Paul Leonard Ervin, 1917-2001

Moravia Union - 18 July 2001

--------------------------------------

  Paul Ervin, age 83, of Centerville died Saturday, July 14, 2001 at Golden Age Care Center, Centerville.

  Paul was born December 16, 1917 at Cincinnati, Iowa to Clarence and Grace Euwer Ervin. He was raised in Cincinnati and graduated from Cincinnati High School. He was married to Dorothy Stagner on December 24, 1938 at Bloomfield, Iowa and she survives him. Paul farmed in
  Appanoose County. He owned and operated the Appanoose County Ambulance Service for many years and later was a custodian at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (Mercy Medical Center). He was a member of the Drake Ave. Christian Church.
  He is survived by: his wife, Dorothy of Centerville; four sons, Donald and his wife Karen Ervin of Otho, Iowa, Max and his wife Mary Ervin of Centerville, Jim and his wife Cheryl Ervin of Huxley, Iowa and Bob Ervin of Indianola, Iowa; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
  He was preceded in death by: his parents and two brothers Rodney and Tommy.
  Services were held on Tuesday, July 17, 2001 at Drake Ave. Christian Church with Pastor Carl Heien and Fr. Joe Bathke C.PP.S. officiating. Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome, Iowa. A memorial has been established and may be left at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home.

Gravestone for Paul & Dorothy Ervin

in the Jerome Cemetery
----------------------

  The editor appreciates the contribution of the above updated gravestone picture by Jimmy Ervin of Centerville, Iowa.

----------------------------------------------

Ad-Express/Iowegian - 18 July 2001

-------------------------------

  Paul Ervin, 83, of Centerville died Saturday, July 14, 2001, at Golden Age Care Center.

  He was born Dec. 16, 1917, in Cincinnati, the son of Clarence and Grace (Euwer) Ervin.

  He married Dorothy Stagner Dec. 24, 1938, in Bloomfield. She survives.

  Also surviving are four sons, Donald Ervin and his wife, Karen, of Otho, Max Ervin and his wife, Mary, of Centerville, Jim Ervin and his wife, Cheryl, of Huxley and Bob Ervin of Indianola; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Rodney and Tommy.

  He was raised in Cincinnati, graduating from Cincinnati High School. He farmed in Appanoose County and owned and operated the Appanoose County Ambulance Service for many years. He later was custodian at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital (Mercy Medical Center). He was a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church.

  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Drake Avenue Christian Church with Pastor Carl Heien and Fr. Joe Bathke, C.PP.S., officiating.

  Friends may call all day today, Monday, at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, Centerville, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.  Burial will be in Jerome Cemetery in Jerome.

  A memorial has been established to the Seymour First Responders and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

William Addison Hagan

The Seymour Herald - 28 January 1937

-------------------------------------

William Addison Hagan

  William Addison Hagan, son of Elizabeth and James Hagan, was born Jan. 6, 1858, in Bellair twp., Appanoose county, Iowa, and departed this life at his home in Jerome, Iowa, on Jan. 20, 1937, at the age of 79 years, and 14 days.

  He was the second child of a family of six children, two boys and four girls.  His father, mother and two sisters, Callie and Mary Belle Hawkins, and one brother, John F., have preceded him in death.

William Addison Hagan with his horse and buggy

in front of his parents' home in the center of Jerome --

a second floor was later added to this house

  In 1871 he moved with his parents to Jerome where he spent the greater part of his life with the exception of brief periods of time when he was employed in the states of Nebraska and Washington.  

William Addison Hagan as a young man in Nebraska

  He went to Kalispell, Montana, in 1927 to stay with his sister, Mrs. Emma Ogle, after the death of her husband.  In 1929 he established a home for his sister in Jerome, where they have lived together for the remaining years of his life.

  In the earlier years of his life he and his father managed a grocery store and postoffice in Jerome.  He was later employed by the Hawkeye Lumber Co. for a period of several years, which was his last active work.

  He united with the M. E. church in early youth and was an active Sunday school worker during his stay in Nebraska, where he also served as Sunday school secretary.

  He was an upright and honest citizen, being highly respected and esteemed wherever he made his home.

