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

[Miller, Hazel Tamerius Matheny]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 6, 1977

Hazel Miller, 79, Last Rites Were Held Dec. 29

Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Miller, 79, of Blockton, were held December 29 at the Warner Funeral Home in Clearfield with the Rev. George Swan of Leon officiating. Mrs. Miller died December 27 at the Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr. She had been in ill health for several years. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Ia.

[MILLER, HAZEL TAMERIUS MATHENY]
Creston News Advertiser (Creston, Iowa), Tuesday, December 28, 1976
Hazel Miller dies at 79
CLEARFIELD – Hazel M. Miller, 79, died Monday at the Clearview nursing home in Mount Ayr. She was formerly a Bedford and Blockton community resident. She was born on May 15, 1897.
Services will be held at 2 p. m. on Wednesday at the Varner funeral home in Clearfield. Rev. George Swan will officiate. Burial will be in the Blockton cemetery.
Mrs. Miller is survived by three sons, Earl Matheny of Clearfield,  Joseph Matheny of Gentry, Ark., Wilbur Matheny of Teoka, Wash.; two daughters, Mrs. Gerald (Ardith) Anderson of Stanton, Mrs. Robert (Mary) Walkup of Blockton; and one brother, Hoyt Tamerius of Bellville, Kans.

[Naill, Iris Estelle]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      March 4, 1992

IRIS ESTELLE NAILL

 Funeral services for Iris Estelle Naill were held Sunday, Feb. 9, 1992 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Mo. with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Mrs. Naill died Thursday, Feb. 6, 1992 at Clearview Nursing Home, Clearfield, Iowa after a long illness.

Estelle was born September 12, 1922 southwest of Parnell, Mo. to Charles and Jessie Brummett Surpluss.

She was raised around the Sheridan, Mo. area. She attended school northwest of Sheridan and at Athelstan, Iowa.

Estelle was united in marriage to Lewis Nelson Naill on August 19, 1940. To this union two sons were born, Russell and Stanton.

They lived in the Sheridan, Mo. area until they moved south of Blockton, Iowa to engage in farming.

After the death of her husband, Estelle moved to the Hilltop Apartments in Blockton.

Others preceding her in death were three brothers, two sisters, and a grandchild.

She is survived by her two sons, Russell and Stanton of Blockton, Iowa; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren; one sister, Eloise  Smyser, Sparta, Mo.

[Naill, Lewis Nelson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 12, 1981

Lewis Naill, 65 Last Rites Held March 6

Funeral services for Lewis Nelson Naill, 65, of Blockton, Iowa, held March 6 in Andrews Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri, were conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mr. Naill died March 4, 1981 at his home near Blockton. Interment was at the Blockton Cemetery.

Lewis Nelson Naill, son of Roy [Lewis] and Roxie [Fern Older] Naill, was born near Blockton, Iowa, August 3, 1915.

He lived all of his life in the Blockton Community where he was engaged in farming. On August 19, 1940 he was united in marriage to Estelle Surplus[s] and they became the parents of two children, Russell and Stanton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandchild.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Estelle of the home; two sons, Russell Naill and his wife, Amy, and Stanton Naill and his wife, Sheree; two grandchildren; Angela and Jason Naill; a sister, Garland Surplus[s]; other relatives and friends.

Lewis will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather, friend and neighbor and loved by all those who knew him.

[Nally, David Earl]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 5, 1975      p. 3

BLOCKTON NEWS

The Blockton community extends its sincere sympathy to the family of David Earl Nally who passed away early Saturday morning following a car accident. Funeral services were in the Shum-Novinger funeral home with burial in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

[Nally, David Earl]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 5, 1975      p. 6

Last Rites Held May 27 for David Nally, 18

Funeral services for Earl David Nally, 18, of Blockton, were held May 27 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan. David was killed May 24 in a car accident north of Sheridan, Mo., near the Iowa-Missouri line. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

David Earl, eldest son of David and Luella Nally, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri December 25, 1956.

