Frances L. Bland Wojcik, 1923-2002

St. Petersburg Times (FL) - 2 June 2002

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  WOJCIK, FRAN, 79, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (May 30, 2002) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. She was born in Grayson, Mo., and came here in 1972 from Rockford, Ill., where she was secretary and treasurer of Wojcik Construction. She attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, Mo. She was a retired administrator in the St. Petersburg Social Security office. She was past historian and treasurer of the Turner Brandon American Legion Post 7 of Clearwater and was a member of the League of Women Voters, Toastmasters, Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association, the Social Security Alumni Association, Suncoast Republican Women and the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee, where she was committeewoman of Precinct 201. She was the current senior vice commander of American Legion 20/4 Women's Honor Society. She was a corporal in the Army Air Forces during World War II. She was Protestant. Survivors include a son, Terry, Raleigh, N. C., three daughters, Juleah Wojcik, Cocoa Beach, and Jackie Wojcik and Jocelyn Kullens, both of Rockford, Ill.; a sister, Beulah "Bea" Beck, Brandon; and four grandchildren. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.

Frances L. Bland

Numa High School Graduation Picture

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Rockford Register Star (IL) - 2-3 June 2002

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  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla - Fran Wojcik, 79, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and formerly of Rockford, died Thursday, May 30, 2002, in V.A. Medical Center Bay Pines. Born in Grayson, Mo. She was formerly a secretary and treasurer of Wojcik Construction Co. and was a membe of the Home Builders Association, General Contractors Association, Rockford Memorial Auxiliary, Zonta International, Winnebago County Republican Club, League of Women Voters and various other organizations. In 1971, she was an Excalibur Award nominee and aldermanic candidate.  In Florida, she was active in numerous Republican and veterans organizations, and the recipient of the George Hieber Outstanding Republican of the Year in 2001. She was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. She is survived by one son, Terry of Raleigh, N.C., three daughters, Juleah Wojcik of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Jackie Wojcik and Jocelyn Kullens, both of Rockford, a sister, Beulah "Bea" Beck of Brandon, Fla. and four grandchildren.

  Services and interment will be in St. Petersburg...Arrangements completed by E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4100 16th St. N. St. Petersburg, Fla. 33703.

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Find A Grave Memorial #6527396

Created by Richard Inman - 19 June 2002

  Frances L. Bland [Fowler] Wojcik - Birth: 16 April 1923, Grayson, Clinton County, Missouri, USA. Death: 30 May 2002, Bay Pines, Pinellas County, Florida, USA.  Daughter of Edwin and Leah Hope (Howard) Bland.  Mother of Terry, Juleah, Jackie and Jocelyn. Sister of Norma, Ruth, Dorothy, Beulah, Edwin Jr., James and Herbert.

  A memorial service was held on Monday, June 3, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home, St. Petersburg, Florida with Chaplain Dan Hummer officiating. The body was then cremated and her remains interred with a military honor guard to solute her at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, Bay Pines, Pinellas County, Florida.

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  SSDI: Francis L. Wojcik, born 16 April 1923, died 30 May 2002, SSN issued Iowa (Before 1951), Last Residence: 33715 Saint Petersburg, Pinellas, Florida, USA.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the picture of Francis L. Bland Wojcik by Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio. 

Dorothy Geraldine Bland Miller, 1919-1952

  Dorothy Geraldine Bland, the daughter of Edwin William and Hope Howard Bland, deceased, was born in Enterprise, Kansas, March 31, 1919, and departed this life November 28, 1952 at the age of 33 years, 7 months and 27 days. She was united in marriage to Laurel Miller September 3, 1948 at Bloomfield, Iowa.

  At an early age Dorothy professed to be saved at the Believer's Chapel in Numa, and remained true to her faith. She was a loving wife and mother, a kind friend, always ready to help others. She was a patient sufferer, having been seriously ill for the past ten months.