William Addison Hagan with his horse

  He leaves to mourn their loss, two sisters, Mrs. Ada Crouch, of Kalispell, Montana, and Mrs. Emma Ogle of Jerome, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.  Due to failing health Mrs. Crouch was unable to be present at this time.

Emma Elizabeth Hagan Ogle, William Addison Hagan

and Ada Rebecca Hagan Crouch

William Addison Hagan with three nieces -

Phyllis, Mary and Betty Hawkins

William Addison Hagan

  Funeral services were held at the Jerome M. E. church Saturday afternoon at two o'clock conducted by the Rev. Francis B. Harris.  Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

William Addison Hagan's Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

--------------------

Card of Thanks

  We desire to thank our neighbors and friends for every act of kindness and sympathy following the death of our brother and uncle, W. A. Hagan.

  -- Mrs. Emma Ogle, Mrs. Ada Crouch, Nieces and Nephews 

Eva Jane Criswell & Thomas Wesley Banks

  Eva Jane Criswell was born 29 April 1865 near Numa in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of John Vance Criswell and Mary Ann Brannen, died 20 June 1943 in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  She married 17 February 1892 in Appanoose County, Iowa, Thomas Wesley Banks.  Thomas was born 30 May 1861 in Washington Township, Putnam County, Indiana, son of Wesley Johnson Banks and Nancy Wells Talbot, died 25 April 1935 at his home south of Centerville in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.

---------------------------

Unidentified Centerville Obituary - April 1935

---------------------------

  Thomas Wesley Banks, son of Wesley J. and Nancy Talbot Banks, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, May 30, 1861; died at his home south of town Thursday, April 25, 1935, at the age of 73 years, 10 months, 25 days.

  At the age of four years he came to this county with his parents and has resided in the county ever since.

  On February 17, 1892, he was united in marriage to Eva J. Criswell and to this union two children were born, a son, dying in infancy, and a daughter, Mrs. Dwight Hughes of Centerville. Besides the wife and daughter he is survived by one brother, Frank T. Banks, and by five grandchildren, other relatives and a host of loving friends.

  Funeral services were held Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at the Methodist church conducted by the Rev. Frank A. Wilder and burial was at Jerome, Iowa.

Card of Thanks

  We wish to thank our many friends for their kindness and sympathy, and for the beautiful flowers, during the sickness and death of our husband, father and brother.

  --Mrs. Eva Banks

  --Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Hughes and family

  --Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Banks 

---------------------------

Unidentified Centerville Obituary - April 1935

---------------------------

Thomas Banks Is Called To Death

Aged Farmer and Long Time Resident South of Centerville

Succumbs After Long Illness

  Following ill health during the recent winter Thomas Wesley Banks, age 72, long time farmer and resident south of Centerville, died at 8:45 p.m. yesterday.  In death he is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Dwight Hughes, and one brother, Frank Banks, all of Centerville.

  Mr. Banks had lived the major portion of his life in this vicinity and was widely known, his death bringing sorrow to a host of friends and relatives.

  Funeral services are to be held from the Methodist Episcopal church of this city at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28.  Burial will be in the Jerome cemetery and the Rev. Frank A. Wilder, Methodist pastor will officiate. Complete obituary announcements will be published later.

-------------------------

Unidentified Obituaries - June 1943

-------------------------

Mrs. Thomas Banks

  Eva J. Criswell, daughter of John V. and Mary Ann Criswell, was born April 29, 1865, and passed away at her home Sunday, June 20 at 6:30 a.m. at the age of 78 years, 1 month and 22 days.

  She united in marriage with Thomas W. Banks on February 17, 1892.  Two children were born to this union, a son dying in infancy and a daughter, Mrs. Dwight W. Hughes of this city.  Mr. Banks preceded his wife in death April 25, 1935.

  She is survived by 5 grandchildren, Harold, serving in the U. S. Coast Guard, Raymond of Beloit, Wis., and Marjorie, Wayne and Glen of Centerville.

  She joined the Numa M. E. church in 1885, and later transferred her membership to the M. E. church of Centerville.

  She was a member of the Golden Links Sunday School class and was a women of splendid character whose death is mourned by a wide circle of friends and relatives.

  Funeral services were conducted at the Miller Funeral Home at 2:30 Wednesday, June 23, 1843 by the Rev. Lester Greenwood and burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

------------------------

Card of Thanks

------------------------

  We wish to thank all our friends and neighbors for their many kind deeds and beautiful floral offering during our bereavement.