He came to the Blockton community with his parents in1961 where he entered Blockton Elementary School, later becoming a student at the Bedford Community High School where he would have been a senior next fall.

He took an active part in the schools in Bedford, particularly three years of high school, in the fields of basketball, football and wrestling. He was an adherent lover of sports. He was president of FFA. While here he became acquainted with a young lady, Tammy Hawhee, with whom he kept company for the past three years.

David loved to ride a motorcycle and loved to work on motors and tinker with cars as a pastime hobby. He was a hard worker with his parents, in the pursuit of extensive farming in the Blockton community.

Last Palm Sunday, he and his family took Christ as their Savior and were later baptized in the Blockton Christian Church.

“To me David loved life, to mingle with his many friends, and especially loved young people and children. He was a good boy, loving his parents and a younger brother, Dana.”

Those left to cherish his memory are his father and mother, David and Luella, brother, Dana, of the home; grandparents, Kenneth and Emily Thomas of St. Joseph, Mo.; Noriel and Alice Nally of Parnell, Mo.; great grandparents, Avis Luella Kable of Tonganoxie, Kansas and Willie Elloyt of Trenton, Mo.; numerous uncles; aunts; great aunts and uncles; as well as a host of other relatives, cousins and friends.

[NALLY, DAVID EARL]
Maryville Daily Forum (Maryville, Missouri), Saturday, May 24, 1975
Blockton Man Dies In Rt. H Accident
David Earl Nally, 18, Blockton, Iowa, was killed in a one-car accident early this morning on Rt. H north of Sheridan.
The accident occurred about 1 a. m. today just 50 feet south of the Iowa Line in Worth County. Nally was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the State Patrol, the Nally vehicle was travelling north and entered a curve at a high rate of speed. The car ran off the east side of the road and overturned several times, throwing the driver from the car.
The body was brought to St. Francis Hospital, then taken to Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa.
The accident victim was the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Nally, Blockton; the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Norvel Nally, Parnell, and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Thomas, St. Joseph; and the nephew of Donald Nally and Mrs. Willa Sheets, Parnell; Mrs. Linda Pinzino, St. Joseph, Mrs. Marilyn Roberts, Bolckow, and Gary Nally, Maryville.

[NALLY, DAVID EARL]
Hopkins Journal (Hopkins, Missouri), Thursday, May 29, 1975
Guests From Arkansas – Mr. and Mrs. Knowles Nally, Fort Smith, Ark., spent Monday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Howard Brown. The Nallys attended the funeral of his nephew, David Nally, Tuesday.

 

[Nicholas, Gordon Wallace]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 8, 1977

Last Rites Held December 2 For Gordon Nicholas

Funeral services for Gordon Wallace Nicholas, 77, formerly of the Platteville area, were held December 2 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Pastor Glen Mitchell officiating. Mr. Nicholas died November 29, 1977 in Omaha, Nebr. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Gordon Wallace Nicholas, son of James Wallace Nicholas and Laura Jane Smith was born at West Plains, Missouri Decem[ber 26, 1899]. He grew to maturity in West Plains where he attended the public Schools and church.

On January 19, 1921 he was united in marriage to Grace Clara Reed at Red Oak, Ia., and they lived on a farm in Montgomery County. To this union two children were born: Frances Lorene and Glenn Earl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Clara, two sisters, four brothers.

Left to cherish his memory are two children, Frances and Glenn; two sisters, Hattie Pierson, Stanton, and Maude Maupin, Red Oak; six grandchildren, Jackie Cooper, Billy Cooper, Janet Nicholas, Alan Nicholas, Muriel McKinney and Carolyn Jensen.

He was not a specific church member, but frequently attended the Protestant Church.

His favorite pastime in younger years was horseshoe pitching.