Dorothy Geraldine Bland
Numa High School Graduation Picture

  She is survived by her husband, Laurel Miller, one daughter, June Adams of a previous marriage to Albert Adams of Centerville, three sisters, Mrs. Ruth Inman of Centerville, Mrs. Herbert Beck of Belmont, California and Mrs. Al Wojcik of Rockford, Illinois, two brothers, James Bland of Dallas Center, Iowa and Herbert Bland of Grimes, Iowa besides several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.  She is preceded in death by both parents, one sister, Norma Bland Crowder and one brother E. W. Bland, Jr., who died in infancy.

  She was laid to rest in the Lupton family cemetery near Unionville, Missouri on Dec. 1, 1952.

  The service at the Johnson Funeral Home was given by Evangelist David Lawrence, and the singing by Barbara, Nancy and Cathrine Plowman.

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Dorothy Miller Taken by Death

  Dorothy G. Miller, wife of Laurel Miller of Numa passed away Friday afternoon at their home in Numa following several months illness. She had been seriously ill since last February. Mrs. Miller was 33 years, seven months and 27 days of age, and was born in the state of Kansas March 31, 1919, the daughter of E. W. and Leah Bland.

  She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, and leave her husband and one daughter, June Adams, by a previous marriage.

  There are three sisters, Mrs. Herbert Beck of Bellmont, Calf., Mrs. Al Wojaic (sic) of Rockford, Ill., Mrs. Ruth Inman of Centerville, two brothers, James Bland of Dallas Center and Herbert Bland of Grimes, Ia.  Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Johnson Funeral home with David Lawrence officiating and burial in the Lupton cemetery near Unionville, Mo.

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

Herbert Lee Bland, Sr., 1928-1999

  Herbert Lee Bland, Sr., the son and one of eight children of Edward William and Leah Hope (Howard) Bland, was born on November 5, 1928 in Numa, Iowa. Herb attended high school in Numa and in 1945 joined the U. S. Army. On April 17, 1947, Herb and Earlene June Whicker were married in Chariton, IA. Herb was stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas where he worked as a prison guard until 1949. Following the military service, Herb farmed for two years in Missouri, and in 1952 moved to Centerville, IA and began driving an over the road semi truck. Later Herb and Earlene moved to Osceola, IA and in 1979 to Malvern, IA, where Herb continued his truck-driving career. On September 8, 1998, Herb suffered a heart attack forcing him to retire from Viner Trucking of Emerson, IA. During their nearly 52 years of marriage, Herb and Earlene were blessed with nine children, Marylin, Herb Jr., Ross, Charles, Michael, Carole, Tammy, Tim, and Tony.

  Herb died on February 28, 1999 at the Eldora Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Eldora, IA. He had attained the age of 70 years, 3 months, and 23 days. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Ed, sisters Norma Shaw, Dorothy Miller, Ruth Inman, and brother James Bland.

  Herb is survived by his wife Earlene of Malvern, IA; daughters Marylin Pettis and husband John of Moulton, IA, Carole Heilman and husband Mark of Osceola, IA, Tammy Biggerstaff and husband Brian of Hastings, IA; sons Herb Bland, Jr. and wife Linda of Malvern, Ross Bland of Hastings, IA, Charles Bland and wife Donna of Woodburn, IA, Michael Bland of Newport, AR, Tim Bland and Tony Bland of Malvern; seventeen grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sisters Beulah Beck of Orlando, FL, and Frances Wojcik of St. Petersburg, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio, to The Jerome Journal of the above materials from the Memorial Service for Herbert Lee Bland, Sr. arranged by the Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home in Malvern, Iowa

Norma Jean Bland & James R. Crowder

Mrs. James R. Crowder Ill

  Mrs. J. R. Crowder, who underwent a Caesarian operation Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, has not regained consciousness as yet, according to report from the St. Joseph's hospital.  Mrs. Crowder was the former Norma Bland of Numa. Her condition is still regarded as critical.

Meanwhile a little seven and one-half pound baby boy is doing nicely.