  --Mr. and Mrs. Dwight W. Hughes and family

-----------------------

Mrs. Thomas W. Banks

  CENTERVILLE--Mrs. Thomas W. Banks, 78, of Centerville, died suddenly with a heart attack at 6:30 a.m. Sunday in her apartment at 112 North 15th Street, where she had lived for five years. She had been as well as usual until last week.

  She arose about 6 a.m. Sunday and was preparing to take a bath when she fell to the floor in the bedroom.  She was a member of the Golden Links Bible class of the First Methodist church and had been a resident of Appanoose county her entire life.  She was Miss Eva Criswell before her marriage.  She was born near Jerome April 29, 1865, the daughter of John V. and Mary Ann Criswell. She was the last survivor of her father's family. She was married to Thomas Wesley Banks February 17, 1892.

  Her husband died April 5, 1935. She was also preceded in death by one son, who died in infancy. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Dwight Hughes, 621 West Washington street, Centerville, and five grandchildren. The body was brought to the Miller funeral home.

-------------------

Mrs. Banks Funeral

  CENTERVILLE--Funeral services for Mrs. Thomas W. Banks of Centerville, who died suddenly at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at her home at 112 North 15th street, were held at the Miller funeral home at 2:30 p.m. today in charge of the Rev. Lester Greenwood, new pastor of the First Methodist church here. Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

-------------------

Thomas Wesley Banks and Eva Jane Criswell

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

-------------------------

  These obituaries were transcribed from the Hughes Banks Collection compiled by Linnie Banks Hughes (1894-1982) and donated by Raymond Hughes to the Genealogical Collection of the Drake Public Library in Centerville, Iowa. 

Ida May Criswell Johnston

  Ida May Criswell was born 8 January 1860 in Numa, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of John Vance Criswell and Mary Ann Brennen, died 19 April 1927 in Centerville, Appanoose county, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  She married 8 October 1913 in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, William Johnston of Kansas City who was born c1863 in England, son of Thomas Johnston (born Ireland) and Julia Ann Walsh (born Ireland),and who had first married Ida May's sister Casander "Cassie" Criswell who died in 1912.

------------------------------

Unidentified Obituary - April 1927

------------------------------

Death Takes Mrs. Wm. Johnston

Well Known Resident of City Died Tuesday Afternoon

From Paralysis -- Burial Thursday

  Mrs. Wm. Johnston of 515 East Clark street, died after an illness of six and a half months, caused by apoplexy.  She had a stroke October 6th, and the second April 16th at 2:30 p.m. from which she never regained consciousness, death coming at 2:55 Tuesday.

  She leaves to mourn her death a husband, Wm. Johnston, a brother, Frank Criswell of the home residence, a sister, Mrs. Thos. Banks of Drake avenue and Mrs. M. E. Crist of Seymour, all at the bedside at the time of her death.

  Mrs. Johnston was a daughter of J. V. and Mary Ann Criswell, of Numa, Iowa, where she was born Jan. 8th, 1860.  Died April 19, 1927, aged 67 years, three months and 11 days.

  She joined the Methodist church when young and has been a faithful member ever since, but being in poor health has not attended of late.  She moved to Kansas City about 1890, was married there in 1913, moved back to Iowa in 1924 and has lived at the home residence in Centerville since, where she died.

Marriage License for William Johnston & Ida May Criswell

Department of Records, Jackson County, Missouri

Certificate Number:  1913K0059929

  Funeral services will be preached at the home by Rev. Schwartz of the Methodist church at 10 a.m. on Thursday.  Burial will be at Jerome cemetery beside her parents and sisters who preceded her in death. 

Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery

Footstone in Jerome Cemetery

--------------------------

  Census Record:  1920 US Census, Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson, Missouri; Roll: T625_928; Page 6B; Enumeration District: 176; Image: 14 on Ancestry.com.

  Census Record:  Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925, 1925 Census, Roll: IA1925_1591, Line 26 and 27, Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa.

  Death Records, Appanoose County, Iowa, Book 4, Page 56:  Ida May Johnston, born January 8, 1860, Numa, Iowa; age 67 years, 3 months, 11 days; father, J. V. Criswell (born Wheeling, WV); mother, Mary Ann Brannon (born Pennsylvania); housewife, died April 19, 1927, Centerville; buried April 21, 1927, Jerome. 

