Belva Cook (1920)

COOK

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/25/2014 at 09:45:03

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
July 1, 1920

The news of the death of Miss Belva Cook at the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Levi Cook on Wednesday comes as a distinct shock and the source of intense sorrow to the innumerable company of her friends, to whom it seems scarcely possible that this noble, buoyant spirited girl is gone. About a month ago she returned from the vicinity of Sugar City, Colo., where she had completed the proving of a claim. At this time her health was seriously impaired and soon after her return she suffered a severe attack of heart trouble. A recent recurrence of the same ailment caused her to decline rapidly, and she suffered much, but always with the remarkable abnegation of self and solicitude for others which was the key-note of her life. At 11 o’clock Wednesday her brave spirit gave up the struggle and slipped through the veil into eternity as she sat in her chair.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at two p.m. at the Bear Creek Church.
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Earlham Echo - Earlham, Iowa
July 8, 1920

On the 11th of June, 1887 in northwestern Iowa there came to the home of Levi R. and Abbie Cook a little daughter, Belva Adella.

At the age of 14, in a series of readings at Bear Creek, she heard the voice of Jesus calling and gladly pledged herself to Him.

For two years she was a student at New Providence Academy, and for one year at Penn College. During recent years she was a successful teacher in the public schools, during all of which time her pure, noble character and lofty ----- influenced the lives of all who were her pupils.

She was a birthright member of the Friends Church, to which she was faithful and loyal, serving most helpfully in its various activities.

About four years ago her health began to fail, but with undaunted courage she continued with her duties and tough often in much physical distress, no word of complaint or murmur passed her lips. Rather, there was always a smile and cheery word, until another June day, the 30th, 1920, when from the home which for 33 years she had brightened and gladdened she slipped quietly away to the home eternal to worship the King all glorious and join in the song of the redeemed; for her parting testimony was, “all is well, there is no dread.”

Belva was the eldest of the family of six children, there remaining with the father and mother Nora, Archie, Elsie and Harold, Howard, the youngest having passed on three years ago. Uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends cherish her memory.

Funeral services were conducted at Bear Creek Church on Friday afternoon, July 2 by Rev. W. S. Kitch, of Union, Iowa, assisted by the pastor Rev. Alvin Hoskins. Interment was in Bear Creek Cemetery.