Lucy Eva Ridley Hoover 1860-1888

HOOVER, RIDLEY, DANA

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/16/2010 at 00:33:56

Died – At Sparta, Wis., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 1888, Mrs. L. Eva Hoover.

Mrs. Hoover was born in Estherville Sept. 24, 1860. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Ridley were the first settlers, as well as the founders of the town, and it was here she spent her childhood and youth, and to this place her heart ever turned in after years, when far away from the scenes of her early life. She was married at Algona Oct. 8, 1877. For four years she was absent from this county; during that time she resided in different states in the south and east. About a year ago she moved to Sparta, Wis., and settled near her only sister, Mrs. M. J. Dana, looking forward to a life of devotion to her children, and as she came of a sturdy long lived ancestry, apparently, there was no good reason why in the ordinary course of nature, she would not live to rear and train them as only a mother can do. Tuesday evening Dec. 11, at seven o’clock, she was in good health and spirits. A group of friends called upon her, and during their stay, she was seized with an attack of rheumatism, which increased in severity, and at nine o’clock she died without a struggle.

Mrs. Hoover was a devoted Christian. In her comparatively short life, overwhelmingly burdened at times with trials, she found strength and hope in the blessed realities of religion. She was a consistent member of the M.E. church, an able and willing worker, testifying by her daily life to the truths of the gospel she professed.

Three children aged five – eight and ten years respectively are left to the care of their grandparents. Two returned with Mr. Ridley, the eldest desiring to remain for a time with Mrs. Dana, at Sparta.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. McCoy, in the Baptist church at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon. The church which is large and commodious, was crowded with sympathizing friends and neighbors. (Northern Vindicator, Estherville, IA, December 21, 1888)