Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[BOWERS, AVIS LURENE BALLEW] Bedford Times-Press, June 2007 Avis Lurene Bowers, age 95, of Bedford, Iowa, passed away at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, Iowa after a short illness on Saturday, June 9, 2007. Avis Lurene (Ballew) Bowers was born on a farm near Bloomfield, Iowa, in Davis County to Charles Jesse and Myrtle Nina (French) Ballew on November 5, 1911. As a small child, her family left Iowa and lived in Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas, finally settling back in Iowa near Clarinda. Avis attended country school in rural Kansas and Junior High School in Almena, Kansas, before graduating from Clarinda High School with the class of 1930. On December 27, 1931, Avis united in marriage with Harold C. [layton] Bowers in the Methodist Parsonage in Troy, Kansas. To this union three children were born: Sharon Lynn, Harold Alan, and Duane Lewis. Avis helped with the Bowers Grade A Jersey Dairy in the early years of her marriage. She was a 50-year member of the Bedford United Methodist Church and a Charter member of the Methodist Women’s Circle. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, the American Legion Auxiliary and the National Federation of Republican Women. Avis is survived by her daughter Sharon and husband David Arthur of Clarinda, IA; sons Alan and wife Carol Bowers of Rogers, AR; and Duane and wife Sheryl Bowers of San Antonio, TX; eight grandchildren Lori and husband Steve Click; Eric McCalla; Todd and wife Sally Bowers; Jayson Bowers, Susan, Debbie, Stacy and Diane Bowers; nine great grandchildren and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harold in 1963; two infant brothers; brother Amel; sister-in-law Hazel Ballew; grandson Stephen Harold Bowers; and step-grandson Dan Arthur. Memorial services were held Monday, June 25, 2007 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, Iowa, with Rev. Dan Wiebeseik officiating. Inurnment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Memorials are suggested to Bedford United Methodist Church. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 31, 1963, p. 8 Final Rites For Harold Bowers Held Monday Funeral services for Harold Clayton Bowers, life-long Taylor County resident, were held October 28 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. J. Milton Kinney officiating. Mr. Bowers died at his home in northwest Bedford October 24 at the age of 55 years and three months. Interment was at Fairview cemetery, Bedford. Included in the services was the following obituary: Harold Clayton Bowers, youngest son of Lewis I. [rving] Bowers and Nettie Saxton Bowers, was born on a farm south of Bedford, July 22, 1908. He spent his entire life in Taylor County. In early youth he lived on farms but moved to Bedford in 1923 after the death of his father. He worked in grocery stores for a number of years and in 1934 he began his trade as carpenter and this line of work he followed until his death. He was a member of the old Morning Star church west of Bedford. He was united in marriage to Avis Lurene Ballew of Clarinda, Iowa, on December 27, 1931. To this union three children were born: one daughter, Sharon Lynn, licensed practical nurse, Clarinda, Iowa; two sons, Harold Alan, senior student Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa and Duane Lewis, stationed with the U. S. Army in Aschaffenburg, Germany. Survivors besides his wife and three children are one brother, Guy Bowers and wife of Murray, Iowa; two sisters, Mrs. Roy (Eathel) Helm and husband, Bedford, Iowa, and Mrs. Elvan (Ruby) Johnson and husband of Manteca, California; one brother-in-law, Amel Ballew and wife of St. Louis, Mo.; a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends. His parents, one sister Hazel and two brothers Roy and Claude preceded him in death. Harold was a kind and loving husband and father. His thoughts were always of his home and family. He loved the outdoors and his greatest pleasures were his work and his hobbies of hunting and fishing. He was always willing to give a helping hand. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, September 16, 1909, p. 5 Obituary Eliza Jane Hackley Bowman was born in Boyle County, Kentucky, Oct. 6th, 1820. Died at her late home in Shenandoah, Iowa, September 9th, 1909, being at time of death 88 years, 11 months and 3 days old. She was twice married, having been sold away from her first husband during the trying days of slavery. She had seven children, two of whom are living and were with her at the time of death and accompanied the body to Bedford, at which place the funeral was held from the Christian church to which she belonged and has been a consistent member of for a great many years. Her father was a preacher during the time when the movement was new, having been converted by the famous Alexander Campbell. Mrs. Bowman heard Campbell preach and held it to be one of the greatest privileges of her life. She was twice sold into slavery and