Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 

[Abbott, Albert Firman “Al”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      July 31, 1947     [p. 1]

Al Abbott Dies In Washington

Al F. [irman] Abbott, 68, died in Wenatchee, Washington, Tuesday, July 29.  The body is being sent to Conway for burial, with graveside services at 2 o’clock, Saturday afternoon, August 2, conducted by Rev. George W. Swan.

Mr. Abbott is a former resident of Bedford. He is survived by one daughter, Helen, who resides in St. Joseph; and one son, Knox Abbott of Spokane, Washington.

 

[Allen, George William]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     September 30, 1920    p. 6

George Allen Dead

While working with a threshing crew near his home at Blancoe, Iowa, George Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] B. Allen, former residents of Conway, had the misfortune to fall from a wagon on a pitch fork handle, which penetrated his intestines, from which resulted in his death a week later St. Vincent’s Hospital at Sioux City, Iowa, to which place he was taken for treatments. George was just a lad when he resided at Conway but will be remembered by many Conway people. The body was received in Conway on Thursday afternoon and the funeral services were held in the M. E. Church, October 1, and interment will be made in the Conway cemetery. The parents and relatives of the family have the sympathy of the people of this entire community in their deep sorrow.

[Allen, George William]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     October 7, 1920    p. 3

George William Allen

George William Allen was born in Taylor County, Iowa, June 6, 1901 and died at St. Vincent’s Hospital at Sioux City, Iowa, Sept. 28, 1920 at 4:30 p. m., aged 19 years, 3 months and 22 days.

He was the son of W. [illiam] B. and M. [artha] C. [harlotte Besco] Allen.

He leaves to mourn his loss his father and mother of Blencoe, Iowa, one brother C. [harles] A. [lvin] and one sister, Mrs. Mary Avey of Bedford, Ia. His twin sister having preceded him in death at birth.

He received injuries while helping thresh near his home Tuesday, September 21, and was rushed to the hospital at Sioux City where he under went an operation in hopes of saving his life but to no avail, after one week of intense suffering he passed away.

George while never having professed any Christian Faith he had been an earnest student of Sabbath School all during his childhood years and was a young man of exemplary habits and while on his death bed he asked the Sisters of the hospital to pray for him.

He leaves to mourn his early death a host of other relatives and friends.

[Allen, Martha Charlotte Besco]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 10, 1948     p. 5

Mrs. Martha Allen Died At Avey Home

Mrs. Martha C. [harlotte] Allen died Saturday, June 5 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Homer Avey east of Bedford, where she had been in declining health for several months.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Gordon F. MacLean. Burial was in the Conway cemetery. dyville, Iowa, September 23, 1862, being aged 85 years, 8 months and 13 days at the time of her death. She was the daughter of George H. [allett] and Margaret Besco. Her parents preceded her in death. Also a sister and brother: Mrs. Alice Moore and Hugh A. Besco.

She was married to William B. Allen on December 18, 1879. They were the parents of two children, C. [harles] A. [lvin] Allen and Mrs. Homer Avey, both of east of Bedford.

Surviving are Mr. and Mrs. C. [harles] A. [lvin] Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Avey; the grandchildren, Francis Allen and wife of Shenandoah, Cecil Allen and wife and Charles Avey, of Bedford. Also a sister and brother, Mrs. Mollie Roberts of Eddyville, Iowa, and Joe Besco of Ottumwa, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen resided at Onawa, Iowa, for more than twenty years, moving to Bedford to be near their children 4 ½ years ago. Mr. Allen died June 30, 1947.

[Allen, William B.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 3, 1947    [p. 1]

W. B. Allen Dies At Bedford Home

W. B. Allen, 89, died at his home in Bedford, Monday, June 30, after having been in ill health for several years.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Gordon F. MacLean. Burial was in the Conway cemetery. The Masonic Services were given at the grave.

He is survived by his wife of the home; a daughter, Mrs. Homer Avey; a son, Charles Allen and their families.

