001 Shirley Yvonne Lock, 63, of Cody, passed away on Friday December 9,2011 in her home from natural causes.

Shirley was born August 1, 1948 in Elmo Missouri to William and Evelyn Harrison. Her siblings include Roger Harrison, Duane Harrison, Barb Green and Gloria Williams. Her hobbies were her children and grandchildren. She loved being outdoors enjoying the Mountain View she longed to be near for so many years. Her achievements in life were her children and grandchildren which she wouldn’t have it any other way. To know her was to love her as there was no other like her. She appreciated the little things in life and be stilled that amongst each one of her children. There simply are not enough words to say about this amazing woman. Your life grew as a whole just knowing her. She is survived by her children Nick Harrison and his fiancée Colleen Kelly, Brad Dillenburg and his spouse Jaime Malone, Tracy Jesse and her husband Terry Jesse. Her Grandchildren Carissa Dillenburg, Kelsey Dillenburg, Landon Dillenburg, Levi Harrison, Trevor Morlock,Jesse Schefcik, and Ashtin Workman. She also has several nieces, nephews and cousins as well as many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Leroy Buzz Lock and her ever so faithful dog Bear as well as many other animals

Ballard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements - www.ballardfh.com. No services are scheduled at this time.

003Danny Lee Moore was born April 2, 1940 in Conway, Iowa to parents Juanita and Harold Riley Moore. He lost a four year battle with cancer on September 28, 2011. He is survived by his wife, brother, four children, two stepchildren, 20 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

His love of music extended to bass in a barbershop harmony chorus and quartet for 25 years. He was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, Shriners, Tifereth Israel Snyagogue, and volunteer with UCSD as a mentor for pre and post-liver transplant patients. He was a Navy veteran.

A Celebration of Life is planned for spring 2012.

Bedford Times-Press, Bedford, Iowa, Nov 30, 2011

Funeral services for Judy Refer, age 66, of Lenox, who died Saturday, March 19, 2011 at her home will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Interment will be held at Bedford City Cemetery. Memorials can be given in Judy’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Judy Kay (Rucker) Refer was born September 2, 1944, in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Harry E. Rucker and Velma F. (Phipps) Rucker. She grew up in the Bedford area attending school, graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1962. She continued to live in Bedford where she was a waitress at the Junction Café for a number of years. Judy met Larry Refer and the couple was united in marriage on September 4, 1978, in Lenox, Iowa. Judy and Larry made their home in Lenox where she worked for Taylor Ridge Estates for over ten years.

Judy was passionate about her family, particularly her grandchildren, with whom she spent much time. When her health was better, she liked to drive, mostly just around town, never venturing too far from home. Winter was her favorite season of the year . . . she even enjoyed driving in it! She always looked forward to the many ‘shopping trips’ she enjoyed taking her grandchildren on. Judy and Larry attended the Lenox Presbyterian Church.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend is her loving husband of 33 years, Larry Refer of Lenox; her two children, Rebecca Hartley of Lenox; and Darren Strough and wife Amber of Estes Park, Colorado; four grandchildren, Dennis, Dustin and Michael Hartley, and Madison Strough; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Parker Hartley; a brother, Merlyn Rucker and wife Marilyn of Bedford; two sisters, Maryann Mothershead and husband Oliver of Leon, Iowa; and Jan Sunderman and husband Lowell of Bedford; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Judy in death were her parents, Harry and Velma Rucker; two brothers at infancy, Robert and Wayne Rucker; another brother, Jerry Rucker; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Hartley.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her enthusiasm, humor and kindness will be missed by her family

Celebrating the Life of Our Loved One, Donald Clarence Thompson, age 83, of Bedford, who died Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at his home in Bedford will be held Monday, March 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be held at New Hope Cemetery in Nodaway County, Missouri. Memorials may be directed Care Initiative Hospice of Greenfield, New Hope Cemetery or the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Don’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.

