Debes, Elizabeth Almantha (Watkins) 1850 - 1914

DEBES, WATKINS, MARTIN, CARPENTER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/14/2020 at 12:17:48

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 24 Sept. 1914.

After three weeks of sickness Mrs. Elizabeth Almantha Debes was called by death from the labors and sorrows of 64 years to the reward of the heavenly life.

She was born in Connecticut Feb. 2nd, 1850, and died at her home at Osborne, Iowa, September 12, 1914, aged 64 years, 7 months and 10 days.

Mrs. Debes was about seven years of age when she came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Watkins, west to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where they lived one year, after which they came to Osborne, Clayton County, Iowa, which place they made their permanent home.

Mrs. Debes was married to her bereft and sorrowing husband March 16th, 1877, and began their married life on a farm in Cox Creek township, of this county. To this union were born eight children, five sons and three daughters.

Early in life she was converted to God and united with the United Brethren church, where she began to develop her Christian life and lay the foundation of a spiritual character. About twenty-two years ago her membership was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal church, of Volga City, where it remained until the messenger of death opened the gates for her redeemed soul to pass out into the glory of the heavenly life. Mrs. Debes was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She gave herself for the good of her family. No service or sacrifice was too great for her to make for the welfare of her loved ones. She was a good neighbor, always ready to help in sickness or trouble of any kind; a woman of good judgement, broad and tender sympathies and of good deeds, greatly beloved. She was a Christian woman, with faith in God, with love for His cause and a hope radiant with the life everlasting. Although deprived of the privileges of her church, because of distance, and the past two years of poor health, yet her church was dear to her heart, her faith in God was strong and her hope of heaven was bright. But her days have been numbered. Her earthly pilgrimage is ended. She rests from her labors and her works do follow her.

She leaves to mourn their loss a devoted and loving husband, five sons, James, Gregor and Clinton Debes, of Cox Creek; Albert Debes, of Winona, N.D,, and Arthur Debes, of Minneapolis, Minn.; three daughters, Mrs. S. A. Martin, of Turkey River Iowa; Mrs. Ervin Carpenter, of Cox Creek, and Miss Lillie, who lives at homme; together with twelve grandchildren and many friends.

The services were held at the home Wednesday morning, conducted by Rev. Walter Piper and the interment was in the beautiful Mederville cemetery, where the mortal remains rest, waiting for the immortal dawn.