passed thro many hardships incident to that awful period of our national history. Her faith was superb and as she expressed it, “Had it not been for my faith in Jesus and my faith in God I could not have stood what I have passed thro.” Her faith in Jesus as her personal Savior was childlike and no doubt lingered in her mind. She often wondered why she be kept here so long when she was so anxious to go but she was willing to wait and without a murmur. The funeral was held according to request made to Mr. Hendrickson while pastor at Shenandoah four or five years ago. The Male Quartette rendered appropriate music and a large crowd was present to do honor to a worthy old woman who has held the respect of the people all her life. The remains were brought here Sunday morning by Mrs. Eliza Signor of Red Oak, and Mrs. Richard Colwell [Caldwell], of Shenandoah, together with their husbands, the former daughters of the deceased. The burial took place in the new cemetery. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, June 22, 1905, p. 4 Gone to Join the Angels Died, at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. [rancis] E. [mery] Crosson Tuesday, June 20, at 7:30 p. m. Phil G. Crosson, aged 17 years, 2 months and 6 days, after a short illness. Phil was taken sick Monday evening of last week, and symptoms were not of a serious nature. The first appearance resembling rheumatism in his knee, which finally developed in that most dreaded, malignant disease, septic fever, which caused his death. Phil was a splendid type of young manhood, having exemplary habits and was a favorite among his associates, all of whom mourn his death. He was a Christian boy, active in church work, and his life and influence were of a character that appeals to the better qualifications of this life. Funeral services will be held at two o’clock this afternoon, conducted by Elder Lee Furgeson. The Christian Endeavor Society of the Christian church will have charge of the decorating and floral offerings at the church. Music will be furnished by a quartet consisting of Miss Jennie Turner, Mrs. Myrt Dunlavy, Will Soles, and M. L. Burt, Mrs. M. L. Burt accompanist. Interment will take place in Fairview cemetery. The Free Press joins their many friends in extending heartfelt sympathy. [CROSSON, PHIL G.] Bedford Times-Republican, Friday, June 23, 1905, p. 3 Death of Phil Crosson On Tuesday evening at 7:30 at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Crosson, in Bedford, Iowa, Phil G. Crosson, aged 17 years, 2 months and 17 days, peacefully passed away to that bourne from whence no traveler ever returns. Death is the natural, the inevitable end of all mankind; it is the road we all must go; the portals through which all humanity must pass to their heritage of immortality. The aged, the infirm, all those who have lived the allotted time on earth may grow weary of this mundane existence and approach the cold waters of death without reluctance, and their friends realizing that this earth could contain nothing bright for the departed, can to some extent reconcile themselves to the parting. But when the Angel of Death touches with his wand, one, just entering a career, which promised so much that is great and good; when the one called to go is young, ambitious to do good, noble and generous; then indeed it seems terribly hard to bow in meekness to the will of the Infinite, and say, Thy will, not mine, O God, be done. Phil Crosson, whose death occurred Tuesday was just entering manhood’s estate. Of noble mind, kind and loving disposition, honorable and upright in character, he enjoyed the respect, the esteem, the love of all who knew him. Most of the sadly few years of his life were spent in Bedford. Although born at Conway, his parents moved here when he was quite young, and the greater part of his life was spent here. Up to a few years ago he was one of the most ambitious and earnest students in the school, but hard study, and such a close application, was too much for a body always somewhat frail, and during the past few years, the condition of his health made it imperative that he give less time to his books. While this was a great disappointment, Phil was not the boy to become cast down or morose. If he could not study there was much else to do, and he went to work with a will at those things which came in his way. Always cheerful, always obliging, never complaining or desponding, it is little wonder that he grew into the hearts of all his associates, and that he was respected and loved by all. Phil early united himself with the Christian church and was always thereafter an earnest, active worker in the cause of the Master. He took particular interest in the work of the young people’s society of the church and by his efforts did much toward bringing all its plans to a successful issue. Phil’s death came as a shock from a fair sky. A week before his death he was up and at his work apparently as well as common. On Tuesday he called to see a physician about what he supposed to be an insignificant bruise on his limb. Two days later he was taken seriously ill, growing rapidly worse until in a very short time it became apparent that no earthly aid could avail, and that his life was nearing its end. All that kind friends and skillful men could do was done, but the grim reaper was swiftly approaching and neither love nor science could stay his hand. The end came Tuesday evening, peacefully and painlessly, for consciousness had left him days before. