GOODELL, Ardella Genevieve (Whitaker) 1858-1893

GOODELL, WHITAKER

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 4/1/2015 at 21:19:06

Ardella Genevieve (Whitaker) Goodell June 29, 1858 - March 24, 1893

[Waterloo Daily Courier, Saturday, March 25, 1893, Waterloo, Iowa]

A telegram reached here last evening, saying that Mrs. G. A. Goodell had died in Asheville, N. C., at 7:30 p. m. She is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Whitaker, of this city, and her father started to see her last evening on the Illinois Central R'y at 6:55, before the death message was received, but he will be reached in Chicago and will return. Mr. and Mrs. Goodell have been in Asheville the past two months, hoping to find relief for Mrs. Goodell who has been suffering with heart and lung complication. The body will be brought to Waterloo for burial. Mr. Goodell starting this afternoon. A more extended notice will appear later.

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[Waterloo Daily Courier, Tuesday, March 28, 1893, Waterloo, Iowa]

In Memoriam

When death comes to the aged or to the very young, it is always sudden and unwelcome, though it may have been hourly waited for, but there is the reflection in one case that the long toil is crowned with rest and with the little
one there is joy that it has escaped the perils of the journey; when a life in its glorious prime, full of plans, hopes and duties, is stricken down there is no such solace, we can hut ask in dumb amazement, why is it so? This query comes with acute force when we recall the life and surroundings of Mrs. Goodell, in which everything seemed against her being taken,away; but she is gone and never to be recalled by the loving voice of husband, children, father or mother.

Mrs. Goodell was born in Waterloo, Iowa, June 29, 1858, and passed nearly all her life here, growing from childhood to a lovely womanhood, lovely in character and disposition as well as in face and figure. As the only daughter, both Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker were devoted to her and in return she was always a dutiful child, remindful of her parents' wishes and behests.

Of a friendly, kindly nature, Delle Whitaker was always a desired companion in the social circles of Waterloo, and she was ever ready to mingle with her friends in their pleasures and recreations. In her early school days, she, with some friends, formed a band and promised to write to each other when separated. These "clique" letters have been kept up these many years—one sending the letter received to another and this one adding some more and forwarding it to the next. Mrs. Goodell's death is the first one the circle, cemented by so many years of friendship.

On the 12th of October, 1881, Miss Whitaker was married to Mr. George A. Goodell, and stood a beautiful bride in nearly the same place in her father's house that her burial casket does today.

Mr. and Mrs. Goodell moved to Cedar Rapids and remained there until 1886, when they moved to Estherville, and this has been their home since then. Mrs.
Goodell made frequent visits to the home of her childhood, during the years that she has been away, and she always received a hearty welcome from her friends, who really have never dropped her from their social gatherings, despite her many months of absence.

As the years went by Mrs. Goodell was accompanied by two children on her visits, and the grandparents' hearts were gladdened by the presence of Romaine and little Mary, and today as she rests so quietly in death—the hand across her heart holds a bunch of fragrant violets the gift of her beloved children. The heart, so still now, yearned with unspeakable desire to see her children once more, but the dread messenger left no time for children, father or mother to reach the dying woman's side.

Since last September Mrs. Goodell has not been well and had a difficulty in respiration which was caused by some growth in the tissues of the lungs and chest. To the last she thought of her friends and said to her husband "how badly they would feel if they knew how I suffer." Mrs. Goodell spent Thanksgiving with her parents and Mr. Goodell's mother and sister, this being the last visit of any length.

On the way to Asheville a short stop was made here the first of February. The parents and relatives little dreaming that this would be the last time they were to see this loved face in life. After Mr. and Mrs. Goodell reached their southern destination, it was found that she did not improve, but instead grew weaker, until death came and released the sufferer,

A peaceful, quiet expression rests on her features and so as she lies at rest surrounded by beautiful flowers, we are reminded more forcibly than ever that at this Easter season Christ arose and broke the bonds of death and thus we know there is a resurrection for this glorified soul, who trusted in her heavenly Father's love.

Among the profusion of floral designs the following were noticed: An easel of flowers three feet high, with a background of ivy leaves, upon which are Easter lilies and jacqueminot roses, sent by the general officers of the B., C. R. & N., of Cedar Rapids. A lyre from the train dispatchers from the same place. A basket of cut flowers from the dispatchers at Estherville. A large cross of lilies and roses from Esdraelon Commandery, No. 52, Estherville, and a pillow from B. of R. T. Esther Lodge, No. 362, and Ladies' Auxiliary, No. 37, same place. A basket of cut flowers from four music scholars. Pillow from Mrs. Goodell (mother), brother and sister. An anchor from Mr. and Mrs. Golwell, Mr. and Mrs. Klopp, Estherville. A pillow, F. E. Alien. A broken wheel of purple and white flowers, from Mr. and Mrs. Ladd, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest and others. The flowers and designs were unusually beautiful and were in the most lavish profusion. There were many friends from Estherville and Cedar Rapids to attend the funeral, which was held at four o'clock in Christ Church, services conducted by Rev. E. J. Evans, of this city, Rev. T. F. Bowen, of Estherville, and Rev. T. .E. Green, Cedar Rapids. The interment will be in Fairview Cemetery.