Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Johnston, Wavie Ralston] Bedford Times-Press Wednesday July 9, 1992 WAIVIE JOHNSTON Funeral services for Waivie Johnston were conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home Monday, July 6, 1992 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Waivie [Wavie] Ralston Johnston, daughter of William Harrison Ralston and Mollie Alice Stuart Ralston was born at Gentry, Mo. on September 6, 1895 and departed this life July 2, 1992 at the Lenox Care Center in Lenox, Iowa at the age of 96 years, nine months and 28 days. She moved with her family to Ravenwood, Mo. in her youth where she attended the public school and the Methodist Church. On March 15, 1920 she was united in marriage to Thomas P. [erry] Johnston at St. Joseph, Mo. and they lived in Ravenwood for a short time before moving to Blockton, Iowa which was to be their home all of their married life. To this union five children were born: Mollie, William H., Charles Duane, Thomas Jr. and Gary. She was a kind and loving wife, mother, housewife and homemaker who lovingly cared for her children and family and they in turn gave that love back to her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband who died in 1956, her daughter Mollie and sons, William H. and Charles Duane; two brothers, Henry and Sie and a sister, Ina; a granddaughter Teresa Johnston Thompson. Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Thomas P. Johnston Jr. and his wife Beth of Seattle, Wash, and Gary Johnston and his wife Sharon of Granger, Iowa; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Order of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary. Her family and friends will remember her as a kind and
considerate loved one and she will be sadly missed by all who
knew and loved her. Blockton News Thursday February 2, 1933 [p. 1] Noah Jones Dead Noah Jones, of west of town, suffered a stroke Friday night and is reported to be in critical condition. Later: Mr. Jones passed away Monday night at 11:25. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Methodist church and interment was made in the Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. [Jones, Noah] Blockton News Thursday February 9, 1933 p. 6 Obituary Noah Jones, son of Ab [salom] and Fannie [Veronica Bergey Hunsberger] Jones, was born near Dundee, Ontario, Canada, Dec. 27, 1852, and passed away at his home near Blockton, Iowa, Jan. 30, 1933, at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 3 days. He was united in marriage to Olive Hills in 1885 at Washington, Kansas. Ten children were born to this union: Mrs. Cora Harris, of Redding; Mrs. Fannie Vollnogel [Vollnogle], of Grant City, Mo.; Ray, of Yamhill, Oregon; Mrs. Estella Dykstra, of Sheridan, Oregon; Mrs. Alta Crecelius of Blockton; Ansel of Grant City, Mo.; Orval, of Blockton; Mrs. Dessie Luce, of New Castle, Wyoming; Leslie, of Seneca, Nebraska, and one child dying in infancy. These with the wife and mother are left to mourn his departure. He also leaves three brothers and two sisters, 27 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, besides a host of friends and neighbors. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Warrior. Interment in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday August 19, 1987 EUPHAN JUDY Funeral services for Euphan Judy, 90, Bedford, were held Monday, Aug. 17, 1987 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Alpha Euphan Judy was born October 2, 1896 near Maloy, Ia. and departed this life August 13, 1987 at her home in Bedford, Ia. at the age of 90 years 10 months and 11 days. Her parents were Sanford Connor Stephens and Ida Estella Blaker Stephens. Her brothers and sisters were Mary, David, Florence, Elma, Paul and Mabel; Mabel died in infancy. Always these brothers and sisters, their spouses and their children were special to Euphan. After her graduation from Blockton High School she taught country school for six years. In 1919 she and John Robert Judy were united in marriage. Since they had no children for 13 years, they enjoyed nieces, nephews, and neighborhood youngsters and loved and were loved by them all. In 1932 their daughter, Joanne was born to bless their home and to share their love. Euphan's Lord and her faith were the center of her life. Her friendships, her family and her attitudes were all part of her great witness. She and Bob worshipped in the Methodist Church in Blockton, Ia. where they were always active. Euphan served as President of the women's organization for several years and the pin she wears is an award for 50-year membership. After her husband's death in 1969 she moved her home and her church membership to Bedford where her gallant spirit, her caring nature, and her interest in others continued until the final moments of her life. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Joanne and her husband Loyd Osburn; granddaughter Judy Beemer and her husband Chris and their children, Christa and Jud; granddaughter Janie Lemke and her husband Henry and their children Leslie and Andrea; her sister Elma Wilkinson and her husband Eddie; her sister-in-law, Lois Stephens Swartz; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Her family and friends will long remember the good life she so well ived. Clearfield Chronicle Thursday July 17, 1969 [p. 1] Blockton Farmer Takes Own Life John Robert Judy, 73, was found dead of a self inflicted gunshot wound abut 7:30 Saturday morning in a shed south of his farm home near Blockton. His death was a suicide according to Ringgold County Medical Examiner, Dr. Duane E. Mitchell. Survivors include: his wife who found him, Euphlin [Euphan]; a daughter, Mrs. Lloyd Osburn of Bedford; two granddaughters; three brothers, Lynn Judy of Seal Beach, California, Ivan Judy of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Cecil Judy of Newton, Iowa; and a sister, Mrs. C. H. Simpson of Algona. Funeral services were held Monday at 2 o’clock in the Blockton United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Clarence Landis, assisted by Rev. Clarence Moore of Clarinda. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Blockton. [Judy, John Robert] Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 17, 1969 p. 8 Robert Judy, 73, Rites Held Mon. Funeral services for John Robert Judy, 73, of Blockton, were held Mon. July 14 at the Blockton United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Clarence R. Landis, assisted by Rev. Clarence Moore of Clarinda. Mr. Judy died at his home July 12, 1969. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, John Robert Judy was born June 29 1896 in Ringgold County, Iowa. He was the son of Myers and Laura [Belle Baird] Judy who preceded him in death. He is survived by Euphan Judy, wife, Joanne Osburn, daughter and her husband, Lloyd, Judy and Jane, granddaughters, three brothers, Lynn Judy, Seal Beach, Calif., Cecil Judy, Newton, Iowa, and Ivan Judy, Twin Falls, Idaho, one sister Pearl Simpson, Algona, Iowa. Bob was educated in Blockton and spent his entire life farming in Ringgold and Taylor counties. He was united in marriage to Euphan Stephens April 30, 1919 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Connor Stephens. He was united with the Methodist Church in Blockton about 1924 and had been a long and faithful member. He leaves a number of relatives and friends from all parts of the country. Bedford Times-Press Thursday January 27, 1944 p. 5 Obituary – Mrs. Myers Judy Laura Belle Baird, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Baird, was born at Redding, Iowa, Dec. .19, 1865, and died at her home in Brush, Colorado, January 12, 1944 at the age of 78 years and 24 days. After her marriage to Myers Judy of Blockton, Iowa, on Feb. 27, 1889, they made their home in Ringgold County until 1926 when they moved to Colorado. To them were born four children: one daughter, Perle, of Algona, Iowa, three sons, Ivan of Twin Falls, Idaho, Robert of Blockton, Cecil of Grinnell, Ia., and one son who died in infancy. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Truman and Robert Simpson, Roberta Simpson Miller and Vivian Judy Craig and Jack, Joanne, Betty Lee and Patricia Lynn Judy. There are two brothers, J. M. Baird of St. Joseph, Mo., and W. B. Baird of Detroit; and two sisters, Mrs. Chas. Morris of Redding and Mrs. Oren Hull of Kellerton, Iowa. She was a member of the Methodist church and although for the past five years, illness prevented her attending church, her faith was a great comfort to her and her companion who so untiringly cared for her. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in February of this year. Her life was one of devotion to her family and her passing brings sorrow to all who knew her. