Lovina Stauffer Wilcox 1859-1923

WILCOX, STAUFFER, CRAMER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 1/8/2011 at 23:47:47

Mrs. Wilcox Dead
Mrs. Lovina Wilcox passed away at her home in the east part of the city on last Monday evening, December 17th at about six o’clock. Mrs. Wilcox has been in poor health for sometime past and only recently she became afflicted with the flu, which was the cause of her death combined with her other afflictions. Mrs. Wilcox was the wife of Rev. A. A. Wilcox, well known in this city for many years and who has gone before. They came here many years ago and have reared a family in this city of four girls and two boys. She was born March fifteenth, 1858 [1859], at Crown Point, Ind. The funeral services are to be held at two o’clock on Thursday. The complete obituary will be given after the services in our next issue. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, December 19, 1923)

Mrs. A. A. Wilcox Died Monday Evening
Resident of Estherville and Emmet County for Many Years – Funeral Thursday
Mrs. A. A. Wilcox died at her home on East Lincoln street Monday evening after an illness lasting only four days. She has been a victim of diabetes for the past five years, but has not been confined to her bed until just recently, when this, combined with an attack of influenza, caused her death. Lovina Stauffer was born March 15, 1859, in Rosehill, Ohio. On October 15, 1883, she was united in marriage to A. A. Wilcox at Hampton, Iowa. To this union ten children were born, four of whom have preceded their mother in death. Those who survive her are, Mrs. J. H. Cramer, Estherville; Miss Rose Wilcox, Waverly; Earl A. Wilcox, Minneapolis; Nellie Wilcox, Estherville; Geo. Wilcox, Ames and Beulah Wilcox, Estherville. Besides these, three brothers, John Stauffer, Tripoli, Ia., Henry Stauffer, Popejoy; and Joe Stauffer, of Hampton, mourn for the loss of their sister. Her husband passed away several years ago. Mrs. Wilcox was a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist church and her absence will be felt by her many friends as well as her family. She was always a loving, tender mother, and her sudden departure fills the home with a deep grief. Funeral services will be held from the Methodist church, Thursday afternoon at two o’clock, the Rev. Chipperfield officiating. Interment will be made in Oak Hill cemetery. The sorrowing family have the sincere sympathy of the Democrat. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, December 19, 1923)

Obituary
Lovina Stauffer Wilcox was born at Rosehill, Ohio, March 15, 1859. When 7 years old her family moved to Crown Point, Indiana. Ten years later they moved to Franklin county, Iowa. Her early education was acquired in the district schools. After finishing her school work she taught for several terms near her home. On October 4, 1883, she was married to Reverend Alfonso Wilcox at Hampton, Iowa. Their first pastorate was at Wesley, Iowa. Their family consisted of ten children of whom seven grew up and are as follows: Mrs. J. W. Cramer, Nellie Wilcox and Beulah Wilcox, all of Estherville, Iowa; Rose Wilcox, of Waverly, Iowa; Earl A. Wilcox, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Geo. Wilcox, of Ames, Iowa; Harold died about four years ago. Three brothers survive Mrs. Wilcox: Joseph Stauffer of Hampton, Iowa; Henry Stauffer, of Popejoy, Iowa; and John Stauffer of Tripoli, Iowa. There are also four grandchildren. Two cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kurtz, of Terril, Iowa, were present at the funeral. For about 17 years Reverend and Mrs. Wilcox followed the itinerancy when short pastorates and frequent moves characterized the work. Their services were full-hearted and attended with much fruit, some of which remains to this day. In 1900 they settled in Estherville which has since been their home. Mr. Wilcox died 12 years ago. Mrs. Wilcox was converted at the age of 12 and united with the Methodist church. She freely offered her services in the work of the church as organist for special meetings, as well as regular worship. She also frequently led the singing. By her temperament, as well as by added grace, she became a “Mother of Israel.” She was interested in all the work of the church, not alone from the angle of a pastor’s wife, but also as a lay member. She took an active part in the missionary work of the church in her earlier years. From her childhood she was inured to constant labor wither hands as well as with her heart. The rearing of a large family exacted its toll of labor as well as responsibility. In her later years she suffered from diabetes, from which she sought relief with some success. Shortly before her death she had an attack of influenza which weakened her somewhat, though she continued to get about the house. On Monday, December 17, she was taken suddenly worse and within two hours had passed away. Of her, it may be truthfully said, she “rests from her labors and her works do follow her.” The funeral services were held in the Methodist church on Thursday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. R. T. Chipperfield. She was laid to rest beside her husband in the Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, December 26, 1923)