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

[Albert, Helen Elizabeth]

Funeral services for Helen Albert, age 84, formerly of Bedford, who died Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at Living Center East in Cedar Rapids, were held Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation were one hour prior to services. Interment were held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in Helen’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Helen Elizabeth Albert was born April 15, 1938 [1928] in Waterloo, Iowa the daughter of Merrill J. [ames] Albert and Helen (Dresher) Albert. Her mother Helen graduated as Valedictorian from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1912. She then attended college in Saskatoon, Canada and the University of Iowa where she graduated in 1917 with her Bachelor’s Degree. She was a Superintendent of Schools in Iowa for six years, becoming Principal at the Duncombe High School. She passed away June 1, 1952. She married Merrill J.[ames] Albert of Brandon, Iowa while he was attending Officer’s Training School during Word War I. After his wife Helen died in June of 1952 he married Cecilia Newquist. During his working years he was Superintendent of Schools in Duncombe, Iowa. He passed away July 6, 1981.

Helen’s family made their home in Cedar Falls while her mother was High School Principal and her father Superintendent of Schools in Duncombe. While Helen was a small child, during the immunization process, she suffered complications. She lived her life from the age of 21 in a nursing facility where she was lovingly cared for.

Left to cherish Helen’s memory is her cousin Beverly Albert of Vinton, Iowa.

Preceding her in death are her parents Merrill and Helen Albert.
[Online obituary available from Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, http://www.efc.cc/_main/obituaries.asp]

[Albert, Merrill James]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      July 16, 1981      p. 9

Graveside Service for Merrill J. Albert Held in Bedford

Graveside services for Merrill J. [ames] Albert, 87, of Toledo, Ia., held July 9 at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, were officiated by Rev. James Dale with military honors conducted by Bedford American Legion Post 164. Mr. Albert died July 6 in Sunnyhill Nursing Home in Tama, Ia.

Son of Frank J. and Elizabeth Nabholz Albert, Merrill J. [ames] Albert was born August 7, 1893 in Harrison Township, Benton [Buchanan] County, Brandon, Iowa.

He married Helen [Marie] Dresher of Bedford September 4, 1919 at Camp Pike, Little Rock, Arkansas. To them a daughter, Helen Elizabeth, was born April 15, 1928 in Waterloo. Mrs. Albert died June 1, 1952.

Mr. Albert then married Cecilia Irene Newquist, December 26, 1953 at the Little Brown Church. Cecilia died September 12, 1977.

Merrill was a World War I veteran. He was Superintendent of Schools in Duncombe, Iowa then he was a textbook salesman for the American Book Company.

He spent many autumns in Canada hunting moose, elk, caribou, deer, etc.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Helen Elizabeth, of Watertown, Wisc.; sister-in-law, Pearl Albert, of Brandon; several nieces and nephews.

Attending the services were Pearl Albert and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Albert, Brandon, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Albert, Oelwein, Ia.; Catherine Newquist, Ottumwa; Philip Newquist and Leland Newquist, Agency, Ia.

[Bartles, Allan Allison “Smokey”]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     September 11, 1997

Allan Allison Bartles

Allan Allison Bartles, known to most as Smokey, age 65 years, was born July 13, 1931 near Blockton, Iowa to parents Ray Ellis Bartles and Buena  [Beauna] May Bartles. He died on August 30, 1996 in Springfield, Missouri.

He lived and grew to maturity in rural Iowa and Missouri areas.

He was united in marriage on June 10, 1950 to [Frances] Irene Collins Bartles at Springdale, Arkansas. They raised their family in the Missouri area, and later settled in the Branson area, where he worked as a musician. He also enjoyed working with cattle and horses, particularly draft horses and he continued to farm with them by choice instead of using a tractor.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Beauna May Bartles of rural Hopkins, Missouri, his wife Irene, a daughter and her family, Sarah and husband Greg Harmon of Tunis, Missouri, along with their children, Alisha Lange of Nashville and Cody West still living at home. Also a son and his family, Robert and Carol Bartles of Macomb, Illinois, along with their son, Andrew Bartles still at home. Also a cousin and his family, Leonard and Joan Bartles and their children, Jeffrey Bartles and Becky Farley.

It was noted that Smokey loved his family and friends. He enjoyed his horses and the world of nature. He relished music, particularly Bluegrass mountain music and he spent many years as a singer entertainer, playing the guitar and fiddle while writing many of his songs. He passed this love on to his family. He also loved God and he developed a living relationship, which grew strong through his later day sufferings. "God is good," he was fond of saying even in the grips of great pain. He loved to testify to any about his experiences and God's goodness. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Graveside services were held September 2 at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Arrangements by Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home of Bedford.