He was a kind and considerate father and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

[Overholser, Hetty Lee Brown]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      June 21, 1962     p. 4

Overholser Rites At Blockton

Last rites for Mrs. John E. Overholser of Blockton were held at the Methodist church there at two p. m., Thursday, June 14. Rev. Sydney Sterrett, pastor of the church officiated. Burial in Rose Hill cemetery.

Hetty Lee Brown, daughter of Floyd and Eva Blakesley Brown, was born at Knowlton, Ringgold County, Iowa, on August 8, 1895 and passed away at Municipal hospital in Clarinda on June 11 after a long illness. Preceding her in death were her parents and a sister, Mrs. Russell Rickelton of Red Oak.

On August 24, 1912 she was married to John E. [arl] Overholser of Diagonal, Iowa. To them were born a daughter, Mildred, Mrs. Forrest Rusco of Blockton, and a son, Dr. Earl Overholser of Shenandoah, who with the husband survives.

Also surviving are a granddaughter, Phyllis Rusco and two grandsons, Gene Rusco and Rodger Overholser; three sisters, Mrs. O. [scar] R. [aymond] Ives of Diagonal, Mrs. B. [ryan] M. [onroe] Lee of Red Oak, Mrs. Gail Berry of Creston; two brothers, C. [harles] M. [yrl] Brown and B. [ryan] W. [ard] Brown of Diagonal.

[Overholser, John Earl]

Clearfield Chronicle

Thursday      June 29, 1972    [p. 1]

John E. Overholser of Blockton Dies

John E. [arl] Overholser of Blockton passed away at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda Wednesday evening.

He had been in failing health for some time.

He was a retired businessman, having owned and operated Johnny’s Grocery in Blockton for several years. He previously had been employed in Blockton at the Creamery.

The Overholsers were former residents of Diagonal, where he was School Janitor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie [Hetty] and a daughter, Mildred Overholser Rusco.

He is survived by a son, Dr. Earl Overholser of Shenandoah, one daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Forrest Rusco of Blockton. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.

Final rites were conducted Sunday, June 25th at Blockton.

[Overholser, John Earl]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      June 29, 1972      p. 6

John Overholser Rites Held June 25

Funeral services for John E. Overholser, 79, of Blockton, held June 25 at the Blockton Methodist Church, were conducted by Rev. George Swan and Rev. Gerrold Swinton. Mr. Overholser died June 21, 1972, at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Blockton lost one of its aged pioneers with the death of John Earl Overholser.

Being the youngest of 12 children, John Earl, son of James Francis Overholser and Amelia Jane Ford, was born at Moulton, Iowa, July 27, 1892.

Johnie as he was best known, chose as his occupation the grocery business, which he followed for 40 years. He was a member of the Methodist Church until his passing. He loved the out-of-doors, and was a fisherman, loving the nature and streams that God gave men for their beauty and satisfaction.

On August 24, 1912, at Diagonal, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Hattie [Hetty] Brown. To this union were born two children: Mildred [Lee] and Earl [Millard].

Those preceding him in death are: wife, Hattie [Hetty] June 11, 1962; daughter, Mildred [Lee], in September of ’71; seven brothers and three sisters.

Those surviving are: son, Earl, of Shenandoah, Ia.; sister, Mrs. Tom Lacy, of Bedford; son-in-law, Forrest Rusco of Blockton; three grandchildren, Gene Rusco, Phyllis Poore, and Rodger Overholser; four great grandchildren, a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends.

[Owens, Gertrude Lorene Simmons Hobbs]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      June 12, 1996

Gertrude Lorene Simmons Hobbs Owens

Gertrude Lorene Simmons was born April 5, 1919 at the farm home of Ray and Katie (Motsinger) Simmons, east of Irena, Missouri.

On March 1, 1924, the family moved to Blockton, Iowa.   There were seven children, five brothers, Kenneth, Clifton, Lewis, Lawrence Wayne and a sister Edith. The seven children graduated from the Blockton High School. Gertrude graduated in 1936.

