Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Times-Republican
Thursday May 16, 1907
Life Suddenly Ended
On Tuesday morning the people of Bedford were shocked to learn that Sheridan D. Griffith had been suddenly stricken with death. On Monday he had been on the streets looking after his business and apparently in the best of health, and when the sad news of his death was given out it seemed almost unbelievable.
But it was only too true. Monday evening he had retired apparently as well as ever. Tuesday morning early he awoke his wife telling her he was ill. Mrs. Griffith gave him some household remedies, and did what she could, but as he kept getting worse, she telephoned Dr. Standley. A few moments later she again called, saying that Sheridan was worse and asking the doctor to hurry. The doctor hastened to the home, but there was nothing that could be done. The patient was already in a state of collapse, and expired a few moments later. Mr. Griffith was a man of apparently splendid physique and in appearance rugged and healthy. It seems, however, that appearances were deceiving and to those who knew him best his sudden death was not so surprising. The trouble, which at last brought on his death, begun while only a lad of 14, when he was attacked by rheumatism, and from which he never wholly recovered. There would be long periods when his health would be apparently good, but intermittently his old enemy would again attack him. In recent years his heart seemed affected. Remedies wee kept near at hand, and heretofore this heart trouble has always yielded to treatment. Gradually, however, the attacks grew more severe until Tuesday morning the heart simply refused to longer perform its functions and his soul passed away.
Sheridan Griffith was born and raised in Taylor County, his boyhood days having been spent on the farm of his father, David Griffith, northeast of the city. In recent years he has been engaged in the stock buying business in Bedford. His home was in the northeast part of the city. His age at the time of his death was 38 years, 9 months and 12 days, and he leaves a wife and five children.
As a man, Sheridan Griffith merited and enjoyed the highest respect of all who knew him. Upright in his dealings, jovial in social intercourse, warm hearted and sincere, he made few enemies and many close and admiring friends.
As a father and husband, he was kind, considerate, loving and loved. His home life and family were to him the most precious possessions on earth, and his death leaves a fireside desolate, a wife broken hearted, and children mourning the loss of their truest friend and protector.
Mr. Griffith was an honored member of the Bedford Odd Fellow lodge, which order will be in charge at the obsequies.
The funeral will be held at the home tomorrow, Friday, at 1:30 p. m., conducted by Rev. Price. Interment will be made at Lexington cemetery.
[Griffith, Sheridan D.]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday May 16, 1907 [p. 1]
Sheridan D. Griffith Dies Suddenly
This community was shocked beyond expression Monday [Tuesday] morning at the news of the sudden death Tuesday of Mr. Sheridan D. Griffith.
Mr. Griffith, who was a well-known stock buyer of Bedford, was born in this county August 2, 1868, and died at 4:50 Tuesday morning May 14, 1907. He has been a sufferer from rheumatism for a long number of years but was not considered at all serious. He was around the street Monday evening as usual and apparently enjoying the best of health. He retired as usual making no complaint of being at all sick. A little after four o'clock he awakened his wife and complained of sharp pains throughout his body. After home remedies had been tried and he continued to grow worse, a physician was summoned. Upon his arrival, he found the patient almost pulseless. After trying everything known to the medical profession to produce artificial respiration, it was soon found that it was of no avail, and Mr. Griffith passed away. Heart failure caused by rheumatism of the heart, was the cause of his death.
The funeral services will be held at the home Friday afternoon at 1:30, conducted by Elder Edgar Price. The remains will then be laid to rest in Lexington cemetery. The I. O. O. F., of which he was a member, will have charge of the services at the grave. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved wife and fatherless children.
Mr. Griffith was a hearty, whole souled gentleman, and his happy and genial disposition made him many friends. He was born and raised in this county. He was married here and five children were born, three sons and two daughters. One son was in Michigan and one daughter at St. Joe. He also leaves a brother, Marcus [Albert], living at Blockton and a sister living in Michigan to mourn his sudden death.
[Griffith, Sheridan D.]
Times-Republican
Thursday May 16, 1907
All members of the Odd Fellow lodge are requested to be at the hall Friday, in time to leave for the home of our late Brother [Sheridan D.] Griffith at 1 o'clock prompt. They will then march in a body to the residence where the services will be held.
