Ella (Thornton) Males Sanders (1944)
BERKEY, MALES, SANDERS, THORNTON
Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 7/21/2006 at 19:45:55
Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, September 14, 1944Ella Thornton, youngest child of Joshua and Louisa Davis Thornton, was born April 23, 1868, in Earlham where her father operated a furniture store, located in the block where the Earlham Savings Bank now stands. She was a birthright member of the Conservative Friends (Quaker) church and all her life she has retained that relationship. She attended school in the old stone schoolhouse, one of the few remaining landmarks of the early days of the midwest prairie town. With but few of the conveniences and luxuries of modern times, Ella helped in her father's store and shared with her schoolmates in the social and religious life of the growing community.
On March 18, 1888, she was married to Richard Males and they lived for many years in the house now occupied by Mary Traxler. Here, although busy with home duties, she found time to serve her community by weaving carpets and rugs, in which craft she was an expert. After her husband's death in 1926 she lived alone until December 17, 1931 when she married John Sanders and moved to Swea City. After Mr. Sander's death about nine years later she returned to her old home town where, with the exception of a few years, she spent her entire life.
She was an active member of the local Marguerite Rebekah Lodge, and was a past Noble Grand and belonged to the Past Noble Grand Club of that organization; also a member of the Friends Ladies Aid Society and of the Sunday School which she attended regularly. She loved to read her Bible and was familiar with many passages of Scripture, the precepts of which she carried out in daily living. She was formerly a member of the W.C.T.U. and of the Friendly Club.
In failing health during the last winter, about three months ago she suffered a stroke of paralysis and then a second stroke, which proved fatal, September 4, 1944, at which time she was 76 years, four months, and 12 days old.
She is survived by a step-son, V. H. Males, Earlham; six Sanders step-sons, one sister, Malinda Berkey, Osage, Wyoming; one brother, James E. Thornton of Winina, Wisconsin. three brothers preceded her to the better land. Other survivors are nieces, nephews, devoted neighbors and friends. Because Ella Sanders, in her quiet, sincere way, was a friend to many, she was blest with a host of friends as was proven by the number of cards, letters and visitors she received.
Rites were held in the Friends church, Thursday afternoon, September 8, with Rev. Walter Wilson, assisted by Rev. Arthur Henry, in charge. Fred and Helen Fry sang, "What a Friend We have in Jesus" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere." Interment in Earlham cemetery.
Gravesite
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