Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Buckner, Laura Eloise Welch]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 21, 1985     p. 6

Graveside services for Laura Eloise Buckner

Graveside services for Laura Welch Buckner, 68, were held at Washington Cemetery in Gravity March 18, conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Buckner died March 10, 1984 at Hemet, Calif.

Laura Eloise Welch Buckner, daughter of Otto Welch and Ople Vice Welch was born in Mounds, Okla. on May 21, 1916. She moved with her family from Oklahoma to Bedford, Iowa in 1932 where she attended the public school.

She was married to Richard Buckner on May 16, 1936 at Creston, Iowa and they resided in Clarinda, Iowa prior to moving to Humbolt, Iowa where he was employed by the R.E.C. for thirty years.

She was a nationally certified music teacher who taught piano, organ and strings in Humbolt, Iowa for 27 years. She played viola in the Fort Dodge Symphony Orchestra. She was an active member of the state and local Iowa Music Teachers Association and attended many of the National Music Teachers Association Conventions as an Iowa Representative.

She moved to San Jacinto, Calif. with her husband in 1978, where she promptly began teaching music again. She founded the local chapter of the California Music Teachers Association and remained an active member until her hospitalization.

Her parents preceded her in death and she is survived by her husband, Richard Buckner; two daughters, Greta Tuominen of Hemet, California and Barbara Mercer of San Diego, Calif.; three brothers, Robert O. Welch of Sunnymead, Calif.; George I. Welch of Denver, Colo.; W. Don Welch of Arlington Heights, Illinois and six grandchildren.

She was a member of the Congregational Church in Humbolt, Iowa. Her family and friends will remember her as a kind and considerate wife, mother, friend and loved one and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

[Damewood, Alma McFarland]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 12, 1939     p. 2

siam

OBITUARY

Mrs. Herbert Damewood

Alma Damewood, only child of Orlando [Hall] and Mary Nixon McFarland, was born in Buchanan township, Page county, Iowa, July 10, 1878 and passed away at her home Thursday, Jan. 5 at 11:55 P. M., aged 60 years, 5 months and 25 days.

She was married to [Abraham] Herbert Damewood June 1, 1898 in Clarinda by Rev. Will O. Hutchings. To this union two children were born: Marie, who passed away at the age of two years and Howard, who with his father survives.

She also leaves to mourn, her aged mother, Mrs. Mary McFarland, who lived in her home, and a small granddaughter, [Marilyn] Verlee Damewood. Also a cousin, Wayne Moore, who was reared by her parents and who took the place of a younger brother in her life; four aunts, Mrs. Jane Shearer and Mrs. Izetta Shearer of Greeley, Colo., Mrs. Alma Whitney of Hopkins and Miss Mattie Nixon of St. Joseph.

Her father, Orlando McFarland, died Sept. 2, 1922.

Mrs. Damewood was born and grew to young womanhood on the farm where she passed away, and spent most of her married life there, except a few years in and near Hopkins and three years in St. Joseph. The last several years have also been spent on the old farm, which for so many years belonged to her ancestors.

Mrs. Damewood was a home loving woman of sterling character and high ideals, her first thought being always for the comfort and happiness of her aged mother, her family, and her friends.

She united with the Methodist church at Hopkins, later transferring her membership to the Methodist church at Siam.

She was a faithful member of the Ladies Aid serving as president. She was also a member of Highland Chapter 523, Order of the Eastern Star at Siam, and was just completing a year as Worthy Matron. She had served as Worthy Matron of the chapter many years ago and this past year’s work was to fill a vacancy and proved her loyalty by assuming duties for the good of the chapter which she discharged faithfully and efficiently to almost the time of her death. She was a member of Hopkins Chapter O. E. S., while residing there.

She will be missed in the chapter, in the church, by the Shearer cemetery association, and the community in general, but most of all by her devoted husband, mother and son.

The funeral services were held at the Shearer church Sunday afternoon, Jan. 8 conducted by Rev. Mathews, pastor of the Methodist church at Burlington Junction, Mo.

The Eastern, Star funeral service was given at the grave burial being in the Shearer cemetery.