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Mrs. Crowder of Numa Called Here

Young Mother Failed to Survive Caesarian Operation Due to Complications

  Mrs. Norma Crowder, the 21 year old wife of Rollie Crowder of Numa, died at St. Joseph's hospital here at 6:40 p.m. yesterday [11 February 1938]. She was brought to the hospital in convulsions February 9, and a Caesarian operation was found necessary. A fine seven pound bob was born and is doing nicely at this time.

  The young mother failed to survive the ordeal in spite of every aid. The child was the first born of Mr. and Mrs. Crowder. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Crowder was Norma Bland. Her father and mother preceded her in death several years ago. The oldest of seven children she is survived by four sisters and two brothers as follows: Mrs. Ruth Inman of Numa, Buella Bland of Numa, Frances and Dorothy Bland of Numa and Buddy and Herbert.

  Mrs. Crowder was a former Numa high school student and graduate.

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Mrs. Rollie Crowder 

  Norma Jean Bland was born August 18, 1916, and departed this life February 11, 1938, at the age of 21 years, 2 months and 24 days, at the St. Joseph's hospital in Centerville.

  She was united in marriage November 23, 1936, to Rollie Crowder of Numa.

  Norma had for the past thirteen years resided in Numa. She attended the Numa schools and graduated from the high school with the class of 1936.

Norma Jean Bland

1936 Numa High School Graduation Picture

  At an early age she was united with the Believers church in Numa.

  She is survived by her husband and an infant son, born February 9, who will be known as Roland Edwin; also four sisters, Mrs. Lazelle Inman, Dorothy, Beulah, and Frances, and two brothers, James and Herbert Lee, all of Numa.

  A grandmother, Mrs. James Howard of Lucerne, Missouri, three aunts, four uncles, one cousin and a host of other relatives and friends are left to mourn her. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bland, and a brother who died in infancy.

          A loving friend from us has gone.

          A voice we loved is stilled.

          A place is vacant in our home

          That never can be filled.

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  The funeral service for Mrs. Norma Crowder was held from the M. E. church on Sunday at 1 p.m., conducted by Ruby Undertaking of Seymour and the services were read by Rev. Krapf of the M. E. charge. Music was furnished by a special choir, with Mrs. Fenton at the piano. The entire community was deeply saddened by the passing of this valued young mother and a host of relatives and friends were out to pay their last respects. The eldest of a family of young children,

bereft of father and mother in a very short time, her position has in fact been little mother to her sisters and brothers, and the family has been kept together, and while the rearing of the children is not complete, all are continuing to remain a family, and her work is very commendable. Death coming to her in motherhood, the little one is left, and no permanent arrangement is announced as yet as to its future residence. Following the funeral services, the body was taken to the family burying ground, where father and mother were laid to rest, north of Unionville, Mo., and in Putnam County, Missouri. Many of the local folks attended the body to the last resting place. 

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J. R. Crowder Dies Sunday

  James Rolland Crowder died Sunday, August 17, [1958] at the Jane Lamb Hospital in Clinton, at the age of 63 years, two months and one day.

  Born June 16, 1895, at Cincinnati, he was the son of Eliza D. and Mary Crowder. He was a veteran of World War I, and had been employed at Clinton for several years.

James Roland Crowder's
World War I Draft Registration Card

  Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Maxine Eckley, Seattle, Wash.; a son, Eddy Shaw, of Ames, two sisters, Mrs. Amy Langford of Numa and Mrs. Opal Shaw of Ames; two nieces, Mrs. Cecil McKinley, Unionville, Mo.; and Mrs. Gladys Boecher, Dallas, Tex.; and a nephew, Harold Langford of San Mateo, Calif.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Norman Bland Crowder, his parents,  one sister, Mrs. Hazel Rick, and one brother, Robert.

  Services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home, with the Rev. Frank Johnson of the Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cincinnati Pleasant Hill cemetery.

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

Edwin William Bland & Leah Hope Howard

Rock Island Agent at Numa is Dead

E. W. Bland Died Saturday After Long Illness

Though Had Been at His Duties

  Numa, Iowa, Jan. 20. -- Funeral services were held here at 1:00 o'clock this afternoon for E. W. Bland, well known resident of Numa, whose death occurred at 5:30 Saturday morning after but a few hours' critical illness. The body is being taken to Unionville, Mo., for burial.