[Allen, William B.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 17, 1947    p. 6

Obituary – W. B. Allen

William B. Allen was born July 13, 1858 in Floyd county, Iowa. On Dec. 18, 1879 he was married Martha C. [harlotte] Besco at Eddyville. He had spent most of his life in Taylor County.

Preceding him in death were twin children, buried at Conway. Surviving are his wife, Martha; a son, Charles [Alvin] Allen; and a daughter, Mrs. Mary L.[ovina] Avey, both of Bedford; a sister, Mrs. Lula Akerman of Bedford; a brother, P. G. Allen of South Dakota; and three grandsons, Francis Allen of Shenandoah, Cecil Allen and Charles Avey of Bedford.

Mr. Allen was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 52 years, this organization conducting the closing service at the grave.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Gordon F. MacLean. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

 

 

[Baker, Angeline May “Angie” Waugh]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      August 10, 1944    [p. 1]

Mrs. Geo. Baker, 52, Dies Friday Aug. 4

Mrs. George Baker, 52, of west of Bedford, died at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda Friday, August 4, having been in ill health the past two years.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Conway Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clifford Jackson of Mount Ayr. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

Angie May Waugh, daughter of John [Wesley] and Rachel [Thomas] Waugh, was born near Grant City, Mo., April 16, 1892, being aged 52 years, 3 months and 18 days at the time of her death.

At an early age she accepted Christ, uniting with the Baptist church. In the year of 1922 she united with the Methodist church at Clearfield.

May 9, 1904 she was married to George E. [lihu] Baker. To them were born eight children: Mrs. Leola Jones of Clarinda, Mrs. Geraldine Hamblin of Grant City, Mrs. Donald King of Killeen, Texas, Verl [Winfred] Baker of Gravity, Lawrence Baker of Hopkins, Vivian Baker of Clarinda, Aubra [Guy] Baker of Gravity, [Maynard] Joe Baker of Bedford.

Besides her children she is survived by her husband and mother; by one sister, Mrs. John Hunt of Redding; one brother, Guy Waugh of Apache, Oklahoma; and fifteen grandchildren. Her father, one brother, and a grandson preceded her in death.

Mrs. Baker was always kind and loving, appreciating all that loving hands and medical care could do for her.
[Note: Missouri Marriage Records gives the marriage date as May 8, 1909 in Worth County, Missouri.]

[Baker, George Elihu]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      July 3, 1947      [p. 1]

George Baker Fatally Injured In Timber

George Baker, former resident of Taylor County was fatally injured Tuesday, June 24, in an accident in the timber at Willamina, Oregon, where he was employed with his son.

The body was returned to Bedford and the funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Conway Sunday afternoon, conducted by Clifford Jackson of Mount Ayr. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

George E. [lihu] Baker was born in Worth County, Missouri, September 14, 1890, being aged 57 years, 10 months and 10 days at the time of his death. He was the son of James [Lovehu] and [Sarah] Jane [Miller] Baker.

On May 9, 1909 he was married to Angie Mae Waugh in Worth County. To them were born eight children. The family moved to Ringgold County in 1912 and remained there until 1933, when they moved to Page County and later to Taylor County. Mrs. Baker died in 1944 and since that time Mr. Baker had spent most of his time with his children.

He is survived by his eight children: Leola Jones and Verl Baker of Gravity, Geraldine Hamblin of Grant City, Mo., Lawrence Baker and [Maynard] Joe Baker of Willamina, Oregon, Vivian Baker of New Market, Aubra [Guy] Baker of Wellington, Ohio, Vondean King of Clarinda; twenty-two grandchildren, five sisters, seven brothers.

[Baker, Ricky Allen]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 22, 1970     [p. 1]

Ricky Baker, 15, Dies Following Hunting Mishap

Ricky Allen Baker, 15 year old New Market freshman and son of Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Baker, died January 16 following a hunting mishap in Gravity.