Donald Clarence (Donnie Paul) Thompson, first child of Paul Clarence and Opal Marie (Thummel) Thompson, was born on a farm in Independence Township, Nodaway County, Missouri on August 9, 1927. Donald started school in Hopkins, Missouri, also attending Fairview, Eagle and Banner schools before graduating from Bedford High School in 1947. Growing up Donald belonged to the Jackson Boys 4-H Club. In 1945 he exhibited a shorthorn calf at Interstate in St. Joseph and was also on the Taylor County livestock judging team, ranking 5th at Interstate competition.

On January 15, 1950 Donald was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Henderson at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. After marriage they moved into a new home in Gay Township which was built for them by the groom’s parents. Donald farmed with his father and in 1954 they hosted the Iowa State Plowing Contest and Field Conservation Day. In 1958 Donald and Margaret purchased a 240 acre farm east of Bedford. Donald and Margaret treasured their life on the farm where they were blessed to raise their six children: Nanci, Steven, Kerri, Lynda, and twins Ronald and Douglas.

Farming was Don’s love, from planting to harvesting, attending cattle sales to build the herd of Black Baldies, tending livestock, and helping the kids with 4-H livestock, always with his children close at hand. Every morning started out with Don and Margaret enjoying coffee and listening to KMA while their children gathered around for breakfast and to await the school bus before Don would grab his hat and head out the door for morning chores. Donald and Margaret spent their retirement years raising beagles and cocker spaniels and always enjoyed traveling and camping with their family.

Donald found great pride and joy in his sixteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, giving them not only many hugs but also unlimited chocolate ice cream and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Donald’s grandchildren affectionately called him by several nicknames such as Papa Cheese (Papa C), E.I., Purdue, and Papa Don.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Margaret, daughter Nanci Tribolet and husband Larry of Bedford; son Steven Thompson and wife Darla of Hopkins; daughter Kerri Nicholas and husband Alan of Bedford; daughter Lynda Mackey and husband Tracy of Gloucester, VA; son Ronald of Bedford; and son Douglas and wife Tammy of Bedford; grandchildren Christopher Tribolet and wife Angela, Jonathan Tribolet, Jennifer Tribolet, Jasmine Thompson, Trent Thompson and wife Rena, Kandra Powell and husband Clint, Skyler Nicholas and wife Holly, Trever Nicholas, Brianna Mackey, Alex Mackey, Dustin Thompson, Ashley Thompson, Kole Thompson, Morgan Thompson, Bailey Thompson, and Bradyn Thompson; great-grandchildren Marin Tribolet, Evan Tribolet, Julian Tribolet, Jaxon Tribolet, Camden Powell, Chloe Thompson, Kaydin Thompson, sister Beverly Duncan, sister Mary Jo Sleep, brother Tom Thompson, aunt Naomi Thomas, and many other friends and relatives.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Opal Thompson, and a brother-in-law Wayne Duncan.

Don was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He has left a legacy of treasured memories to live in our hearts forever

Celebration of life services for Patsy Gray, age 75, of Bedford, who died Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at her winter home in Tucson, Arizona, will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford on Monday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held in the Hopkins Cemetery in Hopkins, Missouri. Memorials may be directed to the Bedford United Methodist Church or the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Patsy Joan Gray was born on November 9, 1935, in Stanberry, Mo, the daughter of Homer Floyd and Bessie Lillian (Baringer) Thompson. As a youth, Patsy showed Brown Swiss cattle and earned honors in showmanship. Patsy was a 1953 graduate of the Hopkins High School where she was involved in band, enjoyed the friendship of many who were friends throughout her life, and was active in the local and state Methodist Youth Group. After graduating high school, Patsy worked at the Nodaway Valley Bank in Maryville, MO.