She was married to William Hobbs, April 11, 1937 and to this family four boys were born, Victor Leroy, Larry Joe, "Billy'' John William and Edwin Lee Hobbs.

They were farmers, operated a filling station and cafe on Highway 2, moved to Blockton and Gertrude worked as a telephone operator, moved to Bedford and worked at the telephone office, also cooked at the Blockton Cafe.

On February 20, 1963 she married Ronald Owens, he passed away March 24,1984.

Gertrude continued to live in Blockton, Iowa until her health failed. She then went to the Clearview Nursing Home at Clearfield, Iowa and on May 27, 1996 passed away after much suffering. Cremation, graveside services were held May 29, 1996, 3:00 p.m. at .the Blockton Cemetery. Rev. Scott Marcum, minister of the Blockton Christian Church, conducted the graveside services. John Hobbs read the obituary.

Family present was Billy Hobbs, Kevin Hobbs, Valerie Hobbs and sons Cliff and Jake Champ,   Stanton   E.,   Sheree   J (Simmons) Naill and Edith M. (Simmons) Wertz of Mt. Ayr, Iowa. Gertrude's family, four boys, six grandchildren: Valerie and Kevin Hobbs, Nicky Jo and Margaret Reese Hobbs, and Stephen and Angie     Hobbs.     Six    great grandchildren, Cliff and Jake Champ, Katie Fern Hobbs and Devon, Kayla and Dylan.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Ray and Katie Simmons and three brothers, Kenneth, Clifton and Lawrence Simmons.

[Owens, Ronald Brown “Buck”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 5, 1984     p. 8

Ronald ‘Buck’ Owens Final Rites Were Held March 27

Funeral services for Ronald Brown “Buck” Owens, 70, of Blockton, held March 27 in Wilson-Watson Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa, were officiated by Rev. T. Harold Craig. Mr. Owens died March 24, 1984 in Ringgold County, Ia. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Ronald Brown “Buck” Owens, the son of Edgar and Edna Brown Owens, was born September 22, 1913, at Hopkins, Missouri, Nodaway County. From age seven he lived with Jake and Pearl Saville.

He was united in marriage to Nina Walston Rice in 1934. Born to this union two daughters: Muriel Witt and Elaine Szalay.

“Buck” was united in marriage to Gertrude Hobbs, February 20, 1963.

He lived and farmed around Blockton, Iowa all of his life except for 12 years he lived in Ohio. Buck was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was Mayor of Blockton for two terms and was always involved in community affairs. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Blockton.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, infant brother, and brother Harold Owens.

He is survived by: wife, Gertrude Owens of the home; two daughters, Muriel Witt, North Olmsted, Ohio and Elaine Szalay and husband, Charles, North Ridgeville, Ohio; one sister, Kathleen Sparks, Eugene, Or.; one sister-in-law, Alyce Owens, Ankeny, Ia.; four brothers-in-law: one sister-in-law; four stepsons: Victor Hobbs and wife Lynne, Menlo Park, Ca.; Larry Hobbs and wife, Evelyn, Boise, Id.; Bill Hobbs, Oceanside, Ca.; Edd Hobbs, Memphis, Tn.; ten grandchildren: Diana Kasdorf, Huntington Beach, Ca.; Terry Witt, North Olmstead, Ca [Ohio].; Linda Witt, Huntington Beach, Ca.; Mark Szalay, North Ridgeville, Ohio; Valerie Champ and husband Kevin, Houston, Tx.; Kevin Hobbs, Maryville, Mo.; Nickle Jo Hobbs, Florida; Margaret Hobbs, Boise, Id.; Steven Hobbs, Oceanside, Ca.; Anja McNeil, Oceanside, Ca.; two great grandchildren: Matthew Kasdorf, Kristi Kasdorf.