[Damewood, Alma McFarland]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 12, 1939     p. 2

SIAM LOCALS

Miss Mattie Nixon of St. Joseph attended the funeral of her niece, Mrs. Alma Damewood, in Siam Sunday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Moore of Greeley, Colo., who were called here by the death of his cousin, Mrs. Alma Damewood, are staying a few days to visit friends and relatives.

Mrs. Jane Shearer and daughters, Mrs. Cuma Ogilvie of Greeley, Colo., and Mrs. Nellie Burk and son of Denver, who were called here by the death of the former’s niece, Mrs. Herbert Damewood, left Sunday evening for their homes.

[Damewood, Dorothy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 11, 1934     p. 3

gravity

Miss Damewood Dies

Dorothy Damewood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. [saac] M. [elville] Damewood of Burlington, Wisc., died Monday, having been ill with a ruptured appendix.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 10, and burial made at Burlington. Mr. and Mrs. I. [saac] M. [elville] Damewood are both very ill at this time. Clyde Damewood of Gravity and Dave Peck of Kansas City left Sunday for Burlington.

[Damewood, Sarah Ann Phipps]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      June 28, 1951     [p. 1]

Services Are Held For Mrs. Damewood

NEW MARKET — Funeral services are being held this Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church in Braddyville for Mrs. Sarah [Ann Phipps] Damewood, 96, who passed away last Tuesday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alfred Crawford near New Market.

Mrs. Damewood, whose home was near Pumpkin Center, Mo., has been cared for in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Crawford the past 10 weeks.

Rev. Clarence Moore, pastor of the Methodist church in New Market, will have charge of funeral services. Interment in Shearer cemetery.

[Freemyer, Ansel J.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 30, 1971     [p. 1]

Ansel Freemyer Rites Tuesday

Funeral services for Ansel J. Freemyer, 66, of Conway, were held Tues., Dec. 28 at Shum - Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Freemyer died December 25, 1971. Interment was at the Athelstan Cemetery, Athelstan, Iowa.

[Freemyer, Ansel J.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 6, 1972     p. 3

Ansel Freemyer Rites Dec. 28

Funeral services for Ansel Freemyer, 66, of Conway, held December 28 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, were conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. Freemyer died at his home in Conway December 25, 1971. Interment was at Athelstan Cemetery, Athelstan.

Ansel Freemyer, son of John [Elmer] Freemyer and Clara Rusco Freemyer, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, November 6, 1905. He lived most of his life in Taylor County.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, three brothers, Roland and two brothers who died in infancy, a granddaughter, Connie Goudie.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Lilah [Ellen Sickels]; one son and four daughters: Alvis Freemyer of Denver, Colo.; Mrs. Marcelene Goudie and husband, Melvin, of Clarinda; Mrs. Betty Beemer and husband, Dean, of Cody, Wyo.; Mrs. Virginia Slemp and husband, Loren of Humeston, Ia.; Mrs. Carolyn Box and husband, Sonny, of Denver, Colo.; 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Other survivors are three brothers and two sisters, Arthur Freemyer of Athelstan; Harold Freemyer and wife, Kathryn, of Page, Nebraska; [Leo] Zelbert Freemyer and wife, Maxine of Bedford; Mrs. Zelda Sickels and husband, Glenn, Athelstan; Mrs. Agnes Porter, and husband, Rex of Kirkland, Wash.; a host of other relatives and friends.

He enjoyed his various occupations and continued his work as long as his health permitted. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and he was a special delight to them. He was always there to lend a helping hand to a neighbor.

He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and neighbor. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

[Freemyer, Arthur Bertsell]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 21, 1985     p. 6

Services held for Arthur B. Freemyer

Services for Arthur B. [ertsell] Freemyer, 83, were held March 14 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa with Rev. Ted DeHass as the minister. Burial was at the Athelstan Cemetery, Athelstan, Iowa.

Mr. Freemyer of Parnell, Missouri, formerly of the Bedford, Iowa area, died suddenly March 11, 1985 in Grant City, Mo.

