Babcock, Carolyn -Carolyn Babcock, 59, Corning, Iowa, formerly of Gravity/New Market area, died Monday, January 24, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Visitation with the family was held 9:30 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 28, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Russ Clark officiating. Burial was in the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Marie Babcock of New Market, Iowa; brother, Hugh Babcock and wife Sara of Waterloo, Iowa; niece, Heather Weber and husband Bryan of San Angelo, Texas; nephew, Robert Babcock of Waterloo, Iowa; other relatives and many friends

Funeral services for Carolyn Babcock, age 59, of Corning, Iowa, formerly of Gravity/New Market area, who entered into peace Monday, January 24, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa, were held Friday, January 28, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Russ Clark officiating.


Carolyn Ann Babcock was born October 13, 1951, in St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Missouri, to Robert Orville Babcock and Marie (Eighmy) Babcock. Carolyn and her brother, Hugh Dee Babcock were raised in the Gravity, Iowa area. She attended school at the New Market Community School.

Carolyn was a loving person, especially with family and other relatives. She liked to help anyone she could. Carolyn was happiest when she could help her mother. She enjoyed being around people and especially enjoyed babies. Carolyn had been active in Special Olympics for a number of years, participating in the shot put, discus throw, softball throw and race walking.

She had won numerous medals. Carolyn also enjoyed bowling. According to her family, she had a stubborn spirit, a trait inherited from the Babcock side of the family. She had spent the last eight years in Country Haven Home, Corning, Iowa.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her father; paternal and maternal grandparents; five aunts and five uncles.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Marie Babcock of New Market, Iowa; brother, Hugh Babcock and wife Sara of Waterloo, Iowa; niece, Heather Weber and husband Bryan of San Angelo, Texas; nephew, Robert Babcock of Waterloo, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

Carolyn was very loving and will be greatly missed. Her love and inspiration will live on through her family and friends. May God grant comfort and peace to those who mourn her passing

Bennett, Paul George - 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 were Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the Lenox United Methodist Church. Visitation was Tuesday at the Ritchie funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Burial were at the East Fairview Cemetery in 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 WWII, 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 h ad 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, chic kens, 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. Art 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 h is 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 patens. 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 though 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; rowan 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

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.

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.

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

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. Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa.

Cross, Fredrick "Fred" Raymond - Fredrick (Fred) Raymond Cross, son of Mable Horton Cross and Thomas J. Cross was born January 29, 1925, at Bedford, IA.
Fred was the sixth sibling born in a close knit family of eleven children. He was a graduate of Bedford High School and a World War II veteran.
He spent the majority of his adult life engaged in farming. He was employed for several years for the Taylor County Motor Company, eventually retired from helping at the sales at the Clarinda Sale Barn. Fred spent the remainder of his life living at Silver Hills apartment in Bedford.
He is survived by one brother, Bryan Cross of Bedford, IA; two sisters, Alice Flint of Ft. Shaw, MT., Bette Squires of Cresco, IA, two sisters-in-law, Darlene Cross and Deloris Cross, both of Bedford, IA; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Mabel Horton Cross and Thomas J. Cross; brothers, Clifford, Harry Richard (Tommy), William J. (Bill); and sisters, Helen and husband Charles Owens, Peggy and husband Stewart Allen, Frances and husband Richard Farr, Judy and husband Basil Lucas; brothers-in-law, Ed Squires and Charles Flint.
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Family visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6-7 p.m. at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford. Memorials are suggested to Bedford Senior Center. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel in Bedford provided arrangements

Elliott, Nina - Nina passed on February 1, 2011 at her home in Blockton. Memorials may be directed to the family. Burial will follow in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa at 2:00 pm. Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Nina Grace (Carman) Elliott was born on September 12, 1937 on the family farm near Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Glenn Hayworth and Esther Naomi Carman. Nina entered into eternal peace on February 1, 2011 at her home in Blockton, Iowa at the age of 73 years.

Nina’s early years were spent in Woodward, Iowa where she graduated from Woodward High School with the Class of 1956. On June 26, 1956 she enlisted in the United States Army and served her country with pride and received an honorable discharge on June 28, 1957. After discharge, she lived with her sister in Arkansas and where she met Lee Warren Philpott. On February 14, 1960 she was united in marriage to Lee Warren in Gentry, Arkansas. The couple resided in Arkansas for two years and then returned to Woodward. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of four children Luther, Diane, Theresa and Lloyd. The couple divorced. On May 9, 1976 she was united in marriage to Floyd Elliott in Grant City, Missouri. The couple then moved to Blockton.

