Frances Wilson Stearns 1888-1937

STEARNS, WILSON, VAN HOVEN, VANHOVEN

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/28/2012 at 00:09:56

Mrs. G.H. Stearns is Dead
Mrs. G.H. Stearns passed away last Monday evening at her home on North Seventh Street after an illness of long duration. Mrs. Stearns has been a resident of this city for the past 27 years and has been well known locally, having been active in lodge and club circles before her illness. She was 48 years of age at the time of her death.

The funeral services were held today from the home at 1:30 and from the episcopal church at 2 p.m. Interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery.

Mrs. Stearns is survived by her husband, an employee of the Rock Island railway and a son, Robert of this city and a daughter, Mrs. Carl Van Hoven of Algona and her mother, Mrs. Frances Wilson of New York City where Mrs. Stearns was born. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, September 9, 1937)

Mrs. G.H. Stearns Laid to Rest Today Laid to Rest Today in Oak Hill Cemetery
Death came Monday [September 6, 1937] night to relieve the suffering of Mrs. George H. Stearns, well known resident of Estherville. Mrs. Stearns although bed fast for less than a week had been in failing health for five years. She had submitted to several operations during that time but was able to be about her home and up town until taken ill with a cold just a few days before her passing.

The deceased woman was born in New York City on October 31, 1888 and was married to Mr. Stearns on December 24, 1908 at Ellsworth, Minn. She had come to Ellsworth to visit an aunt and met Mr. Stearns while there.

Two children were born to the union Mrs. Carl Van Hoven of Algona and Robert of this city, both of whom with the husband survive. There are also two grandchildren left to mourn the loss of her devotion and care, also her aged mother Mrs. Frances Wilson of New York City, three brothers, John Wilson of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Tom of New York and George of Boston, Mass.

Funeral services were held this afternoon at two thirty from Grace Episcopal church following a short prayer service at the home at one-thirty. The Rev. De Vere Shelmandine was in charge.

Because of the great distance and the mother’s frail health none of Mrs. Stearn’s immediate family were able to be present at the services. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, September 9, 1937)