Troncin, Kenneth J. - Memorial services for Kenneth Troncin, age 85 of Bedford who died Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center were held Friday evening, August 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Private interment of ashes will be held at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Ambulance Service or the Clarinda Rescue Unit.

Kenneth J. Troncin was born May 19, 1921, in Taylor County, Iowa the son of Harry Troncin and Mable (Crandal) Troncin. Kenny grew up in the Bedford / Hopkins area where he attended rural schools. In his younger years worked as a hired farm hand. On May 3, 1942, he was united in marriage to Helen Hensley in Savannah, Missouri. In December of 1944, he answered the call to serve his country by entering the United States Army during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre until his discharge in August of 1946. Upon his return to the states, he and Helen farmed west of Bedford for several years, moving to their present farm south of Bedford in 1952. Kenny sold feed for Mooreman Manufacturing for 14 years, being top salesman many times. Kenny and Helen also enjoyed buying and selling antiques for over 20 years. They also traveled with the flea markets, covering much of the Midwest.

Kenny loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing whenever possible. He loved building things from bird houses to baby cradles. Kenny truly enjoyed being around people. He had a great sense of humor and had and had a contagious laugh. Kenny was a “great corn shucker”, shucking up to 100 bushels per day.

Left to cherish Kenny’s memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Helen Troncin of Bedford; a son, Ralond Dean Troncin and wife Ruby of Riverside, California; and four grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, Ricky and Troy.

Preceding Kenny in death were his parents Harry and Mable Troncin; a son Richard Wayne and three brothers, Bernard, Dean and Orville Troncin.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Ken’s passing.

Tribolet, Clara - Dec 26, 2006 ritchie

Townsend, Harold James - Funeral services for Harold Townsend, age 72 of Bedford, who died Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Corning were held Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. A flag folding ceremony was held following the services at the funeral home by the John F. Hardin American Legion. Cremation followed the services with interment of ashes at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the Bedford Ambulance Service. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Harold James Townsend was born October 21, 1936 at home in Corning, Iowa, the son of Earl and Thelma (Sutton) Townsend. He grew up attending school in Corning, graduating from the Corning High School with the Class of 1954. Harold was united in marriage to Lois Williams on April 9, 1955 in Prescott. The couple had three children born to bless their lives, Lori, Barb and Mark. Harold joined the United States Air Force serving from 1955 to 1959. One of those years was spent in Adena, Turkey as a Weather Observer. After he was honorably discharged, Harold attended Northwest Missouri State University, graduating with the Class of 1962 with a Teaching Degree. Harold taught at the Prescott High School for two years and then the Earlham High School for three years. He then became an insurance adjuster for Farm Bureau Insurance, a position he held from 1967 until 1987. He then worked at Michael’s Foods in Lenox for ten years before retiring. The family lived in Creston for two years, and when he began working for Farm Bureau, they moved to Bedford in July of 1969.

Growing up Harold loved sports, especially football and golf. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the John F. Hardin American Legion and a HUGE Green Bay Packer Fan. He was also a member of the Presbyterian Church in Corning. For over twenty years, Harold served on the “Chain Gang” for the high school football games. Harold and son Mark enjoyed golfing together and he was always delighted when Mark beat him! He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his beloved dog Flipper until the dog’s death, when Harold gave up hunting. Harold possessed a great sense of humor. If you were fortunate enough to know Harold, he was always joking and trying to pull one over on someone! Spending time with his family was something he truly enjoyed, especially the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend are his loving wife of fifty-four years, Lois Townsend of Bedford; his three children, Lori Diercks and husband John of West Des Moines, Iowa; Barb Anglea and husband Richard of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Mark Townsend and wife Ronajo of St. Joseph, Missouri; two grandsons, John and Josh Diercks, both of West Des Moines; two granddaughters, Haley and Jordyn Anglea both of West Des Moines; one step-granddaughter, Mallory Kline of St. Joseph, Missouri; three sisters, Norma Hewitt of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Eleanor Sheffield of Bedford; and Roberta Steele and husband Russell of Des Moines; along with many nieces, nephews and a whole community of friends.

