Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 14, 1982 p. 8
Wayne Valentine, 68, Final Rites Were Held October 7
Funeral services for Delbert Wayne Valentine, 68, Bedford, held October 7 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Rev. Carl E. Kingsley. Mr. Valentine died October 4 in Greater Community Hospital in Creston following two years of illness. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.
Wayne Valentine, son of Chester [Lewis] and [Mary] Chassie [Hurt] Valentine, was born August 18, 1914 near Bedford, Iowa. He lived his lifetime in the Taylor County area.
He grew, attended the public schools, and spent his life in farming, until the last two years, when he semi-retired, always maintaining his interest in farming. He moved to his present farm in 1949.
Wayne and Lois Huntington were married and established their home in September 1939.
They had two children, Mrs. Charles (Renee) Owens, and Cliff [Clifford Lewis], who survive; also there is one grandson, Mark Wayne Owens; Beth Dinkela, other relatives and a host of friends.
Wayne had compassion for his children, grandson and other survivors. Much of his life and interests are recited by his companion in the Taylor County History Book recently published.
He and his family are related to the Methodist Church. The Valentine family at one time was associated with the Gilead Methodist Congregation, a community of early day worshippers in fellowship, northwest of Bedford.
[Harkless, Mary Chassie Hurt Valentine]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 20, 1949 [p. 1]
Mrs. Harkless Died At Hospital Monday
Mrs. Mary Chassie [Hurt Valentine] Harkless, 60, of Gravity died at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Monday, October 17.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Gravity Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. D. C. Callison of Gravity and Rev. Carl Kingsley of Hamburg. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery, the Rebekah lodge giving their burial service at the grave.
[Harkless, Mary Chassie Hurt Valentine]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 27, 1949 p. 4
Obituary – Mrs. Mary Harkless
Mary Chassie, eldest daughter of G. [eorge] W. [ashington] and Alice Murtrude [Early] Hurt, was born near Greenville, Tennessee Feb. 22, 1889, and died, after a lingering illness, at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Oct. 17, 1949, at the age of 60 years, 7 months and 25 days.
At the age of 11, she moved with her parents to Iowa, where she had since made her home.
On Jan. 26, 1910, she was married to Chester Lewis Valentine, at Bedford, and to them was born one son, Delbert Wayne. Her husband died in 1939.
On April 13, 1940, she was married to Lewis B. [eaver] Harkless of Bedford and he preceded her in death Dec. 10, 1945. Others going on before her include her parents and a sister, Eva [Lee] Downing.
She united with the Gilead Church near Bedford when a young girl, but as the later years of her life were spent in Gravity, she moved her membership to the Gravity Methodist church. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge of which she was a Past Noble Grand.
She was a devoted wife and mother, a good friend and neighbor.
She leaves to mourn her departure, her son Wayne, his wife, Lois, and one granddaughter, Renee Irene Valentine, all of Bedford; three sisters, Mrs. Zella [Kate] Harrington of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mrs. Trula Braun of Chicago, and Mrs. Ruth [Lou] Branson of Gravity; 2 brothers, Lowell [Bud] Hurt and Ivan Hurt, both of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The funeral services were held at the Gravity Methodist Church Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Carl Kingsley of Hamburg. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery, the Rebekah burial ceremony being given at the grave.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 21, 1968 p. 8
Zella Harrington Dies In Wyoming
Funeral services for Mrs. Fred (Zella) Harrington, 74, Cheyenne, Wyo., were held March 3 at the Wiederspahn Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne with the Rev. Archie K. Stevenson officiating. Mrs. Harrington died March 2 at Memorial Hospital in Cheyenne. Interment was at Beth El.
Zella K. [ate Hurt] Harrington, born at Greenville, Tenn., went to Cheyenne in 1916 from Iowa. She was married to Fred [Frederick Minor] Harrington in 1910 at Bedford.
Mrs. Harrington was a member of the First Christian Church, WCTU, Navy Mothers, Gold Star Mother, Pythian Sisters and Cheyenne WomanÕs Club. She was a past regent of Santha and a past president of the Fine Arts Club.
She was the founder of Golden Age Clubs throughout Wyoming and also a professional artist. Although she had no formal training, she was rated one of the best artists in Wyoming.
