Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
[Pace, Alta Marie Watts]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     August 4, 1999     p. 3

Alta Marie Pace

Funeral services for Alta Marie Pace, age 91, of Bedford who died Thursday at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center were held Monday, August 1, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Burial was held in the Bedford City Cemetery. Memorials can be given in her name. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Alta Marie Pace was born May 23, 1908 near Diagonal, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Green Watts and Stella Cleo (Conley) Watts. Alta grew up attending rural schools and on February 9, 1924 [1926] she was united in marriage to Joseph Perry Pace in Grant City, Missouri. To this union four children were born.

Joe and Alta moved eight miles southeast of Bedford after their marriage and farmed together for many years. In 1958 they moved to a farm south of Bedford. In 1989 they retired from farming and moved to Bedford. Alta enjoyed fishing and gardening. She loved to grow gladiolas, listen to country music, especially Billy Ray Cyrus and Willie Nelson. Alta was one who never said an unkind word about anyone. Her motto was "if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all". She loved the outdoors, being with her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. If you showed up at Alta's home you had better be prepared to eat. She was a wonderful cook and was well known for her sugar cookies, rolls, cinnamon rolls, noodles and breads.

She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Rucker and husband Bob of Clarinda; Kay Spencer and husband Dean of Olathe, Kansas; a son, Wayne Pace and wife Coryl of Bedford; a daughter in law, Elaine Pace of Bedford; a sister, Marge Coffman of Treynor; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; and six step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her husband Joe; her parents, Charles and Stella; a son, Wilbur Gale Pace in 1985; a son-in-law, Wayne Rucker in 1984; a brother, Bill; three sisters, Thelma, Lois and Hazel; and a grandson, Ronald N. Rucker in 1947.

[Note: Correct marriage date is February 9, 1926, Grant City, Worth Co., Missouri. Source: Missouri marriage records, 1905-2002.]

[Pace, Joseph Perry “Joe”]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday        August 14, 1996      p. 4

Joseph Perry Pace

Joseph Perry Pace passed away in Mercy Hospital, Corning, Iowa on July 15, 1996 at the age of 87 years, nine months and ten days.

Joe was born October 6, 1908 in Taylor County to Danny [Daniel] W. [ilbur] and Effie Drennen Pace and lived all of his life in and around Bedford. He was united in marriage to Alta Watts in 1926; four children were born to this union, Dorothy, Wayne, and Kay.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, five sisters, one son, Wilbur, one grandson, Ronny Rucker and one son-in-law, Wayne Rucker. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Alta of the home in Bedford, and his children, Dorothy and Bob Rucker of Clarinda; Wayne and Coryl Pace of Bedford; Elaine Pace of Bedford; Kay and Dean Spencer of Olathe, Kansas; and a brother, Don and Signey Pace of Bedford; as well as 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Joe farmed many years south of Bedford, later having a lawn mowing shop in which he enjoyed visiting with his customers and neighbors. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball with the Cocklebur Ridge ball team, hunting and his coon dogs. Joe and Alta moved to town to enjoy their retirement years.

Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be sadly missed by all.

Services were held July 18, 1996 at 2:00 p.m. at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home, burial was at the Bedford City Cemetery.

[Parker, Stafford Eugene]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     April 7, 1993    p. 6

STAFFORD PARKER

Stafford Eugene Parker was born September 14, 1929 to Hubert and Cordelia  Parker. He was raised in Hamilton, Ohio, and most of his adult life was spent in San Francisco, Calif, where he was a friend of Connie Robinson.

To their friendship was born one son, Stafford Woodson Parker of the matriarchal home.

Stafford Eugene Parker passed away October 14, 1992. Left to cherish his memory is his son, Stafford, who remembers that his dad "Was really nice and always fun to be with."

Graveside services for both Stafford Eugene Parker and Connie Marie Robinson will be held Friday, April 9, 1993 at 10:30 a. m. at the Bedford Cemetery with Pastor Ted DeHass officiating.

[Parmenter, Charles B.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 14, 1977    [p. 1]

Charles Parmenter Last Rites Will Be Held Friday

Charles Parmenter of Bedford died at his home Monday evening. Funeral services will be held in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here Fri., July 14, at 2 p.m.