Preceding Harold in death are his parents Earl and Thelma Townsend; two brothers, Raymond Townsend and Charles and wife Claudette Townsend; and three brothers-in-law, Wallace Maddy, Bill Hewitt and Dick Sheffield.

Harold’s enthusiasm, humor, insight and
kindness will be missed by his family and friends.

Townsend, Justin Lewis - Justin Lewis Townsend, 29, Maryville, Mo., passed away June 18, 2009 at Heartland Regional Medical Center, St Joseph, Mo.

He was born February 8, 1980 in Maryville, the son of Don L. Townsend and Karen Sue Bailey. A graduate of Bedford Community High School in Bedford, Iowa, Justin was a team member in assembly at Kawasaki in Maryville.

A generous fellow, Justin wanted to help anyone that needed help, unselfishly putting their needs ahead of his own. With that in mind, he became an organ donor.

Justin was preceded in death by his twin sister: April Nicole Townsend and his grandfathers: Carmie Bailey and Darwin Townsend.

He is survived by his father: Don L. Townsend, Clearmont, Missouri; his mother: Karen (Rod) Sickels, Bedford, Iowa; step-brother: Joshua Sickles and step-sister: Adrianna Sickles, both of Clarinda, Iowa; sister: Stephanie Shatava, nephew: Gage Shatava and niece: Samantha Shatava, all of Glenwood, Iowa; maternal grandmother: Helen Bailey, Maryville; paternal grandmother: Rosalyn Townsend-Kinder, Clearmont; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will be no visitation as Justin's body has been cremated.

Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2009 at the Braddyville Cemetery, Braddyville, Iowa. Lunch will be served at the Braddyville Christian Church after the burial.
Arrangements by Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

Townsend, Evelyn Pauline Stowell - Evelyn Townsend, 91, of Creston died Saturday September 19, 2009 at the Creston Nursing and Rehab Center. Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Creston with Pastor Robert Sauser officiating. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery.

Open visitation was held from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at the Powers Funeral Home at the junction of highways 25 and 34, in Creston, with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Creston Nursing and Rehab Center. Online condolences may be left at www.powersfh.com.

Evelyn Pauline Townsend daughter of Lucy Belle (Thompson) and Charles Albert Stowell, was born September 9, 1918 on a farm near Nodaway, Iowa. Evelyn was the ninth of eleven children. Growing up around Bedford, Iowa, Evelyn could often be seen with her sisters and brothers as they walked to and from school. Coming from a large family there were many chores to do plus helping to take care of younger siblings.

Most important to Evelyn was her family members and her deep Christian faith where she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford, Iowa.

Evelyn attended Bedford High School, and later worked various jobs. Orie Townsend was introduced to Evelyn by her sister, Marjorie, a courtship began and the rest is history. On January 26, 1935 Evelyn and Orie Townsend were married at the KFNF radio station, in Shenandoah, Iowa. Their first home, being established on a farm near Bedford, in Taylor County, Iowa. Great blessings came to Evelyn and Orie when three sons and a daughter completed their family.

One of Evelyn's favorite hobbies was sewing. She could create an outfit simply by looking at a store window display and then whipping up her own version at home. Everyone who knew her knew that she loved fashion, clothing, jewelry and shoes. She loved to embroider and quilt making gifts for family that are still cherished today. She was, after all, a very thrifty lady!

Tending to her big "victory" garden and the many yummy homemade meals she could create were oh so good! Many delicious meals, pies, cakes, cookies and those cinnamon rolls, she would take to special social events. Evelyn was always willing to help whenever needed. Most of all we can not forget the love of flowers that she so enjoyed, making her flower garden overflow with beauty.

Evelyn was a very hard worker, helping her husband Orie with their farming chores, and raising their three sons Jerry, Bill and Dennis. After going through a great loss, of their infant daughter Shirley at birth, keeping their three sons busy was a job within itself. But she did the job beautifully, and making sure that every Sunday they attended Sunday school and church.