Nina was an active member of the Disabled American Veteran’s Des Moines Chapter #20. Nina served as Department Commander (1986-1987), Department Adjutant (1993-1994) and Department Finance Committee from 1995 to present. In addition, Nina served in numerous Chapter positions as well. It is important to note that Nina was the first female Department Commander of DAV in the State of Iowa. Her work in this organization was of utmost importance to her. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with her grandsons. Watching NASCAR and rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes were also favorite pastimes.

Preceding Nina in death were her parents; her beloved husband, Floyd; three sisters, Harriett Jack, Edna Mae Carman and Julia Ann Carman; and daughter-in-law, Linda Philpott.

Those left to cherish her memory include her four children, Luther Glenn Philpott and wife Cheryl of Waukee, IA, Diane Lynn Jett and husband Ralph of Hurricane, WV, Theresa Lee Philpott of Windsor Heights, IA, and Lloyd Wayne Philpott of Baltimore, MD; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Ralph Carman of Ord, NE; other family and dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7, 2011 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah, IA. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to services. Graveside Services with complete military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Iowa Veteran Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. A reception will follow at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

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.

Luella Mary (Hanson) Ernst was the youngest of five daughters, was born on October 9, 1929 in Kelly, Iowa to Carl F. and Mary Rhoda (Shedd) Hanson. She graduated from Ames Senior High in 1947. She 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 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 his 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

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

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. Interment will be held in the Hopkins Cemetery in Hopkins, Missouri.

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.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Wilma Luella Gray was born on a farm Northwest of Lenox, IA on July 24, 1919, and passed away peacefully at the Corning, Iowa hospital on February 11, 2011 at the age of 91. Her husband Richard “Dick“ Gray, her parents Frank and Kate Miller, her brothers and sisters Edna Starks, Margaret Curts, Harry Miller, Raymond “Mike” Miller, Clyde Miller, Albert Miller, Frank Miller, Homer Miller, and Lyle “Pete” Miller all preceded her in death. Surviving her are her loving sisters Hazel Stoaks, Lela Spoonemore, and Alberta Calvin, all of Lenox. Also surviving her are many nieces and nephews, and their families.

Wilma’s early years were spent on several farms around Lenox. She attended country school, and helped her mother and siblings with work on the farms during her childhood. From her teenage years until she was married in 1945, Wilma worked in several businesses in Lenox. At the age of 26, she was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Gray also of Lenox while he was serving in the US Army during WWII. Following the war, Wilma and Dick resided in Lenox where they spent their married life, until Dick‘s death in 2005.

Wilma’s entire life was devoted to Dick, her family and friends. Wilma and Dick did not have any children, but when their siblings or friends needed assistance with their children, they always stood ready to help. In some cases, this was as routine as baby sitting, but in more serious situations they helped on a longer term basis. Many of their nieces and nephews looked at Wilma and Dick as their “second parents.

During their married life of 59 years, Wilma and Dick enjoyed a variety of activities. Wilma particularly enjoyed cooking and sewing. She made clothes that looked as fine as those purchased in stores, and she also created costumes for children when they performed in school activities. Wilma baked wedding cakes for couples getting married in the Lenox area, and was always ready to prepare a dish for church or anywhere there was a request or need. They played golf, traveled to a variety of places such as Branson, Missouri and Estes Park, Colorado, and their favorite, the Iowa State Fair. They camped at the Fair for many years, and hosted many people for Wilma’s fine cooking. There was nothing better than Wilma’s “fried chicken, peas and new potatoes” at the Fair.

Wilma participated in a variety of activities during her adult years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 60 years, and was a charter member of the UAC Club. As a member of the Untied Methodist Church, she participated in the Circle, and helped with many group activities

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. 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.

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

Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Huber, Lewis Duane - Lewis Duane Huber, the son of Duane Huber and Thelma (Day) Huber was born in Creston, Iowa on January 24, 1944. Lewis entered into eternal rest February 5, 2011, at the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Lewis spent his childhood in the Lenox area. Like most boys his age, school was not a top priority for him, especially if he could find a way to go fishing, hunting, or just spend time with friends. His friends loved to joke with him about his fear of snakes and could always get a laugh when it was brought up.

