Roberts, Julie (French), 1863-1917

BLOUNT, BROWN, BRUNER, FRENCH, MILLESON, PAYTON, ROBERTS, STERLING, TIMMINS, WILKINSON

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 1/8/2013 at 11:34:06

Obituary of Mrs. Roberts
Died at Her Home Near Prairie City November 28, 1917, Funeral the 30th.
Mrs. Jason L. Roberts
Julie French was born December 5,1863, in Mercer County, Illinois. She died at her home near Prairie City, Iowa, November 28, 1917, at the age of fifty-three years, eleven months, and twenty three days.
In the spring of 1869 when she was five years old the family home was changed from Illinois to Iowa, and since she has resided near Prairie City.
Her marriage to Jason L. Roberts occurred December 22, 1881, and for nearly thirty-six years their home has been one singularly blessed with happiness, characterized by the blessings of good cheer, honest toil and the loving devotion of the members of the family for each other. It is a home, too, that has always held a place of highest honor and respect in the entire community. Her death was the first break into the family circle. The children were at present when she passed away. There are two daughters, Mrs. Orpha Blount and Mrs. Oea Wilkinson, and five sons: Guy, Wiley, Williard, Charley and Ralph. The three youngest still live at home, and it was a joy to their mother that the others in homes of their own all lived within a few miles of her. There are nine grandchildren.
Besides her husband and children with their families, she is survived by six sisters and three brothers: Mrs. Sarah Payton, of Stewart, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Bruner, of Des Moines; E. C. French, Ottumwa; R. H. French, Prairie City; John French, Prairie City; Mrs. Emma Timmins, Des Moines; Mrs. Belle Sterling, Des Moines; Mrs. Ollie Milleson, Prairie City; Mrs. Susie Brown, Mitchellville.
An event to which Mrs. Roberts liked to refer as of great importance in her life was the occasion when she and Mr. Roberts became Christians and united with the Methodist church in Prairie City, in January 1893.
Through the years she was a faithful and consistent member of the church, seldom failing in attendance at church services, active in doing what she could for the advancement of the Kingdom. As a mother she always kept the atmosphere of her home consistently Christian, feeling her responsibility in the practical living out of Christian ideals and inculcating them in the lives of her children. Her sincere faith in God was undoubted and unquestioned and will be treasured as a sweet memory and a blessed hope by the loved ones who are left to look forward to a glorious resurrection.
The funeral service was held at the Methodist church in Prairie City Friday, November 30th, at 2: p.m., a short service having been held at the house before leaving. The church was crowded to overflowing with friends and loved ones who desired to pay the last tribute to the departed friend. Many beautiful flowers brought their message of love and appreciation for the one who was gone. The service was in charge of Rev. Lavely the pastor, Rev. Menngs of the Reformed church having a part at both services. A Mixed quartet sang very beautifully some of the favorite old songs.
A Word of Thanks
We wish to extend our heart-felt thanks to the friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted during the sickness and death of our beloved wife and mother. J. L. Roberts and Family
Source: unknown newspaper (possibly Prairie City News; December 1917)