[Bartles, Frances Irene Jole]

Funeral services for Frances Irene Jole Bartles, age 71, of Reeds Spring, Missouri, formerly of Bedford, Iowa, were held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10, 2003, at the First Baptist Church in Reeds Spring under the Direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson, MO. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2003 in Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa. She died at 3:45 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2003, at her home. She was born on June 10, 1932 at Flint, Oklahoma, the daughter of Floyd and Ollie Holland Collins. She had been a resident of Reeds Spring for the past 30 years. She was a former employee of Silver Dollar City where she and her husband were in entertainment. They had done Blue Grass Music for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Reeds Spring, MO. Survivors are her two children, Robert Bartles and wife, Carol of Grand Detour, Illinois and Sarah Harmon and husband, Greg of Urbana, Missouri three sisters, Juanita Hulett of Lincoln, Arkansas, Betty Adair of Gentry, Arkansas and Nora Dean Davis of Westville, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Andrew Bartles, Alicia Lange and Cody West; two great grandchildren, Addison Lange and Jared Lange. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan in 1996; parents; sister, Loveta Yocom; brother, Harold Collins, and infants, Floyd Collins and her twin brother, Raymond Collins.
[Online obituary courtesy of Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, http://www.efc.cc/_main/obituaries.asp]

[Beard, Nellie Frances Myers]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 27, 1952      [p. 1]

Mrs. Nellie Beard Succumbed Monday

Mrs. L. E. (Nellie) Beard, 82, died at her home early Monday morning, March 24 following a long illness.

Funeral services are being held Thursday, March 27 at 2 p. m. at the Christian Church, where she was a long-time member and faithful worker. Rev. Evan Routh is the officiating minister. The body will be placed in the mausoleum in Fairview cemetery.

Mrs. Beard is survived by three daughters and two sons.

[Beard, Nellie Frances Myers]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 3, 1952     p. 5

Obituary – Nellie F. Beard

Nellie Frances Myers was born near Mount Pleasant, Iowa Sept. 20, 1869. She moved with her family to Bedford about 1881, where she grew to womanhood.

She was married to Lawrence E. [mory] Beard at Bedford on Nov. 17, 1887. To them were born five children, all of whom survive. They are George of Richland, Wash., Ed of Bedford, Mary Snyder of Shreveport, La., Helen Blanchard of Compton, Calif., Geraldine Laws of Green Bay, Wisc.

There are also 22 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, and three sisters: Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards of Kearney, Nebr., Mrs. Nancy Nelson of Hastings, Nebr., and Mrs. Fannie Koberstein of Hastings, Nebr.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, who passed away Nov. 27, 1934; also by one brother and sister.

In 1900, she united with the Christian church in Bedford, where her membership has since remained.

All of the children and the three sisters were present for the last rites. Also two grandchildren, Lawrence Beard and his wife of Carthage, Mo., Mrs. Guy Young and her husband of Jasper, Ark.

[Book, Janet Kay Marley]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     July 17, 2002

JANET BOOK

Funeral services for Janet Book, age 68 of Savannah, Missouri, formerly of Bedford, who died Saturday, July 13, 2002, were held Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Interment was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the Heartland Hands of Hope Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Janet Kay Marley Book was born October 6, 1933 in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Wayne Marley and Evelyn King Marley. She grew up in the Bedford area graduating from the Bedford High School in 1952. She then attended Iowa State University from 1953 to 1956. On June 23, 1956 she was united in marriage to Duane Book at the Berea Church. Together, Duane and Janet lived east of Bedford where they raised their family.

Janet worked for 29 ½ years for the Bedford Community School District as the Elementary School Secretary. This was a job she enjoyed as much as the children enjoyed having her in their daily school lives. In 1996 Janet moved to Savannah, Missouri where she was employed as a receptionist for Dr. Robert Brunker in St. Joseph.

Janet loved to take care of others and often put their needs above her own. She had the ability to make friends, and we all know she had many! Janet took great pride in her family and was interested in everything they did. Her goal seemed to be to make others happy in her gentle way. Janet often thought about her former students and was always concerned about how they were doing after they graduated from school. One would say, Janet seemed to collect and keep friends; people just seemed to gravitate towards her. She was a member of the Berea Church of Christ in Bedford and while living in Savannah she attended the Savannah Church of Christ.

Janet is survived by her loving husband Duane Book of Savannah, Missouri; her father, Wayne Marley of Bedford; a son, Doyle Book and wife Micki of Harrison, Arkansas; a daughter, JoEllen Sommer and husband John of Oregon, Missouri; a brother, Jim Marley and wife Joyce of Gladstone, Missouri; a sister, Nancy Mouat and husband Mac of Rolla, Missouri; three grandchildren, Lindsay, Jared and Marc and six great-grand-children, Ashley, Jordan, Cole, Sean, Braden and Brea; along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Janet in death is her mother Evelyn King Marley.