Lewis spent a short time in the United States Navy before marrying Arlene Waters of Creston. To this union a beautiful daughter, Belinda Nordman, was born. Belinda fondly remembers her father’s skill at the game of pool. He had the ability to “run the table” and was very proud of this fact. Belinda also admired her father’s “live and let live” attitude. He also had a great sense of humor, which he loved to share with others.

Lewis traveled and lived in different parts of the United States over the years. He spent time in Florida, Arizona, and Iowa. However, it was his interest in the gaming industry that lead him to Las Vegas, Nevada, a place where he worked for over 19 years in different casinos. The majority of this time was spent working at the Gold Coast and Silver Slipper Casinos as a slot boss. As a slot boss, Lewis was in charge of supervising the change girls, and keeping things running smoothly.

On February 15, 2005, Lewis and Kris (Carlson) were united in marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the wedding they returned home to Lenox, Iowa where they purchased a home that they were extremely proud of. During this time they started an antique business called “Antiques and Stuff.” They opened a store in Clearfield, Iowa and sold many items on the internet.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Kris Huber of Lenox; daughter Belinda (Ben) Nordman; of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Step-daughters Brandi (Tim Worrock) of Hopkins, Missouri; and Kelli (Eric Strough) of Corning, Iowa; father Duane Huber of Lenox; mother-in-law; Marlene (Jim Wyer) of Lenox; father-in-law Stan (Karen) Carlson of Lenox; brothers David (Karlene) Huber of Lenox; Harold Huber and friend Joan Bingle of Lenox; and Kenneth (Monica) Huber of Lenox; brothers-in-law; Kelly Carlson of Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Justin Miller of Creston; along with one grandson; step-grandson; step-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.

Lewis is preceded in death by his beloved mother Thelma and a brother Robert

Funeral services for Jennie King, age 97, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Monday, February 21, 2011 at Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, Iowa were held Friday, February 25, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Andrew Rubenking officiating. Open visitation was held Thursday, February 24 at the funeral home. Burial was in the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Mrs. Jennie King (97 years of age) died on February 21, 2011 at Clarinda, Iowa where she had lived for the past twenty years.

Jennie was born August 30, 1913, in Clay County, Indiana, to John Henry Sampson and Frances Elvina (Houk) Sampson who raised Jennie in Brazil, Indiana with her two sisters and one brother. Jennie attended Brazil High School, graduating in 1932. Jennie attended Brazil Business School and became a respected book keeper before her marriage. Jennie was married to Donald LaVerne King of Gravity, Iowa on August 14, 1949, at Fairview Christian Church, Brazil, Indiana.

Jennie and Verne returned to Gravity, Iowa to farm and remained there for the next forty two years. Jennie and Verne enjoyed their Iowa life and raised two children, daughter, Shirley Ann King and son, Donald LaVerne King, Jr. Jennie became an active member of her rural Iowa community. She was a member of the Gravity Methodist Church and assisted Verne with being treasurer for the church for over thirty two years. Jennie also served as a children’s Sunday School teacher for the church and held many offices for the UMW for which she was an active member before becoming a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarinda. Jennie continued to support the UMW with food donation and enjoyed attending meetings with her new church friends in Clarinda. She was a 4-H leader in Taylor County for over ten years and belonged to her neighborhood club for many years. Jennie was named Taylor County Homemaker of the year in 1961.

After retiring from the farm in 1991, Jennie and Verne moved to Clarinda, where Jennie was able to enjoy her grandsons and she was always willing to help her son and daughter-in-law with their boys. Jennie and Verne were only one house away and the grandsons would often visit them while in grade school. Jennie attended many school activities and 4-H activities with great pride for her grandsons.

Jennie and Verne moved in with their daughter after Shirley moved to Clarinda. Because of health reasons, Shirley had to leave her medical profession and moved to Clarinda. With the support of each other, Jennie, Verne and Shirley maintained a home until a short time ago when Jennie was no longer able to get around on her own power.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Frances Sampson; brother, John Sampson and wife Kathryan; sister, Mary Skelton and husband Raymond; sister, Ruth Carter and husband Ray; parents-in-law, Roy and Zella King; parents-in-law, Harry Stafford and wife Bertha; half sister-in-law, Thelma McPherson and husband Alex; brother-in-law, Merritt Triggs; nephew and nieces.