Carrie Brannen Criswell Jones

  Carrie Brannen Criswell was born 7 March 1856 in Appanoose county, Iowa, daughter of John Vance Criswell and Mary Ann Brannen, died 17 October 1913 at the University Hospital in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa.  She married 19 September 1875 in Appanoose county, Iowa [Book 6; Page 307], William I. Jones who was born c1853 and died 1897.  In 1885, William I. Jones, 32, farmer, and Carrie B. Jones, 28, keeping house, were living in Bellair [Block 3, Lot 4, 68-18-14], Bellair township, Appanoose county, Iowa.

Missouri Death Certificate for

Carrie Brannen Jones

------------------

Iowegian - October 1913

------------------

  Carrie B. Criswell was born March 7, 1856, in Appanoose county, Iowa, and died in Kansas City, Mo., October 17, 1913.

  She was married to William Jones in September, 1876, he dying in 1897.

  She was a great sufferer for a long time before her death, but bore all patiently.  She was a member of the M. E. church for more than thirty years.

  She leaves three sisters and one brother to mourn her loss, i.e. Mrs. Mary Crist of Seymour; Mrs. Thos. Banks, of near Cincinnati; Mrs. Ida Johnson and Frank Criswell of Kansas City, Mo.

  Funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Jerome Sunday at 11:00 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Moore.

---------------------

Carrie Brannen Criswell Jones

Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery

John Franklin Hagan

Iowegian - May 1930

----------------

  John F. Hagan son of James and Elizabeth Hagan was born in Lincoln township, Appanoose county, Ia., Dec. 5, 1863 and has resided in this county the greater part of his life, living for a number of years at Jerome.  He entered the coal mines at an early age and has made it his chosen occupation until his tragic death in the mine at Benld, Ill., May 1, 1930 at the age of 66 years, 4 months and 26 days. Benld has been his home for more than 15 years.

John F. Hagan in driver's seat of ice wagon in

Kansas City, Kansas, in his younger years.

  He is survived by one brother William Hagan of Jerome, Ia., and two sisters, Mrs. Ada Crouch of Kalispell, Mont., and Mrs. Emma Ogle of Jerome, the other sister Mrs. Belle Hawkins, of Jerome, died April 19, 1917 leaving her husband, two daughters and three sons, there are also three other nephews and one niece and other more distant relatives and friends.

John F. Hagan with his dog

  The funeral service was held at the Methodist church in Jerome at 3 p.m. Monday, conducted by the pastor Jas. A. Wilson and burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

  The sister from Kalispell, Mont., and her son from Waterloo, Ia., were present and also a number of old friends from different parts of the country.

John Franklin Hagan's Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

---------------------------------------------

John F. Hagan's Illinois Death Certificate and Supplement

  John F. Hagan died of a fractured skull caused by a fallen clod accident while working in Coal Mine No. 2 at Sawyerville, Illinois on 1 May 1930.  He lived in Benld, Illinois, at the time.  Below are the Certificate of Death and Supplemental Report filed in the State of Illinois. 

Hobart S. Owen

  Hobart S. [Owen] became an industrial engineer (one of their first ones) with a subsidiary of U.S. Steel in Gary, Indiana. He married Kathryn Frogge and they have 5 children: Stanley, Judy, Linda, Thomas, and Pam.

---------------------------

  Text transcribed with permission from the Appanoose County Historical Society from Appanoose County Iowa, written by the people of Appanoose County, compiled in 1984-1985 by the Appanoose County Historical Society, and printed by Taylor Publishing Co., Dallas, Texas (1986). 

------------------------------------

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery of

Hobart S. Owen

Samuel J. Owen & Vera Edna Sedgwick

  Samuel J. Owen and Vera Edna Sedgwick were married October 29, 1905 at the bride's home one-half mile west of Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa.  They were first generation descendants of the early settlers who came to this county in the 1850s -- his from Putnam County, Indiana -- hers from Pennsylvania and Virginia (now W. Va.).