In the years that followed, she worked as a telephone operator in Bedford, manning the switchboard for a short time. Then she often helped to clean homes for other families and eventually worked at a dress shop, and handled Avon in her spare time.

Evelyn and Orie retired from farm life, and moved to Clarinda, Iowa in 1959. Orie went to work for Berry's Hatchery in Clarinda. Evelyn went to work for Woolworths five and dime store for five years until they closed and she went to work for Pamida. On February 25, 1975 at the age of 63 and due to poor health, Orie passed away.

A couple of years later Evelyn sold the family home and moved to Regency apartments in Creston, Iowa. She became a member of the First Baptist Church in Creston and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. During her retirement years Evelyn paired up with her dear friend Ellen Grace Brown. Ellen Grace played piano and Evelyn would sing. They made regular trips to many nursing homes putting on wonderful programs for the elderly. This was one of her greatest enjoyments.

Evelyn had a large circle of friends at Regency. She helped with volunteer work. She also joined the Peppermint Angel singing group, not to mention being a candy striper at the Greater Regional Medical Center. There never was a stranger that she did not know. She was always willing to help the best she could. August 2007 Evelyn moved from Regency to Creston Nursing and Rehab Center.

Survivors: Jerry and wife Anne Townsend of Mount Ayr, Iowa, and Bill and wife Retha Kay Townsend of Springfield, Mo.; a brother Dean and wife Millie Stowell of St. Augustine, Fla.; nine grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sixteen nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceding Evelyn in death are her parents, husband Orie, infant daughter Shirley, son Dennis, five brothers: Raymond, Ralph, Donald, Rushford and Kenneth Stowell, four sisters: Veva Heuer Turpin, Nina Mick, Marjorie Hofmeister and Marie Ryan Preston, granddaughter Tammy Townsend, great-grandson Joshua Eytcheson.

Titus, Marilyn Lois Aubert - Marilyn Lois (Aubert) Titus, 72, of Gravity, Iowa passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at home. Per her wishes, she was cremated. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Gravity Community Center.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Walter; three daughters, Sara (Hugh) Babcock of Waterloo; Georgia Sue (Alin) Abbott of Glenwood; Lois Ann (Delmar) Derry of New Market; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marilyn Lois Titus was born on January 14, 1937 in Hayes, Kansas, to Louis and Helen Lindquist Aubert. She graduated from Adair High School in 1955. She was married to Walter Eugene Titus on May 14, 1955 in Atlantic, Iowa. To this union three girls were born; Sara Inez Titus Babcock, Georgia Sue Titus Abbott and Lois Ann Titus Derry.

She was a farmer's wife until 1974, when she went to work as a seamstress at O'Bryan Brothers sewing factory until it closed in 1993. She worked for Boyts for a short time then as janitorial staff at Pappettis until her health declined. Marilyn enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking, playing the piano, cards, canasta pincole.

She also enjoyed puzzles, crocheting, and embroidery. Marilyn spent the last year in and out of the hospital finally coming home for the last time on April 27, 2009.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion and the Gravity Fire Department. Special thanks to the Gravity Fire Department, Hospice of Central Iowa, employees of Westridge Nursing Home in Clarinda, Iowa, Erica and Ivan Key, Cora Leighton, and ambulance crews of Bedford and Clarinda.

Cremation Society of Eastern Central Western Iowa is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.iowacremation.com under Obituaries.

Thornton, James Alonzo - Funeral services for James Thornton, age 65 of Glenwood, formerly of Bedford, who died Sunday, March 9, 2008 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs were held Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in his name. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

James Alonzo Thornton was born May 12, 1942, in Bedford, Iowa the son of Alonzo Thornton and Pearl Ellen (Bradley) Thornton. He grew up in the Bedford area where he attended Ross Township No. 1 country school. Jimmy lived at home until 1965, when he moved to the Taylor County Home. Throughout his life, he lived in several area residential care facilities, having spent the last eleven years at the Glenwood Home.

Jimmy enjoyed being around people and looked forward to ‘getting a laugh out of someone’. His favorite pastime was driving nails. He loved his family and looked forward to being with them. Jimmy especially enjoyed apple pie and apple jelly. He loved picking and smelling flowers, and he especially liked it when people gave him money!

