Lena Waneta (Perdue) Wells (1940)

WELLS, PERDUE, SUTHERLAND, MILNE, WILSON, BRAKLOW

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/26/2014 at 16:27:01

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
February 29, 1940

Mrs. Lena Wells, wife of Marvin Wells, died at her home west of Earlham last Friday. She had been in poor health for some time.

Services were conducted at the Friends church Monday at 2:00 p.m. in charge of Rev. Reese. Burial was made at the Adel cemetery. Those from away who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Rudkin of Grinnell; Mr. and Mrs. Morton Barnard, Ruth Morris, Edson Smith and son, Mr. and Mrs. Gerna Fouche, Forrest Wright of Osceola; G. F. Wells and daughter of Decatur; and Winnifred Perdue and Mrs. Mecca Leonard of Des Moines.

Lena Waneta Perdue was born June 12, 1891 at Liberty Center, Iowa, and departed this life February 23, 1940 at the age of 48 years, eight months and 11 days.

She was united in marriage to Marvin Roscoe Wells March 14, 1911. After their marriage they moved to a farm near Murray, Iowa, where they resided six years, later moving to Osceola, Iowa. Ten years of their married life was spent in Wisconsin, and the last four years at Earlham.

To this union were born four children, one daughter, Lota Aileen of Des Moines, and three sons Merlin Roy, Marvin Junior, and Francis Marion who reside at home.

She underwent three major operations and was in poor health the greater part of her life. Her sudden passing was due to a recurrence of her previous illness, caused by a weakened condition from the flu.

She attended the Friends church and enjoyed the services, but her ill health prevented regular attendance.

She made many lasting friends wherever she went and had a deep understanding nature for all humanity.

Being aware of others sorrow and pain far more than her own and in her unselfish devotion to her family expressed the desire not to call them to her bedside, thinking she might cause them unnecessary worry or grief.

No words could possibly express each and every kind deed she did for others.

Keenly sensitive to all the finer things of life, and truly speaking, a wonderful wife and mother.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband Marvin Wells, the daughter Mrs. Lota Sutherland of Des Moines, the sons Merlin 15 years, Junior 13 years, and Francis 11 years.

Her aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Perdue of DeSoto, three sisters, Mrs. Louise Milne of Des Moines, Mrs. Bert Wilson also of Des Moines, and Mrs. Herman Braklow of Cummings, two brothers, Marion Perdue of Earlham, and Benjamin Perdue of Charlston, Carolina, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

Two brothers preceded her in death, Cecil Clair in infancy and Gerald Perdue.