Smith, Lizzie Fletcher (Keeling) 1849 - 1914

SMITH, KEELING, FLETCHER, WHITFORD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/5/2020 at 12:35:20

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 31 Dec. 1914. Volga City Views columns.

Lizzie Fletcher Smith daughter of John and Mary Keeling, was born in Derby, Eng., Dec. 27th, 1849, and died at her home in Volga, Iowa, Dec. 23, 1914. Had she lived four days more she would have reached the age of 65 years. She was the second of a family of five children, who grew to manhood and womanhood together; two of whom, Arthur and George, have preceded her to the heavenly home, leaving one sister, Mrs. Maria Whitford, of Ruthven, and one brother, Fred Keeling, of Volga.

When she was but a small child the family came to America, making their home in Youngstown, New York, and ten years later moved to the farm three miles west of Volga, Iowa.

On Feb. 22nd, 1870, she was married to Thomas Smith, and to them were born five children, Charles, Arthur, Louie, Herbert and Ernest, all of whom were with her during her severe illness in the summer and all except Charles, of Eureka, Mont., were at her bedside at the time of her death. These, with their families, the bereaved husband, other relatives and many friends feel the loss of a loved one, whose life and example have been very precious to them.

The Christian life of Sister Smith was a rare type of meditation and devotion. These two elements of Christian character were bound up in her nature, and made her life fruitful of good deeds in her home and the church.

It was such a joy to her heart to do good and be a blessing wherever she was needed, whether in her own home or her neighbor's.

She was converted to God and was united with the M.E. church of this place about the year 1876. Her active Christian work began in the Sunday School when she was soon made a Sunday School teacher. As far as family cares permitted her she gave herself to this work and has been identified with it ever since, being the Sunday School Superintendent at the time when sickness overtook her last spring.

After Brother and Sister Smith moved from the farm to town, and the family cares were lessened, she gave herself more fully to church work, and being a woman of special gifts and graces, consecrated to Christ for service. Her value was soon recognized by the church and one responsibility after another was placed upon her. She was soon admired for her splendid executive ability and her capacity for doing things well, and, becoming so well informed in the details of the church life and work that both pastor and members looked to her for information and advice in many things of the church.

Among the many duties of the church resting upon her heart, the W.F.M.S. had pre-eminence. This work, if possible, lay nearest her heart and she made the Volga Auxiliary one of the best in our conference. But in all her work she exemplified a beautiful spirit of humility and self-sacrifice.

Sister Smith was a home-maker and made her home attractive and beautiful by her happy, cheerful Christian spirit. There the beauty of her Christian life and character found the fullest expression in the duties of wife and mother - her home was the home of the Ministers - here they found an attractive resting place.

She was a diligent and careful student of God's word. The Bible was the text book of her life and faith. She searched for the hidden treasures and found them. It became her spiritual companion, which lead her feet in the royal path of success. Truly she was a servant of the Lord Jesus and represented the principles of His kingdom.

But her work is done. Her life has been a blessing. She has left a beautiful example of Christian patience, fortitude and courage to her family and the church. Of her the Master can say, "She hath done what she could" and she hath entered into that rest that remaineth to the people of God.

The funeral service was held in the new church, conducted by her pastor, who took as the foundation of his remarks the passage selected by the deceased for the occasion, Job, 19:25-27 - "I know that my Redeemer liveth", etc. and all that was of the earth was laid away to rest in our beautiful cemetery on the hill, to await for the resurrection morn.