Left to cherish Jimmy’s memory are his two sisters, Mary Shanks and husband Carroll of Bedford; and Bethel French and husband Ed, of Bedford; and a sister-in-law, Beverly (Thornton) Kemery and husband Charles of Bedford; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jimmy in death were his parents Alonzo and Pearl Thornton, and a brother John Thornton.

Jimmy will always be remembered as a
little boy in the hearts of his family.

Thompson, Virginia Loriene Lovitt - Iowa native and long-time Alaskan Virginia Thompson died Thursday, 24 April 2008, of natural causes at Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa.

Virginia Loriene Lovitt was born at the family home one mile northwest of Gravity, Iowa on 7 January 1915, the first of four children born to Glenn and Hazel Lovitt. She attended school in Bedford, graduating in 1933. She married Darrell E. Thompson the following year upon his return from Montana. The couple subsequently lived near Bedford and Gravity, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; Missoula and Polson, Montana; and several locations in Alaska while raising their seven children.

Besides her role as a housewife, Virginia loved craftwork. She crocheted, embroidered towels and made countless quilts which she gave as gifts to her grand- and great-grand children; she made ceramic ware, sewed many gowns and dresses for special occasions and contributed to many church fundraising efforts, such as the famous Gravity Methodist Church donut sale.

During her life, Virginia drove the Alaska Highway through Canada some fifty-odd times, took various jobs to support the family, participated in a salmon fishing business on the remote Alaskan coast, and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Hawaii and North America. She loved camping out with the family, visiting at her son Dean’s cabin on the Kenai River in Alaska and watching Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune.

She was preceded in death by her dear brothers Dean Lovitt and Dwight Lovitt, her parents Glenn and Hazel Lovitt, husband Darrell Thompson, all of Bedford, Iowa, and eldest son Dean Thompson of Anchorage.

She is survived by one sibling, sister Eleanor Busse and her husband Clarence of Omaha; six children, Larry Thompson and his wife Dee, of Homer, Alaska; Connie Selders and her husband Daryl of Gravity; Jeannine Dougherty and her husband Tom of Acampo, California; Charles (Chuck) Thompson of Pilot Point, Alaska; Bob Thompson and his wife Dawn of Braddyville; and Linda Thompson of Anchorage; son-in-law Larry Stamps of Gravity; and daughter-in-law Ruth Thompson of Anchorage.

Her grandchildren include, Archie Thompson of Sterling, Alaska; Angela Thompson of West Hollywood, California; Alan Thompson and his wife Dina of Anchorage; Vicki Streebin and her husband Mike of Bedford; Joleen Thornton and her husband Layne, of Gravity; Diane Sefrit and husband Frank of New Market; Philip Stamps; James Stamps; and Daryn Selders, all of Gravity; Jeff Dougherty and Jon Dougherty both of Acampo, California; Monica Connor and her husband Matt of Chicago; Michelle Kroeker and her husband Brent of Turner Valley, Alberta; Melissa Bjerke and her husband Paul of Muncie, Indiana; and Megan Thompson and Mallory Thompson of Braddyville. She also has twenty-six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services are being coordinated by the Ritchie Funeral Homes of Bedford and will be held Monday, 28 April 2008 at New Life Missionary Church, 301 Pollock Blvd (Hwy 2), Bedford, Iowa with Virginia’s son Rev. Bob Thompson officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to a charity of choice. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com

Thompson, William "Bill" - Memorial services for William Thompson, age 76, of Lenox, who died Sunday, December 10, 2009 will be held Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Taylor Ridge Estates in Lenox. Interment of ashes will be held at the Dow City Cemetery. Memorials can be given in his name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

William “Bill” Thompson was born May 16, 1933, in Shelby County, Iowa the son of Noah and Mary Thompson and passed from this life on December 10, 2009, at Creighton University Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska after a brief illness.