On March 7, 1954, Patsy became the wife of (Everell) Farris Gray after a courtship via letter while Farris served in Korea during the Korean War. Patsy’s professed criteria for a husband included that he be a Methodist, a Democrat, and could neither smoke, swear, or drink. Farris fit the bill. He and Patsy actively were engaged in farming in the Bedford area for over 50 years, where Patsy was the consummate homemaker. Flower and vegetable gardening; photography shared through note cards mailed to family and friends; cooking of comfort foods such as pies, pecan and cinnamon rolls, and beef and noodles; sewing for her family; china painting gifts for others; and entertaining family and friends were her joys.

To the union were born two daughters, Linda Gray Smith and Nancy Joan Langguth. Farris and Patsy also hosted an American Field Service student, Gillian Shellard Haiden. To the lives of their daughters, Patsy brought the world of music through hours supervising piano practice, and leadership through 4-H activities.

Patsy hosted friends, children, and those in the political scene. She and Farris breakfasted with President Jimmy Carter, Patsy introduced Tom Harkin as he began his campaign for Senator, and the couple hosted the United States Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland on their farm in 1980. Farris and Patsy traveled to Washington, DC to testify for the agriculture bill during the farm crisis of the 1980s.

Mrs. Gray was a member of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, a 56-year member of PEO, and a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church. She served as a 4-H leader of the Loyal Legion Club and advisor for the Bedford Young Mother’s Group for a period of years. For a brief period of time in the 1980s, Patsy shared her love for children by working as a teaching associate in the preschool program at the Bedford Community School.

After moving to Bedford in 2001, the couple has enjoyed wintering in Tucson, Arizona. They left Bedford for Arizona only after hosting the family Christmas celebration.

Surviving Mrs. Gray, is her husband, Farris; sister Velda Daniel of Stanberry, MO; daughters Linda Gray Smith and husband Kenneth of Chillicothe, MO and Nancy Langguth and husband Brad of Iowa City, IA; grand children Kirk and Susie Smith and daughter Cora of Blockton, Erin Parks and son Micah of West Des Moines, Erica Smith of Kansas City, MO, Kathryn Langguth, and Anne Langguth of Iowa City. Mrs. Gray also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Patsy in death are her parents, Homer Floyd and Bessie Lillian Thompson, and her sister Lillian Lorene Thompson.

We will miss Patsy’s infectious smile and the ‘joy of life’ she so willingly shared with everyone

Funeral services for Dale Lewellen, age 92 of Maryville, Missouri, will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Interment with military rites will be held at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 at the Ritchie Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 in Bedford. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Dale William “Bill” Lewellen, 92, Maryville, MO, died Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Maryville where he had resided for nearly a year. Before retiring to Royal, Ark., in 1984, he worked in the NWMSU power plant and maintenance department for about fifteen years.

Born March 1, 1919 on a farm in Adams County, IA, “Billy Dale” was the second son of Frank N. and Alta M. (Falconer) Lewellen. He fulfilled his boyhood dream of flying airplanes by serving as a B-17 bomber pilot with the Eighth Air Force in England during World War II. On February 24, 1946, he and Mary Ellen Weller were married in Sharpsburg, IA, where they were engaged in farming until moving to Malvern, IA in 1957 and then to Maryville, MO in 1965. Somewhere between Malvern and Maryville, he started going by Dale instead of Bill, which then became known as his “Iowa Name”. His parents, brother, Percy, and Mary Ellen preceded him in death. He is survived by their two sons: Larry Gregg (Suzette), La Vista, NE and Vic Douglas, Charlotte, NC; four daughters: Constance Gayle (Greg) Williams, Kansas City, MO, Joy Ann (Alan) Nybo, Salem, UT, Debra Jean Lewellen, Danville, PA, and Dorene Kay (Robert) Starnes, Vandervoort, AR; fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dale is also survived by Ellen Robertson whom he married on November 10, 1993. They lived in Andover, KS prior to moving to Homestead Cooperative in Maryville in September 2001.