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 2 p. m. at the Christian church. Rev. Furgeson conducted the services, but he was assisted by the ministers of all the different churches of Bedford. The attendance at the services was the largest ever known in the city. Every available space within the building was filled and the overflow covered the lawn. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful beyond description. All along the chancel rail was filled with the offerings, and the banks of beautiful flowers back of the casket spoke plainer than words of the great regard which was cherished for the name of the departed. The interment was made at Fairview Cemetery. [DOTSON, SUSAN C. VARNER SNYDER] Bedford Free Press, August 15, 1917, p. 5 Mrs. J. H. Dotson Susan C. Varner, daughter of John and Isabella Varner, was born in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, June 10th, 1843 and died at Bedford, Iowa, Aug. 13th, 1917, at the age of 74 years, 2 months and 3 days. Funeral at M. E. church Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock in charge of her pastor, Rev. Levi P. Goodwin. Burial in Fairview cemetery. She was united in marriage August 19th, 1884 to William A. Snyder and to this union was born one daughter, Mary Cornelia, who passed away when about the age of 15 years. On September 4th, 1896, her husband was taken by death. December 28, 1913, she was married to J. [ames] H. [arvey] Dotson, who survives to mourn her departure and who thro the months in which she has been subject to the most intense suffering, has administered to her with the utmost tenderness, and who, to use her oft repeated words, left no need unsupplied. Death came as a hallowed relief from the months of affliction, and she, in firm faith, welcomed its coming. She became a Christian in early youth and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she has been a consistent and faithful member. Patient in her suffering, trustful in spirit, she loved her Lord; and like all of god’s true saints, she expressed but one regret and that was that she had not able to “do more for her Master.” She craved Christian fellowship and missed greatly during the months of her “shut-in life” the blessed privileges of the church. She showed an appreciation almost pathetic for every little attention and [rest of paragraph unreadable] She is survived by two brothers, William A. Varner of Yelk, W. Virginia and Samuel F. Varner of Linwood, W. Virginia, also by two sisters, Mrs. Allie L. Stewart of Mingo, W. Va., and Mrs. Jennie Snyder of Bedford. [DOTSON, SUSAN C. "SUE" VARNER SNYDER] [DOTSON, SUSAN C. "SUE" VARNER SNYDER]
Bedford Free Press, Thursday, August 15, 1901, [p. 1] AN OLD SETTLER’S DEATH Bowman Fuller Passes Over
River
After Suffering From Cancer
for a Long Time, Mr. Fuller Finally Succumbs to the Grim Reaper.
After suffering a great deal of pain and using every means at his command to prolong his life, Bowman Fuller finally gave up the struggle and laid down this life Friday, August 10, 1901, at 11:30 p. m. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Albert Goff, southwest of Bedford. He was 66 years old at the time of his death. The funeral services were conducted at the Goff home Sunday afternoon at 1 o’clock by Rev. D. W. Griffith. Deceased was a Mason, and that order had charge of the burial at the Fairview cemetery and conducted the usual services of the order. Mr. Fuller was an old resident of Taylor County, and leaves many relatives and friends to mourn his loss. Obituary Bowman Fuller was born April 12, 1835, in Green County, Pennsylvania. December 17, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Fordyce, at Fordyce, Pennsylvania. There was born to this union three sons and two daughters. Of these only two are now living, Justice [Justus] G. Fuller and Mrs. Myrtie Goff. Mrs. Fuller died April 9, 1900. During all his illness Mr. Fuller was patient and uncomplaining. Kindly hands ministered to all his temporal wants. Mr. Fuller professed conversion when a young man and united with the Pleasant Valley Protestant Methodist church. He was an active worker in that church and when he moved to De Land, Ill., he was a class leader in the Protestant Methodist church of that place a number of years. After coming to Bedford he never identified himself with any church organization but he never gave up his hope and trust in the Savior. [FULLER, BOWMAN]
Bedford Daily Republican,
Monday, August 12, 1901, [p. 1]
DUST TO DUST
Funeral of Bowman Fuller at 1
p. m. Sunday, August 11th.
