Louisa Thomas Beckwith

BECKWITH, THOMAS, CHANEY, WESTPHAL, DOTSON

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 10/2/2012 at 17:32:25

LOUISA THOMAS BECKWITH
Louisa Beckwith. the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Thomas, was born July 25, 1883 in Mt. Etna, Iowa, and passed away at the Olivewood Convalescent Hospital in Colton, California, December 26, 1978, at the age of 95 years, 5 months and 1 day. She had been a resident of Corona, California, for the past 19 years.
When she was four years old, her mother and infant brother died. She assumed the responsibilities as housekeeper for her father and brothers when she was 12 years old. Her father, Abraham Thomas, was one of the founders of the Mt. Etna Brethren Church and her brother, Jacob, was the assistant pastor. She was born into and reared in the true Brethren faith. Her father played host to all the visiting clergy, church dignitaries, and many unannounced guests who were brought home for dinners, and to stay overnight.
From these early experiences and responsibilities, she became an excellent cook and hostess and until she was 90 her greatest pleasure was to prepare dinner, lunch or a snack for her family or friends at a moment's notice.
Her early training and experience in the Brethren church, playing the piano, singing in groups for funerals and special services, continued throughout her life. She leaves her children a very rich heritage. daily worship services around the breakfast table, reading the Bible, family prayers, and all praying Lord's prayer. In addition, Louisa has been a member of the Coron.. Church of Christ since 1959, where she was also active in all phases of the church life. She faithfully tithed to her church.
She took great pride in her daily ledger where she recorded every expenditure of funds and maintained this faithfully until her eyesight completely failed her a few weeks ago.
She was united in marriage with Cecil D. Beckwith with April 13, 1901 at Mt. Etna. Iowa. This union was blessed by the birth of eight children. She and her husband farmed in the Mt. Etna community all of their lives.
Preceding her in death were her husband: two sons, Dr. Clesson Beckwith and Duane Beckwith, and an infant daughter, Violet.
Survivors include her sons. Dr. Theodore Beckwith of St. Joseph, Missouri and Thomas E. Beckwith of Colton, Calif.; her daughters, Mrs. Gladys Barnes of Denver, Colo.. Mrs. Fondeen Westphal of Bridgewater, la. and Mrs. Marjorie Dotson of Riverside, Calif., as well as by 16 grandchildren. 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, and by her devoted daughters-in-law and sons-in-law.
Funeral services were held at the Larkin-Roland Funeral Home in Corning. Iowa. December 29 at 2:00 p.m.. with Leslie Rogers officiating. Interment was in the Mt. Etna Cemetery. Music was furnished by Erma Fuller, organist and Gerald and Genevieve Rogers. vocalists. Pallbearers were Ralph Seward. Wilbur Steward, Eddie Steward. Eugene Chappeil. Russell Ramsey and Parrel Allison.
Adams County Free Press, January 4, 1979, page 7