Sam & Vera Owen

  Sam Owen was born September 30, 1874, in Lincoln Township, the youngest son of Thomas and Mary (Morlan) Owen. His grandparents were Henry and Belinda (Jones) Morlan (or Moreland). His great-grandparents were William and Abigail (Davis) Jones.  (Grandmother Belinda Carolyn Jones was born in Casey County, Kentucky in 1818.) His grandparents on the Owen side were John A. and Nancy Owen.  John died in Putnam County, Indiana, in 1853. Nancy came to this county with her four sons and one daughter: Owen, James, Greenbury, Thomas, and Nancy, around 1859.

  Vera Sedgwick was born April 10, 1887, the youngest daughter of Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick and Katharine (Thomas) Sedgwick. Her maternal grandparents were Asbury and Mary Ann (Bowers) Thomas of Concord vicinity. Katharine Thomas was the only grandparent born in this county (1854). On the Sedgwick side Vera's grand-parents were Joseph Sedgwick and Priscilla (Rice) Sedgwick of Rice's Landing, Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin & Katharine Thomas Sedgwick Family

Vera, Tom, Ben Sr., Owen, Katherine, Bill, Anna & Ben

  "Sam and Vera" as they were known, made their home on an 80-acre farm three-fourths of a mile west of Jerome, bought from John Moore, which brought their land holdings to 280 acres. Around 1910 they professed belief in Christ "for time and eternity." They met regularly for church services with a small group of Christians sometimes called the "Believers," and lived a life of faith for all their years.  Their story is the story of the family farm in the first half of the 20th Century, and it's a good one. Sam saw the farming operation go from the ox-yoke to the tractor; but most of the hard work, in his day, was done by horses and man power. There were usually four to eight horses in the barn or pasture, well-trained and well-cared for.  He was an inventive engineer with a great respect for machinery. One of his first possessions was a fine, tall windmill over a fine, deep well. It must be nearly 90 years old now, and still runs, filling a cistern, which gravity feeds water to a stock tank, as needed. In the "summer kitchen" at their home, a stationary gasoline engine, with a crankshaft and series of pulleys, ran the washing machine, cream separator, and churn, and pumped water, which was piped to several places as directed. He was usually among the first to adopt new practices: diversified farming, rotation of crops, terracing and plowing on the contours, planting hybrid seed corn, raising alfalfa and soy beans. And he was always interested in community affairs, such as the school (he was usually on the School Board) and politics (he was a Democrat).

  Vera was beautifully supportive in every conceivable way. The garden orchard and farm yard provided a wealth of fruit and vegetables, including grapes, apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums, strawberries in abundance.  Collecting and preparing these for food in season, and canning and preserving them for later use was a major activity; and there was always a fine flock of chickens in the henyard, contributing their part of the family table. Vera had many gifts, she was a great seamstress and a good portion of the family clothing was made by her. She was also a fine singer and pianist. Often the old farmhouse hummed with music, both vocal and instrumental, in which everyone had a part.

  They lived a happy, if strenuous life; raised six children, without catastrophe; and survived the great depression -- being loved and respected by many.  They were true positive thinkers before that phrase was coined. They would probably consider their children their greatest accomplishment. They hoped to endow them with an inheritance of good health, good character, and an education of their choosing. One son continues on the "home place" to carry on family traditions.

  Sam died in 1940, age 65. Vera followed him in 1952, age 65.

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery for
Samuel Owen and Vera Sedgwick

-------------------------------

  Text transcribed with permission from the Appanoose County Historical Society from Appanoose County Iowa, written by the people of Appanoose County, compiled in 1984-1985 by the Appanoose County Historical Society, and printed by Taylor Publishing Co., Dallas, Texas (1986).  First two pictures scanned from Memories of Jerome, Iowa 1989.

Obituary: Helen Loofbourrow

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

---------------------------

  Helen Loofbourrow, 81, of West Liberty, formerly of Centerville, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty.

  Helen was born Nov. 28, 1923 to Ralph and Opal (Zellar) Link in Centerville.

  Helen married Merle Loofbourrow in Centerville on Sept. 27, 1942.  Helen was a member of the Gospel Chapel and the Jerome Methodist Church.  She graduated from Centerville High School in 1942.

