----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.)

GLADYS A BEDELL

Surnames: Bedell, Rowley, Hizer, Heiman, Melby, Marshall, Zimbauer.

Gladys A Bedell, age 103, of Fairchild passed away Feb. 15, 2002, at the Neillsville Memorial Nursing Home.

Gladys Augusta Bedell, daughter of Charles and Mary (Rowley) Hizer, was born April 9, 1898 in Rochelle, IL.

As a child, she attended grade school and graduated from high school in Rochelle. She furthered her education by attending teacher's training in Neillsville. Gladys taught school for one year in Tioga.

Gladys was united in marriage to George Bedell on Nov. 27, 1919 in Fairchild. The couple moved to New York but returned to rural Fairchild in 1937. They farmed in the Town of Foster, Clark County and in the Town of Cleveland in Jackson County. When they retired from farming, they moved to the Village of Fairchild in 1958.

Until her 100th birthday, Gladys was able to live in her own home in Fairchild. For two years, she made her home with her children and due to failing health she entered the Neillsville Nursing Home in July of 2001.

Surviving Gladys is her son, Harry (Elaine) Bedell of Neillsville; two daughters, Evelyn (Francis) Heiman of Neillsville and Elsie (Melvin) Melby of Osseo; daughters-in-law, Jean Bedell of Coon Rapids, MN, Oli Bedell of Fairchild; 28 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.

Preceding Gladys in death were her parents; husband, George in 1972; sons, Bob and Everett; infant granddaughter, Diane Bedell; sisters, Fern Marshall and Leona Zimbauer and brother, Glen Hizer.

Funeral services were held Feb. 18, in Augusta with Pastor Jack Starr officiating. Burial was made in the Fairchild Cemetery.