Mary Virginia Sears (1926)

SEARS, PROHASKA

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/24/2014 at 14:18:13

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
March 4, 1926

On October 11th, 1863, during the dark days of the Civil War, there was born to Frederick and Amanda Sears, on the farm on which they had settled in Dallas County, Iowa, a daughter, whom they named Mary Virginia. Twas here that she grew to womanhood and here on the old home place her whole life has been spent, until on Friday morning February 26, 1926 she was called from this life at the age of 62 years, 4 months, and 15 days.

---------- interested in home affairs, she with her brothers and sisters lightened the cares and labors of her parents in those days of the early settlers. Neighbors were few and of necessity the home interests were paramount. Mary did her share in the keeping of the home and in helping about the farm. She saw the country transformed from a virgin prairie to the settled community of today. Railroads, telephones, rural delivery of mail, radios, and many other modern necessities were then unknown, nevertheless, these hardy settlers made the most of the times in which they lived. Since the passing of the parents in 1909 and 1913 the care of the entire household has fallen on Mary and her sister. Never once did she shirk the responsibility and always tried to care for those entrusted to her in a kind cheerful manner. She was of a kind, considerate disposition, a good neighbor and one who was always looking for and seeking the betterment of others. Of a retiring nature she did not push herself forward in any enterprise, but was content to do her part in a modest way letting others take the praise for whatever was accomplished.

Last June she was stricken with infection and as a result of this one limb was amputated. Through her suffering she showed that some quality of patience that has been hers in previous days. About three weeks prior to her passing away she was stricken with a siege of carbuncles which caused her death.

She leaves to mourn her passing, three brothers, Fleming and John Sears of Earlham; Chas. Sears of Greenfield, Iowa; and one sister, Mrs. Elsie Prohaska of Earlham. Besides these near relatives there are others and a host of friends who mourn and sympathize with these who are grief stricken today.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, February 28, conducted by M. B. Pringle, pastor of the Earlham Church of Christ. Interment in the Ellis Cemetery.