Libbie A. Derby Rich (1855-1903)

DERBY, RICH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/13/2010 at 16:47:04

Maquoketa Excelsior, April 10, 1903

DIED-

Libbie A. Derby was born a Antwerp, New York, October 21, 1855. Her father, Dr. E. G. Derby, was successful physician and he and his family held a position of respect and prominence in the best society. Miss Derby was married to Mr. E. D. Rich, June 20, 1877. Four years afterward the young couple came west to this place, where they have since resided. The death of her daughter, Alta, was a blow from which Mrs. Rich never recovered. Some months ago there came a serious breaking down in her health. After suffering a good many weeks she concluded to go for treatment to the hospital at Ann Arbor. It was found she was suffering with a serious affliction of the liver and that an operation would be necessary. She had undergone the operation, but shortly afterwards found relief from suffering in death, her decease taking place April 1, 1903.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Rich, five children, two of whom, Louis and Edmund, together with their father survive her. One of her sisters, Mrs. Andrew L. Gere of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was present at the funeral. Her other sister, Mrs. C. M. Russell of New York, was unable to be present on account of the recent death of her husband.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday, April 5th, at 2 p.m., Rev. S. Shepherd officiating. Interment was in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mrs. Rich was a woman of intelligence and culture, accustomed to move in good society. She was a woman much attached to her home and exercised her refined taste in making it attractive and beautiful. Its chief attraction was her own unselfish and loving personality. “No one” says her son, “ever had a more devoted and unselfish mother. She always thought of self last.”