[GRIFFITH, SHERIDAN D.]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 23, 1907
Funeral of S. D. Griffith
The funeral of Sheridan D. Griffith was one of the largest that has been held in Bedford for many years. Over a hundred Odd Fellows were in the procession which marched from the hall to the home and when the cortege moved toward the cemetery nearly fifty teams were in line. Mr. Griffith was born and raised here; his friends were all those who knew him and the hundreds who gathered to show their last respects all came with sincere sorrow in their hearts for the life cut short just in the zenith of its usefulness and heartfelt sympathy for the near ones left behind.
Rev. Price was to have preached the funeral but on Thursday morning he was called away on urgent business and Rev. D. F. Sellards of Gravity delivered the sermon.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday April 18, 1974 p. 2
M. G. Griffith, 61, Last Rites Held in Nebraska
Funeral services were held April 2 at Benson-Joliffe Funeral Home for Marcus Gordon Griffith, 61, of 1322 Ave. H., Scottsbluff, Nebr.
Mr. Griffith died at the local hospital March 30 of a lingering illness, having been there five months.
The Rev. Francis Bruce officiated with burial at Fairview Cemetery. Masonic services were given by Robert W. Furnes Lodge 265 AF & AM. A memorial has been established to First Christian or to the Shrines Home for Crippled Children.
Marcus Gordon Griffith was born March 14, 1913 at Blockton, Iowa, the son of Marcus [Albert] and Jessie (Martin) Griffith. He grew up there, attended school and was graduated from Blockton High School.
June 7, 1934, he was married to Ila King, daughter of Roy and Mina King. He was baptized into the Christian Church at Blockton January 1927 and his wife is also a member. Rev. Harold Reeves baptized them and performed [the] marriage ceremony.
He had lived in Scottsbluff for the past 37 years and had worked for the Midwest Amusement Company until 1950, when he was employed by the United Telephone Company of the West, being special service supervisor. He retired from the company in February.
His memberships included the First Christian Church, Robert W. Furnes Lodge 265 AF & AM, Tekama Shrine, Panhandle Shrine Club, Nebraska York Rite of Free Masonry and Scottsbluff Elks Lodge 1367.
Survivors include his wife, Ila, of Scottsbluff; daughter, Mrs. Karol Talbert, and husband, Bill, of Littleton, Colo.; sisters, Pearl Griffith of Blockton and Mrs. Esper [Lela] Trimble and husband, O. [lna] G., of Maryville, Mo.; one granddaughter, Amy Sue, daughter of the Talberts.
He was a lover of music and sang in several quartettes.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday January 1, 1953 [p. 1]
Walter Griffith Dies In Washington
Walter [P.] Griffith, a former resident of Bedford, died recently in the Veterans hospital at Outing, Wash., according to word received by friends here.
Griffith was a son of the late Rev. D. [aniel] W. Griffith, a one-time pastor of the Bedford Baptist Church. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. George (Anna) Hechler of State College, Penna.; and by one brother, Dr. Ben Griffith, also of Pennsylvania.
[Griffith, Mary Catharine Evans]
Times-Republican
Thursday November 20, 1902 [p. 1]
Obituary
Mary Catharine Evans, daughter of Rev. J. [ohn] W. Evans of Fresno, California, was born in Schuyler County, Pennsylvania, December 16, 1853, and died at Bedford, Iowa, Nov. 16, 1902, aged 48 years and 11 months.
She became a Christian at the early age of 12 years since which time her life has been one of consistent energy along the path so early chosen. She had a hard struggle for an education, which she regarded as the best means to her high aims. She began teaching school at the age of 15 years and continued to struggle onward until she finally graduated from the ladies seminary at Bakewell University at Louisburg, Pa., in 1874. She gained considerable local notoriety as an educator. She was for three years principal of the Key Stone Academy at Factoryville, Pa., and was employed as teacher of languages for 5 years in the institution from which she graduated.
She was married to Rev. D. [aniel] W. Griffith at the seminary where she was teaching on the 28 of June 1883. To this union there are four children, Anna, aged 18, Mabel, aged 16, Walter, 13, and Benjamin, aged 9.
She fully realized the benefits of education and since her marriage there has not been a time when there was not a young man or woman at her home whom she was preparing for higher usefulness.
Her interest in Missions was earnest and sincere, it was more than a mere sentiment with her, and being a woman of more than ordinary strength of character and decision, her work was well planned, vigorously executed and fraught with results. She has given it as her testimony that the lives of the three Judsons and that of Mary Lyons, the founder [of] Mt. Holyoke Seminary, had a marked influence upon her life. Her life was always closely identified with everything that would further the interests of missions, and much time was given to organizing mission circles and bands, and too in times when womenÕs aggressive work was frowned upon. She was a woman of strong convictions and could not be daunted.