She is survived by five children; a brother; two sisters, including Mrs. Ruth [Lou] Jared of Bedford; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband and two children.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday December 29, 1938 [p. 1]
Mrs. G. W. Hurt, 70, Former Resident, Dies
Mrs. G. [eorge] W. [ashington] Hurt [Alice Murtrude Early], 70, a former resident of Bedford, died at her home in Cheyenne, Wyo., Friday morning, Dec. 23. She had been in failing health for some time but death came suddenly from a heart attack. The funeral services were held at Cheyenne on Monday and burial also made there.
Mrs. Hurt is survived by her husband; four daughters, Mrs. C. [hester] L. [ewis] Valentine [Mary Chassie] of Conway, Mrs. L. [ocke] D. [rexel] Branson [Ruth Lou] of Bedford, Mrs. W. [illiam] C. Braun [Trula] of St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Fred Herrington [Zella Kate] of Cheyenne; and by two sons, Lowell Hurt and Ivan Hurt of Cheyenne. There are also several grandchildren and great grandchildren, one sister and several brothers. One daughter, Mrs. John Downing [Eva Lee Hurt] of Blockton, preceded her mother in death several years ago.
The Hurt family moved from Bedford to Cheyenne in 1916. Mrs. Branson, Mrs. Valentine and son Wayne left Bedford Thursday called by their motherÕs illness and death.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 16, 1939 [p. 1]
G. W. Hurt, Former Resident, Succumbs
G. [eorge] W. [ashington] Hurt of Cheyenne, Wyo., a former resident of this community, died at a Cheyenne hospital Monday, March 6, where he was a patient for several days. His death was caused by peritonitis. The funeral services were held there on Wednesday, March 8, and burial was made at that place.
Mr. Hurt is survived by four daughters and two sons: Mrs. [Mary] Chassie Valentine of Conway, Mrs. Zella [Kate] Harrington of Cheyenne, Mrs. Ruth [Lou] Branson of Bedford, Mrs. Trula Braun of St. Paul, Minn., Lowell Hurt and Ivan Hurt of Cheyenne. Mrs. Hurt passed away Dec. 23, 1938.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 16, 1939 [p. 1]
Murb Robey, 74, Dies At Gravity
Murb [Merle L.] Robey, 74, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. [Georgia] Anna Churchill in Gravity, Saturday, March 11.
The funeral services were held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home at 1 oÕclock this afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck. Burial was in the Holt cemetery northwest of Gravity.
Mr. Robey never married. He is survived by his sister and three brothers, Frank [Wilson] Robey and A. [dolphus] D. Robey of Gravity and Will [William Anderson] Robey of Lenox.
[Robey, Frank Wilson] [McCoy, Harlie Curtis]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 3, 1940 [p. 1]
Two Killed In Auto Wreck
F. W. Robey and H. C. McCoy of East of Gravity, the Victims
F. [rank] W. [ilson] Robey and H. [arlie] C. [urtis] McCoy, both residents of Gravity, were fatally injured in an automobile accident northeast of Maryville about three miles, Wednesday night about 9 oÕclock. McCoy died as he was being taken to a Maryville hospital and Robey died a short time later.
There were no witnesses to the accident, it is reported. A Missouri highway patrolman, who stopped nearby to direct traffic around wires from a broken telephone pole on highway No. 27, heard a groan at the side of the road, which led to the discovery. The McCoy car had apparently struck the pole, breaking it in four pieces. The car had continued along the road and then plunged out of sight over an embankment.
Funeral services for Mr. Robey will be held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home in Bedford at 2 oÕclock Saturday afternoon, Oct. 5. Burial will be in the Lexington cemetery. He is survived by his wife and six children. They are Mrs. Oscar Douglas of Bedford, Mrs. Harold Sawhill of Winterset, Mrs. R. N. Fisher of Denver, Colo., Lewis, Jake and Clyde Robey of the home.
McCoy is survived by his wife and eight children. No funeral arrangements have been made as we go to press.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 10, 1940 p. 7
Obituary
Frank Wilson Robey
Frank Wilson Robey, son of Thornton William and Sarah Clark Robey, was born near Peoria, Ill., April 8, 1868 and died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1940 at the age of 72 years, 5 months and 24 days.
He was one of a family of five children, one brother, Merle L., having preceded him in death only last year. When a small boy he moved to Iowa with his parents, locating on a farm in Taylor County, near Gravity, where he spent his entire life.
On Feb. 28, 1901 he was married to Miss Mary [May] Kernen. To them were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy.
He is survived by his wife and six children: Louis, Clyde and Jake of the home; Mrs. Oscar (Edna) Douglas of Bedford, Mrs. Harold (Jessie) Sawhill of Winterset, and Mrs. R. N. (Jennie) Fisher of Denver, Colo. ; also by one sister, Mrs. [Georgia] Anna Churchill; and by two brothers, A. [dolphos] D. Robey of Gravity and Will [liam Anderson] Robey of Lenox.