[Parmenter, Charles B.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 21, 1977    p. 9

Hold Final Rites In Bedford for Charles Parmenter

Funeral services for Charles B. Parmenter, 81, of Bedford were held July 15 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home conducted by Rev. C. Ray McCain. Mr. Parmenter died in his home in Bedford July 11, 1977. The Bedford American Legion conducted Military Honors at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford, Ia.

Charles B. Parmenter was born on October 17, 1895 in Taylor County. Son of Pheba [Arletta Cannon] and Orland Parmenter, he lived all of his life near and in Bedford.

Mr. Parmenter married Eva [Mae] Batson on September 12, 1930 [1939].

He was a World War I veteran and worked in civil service as a postal employee for 33 years. He was a member of the Christian Church in Bedford.

Mr. Parmenter was preceded in death by his parents, a sister (Grace), two brothers, one sister and a grandson who died in infancy.

Left with memories are his wife, Eva; nine children, Jean [Marie] and Jeff of Shenandoah, Charles Junior of Quincy, Ill., Jim of Afton, Mary and June of Bedford, Judy of Albany, Mo., [Naomi] Betty of Woodbine and Opal [Lucille] of Rogers, Arkansas; one brother, Elzie of Bedford; 17 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a host of friends.

[Note: The correct marriage date is September 12, 1939. Source: Bedford Times-Press, Oct. 26, 1939.]

[Parmenter, Eva Mae Batson]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     February 9, 1994     p. 3

EVA M. PARMENTER

Funeral services for Eva M. [ae] Parmenter were held Saturday, Feb. 5, 1994 at Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Peters officiating. Burial was in Bedford City Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa.

Eva M. [ae] Parmenter, daughter of Claudie Batson and Oma Davis Batson, was born at Darlington, Mo. on December 24, 1921 and departed this life on February 2, 1994 at the Immanuel Medical Center at the age of 72 years, one month and eight days.

She lived south of Siam, Iowa and grew to maturity there. She attended the Fine Country School.

On September 12, 1939 she was united in marriage to Charles B. Parmenter at Rockport, Mo. and they lived in Bedford, Iowa.

To this union seven children were born, Jean, Charles Jr., Mary, James, Judy, Jeff and June.

She worked hard as a housewife and mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, one sister, one brother and one grandchild.

Left to cherish her memory are one sister, Mrs. Helen Hines, her seven children, 16 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one half-sister and many nieces and nephews.

She was a kind and considerate mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

[Parmenter, Elzie R. ]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday    November 4, 1992     p. 4

ELSIE R. PARMENTER

Elzie R. Parmenter, son of Orland and Pheba Cannon Parmenter, was born in Taylor county Nov. 18, 1908 and departed this life October 30, 1992 at Rosary Hospital, Corning, Iowa at the age of 83 years, 11 months, 12 days. He lived and grew to maturity in Bedford, Iowa and attended the Christian Church, which later became the United Christian-Presbyterian church.

He was employed in radio communications for Bedford and Taylor County as a radio operator for approximately 19 years. He had many other jobs in town throughout his years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish his memory are several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

He was a member of the United Christian-Presbyterian Church and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He had a passion for genealogy and calligraphy and for reading. He had an extensive library, which took him and taught him about places all over the world. In his quiet, kind way, he was always learning and was a self-taught man. He loved people.

Whenever you go out to Taylor County Historical Museum, you will be able to remember Elzie, who with his half brother, Glen Sharp, carved the wooden circus replica.

Elzie Parmenter was a kind and considerate human being and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Graveside service was held Nov. 2 at the Bedford City Cemetery with Rev. Marcia L. Smith Wood officiating. 

[Parmenter, James Alan]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       July 22, 1971      p. 4

SERVICES HELD FOr PARMENTER INFANT

Funeral services for James Alan Parmenter, infant son of James Orland and Kathy Sue Lamb Parmenter, were held July 18 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home conducted by Pastor of Hopkins Christian Church Fred Paxton. He died at University Hospitals in Iowa City July 15. Interment was at the Bedford Cemetery.

