FINLAYSON, Janetta 1856-1928

FINLAYSON, DUBOIS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/28/2015 at 07:21:40

Mrs. Finlayson Passes Away On Thursday Evening

Beloved Wife Of R. M. Finlayson And Early Resident Of Grundy County

Summons Came After Many Weeks' Illness

Her Frail System Could No Longer Withstand the Ravages of Serious Illness

Many a home in Grundy county as well as elsewhere was saddened when it became known that Mrs. R. M. Finlayson had passed away last Thursday evening. Her last illness covered a period of several weeks, and at times she showed favorable symptoms of recovery, but her weakened constitution could not battle longer against sickness.

Some six or eight years ago she suffered a stroke and also submitted to a very serious operation, and she never fully recovered from these afflictions, although she was able to be up and around all the years following until stricken by her more recent illness.

In the death of Mrs. Finlayson, the family circle has lost an affectionate wife and mother, and the community a kind friend and splendid neighbor. Words are inadequate to express the high esteem in which this good wife and mother was held by all who knew her. But our loss is her gain--she has gone to that land where pain and suffering are no more--the land of sunshine and happiness.

The following obituary of Mrs. Finlayson was furnished by Rev. F. O. Winslow:

Janetta Dubois was born in Jones county, Iowa, June 27, 1856, and quietly passed away from her home on Thursday evening, Dec. 20, 1928.

She came with her parents to Grundy county in the spring of 1871.

She was united in marriage to R. M. Finlayson on Dec. 23, 1875, and for ten years they lived on their farm in Beaver township, moving to Grundy Center in 1885, where they have since resided.

Seven children came to their home, of whom three survive: Willis R., of Grundy Center; Harold D., of Piedmont, Calif., and Mrs. Edna Vasey, of Evanston, Ill. Four children preceded their mother into the better land; William B., Jan. 6, 1880; John Edgar, June 5, 1907; Helen, Jan. 31, 1916, and a little infant son.

Beside the husband and children, four grandchildren are left, Robert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Finlayson, and John, Mary Elizabeth and Jane, children of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Finlayson, of Piedmont, Calif. One brother, Harry Dubois, Medford, Ore., and one sister, Mrs. Arthur Merritt, of Grundy Center, beside a great company of relatives and friends will feel deeply this loss.

Mr. and Mrs. Finlayson have walked side by side for almost 53 years, lacking only three days. What a journey! What a companionship, walking together through the sunshine and shadows, sharing together their joys and sorrows, mingling together their smiles and tears.

Our sister has been a faithful member of the First Presbyterian church nearly all her life; also she was an honored member of the P.E.O. and Order of the Eastern star.

Advancing years and weakened body could not stifle that spirit of cheer and courage which characterized her entire life. She saw and lived the bright side of life. For some years Mrs. Finlayson has been in failing health and has bravely fought the enemy that she might remain with her loved ones; until the burden became too heavy--the day too long, and the climb too steep, so she laid down to sleep. To the lonely and sorrowing husband, to the sons, daughter, brother, sister and friends we would offer the faith and comfort in Christ, which has been her support in many trying hours.

"It singeth low in every heart,
We hear it, each and all--
A song of those who answer not
However we may call.
They throng the silence of the breast,
We see them as of yore--
The kind, the brave, the true, the good,
Who walk with us no more.

"Tis hard to take the burden up
When these have laid it down,
They brighten all the joy of life,
They soften every frown.
But Oh tis good to think of them
When we are troubled sore!
Thanks be to God that such have been,
Though they are here no more.

"More homelike seems the vast unknown,
Since they have entered there,
To follow them were not so hard,
Wherever they may fare.
They cannot be where God is not
On any sea or shore,
Whate'er betides, Thy love abides,
Our God, forever more."

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 27 December 1928, pg 1