His sudden death came as a shock to his family and his friends. He was a kind neighbor and a loving friend and all who knew him mourn his death. Many of the buildings of his community stand as a monument to his skilled workmanship.
The funeral services were held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. Douglas Steffenson. Burial was in the Lexington cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday May 23, 1963 p. 4
Adolphos Robey Rites May 18
Funeral services for Adolphos D. Robey, 86, who lived for many years near Gravity, were held May 18 at State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. J. Milton Kinney officiating. Mr. Robey died May 16 at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, where he had been taken on April 30. Interment was at Washington cemetery, Gravity.
Included in the service was the following obituary:
Adolphos D. Robey, son of Thornton William and Sarah Clark Robey, was born near Peoria, Ill., Jan. 8, 1877.
When he was a small boy he moved to Iowa with his parents, locating on a farm near Gravity, Ia.
He was married to Elbie [Elma] Robbins. To them were born three children, two of whom died in infancy. His wife preceded him in death.
He is survived by one son, Raymond E. Robey of Atkinson, Nebr., and several nieces and nephews.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday November 1, 1951 p. 5
William Anderson Robey
William Anderson Robey, son of Thornton [William] and Sara [h] Clark Robey, was born in Bedford County, Pa., Feb. 25, 1862, and died at his home in Gravity, Oct. 29, at the age of 89 years, eight months, four days.
When a small boy, he moved with his parents to Peoria, Ill., where he lived until he came to Taylor County, and settled on a farm near Conway.
Dec. 17, 1889, he was united in marriage to Rett [a] A. [Sarah Albreta] Biggs. To this union six children were born: Clark of Bedford, Blanche Johnson of St. Paul, Minn., James of Minot, N. D., Dewey of Mohall, N. D., and twins Pearl [Edith] of Lenox, and Earl, who died at birth. On July 30, 1904 his wife died.
On May 1, 1907, he was united in marriage to Mary M. Arnold. To this union four children were born: Thelma May, who died in infancy, Kenneth of San Antonio, Texas, Estelle Newberry of Bedford, Marjorie Robey of Gravity.
He is survived by his wife and children, a sister, Mrs. Anna Churchill, and one brother, A. [dolphos] D. Robey, both of Gravity.
He was a member of the First Baptist church of Bedford.
Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home this Thursday afternoon at 2 p. m., with burial at Lexington. Rev. F. H. Cowles officiated.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 14, 1982 p. 8
Last Rites Held In Onawa For Charles Sawyer, 49
Funeral services for Charles H. Sawyer, 49, Onawa, Iowa, a Bedford native, were held in the First Christian Church in Onawa on Thurs., Oct. 7, with the Rev. Everett Epperson and the Rev. Jerry Quandt officiating. Mr. Sawyer died October 5, 1982 at Burgess Memorial Hospital in Onawa, Ia. Interment was in the Onawa Cemetery.
Charles H. Sawyer, son of Maurees K. [enyon] Sawyer and Vivian Scott Sawyer, was born October 23, 1932, near Bedford, Iowa.
He was graduated from Bedford High School in 1951, following which he served in the armed forces during the Korean conflict. Following an honorable discharge in 1954, he attended linotype school in Charles City, Iowa and was subsequently employed by ÒThe Thornton EnterpriseÓ and ÒThe Hopkins Journal.Ó
In the early 1960Õs he accepted a position at the ÒOnawa Sentinel.Ó Later, he became owner-publisher of this Monona County weekly newspaper.
He was active in the Onawa community, serving as a volunteer with the fire department and law enforcement agencies. He was also a member of the Vesper Masonic Lodge No. 223 A. F. & A. M., the American Legion, and was affiliated with the First Christian Church of Onawa.
At the time of his death, he was employed as radio dispatcher for the Law Enforcement Center and Services Agency in Onawa.
