TARPENING, Abbie Irene

TARPENING, SMITH, CLARY

Posted By: Cay Merryman (email)
Date: 5/25/2004 at 20:11:41

The Tabor Beacon, Tabor, Iowa
Wednesday October 1, 1952

OBITUARY

Abbie Irene Tarpening.

Abbie Irene, one of eight children was born to Pernilia Patricia and Louis
Alston Smith September 14, 1879 at Northboro, Iowa and passed away at Tabor,
September 27 at age 73.

Her early life was spent in Northboro where she attended the Union Grove
school. Very early in life she joined the Methodist church and remained loyal to
the faith. She was a very active worker in the church, serving as teacher of
the Sunday school and treasurer of the church.

She was married on September 14, 1898 to James Tarpening. The first two years
of their married life was spent on a farm at Northboro. They moved to Tabor
where a daughter Permelia Ruth was born, but did not survive.

After working in the Barbour store, she started her own business which was
known as the Women's Toggery. In 1930 Elva Callahan came to assist in the store
and remained until ill health made it advisable for Mrs.Tarpening to sell the
business in 1944.

After leaving the store, she took time to enjoy her home and visit among
friends She was a lover of great music and nature, especially flowers and birds
which she had plenty.

Her failing health would not permit her staying alone, so she moved in with
Elva Callahan who has given her all the loving care reverently possible.

Mrs.Tarpening was a member of the Eastern Star, serving in all offices of the
Order, being especially proud that she was past Matron., she was also a
charter member of the Twentieth Century Club, and Wednesday Kensington.

She leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Mrs. Ora Clary of Missouri Valley
and four nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon (29 Sep 1952) at the Methodist
church with the Rev. I. J. Williams officiating.

Interment was in the Tabor cemetery.