While principal of the Key Stone Seminary she organized a Sunday School class numbering 50 pupils, only 3 of whom were Christians, and three years later when she quit there everyone had been converted.
Just prior to her death she requested that no money be spent in floral offerings for her but that this money be spent in missions; even in the face of death, her life interests were yet strong.
Though much of her time and thought was given to those great enterprises, she did not neglect her home duties. She regarded her home as a sacred place where little ones must be taught the great principles of life and the responsibilities of death. She ruled the home with wisdom and love and in this home the name of mother was sacred. This in brief is the life of one who will be sadly missed from the community.
[Griffith, Mary Catharine Evans]
Times-Republican Thursday November 20, 1902 [p. 1]
A Large Funeral
A Host of Friends Congregate to Pay Their Last Respects to the Honored Dead
From Tuesday's Daily
At 10 o'clock this morning at the Baptist church occurred the funeral of Mrs. W. D. [Daniel W.] Griffith [Mary Catharine Evans]. It was a large gathering of friends who sincerely mourn their loss, and who feel that an active influence for good has been taken from their midst.
The Baptist choir furnished the music and Rev. J. T. Ream offered prayer after which Elder Lee Ferguson read from the scriptures some of the favorite passages of the deceased. Rev. H. B. Foskett of Creston preached a touching sermon and Elder Cobb offered prayer.
The floral offerings were profuse, coming from the church choir, her Sunday school class, the Y. P. C. T. U., the W. C. T. U. and from individuals. Everything showed a deep individual and public regard for the departed.
The interment took place in the Fairview cemetery to which last earthly resting place many followed the remains to take a last tearful farewell. Deceased leaves a husband and four children who will return to the home and hear their mother's voice no more, [which] was once so all pervading, loving and gentle in that household.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday December 29, 1949 [p. 1]
Dale E. Griffith, 33, Dies In Kansas City
Dale Edward Griffith, 33, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. [uy] W. Griffith of Maryville, died Friday at his home in Kansas City.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon in Maryville and burial was in the Miriam cemetery.
Mr. Griffith was born February 28, 1916, in Southey, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Guy W. and Charlotte [Orlena] Fanning Griffith. On November 2, 1943, he was married to Edra Keplan at Alexandria, La. He was a resident in Maryville since 1926 and served in the armed forces during the last war. He re-enlisted and received his discharge Tuesday.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife; a son, Larry Joe and two daughters, Judy Ann and Barbara Jane.
The Griffiths are former residents of the Bedford community.
Maryville Daily Forum
Friday December 23, 1949 p. 1
Dale E. Griffith Dies At Home In Kansas City
Dale Edward Griffith, age 33, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. [uy] W. Griffith, 715 North Fillmore Street, died this morning at his home, 1020 Forrest Street, Kansas City.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Price funeral home. Burial will be in the Miriam cemetery.
Mr. Griffith was born February 28, 1916, in Southey, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Guy W. and Charlotte [Orlena] Fanning Griffith. On November 2, 1943, he was married to Edra Keplan at Alexandria, La. He was a resident in Maryville since 1926 and served in the armed forces during the last war. He re-enlisted and received his discharge Tuesday.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife; a son Larry Joe and two daughters, Judy Ann and Barbara Jane.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday November 5, 1942 [p. 1]
Mrs. Phillips' Brother Dies
Mrs. R. [obert] E. Phillips [Melissa Viola Griffith] of Bedford received word of the death of her brother, Ryne [Ryine] Griffith, who died at his home in Rushville, Missouri, Tuesday, October 26. He was 77 years of age. Mr. Griffith has visited his sister and family in Bedford on several occasions.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 2, 1948 [p. 1]
Obituary – R. E. Phillips
R. [obert] E. Phillips, son of W. [illiam] L. and Reeca Ann [Adkins] Phillips, was born near DeKalb, Mo., November 28, 1865, and passed away at the University Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa, August 24, 1948, at the age of 82 years, 8 months, 28 days.
In 1890 he was married to Melissa Viola Griffith, and to them 12 children were born.
He is survived by his wife at Conway; three sons: W. [illiam] E. [dward] Phillips of Creston, Rollie [Kilgore] Phillips of Cottage Grove, Oregon, Howard [Samuel] Phillips of Berkeley, Calif., five daughters, Mrs. William Houch [Stella] of Lamoni, Iowa, Mrs. Bob Wood [Bertha Frances] of Idaho Springs, Colorado, Mrs. Betty Chaney of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Earl Morgan [Myrtle Viola] of Gravity, Mrs. Leland Jones [Beulah Rose] of Conway, 28 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Three sons and a daughter preceded him in death.
