Ellen R. Barringer Brown 1857-1930

BROWN, BARRINGER, ROHL, LITTELL, NELSON, THORNE, RYDER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 6/21/2013 at 23:41:52

Mrs. W.F. Brown Devoted to Family
Mrs. W.F. Brown, a resident of Estherville for 20 years, passed away at her home on West Lincoln, Thursday, Dec. 19. She was past 73 years at the time of her death.

Ellen R. Barringer was born at Reedsburg, Sauk county, Wis., on Sept. 22, 1857. She was united in marriage to Willis F. Brown on Dec. 25, 1875, at Sparta, Wis. With her husband and family, Mrs. Brown had resided for 25 years in Iowa, four years near Ruthven, one year at Terril and 20 years at Estherville.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Two daughters Florence and Ethel preceded her in death. Surviving her are her aged husband, two daughters, Mrs. Mabel Rohl of Des Moines, Mrs. Grace Littell of Estherville and four sons, Erwin J. Brown of Ruthven, Thomas W., Ray H. and Merritt D. Brown, all of Estherville. There are also three sisters, Mrs. Susan Nelson of Tomah, Wis., Mrs. Christina Thorne of Sioux City, Mrs. Lovica A. Ryder of Ruthven and two brothers, Charles Barringer of Ruse, N. Dak., and Stephen Barringer of Dickinson, N.D. and nine grandchildren.

Mrs. Brown was a sincere Christian beloved by all. Her home was the center of her universe and she was never so happy as when surrounded by her children and her friends. Even after her serious illness in July she took up those little services for her loved ones that she was able to perform.

Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Mahlum and Anderson funeral parlors with S.D. Oathout of Sioux Falls, S.D. in charge. The four sons and two grandchildren acted as pall bearers. Interment was made in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery. All the children and grandchildren were present at the last sad rites.

Mother left us in the morning,
Just before the break of day.
As she heard the Master calling,
Mother’s spirit sped away.

Our best friend, Mother,
We miss thy tender care.
On this earth can never another
All of our burdens share.

Weary pilgrim, thy mission is ended.
Sweet spirit, sleep and take thy rest.
Thou, who all our needs attended,
Memories of thee forever blest.

When all of life’s battles are over,
And we travel toward the setting sun,
May we, like our dear Mother
Say “Lord Thy will not ours be done.”
(Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, December 24, 1930)