Friedley, Elsie Leona (Renfrow) 1897-1935

FRIEDLEY, RENFROW, ASHLINE, SMITH, HALFHILL

Posted By: Monica
Date: 4/15/2012 at 12:54:52

I am not related and have no further information. This was taken from an old scrapbook that belonged to Mrs. Clara (Jones) McCartney.

1897-1935
Elsie Leona Friedley

Upon the farm lying midway between Edgewood and Wood, now owned by Mrs. May Clemens, was located the birthplace of Elsie Leona Renfrow. Her parents were Charles and Anna N. Renfrow. The natal day of the one for whom these lines are incribed, occured on November 20th, 1897.

Her life composed of sunshine hours and rare delights, mingled with experience of a more somber hue, ended on January 15th, 1935. She lived 37 years, 1 month and 15 days, when in the early morning hour bodily pain ceased, and through wide open gates the tired soul passed to celestial scenes, where suffering and sorrow are unknown.

In Manchester, Iowa, on the 6th day of September, 1916, were pledged marriage vows uniting the lives of Elsie Leona Renfrow and Albert H. Friedley, on the farm home now owned by Harry Quin life's domestic relations were by then assumed. Their residence continued in the vicinty of Edgewood until five years ago, when the family removed to Iowa City.

Three children admitted to the family circle are Marvin A., Dorothy A. and Leona May. Those with the bereaved husband are left with a burden of grief only comprehended by persons having had a like experience. She is also susrvived by her mother and two brothers. Clyde and family live in the vicinity of Lamont, while Virgil is a resident of Manchester.

Elsie Renfrow graduated from the Edgewood High School with the Class of 1915. The school was then under the direction of Supt. F. W. Jones. Her genial manner and attractive personality, placed her high in the esteen of instructors and fellow students.

In early life religious inclination led her to associate with the christian surroundings. She became a worthy member of the M. E. church at Wood, Iowa.

When the family made Iowa City their place of residence, it was to improve the chance of employment. In activities the faithful wife joined. Often beyond the limit of endurance. Seven months ago an attack upon her physical powers, baffled the skill of medical aid. Gradually and with intense suffering, the shores of the Mystic River were approached.

The members of the family, and the large number of more distant relatives, could not desire her return to the scene of suffering from which she is now released. The memory of her cheerful manner, and kindly helpful acts, will by many be longed remembered.

For Mrs. Friedley appropiate obsequies were held on the afternoon of January 17th. Notwithstanding the inclement conditions of roads and walks, the number attending was large. Relatives, neighbors and friends came to attest their affection for the departed, and their sympathy for the sorrowing. Appreciation for her many admirable qualities was freely expressed.

The excercises were in charge of Rev. S. W. Halfhill, an uncle of the departed, in answer to her expressed wish. Assiting in the service were Rev. F. O. Winslo, pastor of the local M. E. church, and Rev. A. H. Meyer, former pastor of Mrs. Friedley.

Appropriate selections were rendered by a quartet in which were numbered, Don Rhines, Mrs. Arthue Welterlen, Mrs F. I. Smith and Claude Rulon, and Miss Alice Kirk as pianist.

The casket was attended by Faye, Lynn, Lloyd and Elmer Ashline, and William Smith, cousins of the departed, and by Ernest Friedley, brother of the bereaved husband. the cortage passed over the often travered way to the Edgewood Cemetery. There the earthly remains of the dearly loved one, was committed to the bosom of mother earth. With faith and hope eyes were cast upward, with assurance of divinely revealed immortality.

R. J. Bixby