Crane, Mary Ann Kittle (1829-1911)

CRANE, KITTLE, HEDLIND

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Stratford Courier, Stratford, Iowa, Thursday, November 9, 1911

HIGHLY RESPECTED PIONEER SETTLER CALLED HOME

Mrs. Robert Crane Passed Peacefully Away Friday Evening at the Home of Her Daughter

Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky came the announcement Saturday morning that Mrs. Robert Crane had passed away Friday evening. Although she had reached the ripe old age of 82 years she had not been confined to her bed with any serious illness and had been about the yard and over to the neighbors during the day and also partook of the supper that evening with the remainder of the family. She retired in the evening about 8 o'clock and had made the statement that her heart pained her more that day than usual. About 9 o'clock her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Hedlind, was attracted to her room by her deep breathing and as she entered the bedroom Grandma Crane was drawing her final breath. She went to sleep like a tired child and her soul took its flight to make its home with her Maker.

The deceased was the mother of a large and gifted family, many of whom now have "silver threads among the gold" as a reminder that they too are nearing life's quest. None ever entered her home without a warm welcome nor left without feeling the warmth of a genuine hospitality. While she has continued to enjoy the society of her friends and children, she has for several years realized that her active life was over and with resignation awaited the Divine call from death unto life. No one was more willing to aid the suffering, cheer the desponding, sustain the weak and to throw over the frailties of our race the mantle of Christian charity. The great destroyer had placed his signet on her brow, and today hundreds who loved her living, mourn her dead.

Mary A. Kittle was born in Yarmouth, England, May 22, 1829, and passed away Friday evening, November 3, 1911 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Hedlind, at the ripe old age of 82 years, 5 months and 11 days. She was united in marriage to Robert Crane at Yarmouth, England, Norfolk county, in 1851. They came to America in 1853 and in 1854 moved to Canada. In 1877 they moved to a farm near Stratford, where they resided until about eleven years ago, when they moved to Stratford, where she resided until her death. Her husband preceded her to the better land on November 17, 1905 and since that time she has been making her home with her daughter.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 12:30 at the residence and at 1:00 o'clock from the M.E. church, of which denomination she was a faithful member. Her former pastor, Rev. J.L. DeWitt of Lehigh, conducted the services and paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of the departed one. The casket was covered with floral decorations as momentoes of respect from relatives and friends. Besides relatives and numerous friends, six children are left to mourn her passing away. The remains were interred beside her husband and son in the South Marion cemetery.

CARD OF THANKS
We wish to hereby extend our heartfelt thanks to those who so kindly assisted us during the death of our mother. Also for the beautiful floral offerings. May God bless you all
THE CHILDREN