Samira R. (Hadley) Mendenhall (1949)

MENDENHALL, HADLEY, STANDING, COOK

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/12/2015 at 08:56:59

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
March 10, 1949

Samira R. Hadley was born June 10, 1866 and passed peacefully to her reward March 1, 1949 at the age of eighty-two years, eight months and nineteen days. She was the daughter of Isaac and Susannah Hadley and was born in Hendricks county, Indiana. When she was two years old her parents brought their family to Iowa, settling on what is now known as the Holmes farm in the Bear Creek neighborhood near Earlham. This neighborhood has been her residence ever since except for one year spent at Paonia, Colorado, a few months in Earlham and seven years in Oskaloosa. More than 58 years ago she and her husband purchased and moved onto the farm where she resided at the time of her death.

On March 3rd, 1885 she was married to John J. Mendenhall who died March 9th, 1939. To this union were born four children, three of whom survive her: Lloyd H. Mendenhall and Mrs. Bernard Standing, both of Earlham, and Raymond E. Mendenhall of Brownwood, Texas. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one great grandchild and one step-great grandchild.

She was the last survivor of the four daughters and two sons of Isaac and Susanna Hadley who lived to rear families. To all of her numerous nephews and nieces, as well as to the children of her three step sisters, and her husband’s nephews and nieces, she was affectionately known as “Aunt Mira.” One of her nieces, now Mrs. Lloyd Cook of Downer’s Grove, Illinois, lived as a member of the family for thirteen years.

Mira Mendenhall was a birthright member of the Society of Friends and retained her membership throughout her life. She was converted at an early age in a general meeting held at Bear Creek by Benjamin B. Hiatt. From that time on she had contained a vital interest in the work of the church. Her last voluntary act was to attend the services of her church after an extended absence enforced by failing health and inclement weather.

She seldom exercised her Quaker privilege of speaking in meeting. On those rare occasions when she did speak she used but few words. She manifested her spiritual life by her loyal attendance on worship, and in her worship and prayer in her home. Her life was her testimony. Her religious faith was simple, almost childlike. She believed in God and she believed in prayer. She believed in right living and in service to others. Her quiet, unquestioning faith kept her steady in times of prosperity or of financial difficulties, in sickness or in health. She stood by her family in whatever path their consciences might lead them.

The ten years since her husband’s death have been to her a time of temporary separation. She has looked forward to this moment as a time of reunion for an eternity of companionship. She would not want her family and her friends to mourn. She is entering into her reward.

Funeral services were held at the Bear Creek Friends church Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Lawrence Sams, pastor of the church, was in charge of the service. He was assisted by Arthur Hadley, pastor of the Friends church in Earlham. Interment was in the Bear Creek cemetery.

Alma Mapes and Gertrude Conrad sang “Saved by Grace”, “Abide With Me”, and “Resting, Sweetly Resting.” They were accompanied by Berneice Hadley.

Pall bearers were Frank Parker, Elibert Beals, Willard and Clyde Barnett, Russell Applegate and Otha Cook.

Those in attendance from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Herschel Davenport, Mittie Herbert and Maryanna Libby of West Des Moines, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Osborn of Knoxville, Iowa; Fred and Lawrence Hurst of Linden, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bailey of Adel, Iowa; Myrtle Barnett Cook of Downer’s Grove, Illinois; and Raymond E. Mendenhall of Brownwood, Texas.