Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Gray, Beryl Dean] Bedford Times-Press Wednesday May 28, 1986 Services held for Beryl Dean Gray Services were held for Beryl Dean Gray Wednesday, May 21 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Beryl Dean Gray, son of Boyd Gray and Gladice Fish Gray was born in Taylor County, Iowa June 29, 1925 and departed this life May 18, 1986 at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital at the age of 60 years 10 months and 19 days. When a small child he moved with his parents to Missouri where he grew to maturity and attended the public school. As a young man he returned to Taylor County, Iowa to pursue his chosen field of agriculture, farming in partnership with his brother Paul. He later was united in marriage to [Retha] Jewell Henry at Storm Lake, Iowa. Their home was blessed with five children: Steve, Lisa, Stanley, Bryan and Lana. They lived their entire married life in the same community east of Bedford. Beryl was preceded in death by his parents; two nieces and two nephews. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jewell of the home; children: Steve and his wife Debra of Bedford, Iowa; Lisa and her husband David Loch of Pickering, Missouri; Stanley and his wife Billie Jo of Creston, Iowa; Bryan and his wife Vickie of Muscatine, Iowa; Lana and her husband Edwin Holpker of Clearmont, Missouri; seven grandsons and four granddaughters; four brothers and five sisters; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. His family and friends will remember him as a kind and considerate loved one and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. [Gray, Boyd Dean] Bedford Times-Press Thursday March 30, 1961 p. 4 Boyd Gray Dies In Farm Accident Sat. Boyd [Dean] Gray was killed Saturday morning about 8:30 when his tractor overturned. The Taylor county farmer was operating a tractor which was pulling a hog house filled with feed. Funeral services were held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Service Home on State Street Tuesday afternoon, March 28. Rev. Ernest Leierer, pastor of the Blockton Christian church officiated. Burial in Rose Hill cemetery at Blockton. Boyd Gray, son of Willis and Carrie Pierce Gray was born near Siam, Iowa, April 14, 1899, and passed away March 25, 1961, at the age of 61 years, 11 days. He was united in marriage to Gladice Marie Fish, November 24, 1920. Boyd Gray lived near Hopkins as a farmer, most of his life. He leaves to mourn his wife, Gladice; 10 children, Mrs. Opal Fisher of Grant City, Mrs. Margaret Darling of Norfolk, Va., Mrs. Marcelline Malson of Casper, Wyo., Mrs. Lorraine Cooley of Valley, Wash., Glen Dee of Kansas City, Beryl Dean, Paul Gene and Jim of Blockton, Elaine and Drexel of the home. There are 24 grandchildren; three brothers, Milo and Waldo of Spokane, Wash., Rolo of Kennewick. Wash.; two sisters, Mrs. Vulia Peve and Mrs. Mabel Gray of Hopkins; one half-sister, Mrs. Bessie Hopple of Clearmont, Mo. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday May 3, 1995 DONA MAE GRAY Dona Mae Gray, daughter of Walter [Earnest] and Zoa Belle [Grimes] Williams, was born near Hepburn, Iowa on October 5, 1926 and departed this life at the Lake of Three Fires, Bedford, Iowa on April 22, 1995 at the age of 68 years, six months. Dona Mae lived in the Clarinda area, attending country schools south of Clarinda and walking or riding horseback to piano lessons during her youth. She also attended Rose Hill Church near Clarinda. On March 3, 1953 she was united in marriage to Paul Gray at Villisca, Iowa. They spent their married life near Blockton, Iowa, occupied in farming. To this union three children were born: Carolyn Kay, Barbara Jean, and Debra Mae. Dona Mae was preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Zoa; and three brothers: Harold, Richard, and Ernest. Left to cherish her memory are: her husband Paul; her children - Carolyn, Barbara and Dennis Cribbs, Debra and Eric Davenport; six grandchildren -Carl and Tony Trujillo, April and Dustin Cribbs, Heather and Tracey Davenport; four brothers - Lyle, Charles, Stanley and Kenneth; and two sisters - Izola Williams and Gladys May. While we mourn her death, we will remember her life in love. Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 29, 1983 p. 4 Gladice Marie Gray Last Rites Were Held July 25 Funeral services for Mrs. Boyd (Gladice Marie) Gray, 81, of Blockton, held July 25 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Gray died July 21, 1983 in her home near Blockton. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery. Gladice Marie Gray, daughter of Jesse [George] and Etta [Florence Deshaser] Fish, was born May 4, 1902 near Parnell, Missouri. She grew to maturity and lived her entire life time in Northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa. On November 24, 1920 she was united in marriage to Boyd Gray who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister and three grandchildren. She was a loving, devoted mother who will be sadly missed by the following survivors: five sons: Beryl and Paul Gray of Blockton, Iowa, Glen Gray of Independence, Missouri, Jim Gray of Bates City, Missouri and Drexel Gray, U. S. Air Force stationed in Guam; five daughters: Opal Fisher of Grant City, Missouri, Margaret Darling of Norfolk, Va., Marcelline Foote of Casper, Wyoming, Lorraine Cooley of Valley, Washington and Elaine Schornhorst of Independence, Missouri; four sons-in-law; five daughters-in-law; one brother; one sister; 36 grandchildren; several great grandchildren, other relatives, friends and neighbors. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday March 17, 2004 JEWELL GRAY Funeral services for Jewell Gray, age 70 formerly of Blockton, who died Sunday, March 7, 2004 were held Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Scott Marcum officiating. Interment was held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in her name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. [Retha] Jewell Gray was born December 24, 1933 in Worth County, Missouri the daughter of Carl Henry and Vera Davis Henry. She grew to maturity in the Worth County, Missouri area with the exception of a few years spent in Oregon. She graduated from high school in Sheridan, Missouri. Jewell later was united in marriage to Beryl Dean Gray in Storm Lake, Iowa. Their home was blessed with five children, Steve, Lisa, Stanley, Bryan and Lana. They lived their entire married life in the same community east of Bedford. Jewell enjoyed reading, sewing, traveling throughout the United States and making a warm and loving home for her family. After the passing of Beryl on May 18, 1986, she found great companionship in Kenneth Van Fosson who lives in Elmo, Missouri Jewell met Kenny on a bus trip. Together they shared the last eleven years. Jewell had a tremendous sense of humor, she was good at dishing it out, but was good at taking it too! Jewell's family was her life and she was totally devoted to them. She often said raising her family was an adventure she thoroughly enjoyed. She always knew that boys will be boys, but she had the uncanny ability to stay on pace with them, making each toe the line when needed! Jewell will be remembered by her family and friends as a kind and considerate loved one; she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Left to cherish Jewell's memory are her children Steve Gray and wife Deb of Bedford; Lisa Loch and husband David of Maryville, Missouri; Stanley Gray and friend Line Chabot of Creston; Bryan Gray and wife Vickie of Bethany, Missouri; Lana Hoepker and husband Edwin of Bedford; seven grandsons, Nick Gray and wife Danielle; Wyatt Gray and wife Melinda; Jared Gray, Truston Gray, Scott Gray; Curtis and Kenneth Hoepker; six granddaughters, Amanda Sockrider and husband Michael; Laura and Roseanne Loch, Amber Giza and husband Jesse, Kim Gray and Angela Hoepker; five great-grandchildren, Caleb, Asia and Avery Sockrider; Keaton and Tyler Giza; her beloved friend Kenneth Van Fosson and his family Cathy and Terry Lesher and family; Herb and Dorene Richmond and family; Shelly Dunn and family; Jason Van Fosson and family; three sisters, Jean King of Clearfield; Marianna Pinkerton and husband Ralph of Silverton, Oregon; and Patricia Herzberg of Essex; two brothers, Vernon Henry and wife Prue of Medford, Oregon; Carl Henry and wife Martha of Shenandoah; several nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and neighbors from both the Blockton, Braddyville and Elmo, Missouri areas. Preceding Jewell in death was her husband Beryl, parents Carl and Vera Henry and two brothers, Vincent and Volley Henry. Funeral services for Paul Gray, age 79 of Clearfield, formerly of Blockton who died Sunday, April 8, 2007, at his home in Clearfield were held Thursday, April 12, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was held Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 with the family greeting friends from 6:00 to 8:00. Burial was held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in Paul’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Paul Gene Gray was born August 30, 1927, to Boyd Dean Gray and Gladice Marie (Fish) Gray, in Hopkins, Missouri. Paul grew up in a family dedicated to farming, and he attended various country schools. In the early 1940’s, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany in World War II. He was discharged April 14, 1947. Upon his returning home he joined his brother, Beryl Dean Gray, beginning a farming partnership that lasted for many years, Paul met Dona Mae Williams and was united in marriage on April 4, 1953 in Villisca, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Carolyn, Barbie, and Deb. Paul was a dedicated farmer, loving husband, daddy, grandpa, and friend to many. He enjoyed horses, camping, hunting, fishing, music, playing cards and looked forward to the spring calving season, but most of all his loving family. Paul vacationed with his wife and children during summer breaks to various popular areas. Once his children were raised, he and Dona Mae became “snow birds, traveling south for the winters. Paul was a member of American Legion, Clearfield Lions, Bedford Saddle Club, Neighborhood card parties, Campfire Sam’s Club, and also participated in Redding Country Music. One of Paul’s favorite past times was camping with the Clearfield Lions Club, while driving shuttle busses at the Iowa State Fair. On April 18, 1995, after forty two-years of marriage, Paul was left to cherish the loving memory of his wife, Dona Mae. Companionship was found in a long time neighbor, Donna Marie (Freemyer) Stewart. They were united in marriage on April 16, 1998. Paul gained four loving stepchildren, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grand children. This union joined two families with lots of love and laughter. Paul and Donna enjoyed several years traveling south for the winter and camping in the summer. Paul entered into rest at his home in Clearfield, Iowa on April 8, 2007, with Donna at his side. Left to cherish his memory, three loving daughters: Carolyn (Gray) Brell and husband William Brell of Lake of the Ozarks, Barbara Gray and companion Karl Fenton of Indianola, and Debra (Gray) Davenport and husband Eric Davenport of Blockton, and his devoted wife, Donna Stewart-Gray. Grandchildren include, April and husband Josh Wilson, Heather (Davenport) and husband Chad Puhrmann, Carl Trujillo, Tracey (Davenport) and husband Josiah Rusk, Dustin Cribbs, and Tony Trujillo. Stepchildren include: Dan and Lila Stewart, Dave and Carol Stewart, Linda and Jack DeFreece, and Amy and Doug Williams. Preceding Paul in death, were his parents: Boyd and Gladice, wife Dona Mae, brother Beryl, and sisters Marcelline and Lorraine. [Note: Online obituary available from Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, http://www.efc.cc/_main/obituaries.asp] Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 9, 1951 [p. 1] J. E. Raper, 88 Dies in Blockton BLOCKTON—John Edward Raper, 88, of Blockton, died at his home Aug. 3. Funeral services were held Aug. 5 at the Blockton Methodist church. Rev. W. L. Andre officiated. Burial was made in Platteville cemetery. The son of Cyrenia [Sharp] and Samuel Raper, he was born July 27, 1863 in Clay county, Bowling Green, Ind. In 1869 he came to Taylor County in a covered wagon. He moved to the Mt. Zion community in 1870, and lived there until he moved to Blockton nine months ago. Nov. 24, 1887, he married Mary Florence Ford. They were the parents of one son, David R. Raper of Kimball, Neb. Mr. Raper was a member of the Platteville Baptist church, and later belonged to the Blockton Methodist church. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and the Odd Fellows. Survivors are his widow and son, a sister, Mrs. Maggie Adams, two grandchildren and a great grandchild. Bedford Times-Press Thursday November 14, 1957 [p. 1] Mrs. Flora Raper Of Blockton Dies Mrs. Flora Raper, 88, of Blockton, died at St. Francis hospital, Maryville, Monday, November 11. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Blockton, Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clarence Moore. Burial was in Platteville cemetery. [Raper, Mary Florence Ford] Bedford Times-Press Thursday November 21, 1957 p. 7 Mrs. Ed Raper, a long-time resident of Taylor County, died at St. Francis hospital, Maryville, November 11. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Blockton, Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13, conducted by the pastor of the church, Rev. Clarence Moore. Burial in Platteville cemetery. Mary Florence Ford, daughter of David F. [rancis] and Eliza B. [rown] Ford, was born June 18, 1869 at Adel, Iowa, and died at the age of 88 years, four months, 23 days. In 1881 she, with her parents, moved to Taylor County where she spent the remainder of her life. Her active years were spent on the farm near Platteville. On Nov. 24, 1887 she was united in marriage to Ed [John Edward] Raper at Platteville. To them one son was born, David Raper of Kimball, Nebr. Besides her son, David, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Nellie Severns of Palisade, Nebr.; two grandchildren, Mrs. Estle Nelson of Potter, Nebr., and Wm. Raper, of Cheyenne, Wyoming. There are also two great grandchildren. Mr. Raper passed away in August 1951. Mrs. Raper united with the Methodist church at Platteville many years ago and later transferred her membership to the Blockton Methodist church. Bedford Free Press Thursday August 12, 1897 p. 3 Another Pioneer Gone Samuel Raper, one of the oldest and best known pioneers of Taylor County, died at his home three miles south of Platteville, Aug. 5, 1897, aged 70 years, 6 months and 25 days. The deceased, a native of Ohio, was born Jan. 12, 1827. At the age of 22 years he moved to Indiana, in which state he was united in marriage to Miss Cyrena Sharp. In ‘65 he moved with his family to Illinois. In '69 he came to Taylor County where he lived up to the time of his death. He leaves a wife and eight children. He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity and the funeral, which occurred Friday, July 6, was under the directions of that order, Dr. W. F. Randolph acting as Master. The funeral sermon was by Rev. A. M. Miller of the Kent Baptist church. The remains were interred at Platteville. Bedford Free Press Thursday February 20, 1908 p. 6 O. [liver] M. [arion] Ray and wife [Emma Johnson], of the vicinity of Athelstan, have the sympathy of many friends in the loss of their little daughter, Ida, who died Saturday. The funeral took place at the home Monday, conducted by Rev. Pruitt and interment was made in Platteville cemetery. Ida was upwards of four years of age and a general favorite of all. She had been sick some time but was convalescent. Saturday she took a relapse and quickly passed away. It was a sad funeral. —Blockton News. [Ray, Ida Lenora] Bedford Free Press Thursday February 27, 1908 p. 6 Ida, little four year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. [liver] M. [arion] Ray, living near Athelstan, died Saturday the 8th and was buried in the Platteville cemetery the following Monday. The sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved parents. [Ray, Ida Lenora] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday February 13, 1908 p. 5 Tarried But a Little While. On Saturday last little Ida Lenore Ray, youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. O. [liver] M. [arion] Ray [Emma Johnson], who reside near Athelstan, harkened to the Master's call to come, and her soul pure and undefiled winged its way heavenward to join the myriads of cherubim that cluster round the throne of Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto Me." Little Ida Lenore had tarried on this earth but a short while, and at the time of her death was only 4 years, 2 months and 20 days old. She was born in Murray County, Minnesota, coming here with her parents a little over two years ago. She was a bright, loving and loveable little child, the pride of her father's life, the joy of her mother's heart —kind, sweet, and loved by all. Her death has made a home desolate, and has caused sorrow unspeakable to loved and loving parents. The funeral services were held Monday at 11 a. m., conducted by Rev. Pruitt. Interment at the Platteville cemetery. MY LITTLE DARLING I am sitting in the gloaming When the tasks of day are o'er And the firelight shadows flicker Softly on the parlor floor; But the woe within my bosom Is so dark, so deep, so wide, For I miss my little Ida That once nestled by my side. MAMMA. |