  Helen is survived by two sons, Don Loufbourrow and his wife, Janice, of West Liberty and David Loofbourrow of Centerville; a brother, James Link of Des Moines; a sister, Mildred Devore of Centerville; two grandchildren, Ryan Loofbourrow of West Liberty and Sara Loofbourrow of Ames.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle; parents, Ralph and Opal; and a son, Ronald Loofbourrow.

  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home with Pastor Lloyd Johnston officiating.  Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery.

  Friends may call all day Thursday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

  A memorial has been established to the Jerome Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th Street, Centerville, IA 52544.

 Merle and Helen Link Loofbourrow's
Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

-------------------------------------

  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal  by Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio, of Helen Loofbourrow's obituary.

Obituary: Ralph Wendall Inman

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

------------------------------

  Ralph Wendall Inman, the third son of Edward and Cleo (Norris) Inman, was born October 10, 1922, southeast of Seymour.  He passed away March 30, 2005, at his home in Seymour. He attended the Farmer Country School near Numa and graduated from Seymour High School.

Ralph Wendall Inman

    Except for two years in northern Iowa working as a union carpenter, he spent most of his life in Appanoose and Wayne Counties.  Farming was his life.  He never lost his love of animals, especially Hereford cattle and horses, from the pony he had at age five to the saddle horse, Ginger, he had until he quit farming in 1995.

  On October 12, 1947, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Rupalo at the Jerome Methodist Church.  They had 57 happy years together.

  He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Dennis and wife, Debbie, of Seymour; daughter, Diane Brozovich and husband, Jeff, of Tracy; three granddaughters, Angela Laughlin and husband, Greg, of Ames, Jill and Heather Inman of Seymour; and grandson, Daniel Brozovich of Tracy.  He also leaves two brothers, Kenneth and wife, Wanda, of Spring Hill, Kans., and Donald and wife, Judy, of Bonner Springs, Kans.; and many nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Lazelle, Byron, Milford and Arthur.

  Funeral services were held Saturday, April 2, 2005, from the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour with Pastor Vickie Steffes officiating.  Musical selections were "How Great Thou Art" and "One Day at a Time" with Milton Albertson, soloist, and Mary Parker, pianist. Bearers were Duane Rupalo, Randy Rupalo, Greg Laughlin, Jeff Brozovich, Daniel Brozovich and David

McElvain.  Honor bearers were Harold Swan and Kenneth Swan.  Interment was in the Jerome Cemetery.

  Memorials may be made to the Jerome Cemetery or Hospice of Central Iowa.

Ralph Wendall Inman and Carolyn J. Rupalo

 Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

Card of Thanks

  We wish to thank everyone for the kindness bestowed on us at the loss of our husband, dad and grandpa; the prayers, calls, cards, flowers and food; the memorial contributions, those "angels," the hospice girls; Pastor Vickie and the staff of Randolph Funeral Home.  We will never forget. God bless.

  --The Family of Wendall Inman

--------------------------------

  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal by Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio, of the obituary with picture and funeral program above.

Earnest Lazelle Inman & Ruth Irene Bland

  Earnest Lazelle Inman was born 24 December 1918 in Lincoln township, Appanoose county, Iowa, son of Edward Potter Inman and Cleo Olive Norris; died 2 October 1948 at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Centerville, Appanoose county, Iowa; and was buried 5 October 1948 in the Jerome Cemetery, Jerome, Appanoose county, Iowa.  He married Ruth Irene Bland 15 August 1937 at the home of Lewis J. Norris, the groom's grandparents, near Numa, Appanoose county, Iowa; she was born 17 January 1918 in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, daughter of Edwin William Bland and Leah Hope Howard; died 2 March 1997 at the Pioneer Manor in Gillette, Crook county, Wyoming; was cremated and buried next to her husband in the Jerome Cemetery.  Two children were born of this union, Richard Lazelle Inman and Cleo (Jerri) Irene Inman (Moriarty). 

 Gravestone of Ruth and Lazelle Inman 

in Jerome Cemetery

------------------------------

Bland-Inman Marriage

 Unidentified 1937 Newspaper Clipping 

------------------------------

  The L. J. Norris home near Numa, Iowa, was the scene of a quiet and impressive single ring ceremony, when at three o'clock Sunday afternoon, August 15, Miss Ruth Bland of Numa became the bride of Mr. Lazelle Inman of near Numa.