In early manhood he united with the Christian church and for several years worked in the Christian Church at Gravity. He had been a member of the Christian Church of Bedford for the past thirty-two years.
The funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. F. H. Cowles. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday April 3, 1975 p. 3
Rollie K. Phillips Dies In Oregon
Rollie K. [ilgore] Phillips, 78, of The Dalles, Oregon, died in The Dalles March 1.
He was born February 11, 1897 in Taylor County.
On October 13, 1915 he married Goldie Nixon of Conway. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters.
They lived in Conway part of their married life; the past 25 years they lived in Oregon.
He is survived by his wife, Goldie; eight children; 25 grandchildren, including Gene Houchin, Gravity; 16 great grandchildren; two sisters, Beulah Jones, Bedford, and Stella Houch, Corning; one brother, Howard [Samuel] Phillips, Richmond, Calif.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday July 11, 1974 p. 3
Bess Griffith, 82, Dies In Arkansas
Bess Griffith, 82, a former resident of Bedford, of Grandview, Ark., died there recently. Interment was at Grandview.
She had lived in Grandview several years since leaving Maryville, Mo. She was a double cousin of Pearl Griffith and Esper Griffith.
Mrs. Griffith attended church regularly as long as her health permitted.
Her survivors include one brother, Earl, and wife, Ruth; also nephews in Canada and elsewhere who will miss her greatly as she was loved by them and her many friends.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 6, 1977 p. 2
Robert Griffith, 60, Final Rites Held October 3
Funeral services for Robert L. Griffith, 60, of Columbia, South Carolina, formerly of Sharpsburg, were held Tues., Oct. 3, in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Mr. Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Griffith died in Columbia October 1, 1977. Interment was at Lexington Cemetery.
Robert Lloyd (Bob) Griffith, son of Lloyd [Martin] and Cecil [Souder] Griffith, was born at Bedford, Ia., July 14, 1917.
He lived in the Sharpsburg area, and grew to maturity in Taylor County, Iowa, where he attended the public school and later attended Drake University at Des Moines, Ia.
In 1936 he was united in marriage to Dora Bean and to this union one son, Robert Edward Griffith, was born to share their love and to bless their home.
He was employed in South Carolina and California as an architectural and structural detailer.
His mother and father preceded him in death.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Ed, four grandchildren, Edward, Brenda, John and Steven of Clarinda, Ia.; a brother, Max, of Kansas City; uncles; aunts; nieces; nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was a kind and considerate father and loved one, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday August 22, 1935 [p. 1]
Mrs. W. D. Griffith, 62, Dies Thursday
Funeral services for Mrs. W. [illiam] D. Griffith, 62, who died at her home northeast of Bedford Thursday afternoon, August 15, were held at the home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. E. Garrett, pastor of the Methodist church of Conway. Burial was in the Lexington cemetery.
Lulu M. [arie] Widener [Widner], daughter of Henry [Thomas] and Mary Litteer Widener, was born at Markham, Fauquier County, Virginia, July 12, 1873. She was one of a family of eleven children, four of whom survive. In 1877 the family moved to Taylor County, on a farm east of Bedford.
She was married to William D. Griffith of Conway, Feb. 25, 1891. To them were born two sons, Elvin H. [arold] and Fern B. [erton], both of whom survive. After Mr. and Mrs. Griffith's marriage they moved to the farm home northeast of Bedford, where they spent their entire married lives. Mr. Griffith died Sept. 15, 1923.
Surviving are the two sons, Elvin H. [arold] of Bedford and Fern B. [erton] at home; one sister, Mrs. Ruth [Gumrey] Frantz of St. Joseph, Mo.; and three brothers, R. [osenbery] B. Widener of Paxton, Nebr.; L. [ytle] C. [hristian] Widener of Bedford, and R. [andolph] H. Widener of Kansas City, Kans.; also the daughter-in-law, Mrs. Elvin Griffith [Gladys Gillette], and two granddaughters, Doris and Dorothy Griffith.
Mrs. Griffith had been a member of the Methodist church in Conway for many years.
[Note: The last name of this family is spelled Widner on the gravestones.]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday May 22, 1969 p. 7
Last Rites Held In Bedford For Fern Griffith
Funeral services for Fern Griffith, 70, of Bedford, were held May 16 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. E. S. Tschetter officiating. Mr. Griffith died May 13 at Rosary Hospital in Corning. Interment was at Lexington Cemetery, near Bedford.
