson and sons Andrew, Reid, Mathew and Luke; Paul and Cindy Stephenson and son Scott; Sarah and Duane Elson and children Jacob, Jessica and Caleb; Ruth and Dallas Bee; Daniel and Michelle Stephenson; and James Stephenson; and his daughter LaVelle Kunzman of Grundy Center, Iowa and her three children Clark, Esther and Arthur. Clark was a good husband, father, friend and neighbor. He was a kind and considerate man and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday January 6, 1988 HAROLD DEAN STROBURG Services for Harold Stroburg, 64, were held December 28 at Blockton Christian Church in Blockton, Ia. Harold's seven nephews, Mark Stephenson, Paul Stephenson, Daniel Stephenson, James Stephenson, Jeffery Stroburg, Clark Kunzman, Arthur Kunzman, served as casket bearers. Arthur Kunzman proceeded the casket. Harold was buried in the Stroburg family plot in the north end of Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Ia. Harold Dean Stroburg, son of Clark and Sola [Alice Straight] Stroburg, was born January 26, 1923 on the farm west of Blockton, Ia. Harold, the first born, was the apple of his parent's eye and at the age of 18 months took first place in the Taylor County Fair Baby Contest. He was an obedient child and liked to work on the farm. At the age of eight he drove some machinery in the same field where his father was working. He excelled in the handling of all farm machinery and was a diligent worker and extremely helpful at home on the farm with his parents, which was a comfort to them. Harold, along with his brother, Eldon, and his two sisters, Alena and LaVelle, walked a mile and a quarter to Big Spring School for their first eight grades. Harold graduated from Blockton High School and enjoyed playing right field on the baseball team there. Harold, who never married, leaves to mourn his passing his parents Clark and Sola Stroburg; his brother Eldon Stroburg and wife Mary and their children Sue, Jeff, Monica, and Peggy; his sister Alena and husband Bill Stephenson and their children Mark, Paul, Sarah, Ruth, Daniel, and James; his sister LaVelle Kunzman and her children Clark, Esther, and Arthur; 18 grand nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends. [Stroburg, Sola Alice Straight] Lenox Time Table Wednesday July 3, 1991 p. 8B BLOCKTON The community was saddened by the death of Sola [Alice Straight] Stroburg Tuesday night. She has been with her daughter and family the Bill Stevensons [Stephensons]. Funeral will be Friday afternoon at the Blockton Christian Church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. [Stroburg, Sola Alice Straight] Lenox Time Table Wednesday July 10, 1991 p. 9 BLOCKTON Among those from a distance who came for the funeral of Sola Stroburg were her daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Stevenson [Stephenson] and all their family, Lavelle Kunzman and her daughter and two sons, Eunice McPherson, Mrs. Thelma Campbell and daughter, Wilma Campbell Gamblin of Cromwell; Mr. and Mrs. Vern Hallenbeck of Pella; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Poore, Lola Risser, Irene Swaim, Edith and Sandra Loutzenhiser, Nina Poore, Leonard Straight of Bedford; Harlan Straight of Washington State; Orin and Wilma Clarey of Kansas; Vickie Adams of Des Moines. There was a large crowd who came to pay their last respects to this grand lady of 94 years who has spent her entire in this community. She will be greatly missed by her family and her countless friends. |