Laid to Rest in Fairview
Cemetery
The funeral of Bowman Fuller occurred at 1 p. m. Sunday, August 11th. Rev. D. W. Griffith, pastor of the Bedford Baptist church, conducted the funeral services at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Goff, eight miles southwest of this city. Mrs. Goff is a daughter of the deceased. The attendance at the funeral services was very large. As stated in a former issue of the Daily Republican, Mr. Fuller’s death resulted from a cancer, after he had undergone three surgical operations in the hope of a cure being effected. He was aged 66 years and had resided in Taylor County many years. Deceased was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the services were under the auspices of the Bedford lodge. J. B. Dodge conducted the Masonic services at Fairview cemetery, where the body was interred. The pallbearers were J. J. Evans, George Ballou, G. M. Bradley, Joseph Minor, Richard Hardenbrook and John Wilson. [FULLER, BOWMAN] Bedford Daily Republican, Tuesday, August 13, 1901, [p. 1] Obituary Bowman Fuller was born April 12, 1835 in Green County, Pennsylvania, and died at his home eight miles southwest of Bedford, August 9th, 1901. On December 17th, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Fordyce at Fordyce, Pennsylvania. There was born to this union three sons and two daughters. Of these only two are now living, Justice [Justus] G. Fuller and Mrs. Myrtie Goff. Mrs. Fuller died April 9, 1900. Mr. Fuller had been a sufferer for a long time. He had undergone several operations at St. Joseph, Missouri, but to no avail. During all his illness he was patient and uncomplaining. Kindly hands ministered to all his temporal wants. Mr. Fuller professed conversion when a young man and united with the Pleasant Valley Protestant Methodist church at Fordyce, Pennsylvania. He was an active worker in that church and when he moved to De Land, Illinois, he was a class leader in the Protestant Methodist Church of that place a number of years. After coming to Bedford he never identified himself with any church organization but he never gave up his hope and trust in the Savior. The funeral service took place at the house of Mr. Goff, his daughter’s husband, eight or nine miles southwest of Bedford, on Sunday, August 11th, at 1 p. m. A large company of people gathered at the service to show their esteem, for Mr. Fuller was highly esteemed for his gentleman like deportment and honesty. The text chosen for the occasion was from Job 19: 25, 29. The services at the grave were under the charge of the Masonic Order, of which he was a member. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, April 12, 1900, [p. 1]
Mrs. B. Fuller Dead
Last Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock Mrs. B. [owman] Fuller was taken ill at her home in Bedford and died Monday afternoon at 5:30. It was indeed an unlooked for death and was caused by heart failure. The funeral services were conducted at the home yesterday morning at 10:30 by Rev. D. W. Griffith, after which the remains were laid to rest in Fairview cemetery. Mary Fordyce was born at Fordyce, Green County, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1836 and was married to B. [owman] Fuller December 17, 1857. To this union was born five children, three of whom are dead. The bereaved husband and children and other relatives have the sympathy of all in this their great sorrow. [FULLER, MARY FORDYCE] Bedford Times-Press,
Thursday, June 28, 1984
Final Rites Held Here
June 23 For EInora Clark, 81
Funeral services for Mrs. Hobart M. (Elnora Marie) Clark, 81, of Bedford, held June 23 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were officiated by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Clark died June 20, 1984 in Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Ia. Elnora Marie Flynn Clark, daughter of John Flynn and Minnie Faga[n] Flynn, was born in Jefferson Township, Adair County Iowa, November 18, 1902. She grew to maturity in Casey, Iowa where she attended the public school. Mrs. Clark was graduated from Saint Joseph Academy in Des Moines, Iowa and from Iowa State Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She taught school prior to her marriage to Hobart M. [cKinley] Clark on May 17 [16], 1922. They were married in Audubon, Iowa and lived on a farm near Brayton, Iowa; later they lived in Anita, Guthrie Center and Menlo, Iowa; they returned to Guthrie Center just prior to moving to Bedford in 1939 where she has continued to reside. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Four children were born to them: [Ruth] Maxine, Howard, Phyllis and Dean. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hobart M. Clark who died in June 1979; her son Howard R. [eed] Clark who died in December 1983; a sister, Kathryn and two brothers Charles and John. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Maxine Wallace, Stuart, Ia.; Phyllis Clark, Des Moines, Ia.; and Dean Clark, Bedford; seven grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two sisters: Helen Bassett and Frances Sheeder and a daughter-in-law, Ruth Clark; other relatives and friends. Her family and friends will remember her as a kind mother and loved one and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 21, 1979 Hobart Clark, 83, Last Rites Held Graveside services for Hobart McKinley Clark, 83, of Bedford, were held June 20 at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa with Rev. James Nelson officiating. Mr. Clark died June 19, 1979 in Rosary Hospital, Corning, Ia. He had been in failing health for several years. Hobart McKinley Clark was born on Oct. 22, 1895 in Audubon Co. Iowa, the son of Riley P. [onder] and Hattie Reed Clark. On May 16, 1922 he was united in marriage at Audubon to Elnora M. [arie] Flynn of Casey, Iowa and four children blessed this union. He was employed by the Iowa State Highway Commission as a mechanic for 29V2 years, retiring at the age of 70 years in the fall of 1965. In his later years he willingly served the public doing repair work on motors as a hobby. He was baptized as a member of the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister, a son-in-law and grandson. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Maxine Wallace of Stuart, Iowa and Phyllis Clark of Des Moines and two sons, Howard Clark and wife, Ruth and Dean Clark of Bedford; four granddaughters and husbands; three grandsons and wives; 13 great grandchildren; three brothers; four sisters and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by ail who knew and loved him.
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