On December 18, 1978, he was united in marriage with Marjorie Yanak, who survives him. Also surviving are three sons, Loren [Dee], Larry [Lee], and Lynn, of a previous marriage, and a stepdaughter, Dianne Kelley, all of Onawa. Other survivors are his mother, Vivian S. [cott] Sawyer of Bedford, Iowa, and seven brothers and sisters: Elise [Scott] Tranbarger of Sumner, Iowa; John G. Sawyer of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; William E. Sawyer of Lenox, Iowa; [Marise] Kay Dinsmoor of Bloomington, Indiana; Sondra [Diane] Parman of Marion, Iowa; Robert N. Sawyer of Durham, North Carolina; and Tom W. Sawyer of Littlefield, Texas. His father preceded him in death in 1975.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday June 19, 1975 p. 3
M. K. Sawyer, 70, Final Rites Held In Bedford
Funeral services for Maurees Kenyon Sawyer, 70, of Bedford, former Taylor County assessor and newspaperman, were held June 10 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, with Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Sawyer died June 7, 1975 at Municipal Hospital in Clarinda. Taylor Lodge No. 156 A. F. and A. M. conducted the Masonic services at Fairview Cemetery.
Maurees Kenyon Sawyer, son of John G. [ordon] and Maude Whittington Sawyer, was born in Bedford, Iowa, March 19, 1905.
He spent his boyhood in Oxford, Nebraska, returning to Bedford in 1920, where he was graduated from the Bedford High School in 1921.
Mr. K. attended Iowa State University where he was graduated in 1925 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.
An accomplished trombonist, he played first trombone in the Iowa State marching band, concert band and symphony orchestra. He later pursued this interest by conducting the Municipal Band at Boone, Iowa, and organized a Baptist Church orchestra there, which he also conducted. He continued to use this talent and organized and conducted a Baptist Church orchestra in Bedford.
On July 21, 1925, he was united in marriage to Vivian Scott at Des Moines, Iowa. They are the parents of eight children---Elise (Mrs. James) Tranbarger of Sumner, Iowa; John G. Sawyer of Middlesbrough, England; William E. Sawyer of Lenox, Iowa; Kay (Mrs. James) Dinsmoor of Bloomington, Indiana; Charles H. Sawyer of Onawa, Iowa; Sondra (Mrs. Lowell) Parman of Marion, Iowa; Robert N. Sawyer of Rolla, Missouri; and Tom W. Sawyer of Littlefield, Texas.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer resided in Boone, Iowa, and Ames, Iowa, where M. K. was employed by daily newspapers. In 1932 they moved to a farm near Bedford where they have continued to live.
Maurees joined the Baptist Church in Oxford, Nebraska, as a small boy, later transferring his membership to the Bedford Baptist Church. He was a member of Taylor Lodge No. 156 A. F. & A. M.
Well known throughout the area, Sawyer was active in newspaper work from 1934 until his death----from 1934 to 1939 with the Taylor County Herald, from 1939 to 1943 as editor and publisher of the Lenox Time Table, and as local correspondent for surrounding city daily papers.
He served as Taylor County Assessor from 1955 to 1971, when he retired.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Halbert [Whittington].
Maurees Sawyer is survived by his widow, Vivian, his eight children, their spouses and 18 grandchildren.
His determination to overcome a serious physical handicap and continue to be a good and useful citizen has been an inspiration to his family and friends.
[Stearns, Blanche Lillian Garner]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday October 3, 1940 [p. 1]
Mrs. A. M. Stearns, 40, Succumbs Sept. 25th
Mrs. Albert M. Stearns, 40, died at her home southwest of Bedford on Wednesday, Sept. 25, after an illness of more than a year.
Mrs. Stearns [Blanche Lillian Garner] was born in Taylor County June 10, 1900 and was married at Bedford on June 29, 1920. She and her husband resided on a farm near Maryville for nine years, prior to moving to the Bedford vicinity this spring.
She is survived by her husband; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. [harles] A. [lvardo] Garner [Anna Lee Buttermore] of Bedford; four sisters, Mrs. James [Franklin] Hamilton [Alice May] of Bedford, Mrs. Robert [Brenton] Hamilton [Eliza Florence] of Clarinda, Mrs. Jess Briggs [Anna Grace] of Villisca, and Mrs. Clyde Cavender [Maude Ethel] of Lincoln, Neb.; and a brother, [Joseph] Ray Garner of Prescott.
Times-Republican
Thursday June 3, 1926 p. 4
Dean Albert Stearns
Dean Albert Stearns, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stearns [Blanche Lillian Garner] was born May 11, 1926, and departed this life May 16, 1926 at 11:15 oÕclock. This is the second little son to come into this home to cheer and brighten it, each one staying but a few days, then going on into a greater world where they shall be throughout eternity, Eugene Clyde being carried home about three years ago. Eugene Clyde and Dean Albert we cannot bring you back, but we can come to you. YouÕre with us and your departure only makes Heaven more real and brings it closer to us. We shall always remember your little visit with us and shall ever be looking forward to the time when we shall come to you to be reunited, never to part again. He leaves besides his father and mother, four grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Garner of Bedford, Ia., and Mr. and Mrs. Len Stearns of Gravity, Ia.; one great grandmother, Mrs. Mary Ann Miller of New Market, besides other relatives.
