Bessie Mable (Kerr) Ralston (1961)

KERR, RALSTON, SCHUMACHER, THIAS, WILSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 4/19/2007 at 10:41:32

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
February 23, 1961

OBITUARY

Bessie Mable Kerr, daughter of Robert and Fanny Kerr, was born August 17, 1882 in the Pleasant Valley community near Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. There she spent her girlhood days, attended Pleasant Valley school, and grew to womanhood. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Savior and joined the church.

On December 28, 1905, she was united in marriage to David Shannon Ralston, also of Scott County. They established their first home on a farm in Princeton township where they lived and engaged in farming until March 1, 1912 when they moved to a farm two miles west of Earlham.

While still residing in Scott county two sons, Russell Kerr and Walter Vernon, were born. After coming to Earlham three more children, Rosalie Pearl, Grace Lucille, and Howard Jamieson, came to complete the family circle. The home was always a happy one and her children will always remember her as a wise and loving mother, guiding and helping them through childhood, through school days and to maturity.

Upon coming to the Earlham community, they united with the Presbyterian church where she has been a faithful worker. Although she has been in failing health for the past year she was spared severe suffering and was able to enjoy the company of her family and friends until the time of her death on February 18, 1961 at the age of 78.

Left to mourn are her husband and five children, their husbands and wives, and sixteen grandchildren. Also three sisters, Mrs. A. W. Wilson and Mrs. Charles Thias, both of Davenport, and Mrs. Chris Schumacher of Bettendorf; one brother, E. R. Kerr of Bettendorf; a number of cousins, and many friends.

Words cannot express the loss we feel but we who loved her so much think of her passing as a glorious sunset, the end of a perfect day. And as the sun sets we expect it to rise again; so we who share her steadfast and unfailing faith in Christ as our Savior can look forward to the time when we shall meet again.

Gravesite
 

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