James Alan Parmenter was born July 8 at University Hospitals, Iowa City.

[Parmenter, Kirk Kendrick]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday       November 21, 1907      p. 5

Another Old Soldier Gone

Kirk K. [endrick] Parmenter died at his home in Bedford yesterday afternoon at 1:25 o'clock age 68 years, 1 month and 22 days.

The funeral services will be held at the Christian church at 2:30 p m. Friday, conducted by Rev. Hendrickson. Interment at Bedford cemetery. The ceremonies at the cemetery will be in charge of the G. A. R.

Mr. Parmenter was born in Illinois, but for many years has been a resident of Bedford. During the war he was a gallant soldier, and as a citizen he was a man of strictest integrity and scrupulous honesty. All who knew him honored and respected him, and he left behind him a name untarnished by the stain of anything discreditable to an upright man.

Obituary notice will appear later.

[Parmenter, Kirk Kendrick]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       November 21, 1907     [p. 1]

Death of Kirk K. Parmenter

Wednesday afternoon at 1:25, Kirk K. [endrick] Parmenter passed away, at the age of 68 years, 1 month and 22 days. He was a native of Illinois but has made his home in Taylor county for years. He has been living with his son, Ollie, in the north part of town, and has not been well for some time.

The funeral will be held at the Christian church Friday afternoon, and the burial will be at Bedford cemetery, under the auspices of the G. A. R. post, of which he was a member. His wife preceded him some time ago. Full particulars of his life are unobtainable at this writing.

[Parmenter, Kirk Kendrick]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday       November 28, 1907     p. 3

Obituary.

Kirk Kendrick Parmenter was born in Edgington, Rock Island County, Illinois, September 28, 1839, and died at his home in Bedford on November 20, 1907, his age at the time of his death being 68 years, 1 month and 22 days. All his early life was spent in the county of his nativity, and until nearly 30 years of age when he moved to Jefferson County, Iowa. There he remained only about three years when he moved to Taylor County, where all the remainder of his life was spent.

When the War broke out, Mr. Parmenter was residing in Illinois, and in 1864 he enlisted in Co. G, 140th III. Regt, serving out the full term of his enlistment and receiving an honorable discharge.

In 1861 Mr. Parmenter was married in Rock Island County, Illinois, to Miss Nancy J. [ane] Sedan [Sedam], and for more than thirty years they lived together in happiness and contentment. Five children were born to this union, four of whom survive. They are, Mrs. Cora E. Johnston, of Bedford; Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Spear, of Omaha; Mrs. Katy Cannon, of Council Bluffs, and Orland Parmenter, of Bedford. The other child, Mathier, died in infancy. On March 6, 1892, the wife and mother passed away, and her body lays beside her husband’s in Bedford cemetery, while beyond the dark river their souls are joined in glory, never more to part.

In early life Mr. Parmenter united with the church and ever after was a faithful member; all through life he was a conscientious Christian, an upright and honest man. All who knew him respected and esteemed him, and his death is sincerely mourned by all. The funeral services were held at 2:30 p. m. Friday at the Christian church, conducted by Rev. Hendrickson. The interment was made at Bedford cemetery, at which place Sedgwick Post, G. A. R had charge of the ceremonies.

[Parmenter, Kirk Kendrick]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     November 28, 1907     p. 8

Obituary.

Kirk K. [endrick] Parmenter was born in Rock Island County, Ill., September 28, 1839, and died at the home of his son in North Bedford, November 20, 1907, from heart failure.

In 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. [ane] Sedam, and in 1868 they moved to Jefferson County, Iowa. After remaining there for three years they moved to Taylor County, locating in Jackson Township on a farm. In 1874 they moved to Bedford and he has since continued to reside here. Mr. and Mrs. Parmenter were the parents of five children, four of whom still remain to mourn his death. They are Mrs. Cora E. Johnson [Johnston], Bedford; Mrs. Sarah [Elizabeth] Spear, South Omaha; Orland, of Bedford; Mrs. Kate Cannon, Council Bluffs. His wife died March 6, 1892, since which time Mr. Parmenter has made his home with his children.

