GUTSHALL, Fannie 1879-1904

GUTSHALL, COPLEY

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/1/2022 at 17:37:03

Mrs. Fannie Gutshall

The death angel has again visited our community, taking from the happy home of Mr. and Mrs. John Copley their eldest daughter, Mrs. Newton Gutshall.

Fannie Isabelle Copley was born at Davenport, Ia., Dec. 12, 1879. When about two years of age she was taken sick with bronchitis and her parents watched over her for two weeks fearing each moment she would be taken from them but she was spared to brighten their home a while longer. Again about five years ago she suffered a siege of sickness and had to submit to a surgical operation and a second time her life was despaired of. Everything that skilled physicians and loving hands could do for her seemed at that time unavailable but God in his great mercy permitted us to enjoy a few more years of loving companionship with her.

She was never very rugged but was always a patient sufferer, the beauty of her character shining brightest when afflictions were heaviest. As a child she was loved for her sweet disposition, and as she grew in years, admiration for her lovely christian character increased her number of friends. She united with the Presbyterian church of Morrison in her girlhood and was still a faithful member at the time of her death.

She was married June 25, 1902, to Newton Gutshall and to this union was born a child, little Floyd, who at the tender age of seventeen months is yet too young to realize his great loss. On Sunday morning, Sept. 25, 1904, at the age of twenty-four years, nine months and thirteen days, she was unexpectedly called home to her eternal rest. No warning seemed necessary as she was prepared to meet her reward.

She leaves besides a heartbroken husband whose sorrow only time can assuage and for whom the entire community feel the deepest sympathy, a loving father and mother who grieve as only parents can, five sisters, four brothers, three aged grandparents, and other relatives to mourn her loss. A faithful daughter, a loving and devoted wife and mother, a tender and sympathizing sister, Fannie will be missed from the home circle and fireside.

She has slipped away from us at an unexpected moment and relatives and friends are bowed down with sorrow, but her beautiful life is a grand inspiration and encouragement to live lives that will honor our Creator and better humanity. We believe her death has added another thread to the cord that is drawing us heavenward. For us heaven has one more attraction, and some glad day we hope to meet again and renew the associations so suddenly severed. No eulogy is needed when a life like Fannie's is ended.

At two o'clock p.m. September 27th relatives and friends gathered at her church to pay their last tribute of respect to the loved one. The services were conducted by Rev. A. Rederus after which she was laid to rest in the Morrison cemetery. The choir furnished some appropriate music and the floral offerings were numerous and beautiful thus showing the esteem in which she was held by all who knew her.

Rev. H. B. Dye, a former pastor, also assisted in the services.

The following relatives were present from a distance: Mrs. Henry Copley and Mr. T. A. Pickens of Newton; Mr. Geo. Murray and wife of Grinnell; Mr. William Copley of Brooklyn; Messrs. Henry and Richard Copley of Davenport.

Card of Thanks
We remember with sincere gratitude the unstinted aid and kindness received from our numerous friends and acquaintances, including the choir and donors of flowers, who during our recent bereavement rendered such comforting assistance. We take this opportunity of conveying to them our heartfelt appreciation.
Mr. Newton Gutshall
Mr. and Mrs. John Copley

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 6 October 1904, pg 4