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Sunday afternoon, January 16. Burial was in the Blockton cemetery. Bedford Times-Press Thursday November 11, 1948 p. 2 BLOCKTON Myers Judy Dies Mr. Myers Judy, 83, died Thursday at the home of his son, Robert Judy, north of Blockton. He had been ill several weeks after a paralytic stroke. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Methodist Church of which he had long been a member, conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan of Bedford. [Judy, Myers] Bedford Times-Press Thursday November 18, 1948 p. 3 Obituary – Myers Judy Myers Judy, son of Robert and Sara [h] Judy, was born June 24, 1855 at Blockton, Iowa, and at the age of 83 passed away November 4, 1948, at the home of his son, Robert Judy and wife. In spite of his advanced age, he had been unusually active and alert, and was interested in his family and friends, until he became ill a few months ago. On February 27, 1889, he was married to Laura [Belle] Baird, and they made their home in this community until 1926, when they moved to Brush, Colorado, where they made many happy associations. They resided there until Mrs. Judy’s death in 1944. Since that time, he had made his home with his children, all of whom survive. They are Perle of Algona, Iowa; Lynn of Hillsboro, Oregon; Robert of Blockton, Cecil of Newton, Iowa; and Ivan of Twin Falls, Idaho. One sister, Mary Dean of Bridgeport, Nebraska, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Blockton, conducted by Rev. Geo. W. Swan. Burial was in the Rose Hill cemetery. Bedford Times- Press August 22, 1985 Daniel J. Kean services held Aug. 5 Services for Daniel J. [ames] Kean, 67, of 901 Twelfth St. in West Des Moines, who died of cancer Friday, August 2, at his home, was at 1 p. m. Monday at the West Des Moines Christian Church. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Mr. Kean was born in Des Moines and lived in West Des Moines most of his life. He was a railroad engineer with the Chicago Great Western Railroad. Later he worked for Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel and retired from there in 1981. After retiring, he worked for Per Mar Security Co. He was a member of the West Des Moines Christian Church and the National Association for Retired Railroad Employees. Survivors include his wife, Maxine (the former Maxine Smith); and a brother, Joseph of Des Moines. Blockton News Thursday October 19, 1916 [p. 1] Obituary John P. Keenan, son of Hugh and Elizabeth [Isabella Minor] Keenan, was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, December 27th, 1857, and passed away at his home in Blockton at 7 o’clock Saturday morning, October 14th, 1916, aged 58 years, 9 months and 17 days. Mr. Keenan came to Taylor County in 1875, at the age of 18 years and has lived here continuously since that time. He was united in marriage to Minnie R. [B.] Norton on February 18th, 1884. To this union one son was born, Hugh, who died at the early age of 11 months. Besides the son one brother, S. [amuel] T. [ilton] Keenan, and one sister, Annie Keenan, have preceded him in death. He leaves, besides the wife, two brothers, E. [lias] S. Keenan, of Blockton, and Hugh Keenan, of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Mrs. John M. [ilton] Hartley, of Maloy and Mrs. Lora Guynn, of Khedive, Pennsylvania, and numerous other relatives and a host of friends to mourn his death. Mr. Keenan was a kind husband and a good neighbor. He was very punctual in keeping his word and never left a promise unfulfilled if it was possible to execute it. Behind his stern demeanor was a kind heart and no deserving person in need ever left him empty handed. He was charitable in overlooking the escapades of young people and always plead [pled] to give them another chance. He was particularly kind to children, always having a pleasant word of encouragement for them, and it was a sad day for a great number of the little folks whom he had befriended [words unreadable]. In the business world the death of Mr. Keenan leaves a niche that will be hard to fill. The funeral services were held in the Christian church Monday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Chas. D. Priest, and were very largely attended, many friends coming a distance. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. [KEENAN, JOHN PIERSON] [KEENAN, JOHN PIERSON] [KEENAN, JOHN PIERSON] [KEENAN, JOHN PIERSON] [KEENAN, JOHN PIERSON]