  Mr. Bland, who had been Rock Island depot agent here for the past five years, has been in failing health for a long period of time, being assisted in his railroad station duties by his wife.  However recently he had shown no indications of decline, until Friday evening at 5:00 o'clock when he was taken home sick.  A Centerville doctor was called, and every effort put forth to relieve him, but death came early Saturday morning. Adding to the sadness in the home is the illness of one of the children, who is said to have been suffering with pneumonia, but is some better now.

  In death Mr. Bland is survived by the wife and seven children, and other more distant relatives. His death comes as a shock to the whole community both because it was unexpected and because of the high esteem in which he was held here. The deepest sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family. His passing also brings sorrow all along the Rock Island line, for he was widely known in railroad circles, having been with the Rock Island since August, 1920. He was employed in Centerville a short time on one occasion as relief agent.

Edwin William Bland & Leah Hope Howard Bland

The Bland Home Across the Road from the Numa School

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Mrs. Leah Bland Called By Death

  Death called Mrs. Leah Bland, 44, of Numa, Wednesday evening, at the University of Iowa hospital following a month's serious illness there.

  She leaves seven children to mourn her death, Norma Jean, Ruth Irene, Dorothy, Beulah, Frances, James Edwin and Herbert Lee, all of Numa.

  Mrs. Bland had been a resident of Numa for many years. She became critically ill several weeks ago and was taken to the hospital at Iowa City. Her husband, Edwin Bland, preceded her in death two years ago.

  She is also survived in death by her mother, Mrs. Sarah Howard, three sisters, Ada, Martha and Mrs. Grover Bruce and three brothers, Estace, Charles and William Howard, all of Lucerne, Mo.

  The body will be brought back to Numa today for burial. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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  Numa folks are saddened and shocked by the word received last night of the death of Mrs. E. W. Bland at Iowa City hospital, where she had gone for treatment. As formerly reported, Mrs. Bland had been operated on some seven days ago, and was awaiting a further operation, and was reported as somewhat improved, although in a critical condition. The second operation was planned for Thursday but we are informed it was deemed necessary to operate sooner and she did not survive the ordeal. Mr. Bland passed away somewhat more than two years ago, he being Numa station agent at that time, and Mrs. Bland had had the care of a large family of little children since that time, and during the past six months failing health has been noted. This leaves seven little children parentless; indeed a sad condition. We are informed Ruby undertaking has gone to Iowa City for the body, and that they will be in charge of the funeral arrangements. Other than this, no other arrangement have been reported. Relatives from Putnam county, Mo., have arrived to assist the many neighbors and friends that have flocked in to aid in the care and consolation of the little ones.

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Numa Sends Report of Bland Funeral

  The funeral of Mrs. E. W. Bland was held from the home at 2 p.m. Sunday, in charge of the Ruby Undertaking, and the service read by Rev. Noland, pastor of the Unionville, Mo., Christian church. Immediately following the services the cortege, consisting of many cars of relatives and friends and neighbors made its way to the family burial lot of the Howard family just west of the Wesley Chapel and northwest of Unionville, Mo., in Putnam county. At the grave many former friends and neighbors of the family had gathered, and once again the body was viewed before placing it to rest beside the husband that had preceded her some two years or more. Following the services at the cemetery the children were returned to the home here in Numa, together with Miss Martha Howard, sister of Mrs. Bland, and also a brother accompanied, who will remain. It is hoped the children may have some arrangement whereby they can make their home here and keep up their studies in the home school as formerly.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above pictures and obituaries by Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio.  Mr. & Mrs. Edwin W. Bland were his maternal grandparents. 

