LISTER, Clara 1857-1933

LISTER, EDGERTON, HAMMOND

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/14/2015 at 23:07:49

Mrs. John Lister Early Resident Of County, Dead

Mrs. John Lister died at her home in Conrad last Wednesday following a long illness from diabetes. She had made her home in Grundy county for 57 years.

Funeral services were held last Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church in Conrad and there was a very large attendance. Rev. C. K. Hudson, the local pastor, had charge of the services.

The Listers have been one of the leading families of south and southwest Grundy for more than a half century. Mrs. Lister had been a member of the Methodist church at Conrad since its organization and while her health permitted she was one of the outstanding workers for the church's upbuilding.

Mrs. Lister was 87 years old. She was born in Hanover, Ill., and was married there. Shortly after her marriage she became a resident of Grundy county. The family during the major portion of the active lifetime of Mr. and Mrs. Lister lived on their fine farm in Felix township. About 15 years ago they moved to Conrad.

Obituary
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar
When I put out to sea.

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound or foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that, the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from our our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Clara S. Edgerton, daughter of S. Dwight and Julia Hammond Edgerton, was born in Jo Daviess county, near Hanover, Ill., April 14, 1857, and passed to the heavenly inheritance from her late home in Conrad, Iowa, Oct. 11, 1933, at 4:30 a.m., being aged at the home of her departure 76 years, 5 months and 20 days.

She spent the early years of her life in the community where she was born. She attended the German English Normal College at Galena, Ill. There she met John Lister with whom she was united in marriage Feb. 13, 1879. They came to Felix Township, Grundy county, where they lived continuously for 40 years.

In 1919 they retired from active work on the farm, coming to Conrad, which has been their home since that time. Mrs. Lister has been in failing health for a number of years. On Friday, Oct. 6, there was a marked change. At 4:30 Wednesday morning she sank quietly to sleep in the arms of Jesus where she had found peace and rest for many years.

Mrs. Lister possessed qualities of rare worth, which manifested themselves in all of the activities and relationships of life. Her first interests were in the home which she cherished to the end of her long and useful life. Her children and grandchildren now rise up and called her blessed. Her husband has many times expressed his appreciation of her.

The church was a part of her life. She loved the church and attended its services whenever it was possible for her so to do. She, with her devoted husband, gave largely to the local church, and to all of its world program of education and missionary endeavor. The missionary society of the church received of her time and talents and contributions. Her constant devotion helped to make it strong. Because of her influence, with that of the other devoted women of the community, it has lived during the years of depression and promises to live for years to come.

The community has been made better because she has lived in it, and heaven is richer because of her spirit which has been welcomed to a place among the redeemed of all ages.

There remain to mourn her departure and to cherish her memory, besides her husband, five children: Mrs. W. L. Robinson of Gainsville, Florida; J. W. Lister, Sheldon, Ia.; C. P. Lister, Marshalltown; G. H. Lister, Conrad; Mrs. M. A. Tranbarger, Conrad; eleven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and other relatives and many friends.

"And they call it death when the angel comes
To open the door of life,
The door that opens and shuts us in
From this world's toil and strife.
When the boon of rest comes to weary souls,
When the burden of care is lost,
When the harbor of heaven welcomes those
O'er the world's sea tempest tossed.
Thank God for the door by whatever name,
That waits us at the end of the road,
For it swings widely to let one in
To the paradise of God."

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 19 October 1933, pg 1, 3