[Rusco, Mildred Lee Overholser]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 9, 1971     p. 8

Mildred Rusco, 56, Rites in Blockton September 3

Funeral services for Mrs. Forrest (Mildred) Rusco, 56, of Blockton were held September 3 at the Blockton United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. William M. Fry. Mrs. Rusco died August 31 at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Mildred Lee Rusco, daughter of John [Earl] and Hetty [Lee] Brown Overholser, was born in Diagonal, Iowa on Nov. 7, 1914. Her school years were spent in Diagonal.

She was united in marriage to Forrest Rusco on May 1, 1946. Other than a few years lived in California, her adult life was spent in the Blockton community.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Hetty.

Surviving are her husband, Forrest, her daughter Phyllis Poore, and granddaughter, Emily Poore of Bedford; son, Gene Rusco of Ames; father, John Overholser, of Shenandoah; a brother, Dr. Earl M. [illard] Overholser of Shenandoah; and many other close relatives.

[Shimer, John Grover “Johnnie”]

Memorial services for John Grover Shimer were held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Blockton Community Hall and a lunch following the service. Military rites were done by the Blockton Post #443. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Iowa Cremation is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com.

John Grover Shimer, second child of John Augustus and Mimi B. (Chandler) Shimer was born February 4th, 1937 in Creston, Iowa.

He departed this life, peacefully in his sleep, January 13th, 2012 at this home in Blockton, Iowa, with his family by his side. He was 74 years, 11 months and 8 days old.

John married Lula Kay Whipple August 8, 1969 in Des Moines, Iowa. They were inseparable for almost 42 and half years.

To this union they welcomed three daughters; Cynthia Jo, Sandra Kay and Angela Lee.

John was in the Navy and Army Reserves a total of 31 years and 7 days. He belonged to the Blockton Post 443 for 36 years. For several years now with the help of several of his grandchildren he put out the flags at Memorial time.

His working life consisted of various jobs, driving a truck, running a garbage route with his father for a time, working for the town of Creston, then as town man in Blockton. Later he drove for Blockton Oil, then as a bus driver for the Bedford Community School District. His last new project was being elected to serve on the Blockton Town Board.

John and Lu, as she is known to friends, were avid campers. Many summer days and weekends were spent at the endeavor. At the time of his death they belonged to the Creston McKinley campers club, formerly known as the Cozy Campers for about 25 years.

The campground won’t be the same with out him, as he oversaw a lot of the operations of it.

John was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Minnie Katherine and sister Cora Ann, nephew Patrick Shimer, his in-laws Dean and Vada Whipple, brother-in-law Floyd Nelson, nephew James Nelson and brother-in-law Jack Camden.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Lula of the home, brothers Virgil (Anita) Shimer, Albert Shimer, Dale (Betty) Shimer, Jackie Joe (Marie) Shimer, sisters Kay Camden and Sandy (Rocky) Bollinger, sister-in-law Margaret Nelson, brother-in-law Austin Whipple, his children, Cynthia (John) Rauch, Sandra Kay Throburn and friend Gary Emery and Angela (Arthor) Owens, children from previous marriages are Julie (Doug) Wall, Marcie (Mike) Page and Michael John Shimer.

He will also be sadly missed by all of his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
[Note: Obituary courtesy of Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, Iowa.]

[Smith, Cecil Raymond]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      February 27, 1975     p. 7

Cecil Smith, 63 Last Rites Held in Blockton

Funeral services for Cecil Raymond Smith, 63, of Blockton, held February 15 at the Blockton Christian Church, were conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan. Mr. Smith died at Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Mo., February 12, 1975 after an illness of one month. Blockton American Legion Post conducted ceremonies at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Cecil Raymond Smith, 63, was born in Clearfield, Iowa, October 2, 1911, the son of Ralph and Millie Bentley Smith.

He grew to manhood in Clearfield, Iowa, and worked in Kansas City for a few years, before entering military service during World War II, serving overseas and receiving the Purple Heart Award.