He enlisted in Co. G, 140th Ill Inf., and on October 9, 1864, received an honorable discharge. Mr. Parmenter was a kind husband and father and held in the highest regard by all who knew him. By occupation he was a carpenter. The funeral service was held from the Christian church on Friday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Elder Hendrickson, and the remains were laid to rest in the Bedford cemetery, the G. A. R. having charge of the burial.

The remaining children have the sympathy of all in their hour of bereavement.

[Parmenter, Orland “Ollie”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      March 2, 1939      p. 5

O. Parmenter

Orland Parmenter, son of Kirk Kendrick and Nancy Jane Parmenter, was born in Edgington, Rock Island County, Ill., April 25, 1867 and died at his home in Bedford, Sunday, Feb. 26, 1939, at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 1 day.

At the age of seven years he came with his parents to Taylor County, Iowa. They lived on Honey Creek in Jackson Township, later moving to a home in north Bedford, where he had resided for the past sixty years.

Nov. 13, 1890, he was married to Phebe A. [rletta] Cannon. To them were born six children, three of whom survive. They are Mrs. Grace [Myrtle] Sharp, Charles B. Parmenter and Elzie R. Parmenter, all of Bedford.

In 1891 he became a member of the Church of Christ in Bedford.

On the first of June 1889, he enrolled in Company I, Third Regiment, Iowa National Guard, as a private for a term of five years, being discharged July 13, 1894.

He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 91, of Bedford for many years and was a member in good standing at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, and by a sister, Mrs. R. H. Cannon of Bedford. Also by three granddaughters, two great granddaughters, all of Bedford, and by other relatives and a host of friends.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Leslie Cobb, with the Odd Follows burial service given at the funeral home. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Robinson, Connie Marie]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     March 10, 1993    p. 3

Memorial services are pending for Connie Robinson, 43, San Francisco, Calif. A Connie Robinson memorial fund has been established. Donations may be made at United National Bank in Bedford or to Lorelei Rusco in Gravity.

Connie was a former Bedford resident.

[Robinson, Connie Marie]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     April 7, 1993    p. 6

Services Friday for Connie Marie Robinson

Graveside services will be held Friday, April 9, 1993 at 10:30 a.m. at Bedford Cemetery (old cemetery). Pastor Ted DeHass will officiate.

Connie Marie Robinson was born April 8, 1949. She was adopted at an early age by her loving parents, Marguerite Gertrude Williams Thomas and Lewis Woodson Robinson.

Connie grew up in Bedford, graduating from Bedford High School in 1967. She then attended and graduated from Tarkio College m 1971.

After living in Omaha, Neb., Connie relocated to San Francisco, Calif. In 1976 she became the mother of Stafford Woodson Parker. She earned her LVN degree and for several years worked as a private nurse. Most recently she worked at the VA hospital.

Connie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford.

After many years of failing health, Connie died March 1, 1993. Preceding her in death were her parents Lewis and Marguerite, aunt Aggie (Agnes Hillard), and friend, Stafford Eugene Parker.

Connie had a keen sense of humor, especially in regards to her size and her color and all who knew her remember her many antidotes.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Stafford, and many friends.

[Straight, Leonard Curtis]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday        July 24, 1996      p. 8

Leonard Curtis Straight

Leonard Curtis Straight, son of Seymour and Effa Wheat Straight, was born on June 27, 1900 and departed this life July 10, 1996 in Clearview Home, Clearfield, Iowa at the age of 96 years and 13 days.

Leonard lived and grew to maturity in the Taylor County area around Sharpsburg and Bedford. He attended school in this area and was a member of the Christian Church.

Leonard farmed all his life until retirement and enjoyed working the earth.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Seymour and Effa; four brothers, Sanford, Clio, Howard and Vern; and four sisters, Selma, Salena, Sola and Iness.

Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Harlan Straight of Kennewick, Washington; his sisters-in-law, Betty Straight of Wilmington, Delaware and Estella Straight of Portland, Oregon; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Leonard was a kind and considerate son, brother, and uncle and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The funeral was held July 16 at 2:00 p.m. with Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Officiating the service was Rev. Scott Marcum.