Edward Potter Inman & Cleo Olive Norris

  Edward Potter Inman was born 23 April 1893 in Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Alexander Inman and Laura Hattie Johnson, married first 28 November 1917 Cleo Olive Norris, died 4 May 1979 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa.    Cleo Olive Norris was born 29 July 1896 in Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of Lewis J. Norris and Minnie Crist, died 11 February 1947 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa

  To this union were born seven sons:

  (1) Earnest Lazelle Inman was born 24 December 1918 in Appanoose County, Iowa, married 15 August 1937 Ruth Irene Bland, died 2 October 1948 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  Ruth Irene Bland was born 17 January 1918 in Missouri, daughter of Edwin William Bland and Leah Hope Howard, died 2 March 1997 in Gillette, Campbell County, Wyoming, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  Two children were born of this marriage: Richard Lazelle Inman and Cleo (Jerri) Irene Inman.

  (2) Byron Norris Inman was born 6 April 1920 in Appanoose County, Iowa, married 1 January 1945 Norma Bales, died 1 January 2002 at the Seymour Care Center, Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa, and was buried in Southlawn Cemetery, Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  Norma Bales was born 10 April 1924, daughter of Charles Bales and Beola Burkhiser, died 11 July 1997 at University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa, and was buried in the Southlawn Cemetery in Seymour, Iowa.  Two children were born of this marriage: Dixie Inman and Charles Inman.

  (3) Ralph Wendall Inman was born 10 October 1922 in Appanoose County, Iowa, married 12 October 1947 Carolyn Rupalo at the Jerome Methodist Church, died 30 March 2005 in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  Two children were born of this marriage: Dennis Inman and Diane Inman.

  (4) Milfred Duane Inman was born 7 December 1924 in Appanoose County, Iowa, married 24 April 1949 Margaret L. Hughes, died 8 May 2003 in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa.

  (5) Arthur Erwin Inman was born 26 April 1928 in Numa, Appanoose County, Iowa, married 26 December 1948 Marjorie McElvain in the Jerome Methodist Church in Jerome, Iowa, and died 30 October 2004 while living in Littleton, Jefferson County, Colorado.

  (6) Kenneth Inman - Living.

  (7) Donald Inman - Living.

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  About four years after the death of Cleo Olive Norris Inman in 1947, Edward went to Tennessee to visit his boyhood sweetheart Mattie Tishaw.  Her husband had died and Edward brought her back to Iowa.  They were married on 20 August 1951 on the lawn of his farm home between Jerome and Numa. The Rev. M. R. Gonzalez of the Jerome Methodist Church performed the ceremony.

Inman-Tishaw Wedding Day - 20 August 1951

Byron Inman, Edward Inman, Rev. M. R. Gonzalez, 

Mattie (Tishaw) Inman, Norma (Bales) Inman.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above photographs and information on Edward P. Inman's second marriage by Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio. 

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

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Bland-Inman Marriage

 Unidentified 1937 Newspaper Clipping 

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  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

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The Daily Iowegian - October 1948

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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.

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The Daily Iowegian - 5 March 1997

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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. 

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

Obituary: James Edwin "Buddy" Bland

Des Moines Register - 7 December 1977

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  James Bland, Sr., 51, formerly of Centerville, died Sunday of a heart ailment in Redwood City, Calif., where he had been living.

James Edwin Bland 

Numa High School Graduation Picture

  Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Johnson Funeral Home in Centerville, with burial at Jerome Cemetery there.

  Mr. Bland worked as a carpenter in Des Moines for a few years before moving to Redwood City in 1968.

  Survivors include his wife, a son, James, Jr., of Des Moines, three daughters, including Terri Worley of Des Moines, a brother, two sisters, and six grandchildren.

James Edwin Bland's Four Children

Terri, Sandi, Sue & James

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  Note: James Edwin Bland was the son of Edwin W. Bland and Leah Hope Howard.

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Social Security Death Index

  The SSDI gives his birth date as 13 March 1926, his death date as December 1977 and his last residence as Redwood City, San Mateo, California 94063.  His SSN was issued in Iowa before 1951.

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California Death Index

  The California Death Index, 1940-1997, on Ancestry.com states he was born 13 March 1926 in Iowa and died 4 December 1977 in Santa Clara, California.

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James Edwin Bland's Gravestone 

in the Jerome Cemetery