[Boyd, Katie Norene Anthony]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      June 7, 1989     p. 3

Katie Norene Boyd

Graveside services were held Saturday, June 4, 3:00 p. m. for Katie Norene Boyd at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa, Rev. Ted DeHass was the minister and Shum-Novinger Funeral Home of Bedford was in charge of arrangements.

Katie Boyd, daughter of Willard and Emma [Jane] Noonan Anthony was born at Elliott, Iowa December 19, 1910 and departed this life June 1, 1989 in Sigourney, Iowa at the age of 78 years, five months and 13 days.

She lived in Keota, Iowa and grew to maturity in Elliott, Iowa where she attended the public school and Methodist Church.

On February 28, 1928 she was united in marriage to Newton Emmett Boyd at Red Oak, Iowa and they lived in Taylor County, Iowa and later in Kansas City, Ks.

To this union four children were born: Beatrice, Irma, Wilma, and Marjorie.

She was engaged in secretarial work at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kas. as her occupation.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers, and one sister.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Mrs. Beatrice Blake of Keota, Iowa; Mrs. Irma Burks and husband Allen of Lancaster, Calif.; Mrs. Wilma Burks and husband Joe of Kansas City, Ks.; Mrs. Marjorie Polen and husband Tom of Elyria, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

She was a member of the Baptist Church and she loved to travel, garden and quilt.

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

[Boyd, Newton Emmet “Newt”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      November 21, 1957     p. 7

Newt Boyd Dies In Kansas City

Newt Boyd, a former resident of Bedford, died unexpectedly at his home in Kansas City, Wednesday, November 13.

The body was brought to Bedford and last rites were held at the Shum Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, Nov. 16, conducted by Rev. Clyde Cornelius of Hopkins. Burial was in Fairview cemetery.

Newton Emmet Boyd, son of Alfred and Flora Adeline Crull Boyd, was born March 30, 1906 at Conway, and died at the age of 51 years, seven months, 14 days.

He lived most of his life in Taylor County and on February 28, 1928 he was married to Katie Norene Anthony. To them four daughters were born.

He is survived by his wife; four daughters, Mrs. Robert Blake (Beatrice) of Sterling, Colo.; Mrs. Charles Burks (Irma), Mrs. Joseph Burks (Wilma), of Kansas City; and Marjorie of the home; five grandchildren, the sons-in-law; a sister, Mrs. Glen Snyder of Bedford; a brother, Fay Boyd of Far Rockaway, New York.

[Boyer, Mary Ann]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     October 29, 1953      p. 2

CLEARFIELD

Infant’s Funeral Rites

Funeral services were held at the J. C. Crew funeral home Friday at 2 p. m. for the infant daughter [Mary Ann] of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Boyer. The baby died at birth, Oct. 22 in Rosary hospital in Corning. A brother, Douglas, and sister, Sharon, survive. Burial in Conway cemetery.

[Burch, Filitia Greigg]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     December 9, 1920      [p. 1]

Died Very Suddenly

Mrs. L. [evi] P. [reston] Burch [Filitia Greigg] died at her home in west Bedford, Monday night, December 6 at 12:00.

Mrs. Burch has been in ill health for some time, having had a stroke of paralysis about a year ago. Although she was seemingly as well as usual on Monday afternoon. This comes as a double blow to the children as the father was taken to St. Joseph last week for an operation his eyes. He was to be operated on Tuesday morning, but received the sad news in time for him to come home on the noon train Tuesday.

This aged couple recently passed their fiftieth milestone in life together. All the children but one were present to help them celebrate this event.

The family have our heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement.

[Burch, Levi Preston]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    January 19, 1928     [p. 1]

L. P. Burch

Death came to L. [evi] P. [reston] Burch, 77, another of the old Bedford residents at 4 p. m. Tuesday, January 17th at his home in north Bedford. He had been in ill health for some time and gradually grew worse until the end. The funeral service is being held today, Thursday, at 2 p. m. at the Baptist church, the sermon preached by Rev. C. M. Crowell. Burial will be given in Fairview cemetery at the side of his wife who preceded him some years ago.

Obituary next week.

[Burch, Levi Preston]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     January 26, 1928     p. 3