Fern Burton Griffith, son of the late William D. and Lulu Widener Griffith, was born near Conway, Taylor County, February 1, 1899.
He was united in marriage to Neta Phelps of Bedford January 1, 1940. To this union were born a son, Floyd, and daughter, Evelyn.
Mr. and Mrs. Griffith spent their married life on a farm northeast of Bedford. He united with the Methodist Church at Conway in his youth.
Elvin H. [arold] Griffith, a brother, preceded him in death January 23, 1968.
Surviving with his wife are his son, Floyd Griffith of Bedford; daughter, Mrs. Harry Matheny, of Lenox; two nieces and family and cousins.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday August 27, 1970 [p. 1]
Bob Bristow, 37, Dies In Cedar Rapids Aug. 23
Robert [Franklin] Bristow, 37, of 1329 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, died Sunday at a hospital there.
A resident of Cedar Rapids since 1960, Bristow has been employed as an engineer with Linkbelt Speeder Corporation for the past four years and for six years prior to that he taught industrial arts at Roosevelt Junior High in Cedar Rapids.
He was born December 3, 1932 in Bedford, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. [rvin] W. Bristow. He married Ann Whitlatch in Attica, Iowa, on August 3, 1953.
He is a graduate of Bedford High School and Northwest Missouri State College, Maryville and was affiliated with St. Paul's United Methodist church.
He was preceded in death by his father, I. [rvin] W. Bristow in 1962 and a sister, Shirley [Ellen], in 1956.
He is survived, in addition to his wife, by three daughters, Julie, Jo Ellen, and Jan; a son, James, all at home; his mother, Mrs. Marjorie [Ellen Mohler] Bristow, Bedford; a sister, Mrs. John Guenther, of Lawrence, Kans.; and grandmother, Mrs. Frank Mohler, of Bedford.
Memorial services were held Wednesday at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford conducted by Rev. Ollie Odle. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.
The family suggests that friends may, if they wish, send memorials to St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.
[Herbert, Mary Frances Ulrich]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday July 11, 1974 p. 3
Mary Herbert, 95, Last Rites Held In Hopkins
Funeral services for Mrs. Fred (Mary Frances) Herbert, 95, of Gainesville, Georgia, a former resident of Bedford and Hopkins, were held July 5 at Swanson Funeral Home in Hopkins with Carl Cummings officiating. Mrs. Herbert died in Gainesville July 1, 1974. Interment was at the Hopkins Cemetery.
Mary Frances Ulrich, daughter of John and Irene Widener Ulrich, was born at Bedford, January 22, 1879. She attended the Bedford Public Schools and was telephone operator in Bedford for many years. She was also deputy county auditor in Taylor County at one time.
On October 7, 1911 she was united in marriage to Fred Herbert, a pharmacist at Hopkins, Mo. To this union were born three children, Rose, Mrs. J. L. Dawson of Maryville, Mo.; George of Mt. Vernon, Mo.; Pauline, Mrs. Lester W. Miller, of Gainesville, Ga., with whom she had made her home the past several years.
Mrs. Herbert united with the First Baptist Church at Bedford when quite young and after her marriage transferred her membership to the Hopkins Baptist Church. She was a 50-year member of the Hopkins Chapter, No. 401, Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her husband who died June 23, 1963; by a grandson, Kirk Herbert; a great granddaughter, her parents and by two brothers, John Ulrich and Elmer Ulrich.
Surviving with the two daughters and son are one sister, Mrs. Thos. Hosman [Rosa Lee], of Bedford, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
[Herbert, Mary Frances Ulrich]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday July 11, 1974 p. 3
Attend Herbert Services July 5
Relatives from out of town attending funeral services on July 5 in Hopkins for Mrs. Fred Herbert [Mary Frances Ulrich] and also visiting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Hosman in Bedford, included Mrs. Lester W. Miller (Pauline Herbert) of Gainesville, Georgia; Mrs. James (Barbara Miller) Sullens of Murrayville, Ga.; Mrs. J. L. Dawson (Rose Herbert) of Maryville, Mo.
Mrs. Lester W. Hansen, Mrs. David W. Hansen and son, John David, of Des Moines; George Herbert, Mary Jean Herbert, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Herbert of Mt. Vernon, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. John Herbert, Shayne and Jennifer of Kansas City; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Andrews (Ruby Ulrich), Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ulrich, Des Moines; Mrs. Betty (Ulrich) Baker, Indianola.