  Rev. Francis Harris of Promise City was the officiating minister. The couple were accompanied by Miss Lorena Inman of Heckley, Nebraska, cousin of the bridegroom and Mr. Donald Moriarty of near Numa, a friend of the couple.  Immediate families of both bride and bridegroom were also

present.

Wedding Day Picture 

of Earnest Lazelle and Ruth Irene Bland Inman

  The bride is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bland of Numa, and is a graduate of the Numa High School. For some time she has been employed at the Drake Library in Centerville.

  Mr. Inman is the son of Mrs. Edward Inman of near Numa and is also a graduate of Numa High school.

  The couple will make their home with Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Norris, grandparents of the bridegroom. A host of friends extend congratulations and best wishes. 

Home of Mr. & Mrs. Lewis J. Norris
Later purchased by Lazelle and Ruth Inman

------------------------------

The Daily Iowegian - October 1948

------------------------------

Earnest Lazelle Inman

  Earnest Lazelle Inman, son of Edward and Cleo Inman, was born Dec. 24, 1918, and passed away Oct. 2, 1948, at the St. Joseph's hospital in Centerville, Iowa, at the age of 29 years, 9 months and 8 days.

  Lazelle was born in Lincoln township and spend nearly all his life in and near this vicinity. He attended high school in Jerome and Numa and graduated from Numa high school with the class of 1936. 

Earnest Lazelle Inman - Numa High School Class of 1936

  On Aug. 15, 1937 he was united in marriage to Ruth Bland and to this union were born two children, a son, Richard, age 10, and a daughter, Jerry, age 7.

  He was preceded in death by his mother and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Norris. 

  On May 8, 1932 he was baptized and received into the membership of the Jerome Methodist church by the Rev. James A. Wilson.  He remained loyal to his church and the last few years had been a member of the board of trustees, and also of the young married people's choir.

  Farming was his life-time occupation, thus developing a love for the soil and the great outdoors. He was a tireless worker.

  Surviving other than his wife and children are: his father, Edward Inman of near Numa; six brothers, Byron of Numa, Wendall of near New Sharon, Milfred of Centerville, Arthur of Ames, and Kenneth and Donald at home; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Inman of Ardmore, S.D., and a host of relatives and friends who mourn his departure.

  Lazelle was a loyal and devoted father who loved his home and family, of whom he was very proud.  He was very industrious and won many friends with his cheerful disposition.  A sympathetic community profoundly mourns his untimely death.

  Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1948, at 3:30 p.m. in the Jerome Methodist church, with its pastor, Rev. M. R. Gonzalez, in charge.  The Young Married People's Choir of the church sang "Whispering Hope," "Gathering Home," and "God Will Take Care of You."  Mrs. Hazel Felkner accompanied on the piano.

  He was laid to rest in the Jerome cemetery.

Card of Thanks  

  Words cannot express our gratitude to those who expressed their sympathy and helpfulness at the time of our recent sorrow.

  --Mrs. Ruth Inman and children

  --Ed Inman and children.

-------------------------------

The Daily Iowegian - 5 March 1997

-------------------------------

Ruth Irene Inman

  Former Centerville resident, Ruth Irene Inman, age 79, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 1997 at the Pioneer Manor in Gillette, Wyoming.  She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 17, 1918, the daughter of Edwin and Leah Hope (Howard) Bland.  She grew up in the Numa area and accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized into the faith at the Believers Church in Numa.  She graduated from the Numa High School.  In 1937 she married Lazelle Inman and he preceded her in death in 1948. 

Ruth Irene Bland - Numa High School Class of 1935

  Mrs. Inman worked in Centerville for a number of years for both Appanoose Company (sic) Telephone Company and for Iowa Southern Utilities before moving out of state to be near her children.  She retired from Honeywell, Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1981 and moved to be near her daughter in Gillette, Wyoming.  She attended the Christian Church in Gillette.