Dale was a former member of the United Presbyterian Church and, after retirement, joined the United Methodist Church. Family and friends remember Dale’s kind and gentle spirit. He was a humble man who lived by a strong set of values including honesty, fidelity, trust, fairness, patriotism and love of family. He was proud of all of his children and grandchildren, including four grandsons currently serving our country in the Army (Dale Faust), Marine Corps (Travis Starnes), Air Force (Sean Faust) and Navy (Conrad Nybo)

Memorial services for Calvin Spencer, age 54, of Bedford, who died Wednesday, February 23, 2011 will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 12:00 noon until service time with the family greeting friends. Interment of ashes will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be given in Calvin’s name and mailed to: 1007 Jackson St. Bedford, Iowa 50833. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Calvin was born July 12th, 1956, in Clarinda, Iowa to Clyde Allen Spencer and Joann Myrtle (Waugh) Spencer.

Calvin loved playing with his 5 brothers, Kenny, Mark, David, Todd, and Bryan, many cousins, and several neighbors that enjoyed their large backyard. At a young age Calvin excelled and was very gifted in school. Later in life Calvin always loved working outdoors, fishing, or in the garden that he took great pride in. Calvin completed several wood-working projects for his friends and family as well.

He worked construction for a company in Ankeny, Iowa as a young man out of high school. He also worked for Don and Rosalee Dalton. For over 20 years Calvin worked at NSK/AKS in Clarinda, Iowa while living and raising a family in Bedford, Iowa.

In 1982, Calvin met his future wife Vicky King whom he married June 30th 1984. On October 25 1986, Calvin’s first child Heather was born. On November 22, 1990, Calvin’s son Trevor was born, and on June 17th, 1993, Caitlin, Calvin’s second daughter was born.

He is survived by his son Trevor Spencer, daughters Heather Spencer and Caitlin Spencer, grandson Grayson Spencer, by his mother Joann. And brothers, Kenny and Belinda Spencer, Mark and Penny Spencer, David Spencer, Todd and Cindy Spencer, and Bryan and Carrie Spencer, many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends

Calvin was preceded in death by his father Clyde Spencer, by both sets of grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

Calvin was a son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle
and a friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him

Funeral services for Louis Clayton, age 94 of Blockton who died Monday, February 28, 2011 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center will be held Thursday at the Blockton Christian Church at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford on Wednesday from 4 to 8 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 8. Interment will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa, the Blockton Ambulance or the Blockton Christian Church. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com

Louis Clayton was born on April 22, 1916, on a farm in Antelope County, Nebraska, the son of Emma (Larsen) Clayton and Aldred B. Clayton. His family moved throughout parts of Nebraska where he began his education in a country school. One of his fondest memories was retelling the story of racing his horse home from school along the country roads against the other boys. This worked fine until he had to start taking his little sister Frances with him to school and he had to use the buggy. He still raced, but after one particularly hair-raising ride, his scared little sister tattled on him and that was the end of the racing. Louis graduated from Tech High School in Omaha in 1935.

Louis met his first love, Thelma Faye Grimm in Omaha and they eloped on July 25, 1937. They married in Rock Port, MO and kept the marriage a secret for a week. From 1940 until 1942 Louis worked at Fort Crook, NE. He then went to Davenport, IA and completed 6 months training on armored vehicle maintenance. In the fall of 1942, they moved to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he worked as a civilian mechanic until 1945. While there, Louis met and often talked to General George Patton and was the final inspector for the armored tanks, deciding if they were ready to ship overseas for the war. Louis and Faye bought the farm at Blockton in 1941, but did not move there until 1946 when they began working side by side raising cattle and creating a family farm. To this loving union Ronald Dean and Susan Jo were born. Louis worked the farm and began employment as a mechanic/bus driver for Bedford Community Schools. During this time Louie (as the kids fondly called him) drove the bus to many sporting events, activities and delivered many students safely to school during his 24 year span as a bus driver. In 1974, Susan and her husband Paul with their children, Deb and Jim, moved to the family farm at Blockton where Paul and Louis worked together. Louis greatly enjoyed living so close to his grandchildren and watching them grow up. At the age of 67, Louis was a widower as the result of Faye’s death from cancer. Louis continued to repair and drive buses for Bedford until his retirement. At this time Louis hit his 2nd adolescence, buying a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and touring the California coast and even venturing into Canada, giving Susan many sleepless nights worrying about her 70 year old father riding around on a motorcycle!!