Clearfield Enterprise Thursday April 8, 1943 [p. 1] OBITUARY Minnie B., daughter of M. [artin] K. [ennedy] and Rebekah [Nelson] Norton was born in Brown Co., Illinois, July 28, 1865. She was the youngest of a family of 6 children. Two brothers and three sisters, all who have preceded her in death except one sister, Mary Jane Cowell of Dewey, Oklahoma. She moved with her parents to Ringgold Co., Iowa in 1869 and ever since has resided in the vicinity of Blockton. She was married to John P. Keenan February 18, 1884. To this union one son was born, Hugh M. who died at the age of eleven months. Her husband preceded her in death, Oct. 14, 1916, and she has walked alone for more than a quarter of a century. In her early years she became a member of the Baptist church and later united with the Christian church at Blockton and continued a faithful and devoted member for 40 years. Her passing occurred on March 31, 1943 at the age of 77 years, 8 months and three days. Funeral services were held in the home on Friday April 2, 1943 conducted by E. E. Stringfellow of Des Moines. Interment in the Blockton Cemetery. [Kemery, Connie Sue] [Miller, Gary David] Lenox Time Table Thursday June 2, 1977 [p. 1] Two Killed Near Bedford Connie Sue Kemery, 16, of Blockton and Gary David Miller, 16, of Bedford were killed in a one-car accident on Taylor County road N-64, about 7 1/4 miles east of Bedford Monday evening. The Taylor County sheriff’s office said the car went off the road, struck a culvert and burst into flames. [Kemery, Connie Sue] [Miller, Gary David] Bedford Times-Press Thursday June 2, 1977 [p. 1] Tragic Accident Claims Two Lives Monday Night A one-car accident on Taylor County N-64 one-half mile north of Highway 2 eight miles east of Bedford about 7:45 p. m. Monday night claimed the lives of Connie Kemery, 16, Blockton, and Gary Miller, 16, Bedford. The car, a Vega owned by Mary Miller, was headed north on N-64 when it ran off the west side of the road and hit a culvert, flipped onto its top and burned in the bottom of the culvert. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office was called at 7:59 p. m. and the Bedford Fire Department also responded. “We don’t have any answers about what happened,” states Sheriff Marven Weed, “and we probably never will.” Connie was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kemery, of Blockton. Gary was the son of Mrs. Mary Miller of Bedford. Both would have been juniors at Bedford Community High School this fall. Double funeral services will be held for Connie and Gary at 10 a. m. Friday at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, for Gary and at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton for Connie. [Kemery, Connie Sue] Bedford Times-Press Thursday June 9, 1977 [p. 1] Connie Kemery, 16, Final Rites Held Here June 3 Funeral services for Connie Sue Kemery, 16, of Blockton, were held June 3 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Carl Cummings, Milton Henderson and Arthur Hill officiating. Connie died May 30, 1977 near Bedford. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Connie Sue Kemery, daughter of Jerry and Karen Kemery, was born at Ringgold County Hospital, Mt. Ayr, Iowa, January 10, 1961. She lived on a farm near Blockton and grew to maturity in Blockton where she attended the public school and Blockton United Methodist Church She was a sophomore in Bedford Community High School. Left to cherish her memory are her father, Jerry; mother, Karen; sisters Kathy, 17, and Marilyn 13; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Stevens, Mrs. Leah Kemery; great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Sumner, Des Moines, Georgia Drake, Blockton. Connie was a member of the Blockton United Methodist Church and a charter member of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship of which she served as vice-president and sec.-treas. She participated in softball, basketball, golf and was a member of FHA and Y-Teens. She was a kind and considerate friend and daughter and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A classmate, Brenda Jones, wrote this tribute to Connie: Her friends all thought her special, since the time that she was small. Her family thought the world of her; she was loved and cherished by all. She laughed when we were down, cried a little when we were sad and hardly ever wore a frown. She was quiet and understanding, and she would always care—when we had a problem and needed help, we knew that she’d be there. A warm smile and a gentle laugh, or a giggle and a blush, or sometimes peals of laughter that came in quite a rush. We can still remember words and deeds, and I’m sure we always will, through all those precious memories, her love is with us still. Bedford Times-Press Thursday September 9, 1982 Last Rites Held In Blockton For Byron Kettle, 72 Funeral services for Byron Levi Kettle, 72, of Blockton, held August 31 in the Blockton United Methodist Church, were conducted by Rev. Ed Kail and Pastor Milt Henderson. Mr. Kettle died in Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr August 28, 1982. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Byron Levi Kettle was born August 26, 1910, at Monica, Illinois, the son of Henry A. [llen] Kettle and Myrtle Bean Kettle, who moved to Delphos, Iowa in 1921. He was united in marriage to Marie Tennant in 1929 [1930]. To this union were born two sons: Charles David, who died in infancy, and Duane M. [erritt], whose untimely death occurred in 1964. Byron helped raise his two grandsons, Robert and Allen Kettle. Byron was a member of the Blockton United Methodist Church. He also was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge, and was secretary for nine years. He was a farmer and implement dealer in Blockton for several years. For the past 15 years he worked for the Blockton Oil Company. Byron was preceded in death by his parents and two sons. He is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter-in-law, Myrna; grandsons: Robert and Allen; sisters: Mildred Fuller and Marjorie Willhite of Grant City, Jean Haidsiak of Clearfield, Mabel Smith of Blockton; brother, Dale of Creston; sister-in-law, Gladys Romig, of Redding; brother-in-law, D.M. Tennant, of Mesa, Arizona; several nieces; nephews and a host of friends. Byron will be missed by who knew him. Funeral services for Marie Kettle, age 93 of Blockton, Iowa, who died Friday, June 11, 2004 at the Bedford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford, Iowa were held Monday, June 14, 2004 at 11;00 a.m. at the Blockton Christian church with Pastor Scott Marcum officiating. Interment was held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name and the family will disburse to Marie's favorite charities. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie [Funeral Home] of Bedford. Ida Marie Tennant was born May 23, 1911 in Redding, Iowa the daughter of Dave M. and Julia (Beda) Staton Tennant. She grew up living on the family farm and attending rural country schools. While growing up, Marie spent several years in California, but grew to maturity in the Ringgold county area and graduated from Redding High School. She married her high school sweetheart Byron Levi Kettle in 1930 and into this loving union was born two sons: Charles D. [avid] who was lost in infancy in 1933 and Duane Merritt, born in 1937, who met an untimely death in a bridge and tractor accident in 1965 leaving his wife Myrna and young sons Robert and Allen behind. Byron was in the implement business in Blockton. He died in 1982. Marie was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening and cooking. She was a member of the Blockton Garden Club, Eastern Star, the Blockton United Methodist Church and the Blockton Christian Church. Marie was well known for her excellent cooking and was always happy to prepare a delicious meal including pan-fried chicken and a homemade pie. She was a bit of a "homebody" and welcomed visitors into her well kept home. For years, Marie and Byron enjoyed alternating Sunday evening meals with their close friends, Doris and Harlan Freeman. Marie also had an especially close bond with her neighbor, Ila Saville, and the two ladies spent many days "heading to town" to enjoy a day of shopping and socializing. Their friendship remained a close one all throughout Marie's life. When asking folks what they remember about Marie, the first thing that each person has recalled is how much she loved her two grandsons. "The boys," as she always collectively referred to them, were very special to Marie. She enjoyed preparing for the celebration of birthdays and holidays and she especially looked forward to each summer that brought an opportunity for her to help care for the boys and to try out her new favorite recipes. During her last years in life, Marie enjoyed seeing her two grandsons grow into adulthood and to start families of their own. She looked forward to each visit and the great grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. We will miss you Grandma! Left to cherish Marie's memory are her 2 loving grandsons, Robert Duane Kettle and wife Vonn of Brockton; Allen Gregory Kettle and wife Dana of Lenexa, Kansas; three great grandsons, Jimmy Lee Lawrence, Joel Patrick Lawrence, Levi Allen Kettle; three great-granddaughters, Lacee Lorine Lawrence, Hannah Maerie Kettle, Ava Lillian Kettle; one niece; one nephew; in-laws; friends & neighbors from the Blockton area and the Bedford Nursing Home. Preceding Marie in death are her husband Byron Kettle; two sons Charles and Duane; daughter-in-law Myrna; parents Dave and Julia; brother D.M. and sister Gladys. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday July 21, 1999 Myrna Kettle Funeral services for Myrna Kettle, age 61 of Blockton who died Tuesday at Greater Community Hospital in Creston were held Friday, July 16, 1999 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Scott Marcum officiating. Burial was held in the Rosehill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials can be given in her name. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Myrna Mae Kettle was born October 25, 1937 in Weldon, Iowa,, the daughter of Theodore Oracle Driskill and Opal Bertha Kindred. Myrna grew up attending school in Leon, graduating in 1957. She then moved to Des Moines where she worked for Banker's Life. On August 23, 1959 she was united in marriage to Duane Kettle at the Leon United Methodist Church. Duane and Myrna lived in Massachusetts and California prior to settling in Blockton once Duane got out of the service. In 1965 Duane was killed in an accident leaving Myrna to raise their two sons, Robert and Allen. She loved supporting them in all of their activities, and had a special relationship with her daughter-in-law, Dana. She enjoyed working outdoors, with a special fondness for gardening. For over thirty years Myrna worked as the Deputy Treasurer for Taylor County and had enjoyed the many contacts she made throughout her years at the courthouse. She had been a long time member of the Blockton United Methodist Church, until its closing. She had been active in the Republican Women and various bridge clubs. She is survived by her two sons, Robert of Altoona and Allen and wife Dana of Shawnee, Kansas; her mother-in-law, Marie Kettle of Blockton; a sister, Marilyn Clymens of Chattanooga, Tennessee; two nieces and three nephews. Preceding her in death are her husband Duane in 1965; her parents, Oracle and Bertha; her father-in-law, Byron Kettle; and two sisters, Delores Burgess and Ruth Watson. Myrna recently retired after more than thirty years at the Courthouse. [Kidney, Freda Maurine Davidson] Bedford Times-Press Thursday June 8, 1961 p. 9 Mrs. L. H. Kidney Of Blockton Dies Mrs. L. H. Kidney, a long-time resident of Blockton and community, died at Municipal hospital in Clarinda on Friday, May 26 at the age of 60 years, 10 months, 12 days. Freda Maurine Davidson, daughter of Lewis C. and Martha Wellar Davidson, was born July 14, 1900 at Sheridan, Mo. On July 16, 1921 she was married to Lloyd H. [arold] Kidney at Bedford. To this union were born three sons and one daughter: William Kidney of Tyler, Texas, Betty Schoenmann of Blockton, Denton Kidney of Clarinda, Joe Verne Kidney of Clovis, New Mexico. At the age of 11 she united with the Christian church at Stuttgart, Ark., later transferring her membership to the Blockton Christian church. She was a member of Blockton chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion auxiliary. She leaves to mourn her parting, her husband and the four children; nine grandchildren; one brother, Verne Davidson of Heber Springs, Ark.; two sisters, Mrs. Ennis Florea of Blockton, Mrs. Mabel Johnston of San Diego, California. Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 25, 1968 p. 7 Lloyd Kidney, 69, Rites in Blockton Funeral services for Lloyd Harold Kidney, 69, formerly of Blockton, were held at the Blockton Christian Church July 17 with Rev. G. W. Swan and Rev. Clem Keyes officiating. Mr. Kidney died at Clarinda Municipal Hospital July 14. Masonic services were given by Bethany Lodge No. 320 at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Lloyd Harold Kidney, son of Orsamus and Mary E. [liza Swartz] Kidney, was born Oct. 29, 1896 at Allendale, Mo. On July 16, 1921 he was married to Freda Maurine Davidson. To this union were born three sons and one daughter: William H. Kidney, Tyler, Texas; Betty R. [uth] Schoenmann, Blockton, Denton [Dean] Kidney, Clarinda; and Joe Verne Kidney, Shreveport, La. “Tink” as he was known, operated a garage in Blockton several years; the past 15 years he was employed at Clarinda Mental Health Institute. He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 329 AF & AM, of the Blockton Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was preceded in death by his wife on May 26, 1961. He is survived by his four children; three daughters-in-law; son-in-law, John L. Schoenmann of Blockton; nine grandchildren; one great grandson; three brothers including Ray Kidney of Grant City, and two sisters. Bedford Times-Press Wednesday August 20, 1997 ARTHUR P. KING Arthur P. [ercy] King, youngest son of Percy and Georgia Ellen Albough [Albaugh] King was born January 19, 1912 on the family farm near Blockton, Iowa. Arthur lived nearly his entire life in the same house where he was born, where he farmed the land and practiced soil conservation long before anyone else. He died suddenly on Friday, Aug. 8, 1997 upon arrival at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 85 years. Arthur was united in marriage to [Clara] Lavelle Kuhn on May 24,1935 at her parents house in Bedford, Iowa. Three children were born to this union. Arthur and Lavelle were very active in politics and in particular the Republican Party. Arthur served in the House of Representatives in the Iowa Legislature. His primary concerns were for education and roads in this part of the state. He was actively interested in the school system when it was in Blockton. He enjoyed attending activities that his grandchildren were involved in. Arthur's main concern and interest were his family, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years of marriage Lavelle of Blockton; his daughter, Jeannette Beekman and her husband Dennis of Storm Lake, Iowa, and sons Charles A. King and wife Lynn and Jerry J. and wife Judy, all of Blockton; grandchildren, Walter Wesley Huff and wife, Debbie Huff, Diane Mangold and husband, Charlene Ballantyne and husband, Elaine King, Clancy Brown and wife, Kerra Drake and husband, Jason King and wife and Kristie King; nine great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997 at the Blockton Christian Church with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Bedford Times-Press Thursday June 9, 1977 [p. 1] Gary Miller, 16, Last Rites Held Here June 3 Funeral services for Gary David Miller, 16, of Bedford, were held June 3 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here with Carl Cummings, Milton Henderson and Arthur Hill officiating. Gary died May 30, 1977 near Bedford. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery. Gary David Miller, son of Mary Helen Miller and Frank Austin Miller, was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, November 12, 1960. For the past several years he has resided in Bedford, Iowa, where he attended the Bedford school and the Methodist Church. Gary was active in sports and promised to be an outstanding ball player his next two years in high school. He had just finished his sophomore year. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Mary Miller, of the home; a sister, Vicky Lynn Beemer and her husband, Randy Dee Beemer; a brother Michael T. Miller and his father, Frank Austin Miller; other relatives and many friends. Gary will be remembered as a congenial young man; sharing his cheerful personality with those about him daily; always anxious and willing to do a bit more than his share; always playing to win in the sports in which he participated; keeping in mind to win was one thing, but to do it in a sportsman like manner and to play fair should come first. He was a kind and considerate son and brother and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A classmate, Brenda Jones, wrote this tribute to Gary: Gary went many places, and always had lots of fun. He was never still a moment, but always on the run. Gary was a leader, the star of every show, the life of every party, wherever he would go. His eyes were always sparkling, and his smile would never quit, except to turn into a grin, for just a little bit. He’d sink a basket or catch a long fly ball, or score a winning touchdown. Gary’s done them all. At every single game or meet, at every athletic dinner, he’ll always be remembered, he’ll always be a winner. |