The son of John E. [lmer] Freemyer and Clara Belle Rusco Freemyer, he was born May 5, 1901 in Athelstan, Iowa. On December 14, 1926 he married Gladys Crowe in Bedford, Iowa. Mr. Freemyer was a retired farmer. He had lived in Parnell the last four years.

Survivors include two sons, Russel Freemyer of Ravenwood, Missouri, and Jerry Freemyer of Yukon, Oklahoma; one daughter, Marie Rodgers of Glorieta, New Mexico; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Zelda Sickles of Athelstan, Iowa and Agnes Kindtworth of Kirkland, Washington; two brothers, Harold Freemyer of Page, Nebraska and [Leo] Zelbert Freemyer of Bedford, Iowa; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Helen Mann; two grandchildren; and four brothers, Roland, Ansil [Ansel] and two infants.

Mr. Freemyer was a very friendly man and liked to visit with people.

[Freemyer, Clara Bell Rusco]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 9, 1947     p. 7

ATHelsTAN

Attend Freemyer Rites

Among those from out of town who attended the last rites for Mrs. Clara Freemyer, included Mr and Mrs Dean Million, Mrs Nellie Townsend, Mrs Cora Byrns, Mrs. Mattie Morris, Mrs. Vearon John of Bedford.

____________________________

Obituary - Mrs. Clara Freemyer

Clara Bell Rusco, daughter of Charles Theodore and Mary Catherine [Swett] Rusco, was born near Athelstan, Iowa, Oct. 8, 1875 and died at the home of her daughter in Athelstan, Dec 14, 1946, at the age of 71 years, 2 months and 6 days.

She was married to John Elmer Freemyer June 28, 1891. He preceded her in death June 25, 1945.

To them were born 9 children. The living are Agnes Johnson, J. [oshua] Roland Freemyer, Harold Freemyer and [Leo] Zelbert Freemyer of Bedford, Arthur [Bertsell] Freemyer of Hopkins, Ansel Freemyer of Conway and Zelda Sickels of Athelstan.

She is survived by the children, 20 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Also by 4 brothers, Charles [Edward] Rusco of Shenandoah, A. [lbert] J. [ames] Rusco, of Stockton, California, Joe Rusco of Athelstan and Turner Rusco of Conway; 3 sisters, [Ida] Alice Freemyer and Floy [Mae] Ray of Creston, and Ethel [Dora] Sickels of Athelstan.

She made her confession in middle age in the Baptist church at Athelstan. She lived nearly all her life in this community.

She was a good mother and neighbor, bearing her illness and suffering with the greatest of patience. She will be greatly missed by her family and a host of friends.

[Freemyer, Ida Alice Rusco]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 8, 1951     p. 7

Mrs. Freemyer Dies

Mrs. [Ida] Alice Freemyer passed away at her home in Creston last Thursday. Funeral services were held at Crew funeral home Saturday with burial in Athelstan

[Freemyer, Ida Alice Rusco]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 15, 1951     [p. 1]

Former Resident Dies In Creston

CRESTON —Mrs. [Ida] Alice Freemyer, 78, died at Greater Community Hospital in Creston Jan. 31. A former resident of Taylor County, she had made her home in Creston the past 30 years.

She had been in poor health for the past five years.

She is survived by her six children, Della Cummings of Des Moines, Robert Freemyer of Menlo, Kans., Will Freemyer of Blockton, Goldie Robertson of Los Angeles, Grace Taylor of Zion, Ill., and Gene Freemyer of Creston; 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; three brothers, Charles Rusco of Shenandoah, Albert Rusco of Stockton, Cal., Joe Rusco of Athelstan; one sister, Ethel Sickles of Athelstan.

She was preceded in death by her husband Archer Monroe Freemyer, two sisters and four brothers.

The daughter of Charles Theodore Rusco and Mary Catherine Rusco, she was born Sept. 12, 1872, and died at the age of 78 years, four months and 19 days.

She married Mr. Freemyer Jan. 4, 1892. She was a member of the Baptist church. Services were held in Creston with burial at Athelstan cemetery.