In 1987, Louis eloped once again when he took his second love, Leah Kemery, to Las Vegas where they were united in marriage on March 17. Louis gained a son and daughter-in-law and added two grandchildren and four great grandchildren to his family. Louis and Leah watched many ball games together, both on TV and at the field, went on several trips and still had time for a pizza and MacGyver night with grandson Jim, and Grandpa didn’t even like pizza! Louis got his nick name Big Pa from great grandson Cole. Cole used Big Pa one day when talking about his great grandpa and the name stuck, being passed on to the other great grandchildren Dakota, Callyn and Hailee, which they have continued to lovingly call him to this day.

Louis was a member of the Blockton Christian Church and faithfully attended until his health wouldn’t allow. He served as church treasurer for several years and was a member of the Blockton Masonic Lodge. Louis greatly enjoyed reading Louis L’amour western novels, going through 1-2 books a week which he continued to do right up until his death. Louis was very fortunate to live all but the last month independently in his home on the Blockton farm with support from his family, Katie from Taylor County Public Health and special caregiver Shirley.

He was loved and will be deeply missed by many, including his daughter Susan Beemer and husband Paul of Maryville; step-son Jerry Kemery and wife Karen of Blockton; grandchildren Deb Bonde and husband James of Blockton; James (Jim) Beemer and wife Johnna of Maryville; step-grandchildren Kathy Coulter and husband Scott of Maryville; Marilyn Miller of Hopkins; and great grandchildren Cole and Callyn Bonde, Dakota and Hailee Beemer, Samantha Eggers, Cody and Kaylee Coulter, Nick Rucker, Taylor Miller; sister-in-law Hazel Cushman of McHenry, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Proceeding Louis in death are his parents; first wife Faye in 1983; his second wife Leah in 2006; infant son Ronald; sister and brother-in-law Frances and Don Gorton.

Louis will be missed by his entire family and many friends. We will hold the memories of his quiet dignity, loving ways and feisty spirit as a wonderful gift. He will live in our hearts forever

Music was Mildred Stacy's life, and she shared her talents and encouraged the musical development of many for almost ninety years. Mildred, 92, of Bedford passed on February 7 in the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center.

Born to Leon C. and Verda Gray Severs in Barnard, Missouri on May 16, 1918, she began playing the piano "by ear" at the age of three. Her mother promptly started her with piano lessons at their Burlington Junction home, but had to caution the teacher: don't play the song for her! After the first lesson she was asked, "Did you learn anything today?" She replied affirmatively, set down her music book, went to the piano and played each of the songs they had studied...without her music. By the time she was ten, she had begun taking lessons at "the college" in Maryville and was featured in the Maryville Daily Forum as a "child prodigy."

The Severs family moved to Bedford in 1928, where they began their lifelong family involvement in the retail hardware business. Mildred graduated from Bedford High School in 1934 at age sixteen and entered Simpson College to study music. Emphasizing piano but including vocal studies, she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 1938. Her first position was teaching music in Seymour, and two years later she accepted the same position with the Adel schools. There she met her husband, Robert Stacy, deputy county auditor.

Their courtship was interrupted by World War II, but they corresponded often between Iowa and the South Pacific. Bob came home on leave to marry Mildred in the Bedford Methodist Church on May 27, 1945, with them returning to San Diego until he finished his duty. Bob joined Mildred's father to form the Severs-Stacy Hardware partnership, which served area residents for over four decades. Mildred was occupied then caring for a new baby, Julia, born June 1946, but she gave private piano and voice lessons in her home during this time. Their second child, Jane, was born May 1953, but Mildred's piano and voice students continued their lessons.