While hunting raccoons with Maurice O’Connor of Bedford Thursday night in Gravity, Ricky shot one in a tree. When the raccoon did not fall to the ground Ricky climbed up after it. When trying to dislodge the coon Ricky lost his footing and fell about 20 feet to the ground and struck his head.

Brain surgery was performed at the Clarinda Municipal hospital Friday morning, but Ricky died in the afternoon.

Survivors, besides his parents, include three brothers, Verl and George of Clarinda and James David of Shenandoah, and a sister, Connie Rusco of Coin.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Walker Funeral Home in Clarinda conducted by Rev. G. R. McGehagy of Osceola.

[LaFaver, Agnes Leota Dixon Baker]

Agnes LaFaver, age 81, of Clarinda, Iowa, died Saturday, July 6, 2002, at Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska. Funeral services were held 10:00 Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at Walker-Merrick with Pastor David Pugh officiating. There was open visitation at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Conway Cemetery, Conway, Iowa. A memorial will be established. Walker-Merrick was in charge of arrangements.

Agnes Leota LaFaver was born January 22, 1921, at Hawleyville, Iowa, to William Charley Dixon and Ethel Mamie (Renner) Dixon. She was united in marriage October 5, 1939, in Shenandoah, Iowa, to Maynard (Joe) Baker who preceded her in death October 5, 1951. On March 21, 1964, she was married to Donald Robert LaFaver who preceded her in death February 23, 1974.

Agnes worked in the kitchen at Bethesda Care Center and other nursing homes for many years. Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Maynard (Joe) Baker and Donald LaFaver, daughters Karen Sue Selby, Betty Jo Lawger, son Roger Dean Baker, grandson Timothy Hiatt, granddaughters Robin Baker and Carrie Sue Baker. Survivors include her daughters: Leota Mae Wagaman and husband Paul of Glenwood, Iowa, Ruth Elaine Hoyt and husband Ronald (Sonny) of Clarinda, Iowa, Grace Mary Aldridge and husband Rick of Waverly, Iowa, son Jack LeRoy Baker and wife Chris of Clarinda, Iowa, 24 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, son-in-law Lowell Lawger of Clarinda, Iowa, daughter-in-law Debbie Baker of Orlando, Florida.

[Note: On-line obituary available from Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, http://www.efc.cc/_main/obituaries.asp]

[Nichols, Anna Buchanan Wright]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 25, 1935     [p. 1]

Former Conway Lady Dies at Buhl, Idaho

Mrs. Anna Wright Nichols, 77, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ralph C. Morse at Buhl, Idaho, Friday, April 19. The body was brought to Conway, arriving there Tuesday and was taken to the home of a nephew, H. [ugh] M. Buchanan. Burial was in the Conway cemetery Wednesday forenoon, with short services at the grave, conducted by Rev. E. E. Garrett.

Mrs. Nichols was a former resident of Conway, being the wife of the late Harris Wright. Her home was in Longmont, Colo., but for the past two years she had resided with her daughter at Buhl.

[NICHOLS, ANNA WRIGHT]
Twin Falls Evening Times (Twin Falls, Idaho), Monday, April 22, 1935
Mrs. Anna Nichols Honored by Rites
Buhl, April 22 (Special) – Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Nichols were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R. C. Morse, this morning with Rev. A. J. Hertzog, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating. Burial will be in Conway, Ia. Mr. and Mrs. Morse will accompany the body there.
Mrs. Nichols died Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Morse, where she had lived for the past three years. She came here from Longmont, Colo., and was a member of the Congregational church.

