Mattie E. (Studer) Craven (1912)

CRAVEN, STUDER

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 8/6/2007 at 21:55:23

Earlham Library Obituary Collection
Earlham, Iowa
April 1912

Mattie E. Studer, daughter of John and Elnora Studer was born September 21st, 1881 in Carroll Co., Iowa.

On November 30, 1902 she was united in marriage with J. Otis Craven. They resided a year in Carroll County, then moved to Earlham, which has since been their home. In 1901 the mother died, leaving an infant daughter Dona who has through the years been cared for by Mattie and given more than a sister’s love. Almost five years ago the dread disease, consumption laid a-hold on her. All that medical skill could do and a trip to the west only brought temporary relief. Stimulated by an ambition beyond the ordinary and a desire to live for those she loved, she battled with disease, much suffering and weakness, yet always cheerful and uncomplaining. On April 20th just in the gathering twilight her spirit took its flight to that country where there ‘is no more pain’. Only 30 years, 6 months and 29 days she lived, yet her influence lives on. She felt she was converted when a child, but some four years ago in a meeting held by Dr. Bince in the Friends Church in Earlham, of which she was a member, she gave herself to the Lord unreservedly and since that time had known perfect assurance and trust. Sometimes when the pain seemed too severe for her frail body to endure, her heart would cry out “Does Jesus care?” and then would come the assurance.

“O! yes he cares, I know he cares, His heart is touched with my grief. When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.”

There remains to cherish her memory, the husband, father, two sisters and two brothers, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Friends Church Monday, April 22nd at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Kitch, of Bear Creek. The text, "If we suffer we shall also reign with Him" was suggested by one of the last prayers she ever uttered. She said while she suffered so much yet it was so little compared with Christ’s suffering for her. She always liked to hear Gospel songs and a quartet sang four of her favorite hymns, Oh, What a Change, Lead Me Gently Home Father, The Old Time Religion and Doing His Will.

(Burial was made in the Earlham Cemetery)