Mildred loved to be with people, and was a member of local organizations including PEO, Chapter CU; Nineteenth Century Club; Order of Eastern Star; charter member of American Legion Auxiliary; Iowa Chapter, National Society of Arts and Letters; and WSCS, church women's group. With her children now in school, she renewed her teaching certificate and was employed by Bedford Community High School as high school vocal music instructor and Y-Teens sponsor. She continued the tradition of her high school choir performing the Christmas "Messiah" every year and also involved as many students as possible in state music contest competitions. She taught grade music the last few years of her BCHS employment.

Retiring in 1980, she made regular visits to Greeley, Colorado to visit her daughter Jane and especially her granddaughter, Jennifer Stacy Ferguson. Mildred continued her musical activities at the Bedford United Methodist Church as organist and choir director. She combined area churches in both a Christmas and an Easter cantata yearly, and a countywide chorus sang at several southwest Iowa celebrations. She served as organist for countless weddings, funerals, and anniversary gatherings. Her former students were faithful in keeping in contact with Mildred over the years, sharing with her their own accomplishments in teaching school music, serving as church organists, and succeeding at other musical endeavors in their own communities.

Following a 1987 heart attack, her cardiologist instructed Mildred to WALK, and walk she did! Into her eighties she was still trekking around Bedford three miles five days a week. Noticing many friendly dogs around her route, she began to carry dog treats for all of them. Seeing that cats seemed as interested in her, she started toting a separate sack of cat chow. She was always thrilled to note the animals looking down the street every day, looking for her, with cats even walking down to meet her.

Honored by the Bedford United Methodist Church in 1995 for her fifty years as their church organist and choir director, she was delighted by the many former choir members who returned to sing at this special occasion. Mildred served continuously as organist and choir director in her home church for 62 years.

For the past four years Mildred was an Alzheimer patient in Bedford Nursing and Rehab, where she continued to entertain the residents with piano solos and hymn sings.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert Stacy; parents Leon and Verda Severs; brother Glen Maurice Severs and wife Gwen.

Left to remember are her daughters Julia Stacy of Bedford and Jane Billings and fiance Steven Kreisman of Denver, Colorado; granddaughter Jennifer Jensen and husband Nick, great granddaughter Elizabeth Stacy Jensen, all of Marion, Iowa.

Memorial donations can be directed to Bedford organizations or to the Southwest Iowa Humane Society

Celebration of Life services for Howard Mark “Ott” Haidsiak, age 46, of Bedford, who died Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston will be held Monday, February 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Life Missionary Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 6, 2011 from 3 to 5 with the family greeting friends at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment of ashes will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford with military rites accorded by the Joint Forces Headquarters of Camp Dodge, Iowa. Memorials can be given in Ott’s name for an educational trust fund to be established for his children. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Howard Mark “Ott” Haidsiak was born on October 6, 1964, at the Ringgold Community Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa the son of Max Alvin Haidsiak and Lois Jean (Snyder) Haidsiak. He grew up in the Bedford area, graduating from the Bedford Community High School with the Class of 1983.

On October 21, 1981, at the age of 17, Ott joined the Iowa National Guard. He attended drills with the 1168th Transportation Company of Red Oak, Iowa. Ott owned his own plumbing business in Lenox, Iowa before he went full-time with the Iowa National Guard on November 1, 1988 as a technician. He was assigned to Camp Dodge in Des Moines, Iowa. Ott retired from the Iowa National Guard on May 31, 2006.

Ott enjoyed his children, nieces and nephews. He loved four-wheeling, camping and any outdoor activity was always on his ‘to-do’ list. Many nieces and nephews have been given advice and told many stories by Ott that will forever keep them smiling! He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends or anyone else in need.

