Ella Gray

GRAY

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/23/2019 at 09:57:20

24 September 1908 - West Branch Times

The funeral of Mrs. Ella Gray, widow of the late Marion Gray, was held on Tuesday at Springdale with interment in the Friends' cemetery.

Her death occurred Saturday after years of sickness.

She leaves two sons to mourn her loss.

1 October 1908 - West Branch Times

Ella Blanchard Gray was born in Stark county, Ohio, Jan. 12, 1842, and died at her home near West Branch Sept. 19, 1908.

She was educated at Mt. Union College, Mt. Union, Ohio, graduating from that institution in 1865. She taught school in Ohio until 1869 when she came to Iowa, where she taught successfully in the public schools until 1871 when she was married to Marion Gray. She was the mother of two sons, Harry B. of Connell, Wash., and Charles O. of Gower township. The former was not able to come home to visit his mother in her last hours.

When quite young Mrs. Gray was converted and united with the M.E. church, of which she was a faithful member until her death.

About seven years ago her health began to fail and for the past four years she has been a constant sufferer. It was hard for her to give up the active duties of her home; only those who knew her best could realize how hard. She made a long, patient struggle for life. Everything was done that could be to give her ease and comfort, but it was of no avail and at last she fell peacefully asleep.

Mrs. Gray was of a modest, retiring disposition. Her husband, children and home were first in her thoughts and she served them with a cheerful willingness. She was also interested in anything tending toward the betterment and uplifting of the neighborhood in which she lived.

She was of a deeply religious disposition, always faithful in her devotions, and expressed herself as prepared for death. We know she is safe with the Saviour she loved in that Home prepared for the faithful, and where there is no pain, or tears, or sadness. Her poor pain-racked body is at rest and she is happy in the companionship of loved ones gone before.

Who could wish her back?