Kepler, Mae Bute (1868-1940)

KEPLER, BUTE, SCOTT

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 4/22/2017 at 07:30:43

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Tuesday, April 16, 1940

May [headstone says Mae] Bute Kepler was born in Hardin county, Iowa, May 15, 1868, the daughter of Madison and Letitia Bute.

When she was six years old the family removed to Hamilton county near the location of the present town of Stanhope where her father purchased a farm from Adam Kepler, who had but a few years before purchased it as a grant directly from the government.

She received her early education in the country schools, and attended Jefferson high school, and then was graduated from Highland park normal college in Des Moines. She followed the teaching profession for 12 years until her marriage in 1899, to Otis Kepler, who was the son of the Adam Kepler from whom the father had purchased his farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Kepler built their home on their farm one-half mile east of Stanhope where they lived all of the 41 years of their married life with the exception of two years. When their advancing years made it necessary to retire from active life, they removed to Nevada, where they made their home until her death April 5.

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kepler; Floyd D. Kepler, who now lives in Glendale, Cal., and a daughter, Letha, now Mrs. John Scott, of Nevada. The son was unable to attend the funeral of his mother because of the serious illness of his wife.

Mrs. Kepler was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, having accepted that faith in 1905 and the firm determination of her character was shown by the fact that she remained true to her faith throughout her life, although with the exception of two years, she had been the only member of that persuasion in Hamilton county. When she and her husband sold their farm, he insisted that they should move to a community where she might have the privilege of fellowship with others of her faith.

Mrs. Kepler was respected and loved by all who knew her. Her memory will be cherished, not only as a loving mother and exemplary wife, but as a teacher of exceptional ability. Numbered among her former pupils are many who have attained places of prominence and honor in their respective communities.

Mrs. Kepler had been in her usual condition of health until the morning before her death. She quietly passed away in her sleep some time Thursday night, April 5, at her home 721 B avenue, Nevada.

She is survived by her husband, a son, a daughter, a sister, Mrs. Belle Kepler, of Clarion.

Services were conducted at the Seventh Day Adventist church at 11 a.m. by Elder A.L. Miller and Doctor C.D. Loose, of the Methodist church, of Nevada.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Pallbearers were from Stanhope, namely Archie Peterson, Elmer Snyder, Charlie S. Day, Fred H. Becker, William D. Parker, R.S. Wright. Burial was made at Lawn Hill cemetery.