Jennie is survived by her loving husband, Verne King of Clarinda, Iowa; daughter, Shirley King of Clarinda; son, Donald King and wife Jane of Clarinda; grandsons, John King and wife Jill of Clarinda and their children Nathan, Callie and Taylor, Justin King and wife T.J. of Clarinda and Ryan King of Fargo, North Dakota; half sister-in-law, Loreen Triggs; many loving nieces, nephews and friends

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

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.

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).

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Nash, Richard "Dick" Allen - Richard “Dick” Allen Nash was born in Conway, Iowa on January 12, 1934 where he lived on his family farm and married Donna Jeane Duncan on January 28,1956 in Bedford, Iowa. They loved experiencing new things and places and resided in several locations throughout Iowa, Missouri, Wyoming, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Germany.

They traveled extensively during the summers while working in various school systems throughout their lives. Dick spent the last 20 years in Ardmore.
Dick was proficient at many skills. As a young man he had his own land to farm by age 15. He loved machinery and repairing things. He briefly flew airplanes, and always had boats, trailers and tractors around to tinker with.

After leaving the farm, he worked as a truck driver, heavy equipment operator, electrician, plumber, and salesman. At an early age he worked several jobs at once while pursuing his educational degrees such as working in the gravel pit in Graham, Missouri. He built homes, worked for the highway departments in Parnell, Missouri and Nebraska and also drove water trucks for the highway department in Oklahoma.

He loved kids and being an educator. His teaching career was just as varied, working in many teaching roles: industrial arts, physical education, driver’s education, coach of football and basketball teams and he later served as superintendent of a school district. Dick was a very active volunteer throughout his life. He helped with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Explorer Scouts. He spent his Thanksgiving holidays making turkeys for the local Moose lodge dinners. If anyone ever needed a hand, he was there to help. After marrying Donna, Dick served in the U.S. Army being stationed in Neu Ulm, Germany after training in Fort Collins, Colorado. Later in life, Dick was an active member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, VFW Lodge, and was a Freemason.

He is survived by three children, Vicki Ann and husband Kevin Mark Fox of Alvarado, Texas; Roy Lee of Morrissville, North Carolina; and Todd Allen and wife Felicia Bethanne (Miller) of Austin, Texas. Dick has a sister Mary Ann (Nash) Cassavaugh of Hopkins, Missouri. Most other family members reside in the Missouri/Iowa area. Dick was the very proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Jennifer Jeane Fox of Mansfield, Texas (daughter of Vicki and Kevin); Katrina Lynn Nash of Seymour, Connecticut (daughter of Roy Lee and Deborah Ann Sadlowski of Seymour); Isabella Brooke, Andrew Bennett and Samuel Duncan Nash of Austin, Texas (children of Todd and Felicia).

He was preceded in death by Donna Jeane and his parents, Archie LeRoy (Roy) Nash and Dorothy Charlotte (Snyder) of Sheridan, Missouri

Mass of Christian Burial for Florence Robinson, age 87, of Lenox who passed away on Friday, February 18, 2011 at the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston will be held Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lenox. Interment will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Florence Irene (Sweeney) Robinson was born April 6th 1923 on a farm near Clearfield, Iowa to Frank Sweeney and Ellen Leahy Sweeney. She grew up attending school and graduated validictorian, from Conway High School.

Florence attended Ottumwa Heights College in Ottumwa, Iowa for one year. She then moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she was a waitress at the Kirkland Hotel. Later, she took a position at the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company until July 1945.

Florence traveled by train to New York where she met up with her high school sweetheart Doyle D. Robinson, who was on leave from the U.S. coast guard. On July 31st 1943, they were united in marriage at Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, New York. Doyle returned to active duty and Florence returned to work in Des Moines, Iowa. After Doyle was discharged they returned to Walnut, Iowa where they began their farming career. Three years later they moved back to the Lenox-Conway area. To this union, six children were born; Terri, Linda, Stephen, Richard, Pat, and Diane.