[Freemyer, Minnie Ellen Key]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       March 21, 1974     p. 8

Minnie Freemyer Last Rites Held Wednesday

Funeral services for Minnie Ellen Freemyer, 35, of Blockton, were held Wed., Mar. 20, at Shum - Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford officiated by Rev. Ward Campbell. Mrs. Freemyer died March 17 at Clearview Nursing Home in Mt. Ayr. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

[Freemyer, Minnie Ellen Key]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       March 28, 1974     p. 2

Minnie Freemyer, 35 Last Rites Held March 20

Funeral services for Minnie Ellen Freemyer, 35, of Clearfield, formerly of Blockton, held March 20 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, were conducted by Rev. Ward Campbell. Mrs. Freemyer died March 17 in Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Minnie Ellen Key Freemyer, daughter of Loyed and Edna Key, Blockton, Iowa, was born March 7,1939 near Lenox, Iowa. At an early age she moved with her parents to Blockton where she received her education.

She was united in marriage to Harold Freemyer, Blockton, June 1956. To this union two sons were born, Randell and Mark. She joined the Methodist Church at Clearfield in 1962. She has been in failing health for 13 years of which nine years were spent as a bed patient at Clearview Nursing Home in Mt. Ayr, Iowa with multiple sclerosis.

Survivors are her sons, Randell and Mark Freemyer, Pleasantville, Ia.; parents, Loyed and Edna Key, Blockton; eight brothers, Donald Key, Columbus, Ohio, Marvin Key, LaPorte City, Ia., Harry Key, Jesup, Ia., Louis, Jerry and Albert, Independence, Ia., Vern Key, Bedford, Harold Key, Tacoma, Wash.; one sister, Rose Owen, Independence, Ia.; 31 nieces and nephews; one grandmother, Minnie Thomas, Woodburn, Ia., several aunts and uncles; a host of friends.

She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

[Freemyer, Zola Campbell]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 29, 1974     p. 2

Zola Freemyer, 79 Last Rites Held August 27

Funeral services for Mrs. J. [oshua] Roland Freemyer, 79, of Bedford, lifetime Taylor County resident, were held August 27 at the First Baptist Church in Bedford with Rev. Ollie Odle officiating. Mrs. Freemyer died at the Bishop Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebr. August 24, 1974. Interment was at Athelstan Cemetery, Athelstan, Iowa.

Zola Freemyer was one of ten children born to [John] Frank [lin] and Mary E.[lizabeth Kauble] Campbell on May 5, 1895 at Athelstan, Iowa in Taylor County.

Zola grew up on a farm near Athelstan and she attended the rural schools. Before her marriage she taught in several rural schools of Taylor County. She lived her entire life in the Taylor County area.

On December 29, 1915 she was united in marriage to J. Roland Freemyer at Athelstan, Iowa and to this union five children were born.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and two grandchildren.

Zola leaves with memories three sons, Truman of Farragut, Ia.; Elmer of Loveland, Colo., Leo of Albert Lea, Minn., two daughters, Elaine of the home and Louise Besco of Albert Lea. Minn., together with their husbands and wives; five brothers, Warren Campbell of Ottawa, Kans., Noble Campbell of Cromwell, Ia., Rev. Ward Campbell of Mount Ayr, Paul Campbell of Blockton, and Rev. Ola Campbell of Rochester, Minn.; three sisters, Lea Streebin, Ottawa, Kans., Chloe Stroburg, Blockton, and Nina Poore, Blockton; 12 grandchildren, 13 greet grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.

Zola farmed with her husband in Taylor County and moved to Bedford in 1945. After the death of her husband in 1952 she organized the Freemyer Nursing Home where she took care of the elderly in her home.

Zola accepted Christ as her personal Saviour as a young girl at Athelstan, moving her membership to the First Baptist Church in Bedford, Iowa in 1953. She was an active faithful member of the church, teaching the Gleaners Sunday school class, playing the piano for the Sunday school hour and the County Home services. She was secretary and treasurer of the Senior Citizen group and a member of Circle III of the Missionary Society.

Zola will be greatly missed by her family, friends, her pastor and the members of the First Baptist Church.