[NICHOLS, ANNA WRIGHT]
Twin Falls Daily News (Twin Falls, Idaho), Thursday, April 25, 1935
Final Tribute Paid Mrs. Anna Nichols
Buhl, April 24 – Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Nichols, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R. C. Morse, were held on Monday morning at 11 o'clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Morse with Rev. Hertzog of the Methodist church officiating.
Mrs. C. M. Pickrell and Joe Clark sang a duet, "The End of a Perfect Day," with Miss Lulu Leland playing the accompaniment.
Pallbearers were Dr. J. G. Venter, Dr. H. C. Coleman, Ed. Daly, Lawrence Van Riper, E. E. Beeman and Harry Wright.
Mrs. Nichols came to Buhl three years ago from Longmont, Colorado. She was a member of the Congregational church there. She was born in Illinois, July 2, 1856.
The body was taken to Conway, Iowa, on Monday afternoon where it will be buried beside that of her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Morse accompanied the body.
Funeral arrangements were in charge of Evans and Johnson.

 

[Winslow, Orrin Luther]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      April 16, 1970     [p. 1]

Graveside Services For Orrin Winslow

Graveside services for Orrin Winslow of Seattle, Washington will be held Fri., Apr. 17, at the Conway Cemetery. Mr. Winslow was a former resident of the Bedford and Sharpsburg communities.

[Winslow, Orrin Luther]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 23, 1970     p. 7

Orrin L. Winslow Dies in Wash.

Funeral services for Orrin [Orin] L. [uther] Winslow, 72. of Seattle, Washington were held at the Conway Cemetery April 17,condueted by Carl Cummings. Services were held April 15 in Georgetown Funeral Home in Seattle with Rev. I. M. Brubacher officiating. Mr. Winslow died April 13, 1970 in Seattle.

Orrin L. [uther] Winslow, son of Samuel [Sanford] and Rosella Folger Winslow, was born at Sharpsburg, Iowa, on October 22, 1897. He grew to adulthood in the Sharpsburg community and was active in the various community activities.

On October 25, 1916 he was united in marriage to Audrey Ann Norton and to them were born two daughters and one son.

They lived on farms in the Sharpsburg and Gravity area and resided in Bedford for several years.

Following the death of his wife in 1956 he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he was employed by the Boeing Aircraft Company until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a half-brother, Elmer, and two brothers and two sisters, Bert, George, Mary and Albia.

Left to cherish memories of his good life are his children: Mrs. Maida Norgate and her husband Edward of Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Zelah Kahn and her husband, Yale of San Diego, Calif.; Mr. Max Winslow and his wife, Nina of Seattle, Washington; a sister, Mrs. Eva Arnold, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He became a member of the Christian Church in 1930 and served as deacon for a number of years.

Orrin was a kind and considerate husband, father, brother, friend and neighbor.

His reserve and quiet manner together with his helpful attitude will endear his memory in the hearts of family and friends who will miss him but shall always cherish his memory.
[Note: His firs name is spelled Orin on his headstone.]

[Woodruff, Willie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      December 4, 1969     p. 2

Willie Woodruff Rites in Conway

Funeral services for Willie Woodruff of Conway, held November 26 at the Conway United Methodist Church, were conducted by Rev. K. S. Tschetter. Mr. Woodruff died November 23, 1969 at Veterans’ Hospital in Des Moines, Ia. Military honors were conducted by American Legion No. 391, Conway, with interment at Conway Cemetery.

Willie Woodruff was born in Garden Grove, Iowa, September 3, 1894. He spent most of his life in southern and southwestern Iowa.

He was married to Zora [Zona] E. King and to this union were born two daughters [one son and one daughter], Ruby Wayne of St. Joseph, Mo., and Bertha [Viola] John of St. Joseph, Mo.

His wife preceded him in death in 1953.

Later in life he was married to Lorene Luke Hart.

He is survived by Pearl of Farragut, Iowa, and two sisters, Nell and Leatha of Des Moines, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by Fred, Walter, Ernest and Paul and one sister, Grace.

He served in the army in World War I in France and was wounded.

[Woodruff, Zona E. King]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 5, 1953     p. 2

CONWAY

Mrs. Willie Woodruff died early Saturday morning after an illness of 3 months. Mrs. Woodruff’s funeral was held in the Conway Methodist church Monday afternoon. Interment in Conway cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, a son, Cpl. Ruby Woodruff of Camp Kilmer, N. J., a daughter, Mrs. Virgil John, also two grandchildren of St. Joseph, Mo.