After his military discharge he returned to Kansas City, and on January 8, 1955, at Harrison, Arkansas, he was united in marriage to Madge L. [eona] Pulliam. They made their home in Warsaw, with the exception of a few years they spent in Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Smith followed the carpentry trade until he retired in 1962.

He was a member of the V. F. W. Post of Warsaw, and the American Legion Post of Blockton. While living in Warsaw Mr. and Mrs. Smith attended the Warsaw United Methodist Church.

Surviving is his devoted wife, Madge Leona of the home; one daughter, Mrs. Deborah Sue McCleery, of Freeman, Mo.; one grandson, Ricky Charles; three brothers, Iva, of Tucson, Arizona, Lloyd and Leonard Smith, both of Blockton; other relatives and a host of friends, who along with his loving family will sadly miss his presence.

[Smith, Madge Leona Pulliam]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     August 12, 1987

MADGE LEONA SMITH

Graveside services for Madge Leona Smith, 75, were held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa July 29, 1987. A memorial fund has been established for the American Cancer Society.

Madge Leona Smith, daughter of Abraham and Georgia Pulliam was born November 11, 1911 at Turney, Mo. and departed this life July 26, 1987 at the Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Ia.

On January 8, 1955 Madge was united in marriage to Cecil Raymond Smith at Harrison, Ark. They made their home in Warsaw, Mo. with the exception of a few years they spent in Omaha, Ne. and Blockton, Ia. Following the death of her husband in 1975 Madge moved to Blockton for a short time, then to Council Bluffs, where she resided until her death.

Madge was a devoted housewife; her hobbies included nurturing her plants, needlework and her large collection of clowns. In her younger years Leona (as she preferred to be called) spent many volunteer hours as a Grey Lady in V.A. Hospital and T.B. Wards, and prior to her death did volunteer work at Mercy Hospital. She was a member and past president of the Auxiliary V.F.W. organization in Warsaw.

She reaffirmed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized June 15, 1975 in the Blockton Christian Church.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil, her parents Abraham and Georgia Pulliam, four brothers, Jewel, Carl Ciciro and Ernest, two sisters, Neva and Nellie.

She is survived by two brothers Ross Pulliam and his wife, Ruth of Warsaw, Mo. and Joe Pulliam of California; a stepdaughter, Debbie Sue Wright; two brothers-in-law, Leonard Smith and his wife Sandra of Blockton   and   Ivan   Smith   of Tucson, Az.; a   niece   Doris   St. Pieree; a very devoted niece, Kim Walker of Council Bluffs, Ia., and a very  special  friend, Peggy  Smith also of Council Bluffs; other nieces and nephews and a host of many friends.

Leona was a courageous lady, thoughtful, caring and giving. She had a zest for life and lived it to its fullest and will be sadly missed by all those who loved her.         

[Smith, Sandra Jean Byers]

Clearfield Chronicle

Wednesday      March 17, 2004    p. 8

Sandra Jean (Byers) Smith Funeral Services

Funeral services were held for Sandra Jean Smith Wednesday, March 10, 2004 2:00 p. m. at the Christian Church in Blockton, Iowa.

Sandra Jean (Byers) Smith was born Oct. 25, 1937 at Lenox, IA. to Orlin James [Jesse James Olen] & Pearle Ellen (Beadle) Byers. Sandra was raised in the Lenox and Clarinda areas and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1956. On July 5, 1956 she married Leonard Ralph Smith in Warsaw, Mo. Sandra & Leonard lived their life in Blockton. She worked as a nurses’ aid and EMT at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mt. Ayr for 15 years. She also worked for the Blockton ambulance crew. In 1983, Sandra was awarded the governor leadership betterment of the Blockton community. Sandra loved to dance, cook, and come up with new recipes. She liked her soaps, word puzzles, going to flea markets and she collected many unique items. Sandra passed away on March 7, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Leonard on August 13, 2003.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her children Rick Smith & wife Rose of Creston, IA and Kim Walker & husband Jim of Council Bluffs, IA; six grandchildren Sherri Smith & special friend Brian, Josh, and Rachel Smith, all of Creston, Steven Walker & special friend Jennifer and Fae Walker, all of Council Bluffs; one great grandchild Haley Jo Walker; three step great grandchildren, Brian, Jr., Jared, and Destiny, sister-in-law Helen Smith of Lenox; special family Dennis, Gwen and Katie Elliot of Topeka, KS., four nieces, one nephew, and cousins Connie Hart and Jeanie Archino.