Levi Preston Burch

Levi Preston Burch, son of George and Eliza Ann Burch, was born in Green County, Indiana, on January 14, 1851 and passed away at his home in Bedford, Ia., on January 17, 1928, at the age of 77 years and 3 days. Mr. Burch was one of a family of ten children, all having passed away except one brother, Ross Burch, who is now living in Bloomington, Ind. He resided in the State of Indiana until two years following his marriage, when he moved with his family to Wayne County, Iowa, where he spent three years; following this move he located in Taylor County, Iowa, where he was a resident for 53 years. On Nov. 30, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Filitia Griegg [Greigg], and to this happy union seven children were born. Five are living, as follows: C. [larendon] N. Burch of Conway; L. [oyal] G. [reigg] Burch of Bedford; Mrs. C. [harles] F. Streebin [Edna Edith] of Bedford; R.[olla] B. [oyd] Burch of this city. We all feel that brother Burch was a very patient sufferer, and was very slow to complain relative to his lot in life. More than six years ago he was stricken with blindness, and of course because of that affliction he was not able to behold the wonders of nature, the beauty of the sunset, and the face of his loved ones. Those of us who have our power of vision do not realize his sad affliction; neither do we appreciate the blessing of sight. Brother Burch leaves to mourn his departure the five living children, also 12 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Two of his own children having preceded him in death, together with his good wife who passed away six years ago. In addition to those mentioned, he leaves many other relatives and loving friends. At the time of his death Mr. Burch was a member in good and regular standing of the First Baptist church in Bedford, also a member in good and regular standing of the K. P. Lodge located in Bedford.

We recognize the fact that in the passing out of Brother Burch we are laying to rest one of our faithful citizens and pioneers, who was one among many others to blaze the trail into a new civilization. We all appreciate the services of those who because they loved liberty and humanity, were willing to sacrifice in order that posterity might enjoy a state such as ours.

Much credit is due Miss Vera Burch who so faithfully cared for her father during his long illness.

[Burch, Vera]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      February 20, 1947     [p. 1]

Miss Vera Burch Dies Here Feb. 15

Miss Vera Burch, a resident of this community all of her life, died at her home near Bedford, Saturday, February 15.

The funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Russell g. Nye. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

Vera, youngest daughter of Levi and Filita [Filitia Greigg] Burch, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, January 19, 1884, being aged 63 years and 26 days at the time of her death.

She was a faithful member of the First Baptist church of Bedford, as long as her health would permit.

Vera was a true and faithful daughter, having spent many years of her life caring for her mother and father, who with a brother and sister preceded her in death. She is survived by two brothers, Loyal G. [reigg] Burch of Gravity and Rolla B.[oyd] Burch of Denver, Colorado, a number of nieces and nephews.

[Sheley, Harley Edwin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 14, 1968     [p. 1]

Final Rites Held November 13 For Harley Sheley

Funeral services for Harley Edwin Sheley, 49, lifetime Taylor County resident, were held Wednesday, November 13 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here conducted by Rev. Walter L. Ortmann. Mr. Sheley died at his home near Bedford on Sunday. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Harley Edwin Sheley was born to Floyd [Ralph] and Avis [Foreman] Sheley on December 7, 1918. He was their only child.

He was married to Dorothy Cox Sheley on November 18, 1939.

Mr. Sheley is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Edwin [LeRoy], and his wife, Marilyn [Jean Wiseman]; two grandsons, Ricky Lee and Randy Joe; his mother Mrs. John Gnatovich of Denver, Colo.; two aunts and two uncles; Mrs. Carrie Roush, Mrs. Annice Horning, Faye Sheley and Don Foreman; a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd in 1936; and three infant children: William Lowell, Donna Jean, and John Harley.

Harley Edwin Sheley was a kind and loving son, husband and father. It has been said he never knew a stranger. His broad smile and hearty laugh, his every ready neighborly helping hand and his faithful presence in activities of community and home will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

[Trumbo, Blanche Wolverton]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      December 14, 1994

Blanche Trumbo

Blanche Trumbo, age 85, long-time resident of Bedford, was born May 28, 1909 at Gainer, Mo. to parents James P. [ruitt] and Elva (Jared) Wolverton. She died of stroke complications December 5, 1994 at the Clearview Home, Clearfield, Iowa.

She grew to maturity in the Gainer-Hopkins, Mo. as a young girl. She was married on July 20, 1929 to James Francis Trumbo in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Blanche and her husband James Francis (nicknamed Fat) then farmed in the Forest Grove and Pleasant Grove area until moving to Bedford, Iowa in 1960. To this union one daughter was born, Geraldine Ann.

Moving her into the public eye most was her business life. In 1954 Blanche purchased a partnership in The Style Shoppe of Bedford, and then in 1959 becoming sole owner. This shop was her life, and a very successful business, which she operated until her stroke on October 20, 1994. Everyone knew Blanche as a kind and sincere person and a good businesswoman.

Preceding her in death are her husband, [James] Francis Trumbo, parents, James and Elva Wolverton, a stepmother, Zella Wolverton, brother, Bruce Wolverton, and son-in-law, Doyle Irwin.

Survivors include her daughter, Geri Irwin of Cottonwood, Ariz., grandson and his wife, Richard and Julie Irwin of Littleton, Colo., and a companion and close friend, Clara Lou Hardin of Bedford.

Memorial services were held at the First Baptist Church in Bedford Wednesday, Dec. 7, with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. There was private interment.

Arrangements were by Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home of Bedford.