Left to cherish Ott’s memory are his mother, Lois Haidsiak of Bedford; his children Riley Mark and Sarah Olivia, and fiancée Lisa Vandermark and her children, Byron, Michael and fiancée Amber and his children Hali and Bella; Lacy and Justin. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, John Haidsiak and wife Kim of Red Oak; Dr. Wayne Haidsiak and wife Donna of Lenox; Lee Haidsiak and wife Sheila of Villisca; Lynn Haidsiak and wife Carole of Bedford; Leland Haidsiak and wife Carmen of Madrid; Susan Chestnut of Bedford; Kristi Hanna and husband Gary of Maryville, Missouri; Max Haidsiak and wife Susie of Red Oak; and Lisa Crater and husband Chris of Pickering, Missouri; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Preceding Ott in death are his father Max Alvin Haidsiak; his sister Sarah Louise McKee; a nephew David Eugene Haidsiak; a great-nephew David Eugene McNeil; and a great-niece Kendall Kalyn Bucher.

Ott will be missed by his entire family.
The memories the family shared will remain in their hearts forever

Funeral services for Luella Ernst, age 81, of Bedford, who died Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines will be held Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Monday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment will be held at the Story Memorial Garden Cemetery in Ames at 3:00 PM. Memorials can be given in Lue’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.

Luella Mary (Hanson) Ernst was born October 9, 1929 in Kelly, Iowa to Carl F. and Mary Rhoda (Shedd) Hanson, the youngest of five daughters. She graduated from Ames Senior High in 1947. Lue married her high school sweetheart, Robert Earl Ernst, on September 18, 1949 in Ames, Iowa.

Bob and Lue traveled considerably over the years as part of Bob’s career working for several cattle operations before settling in Bedford in 1976 to begin their own cattle ranch.

Over the years Lue wore several hats, sometimes being a full-time homemaker and mother while other times being an office worker and seamstress. She was well-known as a talented seamstress and continued sewing privately after retiring from Boyt Luggage factory. Lue is also remembered as a wonderful cook, but always said she could only do it for love, not money. However, Lue’s greatest joy was her family. She enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow.

Lue is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Marie, Margery, Mabel and Ruby; daughter, Mary Lou Nunn.

She is survived by her husband, Robert of Bedford; son, John of Bedford and grandchildren, Noll (wife, Jolynn) and Kaitlyn (husband, Kyle); son, Jim (wife, Jenny) and granddaughter, Carly all of Bedford; granddaughter, Andrea (husband, Shane) and great-grandchildren, Mason and Logan; son-in-law, Ken Nunn; brother-in-law, Bill Heintz; sister-in-law, Pauline Ernst; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family of Luella Ernst wishes to send their sincere thanks
to all family and friends for their prayers, thoughts and support

Friends and Family are invited to celebrate the life of long time Taylor County resident Paul George Bennett. He passed away a week after his 85th birthday at his apartment in Coon Rapids, Iowa where he moved just over a year ago to be near his youngest daughter. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 26,2011 at 10:30 AM at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Tuesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to7. Burial will be at the East Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations go to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association, or Heifer International. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Paul was born Jan. 14, 1926 on the family farm five miles southeast of Lenox, the youngest child of David A. and Bessie (Baker) Bennett. His legacy is his integrity as a man, a strong faith in God, a dedication to family, the enduring love for his wife and his unfailing willingness to help out someone in need.

He was confirmed at the little country Calvary Church a couple miles from the family farm. He walked less than two miles to the one room country school house for elementary school. Paul played football and was in the band before graduated from Clearfield High School in 1943. Although he would have followed both his brothers into WW II, he only made it to an intake site in Kansas City before being encouraged to return to the farm.