Funeral services were conducted at the home 7 miles southwest of New Market by Rev. James Wilkins, pastor of the New Market M. E. church, after which interment was made in the Graceland cemetery, 2 ½ miles south and east of the Gilead church.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 11, 1948 p. 4
Chas. A. Garner Died Last Thursday
C. A. Garner died at the home of his daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. J.[ames] F. [ranklin] Hamilton [Alice May] west of Bedford, Thursday, March 4, following a long illness.
The funeral services were held at the Hamilton home, Sunday afternoon, conducted b Rev. Russell G. Nye. Burial was in the Graceland cemetery.
Charles Alvarado Garner, oldest son of Joseph C. and Elizabeth Ford Garner, was born May 28, 1860, being aged 87 years, 9 months and 6 days, at the time of his death.
He spent his entire life in Mason Township. At the age of 13, he with his parents moved from a farm north and west of Bedford to the farm west of Bedford, which he later bought and on which he lived for seventy years. At the death of his wife, he moved to his daughterÕs home.
On October 31, 1891, he was married to Anna Lee Buttermore. To them were born five daughters and two sons.
He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Alice Whitcomb of Fremont, Nebr., and Mrs. Fred [Frederick Lee] Olmstead [Elizabeth] of Hopkins; four daughters, Mrs. J. [ames] F.[ranklin] Hamilton [Alice May] of Bedford, Mrs. C. [lyde] M. [athis] Cavender [Maude Ethel] of Lincoln, Nebr., Mrs. R. [obert] B. [renton] Hamilton [Eliza Florence] of Clarinda, and Mrs. Jess Briggs [Anna Grace] of Council Bluffs; one son, [Joseph] Ray Garner of Corning; fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother. His wife died Feb. 2, 1944; one daughter, Mrs. Blanche [Lillian] Stearns, died September 25, 1940 and one son [Charles Melvin] died in infancy.
Times-Republican
Thursday August 6, 1914 p. 3
Joseph C. Garner
Joseph C. [risty] Garner was born near Norwich, Muskingum County, Ohio, March 14, 1831, and died July 22, 1914, being 83 years, 4 months, and 8 days of age.
He came to Taylor County, Iowa, in 1856 and was married to Elizabeth Ford in 1858. To this union were born six children, four girls and two boys, one daughter dying in infancy.
His wife died October 18, 1895.
The children living are Charles A. [lvardo], of Bedford; Mrs. Fannie Duncan, of Pawnee, Okla.; Mrs. Elizabeth Olmstead [Olmsted] of Hopkins, Mo.; Mrs. Alice Whitecomb, of England, Minn.; and George T., of Kidder, Mo.
All were present at the funeral except Mrs. Alice Whitecomb.
He also leaves besides the children three brothers, three sisters and 23 grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends to mourn his departure.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in early life was an active worker, being class leader and superintendent of Sunday school.
He died at the home of his son, Charles [Alvarado] Garner.
He was patient and kind, bearing all his suffering without complaint and leaving the assurance that there was a place for him in Heaven.
He was cared for with loving hands but death claimed its own.
The funeral was conducted at the home of his son, Charles, four miles west of Bedford, on Friday afternoon at 2 oÕclock by Rev. H. McNamee of Hopkins. Interment was in the Graceland cemetery.
[Note: The same obituary was published in the Bedford Free Press, August 4, 1914.]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday July 10, 1941 [p. 1]
Geo. Garner Dies; Former Siam Man
George [T.] Garner of Lathrop, Mo., a former resident of the Siam community, died at the Methodist hospital in St. Joseph last week. His death was said to have been quite sudden and was caused from a ruptured appendix.
He is survived by his wife, who will be remembered here as the former Miss Emma Hollingsworth and by four grown children. A brother, Charles Garner, resides west of Bedford.
The funeral services were held in Cameron, Mo., Saturday afternoon and burial was made there.
Attending the last rites from Bedford were Miss Belle Meloy, Miss Jessie Miller, Mrs. [Alice] May Hamilton, Miss Maude Nelson and Miss Frances Miller.
Those going from Hopkins were his sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Olmsted [Elizabeth], Mrs. Maggie Olmsted and Clyde Olmsted.