Gulia Elma Hibbs (1927)

HIBBS, SMITH, MENDENHALL

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/8/2014 at 15:52:11

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
September 1, 1927

On April 13, 1861, there came to the home of Valentino and Lydia Smith Hibbs a little bown-eyed daughter. They called her Gulia Elma. Other children had preceeded her in the home and three others came later but she found a place in that home that no one else could fill but her.

She was born while the family was residing near Mitchellville, Jasper County, Iowa. When she was about three years of age the family moved to Dallas County in the Bear Creek neighborhood northwest of Earlham. Her early life was spent here on the farm where she attended the rural schools. Later she taught for a little time and some years later learned the millinery trade but soon gave up outside work and returned to the home where she remained until her mother and father were taken to their eternal home. Since that time she had made her home with her sister in Earlham.

She was converted early in life and united with the Friends Church and remained loyal and true to her Savior throughout her life. Although not privileged to attend Sabbath School and Church regularly she was always interested in the work.

She leaves to mourn her passing two brothers, W. F. Hibbs, Redfield, Iowa, and S. F. Hibbs, of Caldwell, Idaho. One sister, Mrs. Lillian Mendenhall with whom she made her home, also nephews and nieces and many other relatives and friends.

Being of a cheerful disposition, she always met her friends with a smile, even during her last illness, but a few days before her passing expressed a regret that she could not smile at people any more, saying she was so tired.

After several months of failing health, when everything possible was done to stay the ------ of death, she passed away just as the sun was beginning to light the sky with golden beauty on the morning of August 23, 1927.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon. A short service in the home and then other services at the Bear Creek church, conducted by Rev. Bernice Riddle and Rev. Moses Mendenhall. Interment was in the Bear Creek Cemetery.