Ruth Irene Bland Inman

  She is survived by two children.  A son, Richard and his wife, Rosalee Inman of Hamilton, Ohio, and a daughter, Cleo (Jerri) and her husband Larry Moriarty of Gillette, Wyoming; seven grandchildren, Douglas (Terry) Inman, Deana (Dan) Snodgrass and Darren (Tracy) Inman of Hamilton, Ohio, Lisa (Tom) Wall and Lori (Randy) Sgaraglio of Cincinnati, Ohio, Trudi Wilson of Gillette, Wyoming and Michael Moriarty of Chadron, Nebraska; six great grandchildren, Natasha, Richard and Tyler Inman, Sara and Steven Snodgrass of Hamilton, Ohio, and Mike Wilson of Gillette, Wyoming; two sisters, Bea Beck of Oroville, California and Fran Wojcik of St. Petersburg, Florida; one brother Herb (Earlene) Bland of Malvern, Iowa; six brothers-in-law, Byron (Norma) Inman and Wendall (Carolyn) Inman of Seymour Iowa, Milfred (Margaret) Inman of Las Vegas, Nevada, Arthur (Marjorie) Inman of Denver, Colorado, Kenneth (Wanda) Inman and Donald (Judy) Inman of Kansas City, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two brothers and one grandchild.

  After cremation, a memorial service will be held at the discretion of the family with burial next to her husband in the Jerome, Iowa, cemetery.  The family requests memorials either to the Christian Church, P. O. Box 2817, Gillette, Wyoming 82717 or the God's Clubhouse for children at the Fairfield Wesleyan Church, 4685 Anthony Wayne Avenue, Fairfield, Ohio 45014. 

-----------------------------------

  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the articles and pictures above by Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio. 

John Ponsetto, 1921-2005

Schmidt Family Funeral Home 
-----------------------------

  John Ponsetto, age 83, of Centerville, Iowa, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa. He was born the son of the late Michael A. Ponsetto and the late Elenora (Nobile) Ponsetto on December 27, 1921 in Jerome, Iowa. He attended Jerome Community Schools through the eighth grade.  

  On September 22, 1946, John was united in marriage to Lela Fenton at Corydon, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was employed as a farmer and coal miner. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville, Iowa.  John was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers Peter, Leon, and Richard Ponsetto.  He is survived by: his wife, Lela Ponsetto, of Centerville, Iowa; and a sister, Louise Radwick, of Davenport, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

  Mass of Resurrection will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2005, at 1:00 P.M., at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Fr. Ron Will, C.PP.S., officiating. Burial will follow at the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome, Iowa.

  Visitation will be held on Friday, March 25, 2005, from 1:00 till 8:00 P.M., with the family present from 6:00 till 8:00 P.M., at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa.

  Memorials can be made to the Jerome Cemetery Association or Alzheimer's Association and can be left at or mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home at 501 North 18th Street in Centerville, Iowa 52544

--------------------------------------------------

Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery

-------------------------------------

Social Security Death Index

The SSDI gives his birth date as 27 December 1921, his death date as 22 March 2005, and his last residence as Seymour, Wayne, IA 52590. His SSN was issued in Iowa before 1951.

Catherine V. Blozevich Mallett, 1925-2007

The Daily Iowegian - 4 October 2007

--------------------------------------

  Catherine Virginia (Blozevich) Mallett, 82, a lifelong resident of Appanoose County, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. 

  Catherine was born July 7, 1925 to A.R. (Tony) and Opal (McCoy) Blozevich. She married L.H. (Barney) Mallett in 1942.  Survivors include a son and his wife, Lawrence (Larry) Roger and Dana Mallett of Lawrence, Kan.; a daughter and her husband, Beverly Kay Mallett Cosby and Tony Cosby of Overland Park, Kan.; two grandchildren, Tom and Erin Cosby of Omaha, Neb., and Nicholas Cosby of Peoria, Ill.; and three great-grandchildren, Samantha, John and Brandon Cosby of Omaha.

  She was preceded in death by her husband in April 2007, and her parents.  Catherine graduated from Numa High School in 1942 and was a member of the Numa High School Girl’s Basketball Team that won the 1941 Iowa State Championship. She was widely known in the area for her accordion and piano playing, faithfully going to various nursing facilities on a regular basis. She was a lifetime member of Jerome Methodist Church where she played piano for services for over 50 years. Catherine was a regular contributor to the dinners at the Jerome Methodist Church, where she was known for her homemade noodles.

  Visitation will be held Friday evening, Oct. 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, with funeral services to be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Shari Squires officiating. Burial will be at the Jerome Cemetery.
  A memorial has been established to the Jerome Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.thomaslange funeralhome.com.

----------------------------------

Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery