Foster, Mary E. (Hines) Steefer 1857-1930

FOSTER, HINES, STEEFER, RICH, NADING, MARTIN, ELLIOT, SAUERBRY, STONE

Posted By: Monica
Date: 4/15/2012 at 18:39:51

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

1857-1930
Mrs. J. H. Foster Enters Final Resting Place
Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth Hines, was a native of Clayton county, Iowa. On October 28, 1857, amid the natural beauties of the forest and stream, she opened her wondering eyes on earthly scenes. Chipman Hollow the place of her birth was then an important place in the community life. The natural water power was harnessed and made to turn the wheels of industry. Labor was furnished to pioneers, and the neccessities of life provided for their families. Through the varied changes which have come to this section of Iowa, the one of whom these lines are written, resided for the entire period of her life. In the township of her birth, on May 22, 1930, she closed her vision on earthly scenes. She lived 73 years, 6 months and 24 days. Of her father's family eleven children, now only three remain to mourn the departure of a sister.

Three times during her life, the departed was called upon to experience the sad affliction of womanhood. Through her children she has received the solace of true affection, which helped to sustain her during life's trials and hardships. the four remaining to realize the loss of a loving mother are Warnie Rich, Ora Hines, Millie Steefer Elliott and Lytle Steefer Nading, Jennie Hines became the wife of Harry Martin and with an infant daughter, preceded the mother to the realities of a future happiness. there are also 48 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, all of whom were embraced by an expansive affection.

The deceased had a large circle of relatives, with whom she maintained a most friendly interest, but whose homes were more or less widely separated. Mrs. William Sauerbry, a niece, and Mrs. Ralph Stone, a step-daughter, whose homes are in Edgewood have been especially devoted during the declining health of their relative. this does not reflect on the actions of others whose names and kind attentions are to numerous to mention.

On March 30, 1927, occured the marriage of Mrs. Mary Steefer to Mr. J. H. Foster, a business man in Edgewood. Each had experienced the lonliness resulting from shattered home ties. To each came the appeal for a union of interests. From each was hidden the brevity which was to mark the period of their wedded life. In his sorrow the bereaved husband has the sympathy of friends.

In earlier days Mrs. Foster experienced the Christian faith and joined the church of that name. After coming to the vicinity of Edgewood, she became a member of the Congrgational church remaining faithful as long as declining health permitted. Her devotion might well be an inspiration to others.

Mrs. Foster was also a member of the Women's Relief Corps, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and the Royal Neighbors of America. By the members of all these organizations she will be greatly missed. Unassuming by nature, her desirable qualities of character were apparent to all.

Funeral services for the departed were held in the Congregational church in the afternoon of May 24th, and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. T. R. Gray. The rooms were filled with relatives and friends. Appropriate decorations and floral tributes, gave eloquent witness of personal and (the rest of this obit is missing)