Conley, Esther (Downey) 1872 - 1936

CONLEY, DOWNEY, WILLENBRING

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/28/2023 at 14:11:08

Clayton County Register, 08 July 1936.

The Elkport community was again called upon to surrender one of its most highly respected residents, when Mrs. P. W. Conley passed away at the Mercy hospital in Dubuque on Friday afternoon, June 26th, at 5 o'clock. Mrs. Conley had submitted to an operation ten days before, and was apparently getting along nicely, when a blood clot settled in her lung and she died very suddenly.

Mrs. Conley had lived in that community for over thirty-five years, and her quiet, unassuming manner endeared her to everyone. Her home and her family were paramount in her life, and her chief concern was always for them. A great lover of her home, she was always to be found there ready to extend a helping hand to a neighbor or a word of cheer and welcome to the visitor. The family has lost a wonderful mother, and the neighborhood, a splendid friend and neighbor.

Mrs. Conley's maiden name was Esther Downey, and she was born March 31, 1872, in Garnavillo township. Her mother died when she was but a small child, and she was reared by her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Downey, of the same township. On September 21, 1900, she was married to P. W. Conley, who was then state representative from Clayton county. Their home was in Des Moines until Mr. Conley's term expired, and they then moved to the Conley farm in Volga township, which has been their home ever since. Mr. Conley died in January, 1931.

Mrs. Conley is survived by six children, four sons, Harold, Raymond, John, Dan, and a daughter Lucille, at home, and one daughter, Mrs. Mary Willenbring, of Luxemburg. Funeral services were held Monday morning, June 29th, at St. Michael's church at Garber, and the remains were laid to rest in St. Michael's cemetery at Elkport, beside those of her husband. The Rev. William Goetzinger officiated.