[Woodruff, Zona E. King]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 5, 1953     p. 2

Obituary – Mrs. Willie Woodruff

Zona E. King, the daughter of Harvey and Effie [Sparks] King, was born near Pleasanton, Iowa, Nov. 20, 1900, and departed this life in Conway, Oct. 24 at the age of 52 years, 11 months and 4 days.

She grew to womanhood near Pleasanton, and was united in marriage to Willie Woodruff at Leon, Sept. 20, 1919. To this union two children were born: Rubey Wayne and Bertha Viola.

Soon after the marriage, the young couple moved to Farragut where they began housekeeping. About thirty years ago they moved to Conway where they have since resided.

Surviving are her husband, son, Rubey Wayne in the army and the daughter, Mrs. Bertha Viola John of St. Joseph, Mo.; two grandchildren; aged mother, Mrs. Effie King of Leon; one sister; 3 brothers.

Funeral services were conducted in the Conway Methodist church by the pastor, Rev. R. V. Felt, and burial in the Conway cemetery.

[Woods, Harvey Lorin]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     December 3, 1925      [p. 1]

Former cook in Co. “C” Died Yesterday

Harvey Woods Will Be Remembered By Vets

Harvey E. [Lorin] Woods, formerly of near Conway, but now of Creston, died yesterday morning at the Veterans hospital at Kansas City. The body passed through Bedford last night on the way to Creston, where funeral services will be held tomorrow morning.

Mr. Woods was a cook in Co. “C” of Creston, 168th regiment, during the World War.

[WOODS, HARVEY LORIN]
Creston Daily Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Wednesday, December 2, 1925, p. 2
Harvey L. Woods Died In Kansas City
Harvey L. [orin] Woods died Tuesday evening at the Veterans' hospital in Kansas City, Mo. He underwent an operation there on last Friday from which he failed to recover. Mr. Woods has made his home in Creston for the past 25 years and was engaged in the repair business on North Elm street. For the past 23 years he made his home with Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Gidley, 201 East Clark street.
Mr. Woods is survived by his mother, Mrs. Hattie Woods and a sister, Mrs. Myrtle Wolfe of Des Moines.
The funeral party will arrive in Creston at 10:40 this evening. The time of the funeral will be announced later.

[WOODS, HARVEY LORIN]
Creston Daily Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Tuesday, December 8, 1925, p. 10
Harvey Lorin Woods, so of John H. And Hattie Woods, was born at Conway, Taylor county, March17, 1878, and died Dec. 1 at the United States veterans' hospital in Kansas City, after undergoing an operation for gall stones and appendicitis. Pneumonia developed, and death resulted.
He united with the Baptist church at an early age. He was a loyal member of the different orders of Odd Fellowship.
Services were conducted at the Baptist church by Rev. J. H. Woodsum. The I. O. O. F. attended in a body and conducted its last rites. The music was furnished by the Creston band of which he was a member.
He was a member of Champaign post, No. 70, American Legion of Creston, which performed military rites at the cemetery.
He first served with the Third Iowa Infantry based on the Mexican border and upon returning re-enlisted for the World War, March 28, 1918. He went overseas in June 1918, serving with the Fourth Transportation band. He was discharged on July 29, 1919.
He leaves a mother, Mrs. Hattie Woods who lives with the sister, Myrtle Graves Wolfe of Des Moines; also a host of friends. The father and sister, Ella, preceded him in death.

[WOODS, HARVEY LORIN]
Creston Daily Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Tuesday, December 8, 1925, p. 10
Music News by Chas. A. Hayden
The musicians of Creston are deeply grieved because of the death last week of Harvey Woods, a musician of ability and long experience and a man of fine qualities. He had been a member of the Creston Band for several years and had scarcely missed a rehearsal or concert in that time. The band sent a floral lyre and furnished the music for the funeral in token of their respect and affection.