Bill attended school in Dunlap while growing up and was a farmer by trade. In May of 2005, he moved to the Taylor Ridge Estates where he resided until his death. He will be missed by his many friends and staff members of Taylor Ridge. When Bill was younger, he enjoyed hunting and will be remembered by his family for always having a faithful dog by his side. His favorite song was “The Yellow Rose of Texas”, he loved to eat bacon and eggs and watch John Wayne on TV.

Bill is preceded in death by both of his parents, Mary who died in 1974 and Noah Thompson who died in 1987, and one brother Tom.

Bill is survived by his daughter Billie Jo Coomber of Chine Valley, Arizona; three brothers, Glen Thompson and wife LaVonne of Woodbine, Iowa; Dale Thompson and Jim Thompson, both of Arizona.

Bill enjoyed many special times with his friends at Taylor Ridge Estates.

Pauline (John) Thompson, 101, died Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Parkdale Manor Care Center, Maryville.

She was born July 10, 1908 in Bedford, Iowa, the daughter of Charlie and Nancy (Patch) John. A graduate of Bedford High School, Pauline married Cecil Clifford Thompson February 4, 1934 in Jefferson, Iowa.

A homemaker, she was a member of the Church of Christ, Maryville, Missouri.

Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil on October 2, 1961; three brothers: Harley, George and Russell John; a sister: Bernice Thompson and brother-in-law: Phillip Thompson.

Survivors include three brothers: Raymond and his wife: Mary Lou John, Joliet, Illinois; Glen John, Richmond, Virginia and Rex and his wife: Kay John, Wichita Falls, Texas; a sister: Loah and her husband: Gary Hawhee, Bedford, Iowa; two sisters-in-law: Lenora John, Maryville and Winifred John, Tarkio, Missouri and several nieces and nephews.


Funeral Services will be 2 pm Tuesday, November 24 , 2009 at Price Funeral Home. Burial is in Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Maryville, Missouri.

Terry, Ronald Phil - Graveside Memorial Services for Ronald Terry, age 61 of Oscoda, Michigan, formerly of Bedford who died Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at the Saginaw VA Hospital were held Wednesday, May 11, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bedford City Cemetery with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164.

Ronald Phil Terry was born September 21, 1943, in Bedford Iowa, the son of Phil and Edythe Terry. He graduated from the Bedford High School and later served in the United State Air Force for twenty-four years. After retiring from the military, he worked as a bartender in the Oscoda area. Ronald was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

Left to cherish Ronald’s memory are two sisters, Donna Jenkins and husband Ralph of Red Oak, Iowa; Phyllis Allen of Hopkins, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Helen Terry; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ronald in death are parents Phil and Edythe Terry; a brother Doyle Terry; two sisters, Barbara McCarl and Annette Terry; and a nephew Michael.

A memorial services was held April 17, 2005, at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Oscode, Michigan.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Ronald’s passing.

Taylor, Madelyn - ritchie Feb 3, 2009

Taber, Raymond Lyle - Raymond Lyle Taber, 57, Bedford, Iowa, died Saturday, August 9, 2008 as a result of an automobile accident near Bedford.

He was born March 4, 1951, in Red Oak, Iowa to Raymond and Aloma (Carpenter) Taber.

Raymond was employed by the Energizer Battery Factory in Maryville. He was a member of the US Trotting Association, having won first place just last week as the owner of the fastest trotter in the state of Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Harrison Taber.

He is survived by his daughter Amanda Huston, Indianapolis, Indiana, twin grandchildren: Lillianna and Landon Huston, 3 sisters: Macy and Dean McArthur, Marshfield, Missouri, Mary and John Lesher, Maryville, Missouri, and Jean Smith and Dave of Union Mills, Indiana, brother Terry Taber and fiancee Janeth, Savannah, Missouri, and former wife Marilyn Taber, Maryville, Missouri.

A visitation will be held from 6-8PM Tuesday, August 12th at Price Funeral Home Chapel, Maryville.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13th, also at the funeral home.
After the funeral service, Raymond's body will be cremated, with the ashes to be buried at a later date in the North Adams Cemetery in North Adams, Michigan.
Memorials may be made to Raymond's grandchildren.

Arrangements: Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri at www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.