Florence was a dedicated and loving wife as well as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Due to the abundance of love for her family she doted and made them a priority in her life. Family gatherings like the 4th of July and Christmas were her prized celebrations.
In addition to family, Florence was a faithful member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church. She not only was a choir director in the church but also a cantor in the church for many years. Her love for music continued throughout the rest of her life.

Florence’s additional hobbies included cooking, gardening, and attending her grandchildren’s school activities. She found pleasure in sharing recipes including a published recipe in the Taste of Home magazine and her passion for reading led her to take a job at the Lenox Library for many years.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husband Doyle; daughters Terri Robinson Bennett and Linda Robinson Porter; grand-daughter Kelly Young; grand-sons Jordan M. and Michael J. Robinson; sisters Margaret Sweeney, Mary Sweeney Evans and husband Dean, Catherine Sweeney Rainforth and husband Gerry; and brothers William Sweeney and wife Marge, George Sweeney and wife Juanita, Hubert Sweeney, brother-in-law Jack Walton; brother-in-law Hal Robinson and wife Doris; and brother-in-law Glen Allbee.

Left to cherish Florence’s memory are her children Stephen Robinson and wife Janet of Omaha, NE, Richard Robinson and wife Denise of Lenox, IA, Patrick Robinson and wife Lahni Jean of Lenox, IA, and Diane Lange and husband Jeff of Lenox, IA, son-in-laws Jim Bennett of Omaha, NE and Stephen Porter of Thurman, IA; brother Steven Sweeney and wife Sandy of Lenox, IA; sisters Fran Sweeney Myers and husband Merle, Carole Sweeney Steininger and husband Ron, and Maureen Sweeney Walton, and Jean Sweeney; sister-in-law Barbara Colter and husband Harold; and sister-in-law Maxine Allbee; 21 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Shepard, Harold Jesse - Harold Jesse Shepherd was born June 12, 1919, on a farm near Siam, Iowa, Taylor County, to Albert Shepherd and Olive Pearl Henderson Shepherd.
Upon the death of his father, April 2, 1926, his mother Olive moved to Bedford with Harold and his two sisters. Harold spent the next 80 years of his life (except for three years he spent in the United States Army) in Bedford, Iowa, graduating from the Bedford High School in 1938.
Harold was married to Velma Irvin December 8, 1940. To this union two sons were born: Harold Jr. and Dennis Joe. Harold was inducted into the army in World War II, serving for three years, thirty months overseas in North Africa, Sicily, Corsica, and Italy, as a teletype operator.
Harold tried various professions from a shoe shine boy to a Bank Vice President, including a gas station attendant, grocery store clerk, substitute rural mail carrier, bookkeeper at Cudahays, sodajerk and clerk at Pote Drug Store, clerk at Severs Stacy Hardware, and 32 years at State Savings Bank.
Harold was a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church where he held many offices as well as serving as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher of Junior High Sunday School class, lay speaker, president of United Methodist Men, and served many years as usher. He also served on Bedford City Council, treasurer of Bedford Public School, Boy Scout leader, and a member of the Bedford Library Board.
Harold was preceeded in death by his parents Albert and Olive Shepherd; stepfather Ira (Shorty) Talkington; an infant brother Albert; sister Audrey Jefferies and husband Orville; sister Minnie Cordell and husband Cecil; a grandson-in-law Scott Chamberlain; two nephews Eugene Cordell and Jerry Jefferies; sisters-in-law Lois, Dorothy, Helen and Ann Irvin; and brothers-in-law Leonard and Jim Irvin.
He is survived by his wife Velma, sons Harold Jr. and Dennis and their wives Kay and Jane; one grandson Anthony (Tony) Shepherd and his wife Jana; two granddaughters Kim Chamberlain and Paige Butterfield; step-granddaughters Libby Greenlee, Jessica Druschel and husband Desi, Robert Downing and wife Lauren, Deborah Helder and husband Jeff; great-grandchildren Robert, Chelsee, Cara and Mallori Chamberlain, Brock and Micah Butterfield, Ellie and Jack Shepherd, Jachob James Roster, Jace and Halle Druschel, Sydney and Riley Helder, and Trey and Sophie Downing; sister-in-law Jackie Jacobs and husband Jim, brother-in-law Harold Gilbert, sister-in-law June Irvin, and many nieces, nephews and cousins

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.

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Stacy, Mildred Severs

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

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.

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

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.