Sandra will be missed by her family and remembered and missed by all who knew her.

Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa. Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.

[Steen, Georgia Hartley]

Clearfield Chronicle

Thursday      August 26, 1970    [p. 1]

Georgia Steen Passes Away

Mrs. Orlie (Georgia) Steen, 79, of Blockton passes away at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mt. Ayr Saturday night, August 22nd. She had been a patient there since Wednesday.

She had been in ill health for some time.

Mr. and Mrs. Steen have made their home in and near Blockton for many years.

She is survived by her husband and one stepson, Gerald and family of Blockton and one stepdaughter, Lois Brice.

Final rites are being conducted Wednesday, August 26th at the Christian Church at 2:00 p. m.

[Steen, Georgia Hartley]

Clearfield Chronicle

Thursday      September 3, 1970     p. 9

Georgia Hartley Steen

Georgia Hartley Steen, youngest daughter of John M. and Hannah Jane Hartley, was born September 10, 1891 on a farm near Maloy, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to John Orlan Steen on March 11, 1924 and they resided in Taylor County throughout her lifetime.

She is survived by her husband, Mr. Steen; a daughter, Lois Brice and a son, Gerald Steen; two brothers and five sisters have preceded her in death.

She is also survived by one sister, Bernice Hartley Bailey of Granby, Missouri.

She also leaves eleven nieces and nephews, host of friends and hundreds of children who loved her and whom she loved.

Final rites were conducted Friday at the Christian Church in Blockton with burial in the Maloy cemetery.
[Note: She is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, mot Maloy as stated in the obituary.]

[Summy, Roger Wayne]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      February 3, 1993

ROGER WAYNE SUMMY

Funeral service for Roger Wayne Summy was held Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1993 at Wilson-Watson Funeral Home in Mt. Ayr with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Military graveside rites were conducted by Blockton American Legion Post #443. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa.

Roger Wayne Summy, son of Wayne and Grace Summy, was born on June 27, 1931 in Knoxville, Iowa.

He spent his early years in and around the Indianola, Iowa area. He then served in the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict.

On March 26, 1955 he married Wanda Dobyns and they had two children, Roberta and Leland.

During the time he raised his family, Roger resided in Des Moines and worked for the Iowa Beer and Liquor Commission as a truck driver. Roger was a member of Beaverdale VFW Post No. 9127 and the Home Masonic Lodge.

After 30 years, he retired to Blockton where he lived for the last 14 years.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Wayne and his stepfather, Cullen Wilson.

Roger is survived by his mother, Grace Wilson of Blockton, Iowa; his daughter, Roberta Summy of Des Moines; his son, Leland Summy of Des Moines; and two granddaughters, Allison and Kelsey Summy.

[Tuttle, Frances Lorene Nicholas Cooper]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     April 28, 1999

Frances Lorene Turtle

Frances Lorene Tuttle was born December 1, 1921 near Villisca, Iowa to Gordon and Grace (Reed) Nicholas and departed this life on April 23, 1999 at the home of her son in Lakeville, Minnesota at the age of 77 years.

Frances was a former resident of Blockton, Iowa where she had managed the Cooper Cafe for several years. She was also an Avon Sales Lady for several years.

On December 29, 1962 Frances was united in marriage to John Lloyd Tuttle in Pittsfield, Illinois. In 1965 they moved to Elkhorn, Nebraska. Frances worked for many years as Linen Supervisor at the Douglas County Annex Home for the elderly. John preceded her in death on October 3, 1991.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Grace Nicholas; a son, Jackie W. Cooper in 1983; her brother, Glenn Earl Nicholas in 1996; and a great grandson, Brian W. Cooper in 1988.

Frances is survived by her son, Bill Cooper of Lakeville, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Jacob and Jamie Cooper of Lakeville, Minnesota; Scott, Mark and Ivy Cooper all of Colorado; four great grandchildren, Brandi, Bradley and Justin Cooper and Lauren Robison; one niece, Janet Roby and husband Jerry of Prole, Iowa; nephew, Alan Nicholas and wife Kerri of Bedford, Iowa; other relatives and many friends. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.    

Funeral services were held April 26, 1999 at 10:30 a.m. at the Prugh Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Rev. Scott Marcum officiated. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa.

[Tuttle, John Lloyd]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      October 16, 1991

JOHN L. TUTTLE

Funeral services for John L. [loyd] Tuttle were held Monday, Oct. 7, 1991 at Prugh-Dunfee Chapel in Grant City, Mo. with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa.

John L. [loyd] Tuttle, son of Oris Tuttle and Nell Johnson Tuttle was born at Greenfield, Iowa April 5, 1911 and departed this life October 3, 1991 at the Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City, Mo. at the age of 80 years, five months and 28 days.

He grew to maturity in the Greenfield and Orient, Iowa area where he attended the public school and he was graduated from the Orient High School in 1930. He continued his education by attending Drake University in Des Moines.

On December 29, 1962 he was united in marriage to Frances Nicholas Cooper at Pittsfield, Ill. and they made their home in Elkhorn, Neb. until ill health caused him to enter the Convalescence Center where he passed away following an extended illness.

He was a salesman for 55 years and his last employment was with Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Dorothy, a brother William Tuttle and a stepson, Jackie Cooper.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Frances of the home; his two daughters, Muriel Johnston and her husband Melford of Afton, Iowa and Carolyn Mullins and her husband Terry of Orient, Iowa; a stepson Billy Cooper and his wife Geraldine of Apple Valley, Minn.; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

John enjoyed each day; he cherished his many friends and acquaintances     through    the years and his greatest joy was in visiting with them and sharing memories of former years; but he kept up on the current news and times of today and enjoyed a chat with loved ones and friends.

He was a long time member of the Congregational Church.

He will long be remembered as a kind and considerate husband, father, friend and neighbor and he will be sadly missed by his loved ones and friends.

[Wilson, Grace Arlene Schroeder Summy]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      August 8, 2001

Grace Arlene Wilson

Grace Arlene Wilson was born September 14, 1908 at Pleasantville, Iowa, to Fredrick and Minnie (Bull) Schroeder. Grace graduated from Milo High School in 1926 and lived in Warren and Marion counties until 1949. On July 1, 1949 she married Cullen Wilson and they moved to Blockton, Iowa.

Grace enjoyed being a farm wife and tending to her flowers and caring for the birds. She liked to keep up on news and politics. Cullen passed away in 1965 and Grace continued to live in Blockton until 1996 when she moved to Carlisle, Iowa, so as to be near her grandchildren. Grace was a member of the Christian Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eastern Star.

Grace passed away at the Westview Care Center in Indianola, Iowa, on August 1, 2001.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Cullen, a son, Roger W.[ayne] Summy in 1993 and two brothers, Earl and Leland Schroeder.

Survivors include her two grandchildren, Leland Summy and his wife, Deanna and Roberta Summy and two great grandchildren, Allison and Kelsey Summy, all of Des Moines, IA; two nieces, Dorothy Tucker and Darlene Lyda and two nephews, Donald and Mark Schroeder.