Horace Hedges

Horace Frederick Hedges died April 6 at the age of 104 at the Greene County Medical Center.

A service of remembrance was held April 9 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson with words of comfort by the Rev. Julie Poulsen. Music was “How Great Thou Art” performed by Joseph Jackson II. Congregational hymns were “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” and “Amazing Grace” with Sheryl Sloan, accompanist. 

Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery.

Horace was born Jan. 25, 1915, in Scranton Twp., the son of Charles and Bertha (Gotter) Hedges. Upon graduating from high school, Horace began a long and successful career in farming. 

On May 16, 1937, Horace was united in marriage to Juliette Manor at the home of the bride. The couple spent their married life farming in Greene County.

Horace was a longtime member of the Greenbrier Methodist Church and, in later years, he belonged to First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Lions Club. He served on the board of directors for West Central Cooperative.  

Horace had an intense curiosity for life. He had a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying over his farms and to flight breakfasts around the Midwest.  

In 1993, Horace and Juliette moved into their home in Jefferson. The couple traveled to many countries abroad, and they wintered for many years in Florida, Arizona and Texas.

They were married for 63 years. Juliette died Dec. 29, 2000.

On July 2, 2008, Horace married Ruth Veenstra, his high school classmate. They enjoyed their daily car rides, going out for meals and companionship.    Ruth passed away Nov. 25, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Juliette and Ruth, his daughter, Joy Bartley, his brother, Howard, and sister, Mildred.

Survivors include daughters  Jo Anne (John) Smith, of Owings, Md., and Karen (Joseph) Jackson, of Fort Dodge; son-in-law Paul Bartley, of Boone; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  

Memorials are suggested to the Greene County Christian Action Resource Center (ARC food pantry) in Jefferson, or Long Term Care at the Greene County Medical Center.

Services were arranged by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.