He met the love of his life, Miss Rosa May Rowe at a church youth gathering held at Simpson College in Indianola. Though the war effort’s gas and rubber rationing made traveling to her home near Glenwood challenging, he courted her and they were wed by her uncle, who was then a Methodist pastor in Afton on June 2, 1947. After returning from the war, his brother Art had urged him to come to Iowa State College with him, but he was in love and starting out his marriage. Paul’s folks had moved into Lenox, so Rosa rescued him from “bachelor cooking” and they proceeded to raise a family on the quarter section family farm. Their union was blessed with 54 years of love. He missed Rosa terribly these last 9 years, he could no longer discuss things with her and bring her wildflower bouquets. Paul and Rosa lived 35 years in the house he was born, making many improvements on the farm; another 24 years in the farm neighborhood. After mom passed, Frank helped him move into Lenox where lived 4 years in town, before Karen had him move near her in Coon Rapids, as he was no longer driving.

Paul was a hard working farmer, a “steward” of the land and his cows, pigs, chickens, of which he took good care. He liked the cows best, having a milk cow, favorite calf, and small herd of heifers (selling off the steers) for many years. He worked the Bennett farm where he was born, then rented land, and also doing ‘custom’ combining and hay bailing for other farmers. At the urging of a friend, he crop farmed some leased acres in Oklahoma for a few years. He continued with a small rented field the “custom” work into his 82nd year, in spite of significant arthritis. Paul sometimes referred to himself as “shade-tree mechanic” or “jack-of-all-trades” as he worked on his own farm equipment, improved the buildings, and helped build the ramp at church and such. He had a knack for figuring out how to make things work. Although he was never boastful, he once said he had his name on a couple of machinery related patents. Like many farmers with families to support, there were years he took on other ‘winter work’ such as working at Bennett & Sons Machinery (owned by his father and brother), driving a milk truck, and working at Totes- all in or near Lenox.

His philosophy statement could have been articulated by “work long and hard, keep pushing onward, pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, don't complain, mind your manners, love guide and celebrate your family, and try to be kind and helpful to others, stop once in a while to appreciate nature and look at the stars”. His hobbies included reading and visiting with relatives. He enjoyed western or mystery novels, stayed up on many farm related issues, science/invention magazines, and had a curiosity about the world. There were a few years that he and Rosa went square dancing, and after he moved to town he enjoyed the potluck with the community dance. He always thought he’d like to travel. When the family was young, daily animal chores kept the ‘family vacation’ to a big day trip to the Iowa State Fair. Before the kids left home, there was one family trip to the Black Hills and the Badlands. In later years, Pauline and Frank got him to come to California, Alaska and Mexico. He was always impressed by the Pacific Ocean and the Mountains, having lived his life on the plains. He sometimes wished he’d found a way to put a little more time in to maintaining friendships with some of his farm and church friends. In later years, he did go to the feed store for a cup of coffee where he loved to swap stories and hear what the other guys were up to. He had a way of slapping his leg and giving a guffaw when something tickled him.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, David and Bessie Bennett,; his brothers Roy and Arthur Bennett, and his sister Alice (Bennett) Siverly; sister-in-law Alice Rowe Springer; his loving wife Rosa; and by an infant daughter, Floreta.

Loving survivors are son Dave Bennett of Lenox/Brooks, IA; daughter Pauline Bennett-Gannon (Brian) of Fairbanks, AK; son Frank Bennett of Barstow, CA; and daughter Karen Heck (Evan) of Coon Rapids, IA; along with grandchildren and great grandchildren Lisa Johnson and her family; Paul David O'Conner and his family; Glenna Gannon; Ian Gannon; Rowna Heck; Clayton Heck; step-grands James Robinson, Heather Avila, Jeff Mckauge, Chrystal Estel; sister-in-laws Liz Wilson, Ruth Mott, and Virginia Bennett; good friend Bill Carpenter; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will also be missed by many other friends.

Paul passed away at his home in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Services are pending at the United Methodist Church in Lenox for Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The family will set a time for services on Monday, January 24, 2011