BUSH, Elvira 1844-1902

BUSH, HICKS, MORAN

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 3/24/2011 at 10:42:27

Mitchell County Press
Aug. 20, 1902

A PIONEER GONE

Mrs. A.M. Buch Quietly Passes Away
At Her Home Last Saturday Morning

Elvira Hicks was born in Three Rivers, Michigan, October 31, 1844 and died at her home in Osage, Iowa, August 16, 1902. She was married to Arthur M. Busch at her home in Three Rivers, September 20, 1864. To them was born one child, Mrs. Vinnie Moran, of Osage.

In the fall of 1864, Mr. and Mrs. Bush went to Morriston, Minnesota, where they resided until February, 1869, when they came to Osage where they have since made their home. Mrs. Bush was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but soon after coming to Osage she united with the M. E. church
under the pastorate of Rev. Allen. Here she retained her membership until her death. She was a member of the Organ Club, of the Womans' Relief Corps and of the Eastern Star, and in her death they have lost a faithful member and loving sister. Besides her husband, daugher and three grand children,a brother in Michigan, another in Ohio, and a sister in California are left to mourn her loss.

Mrs Bush has always enjoyed excellent health until February of this year when she began to fail, but nothing serious was apprehended until May, when she was advised to go at once to Rochester for an operation. She went on May 7th, but returned within a week, as it was discovered that only temporary relief could be given her. After her return, in spite of some apparent improvement, her friends soon saw that she was gradually failing and she finally went to sleep to waken on that other bright shore. She had great courage and strength of will and at times it seemed that her will would conquer the dread disease. But it was not to be and her friends can only say with her, "Thy will be done."

Little more need be said of Mrs. Bush. She was naturally of a cheerful, hopeful temperament and won many warm friends. The world had not grown old to her but she had retained the freshness and gladness of youth. She would have been glad to live and made a brave effort for the sake of those she loved, but with sweet resignation she said "He knows best".

In those last days she was constantly attended by her husband and daugher (and who in Osage does not know what companions they were?) until the very last was in possession of all her faculties. She was permitted to give each a last message, assuring them that she would await their coming, and to call the grandchildren for a benediction of love. With quiet composure she had made all her plans for her burial, had gently urged that they mourn not for her, as she was in God's care; had thoughtfully called some of her intimate friends and left message for others; had requested the reading of some select passages of the bible and the offering of prayer to the heavenly Father to whom she trustfully committed herself. Death came as a deep and peaceful sleep, and as the shadow of the earthly departed and the dawn of the heavenly lightened up her countenance, those who watched over her remember how she had said "How sweet is God's peace."

The funeral service was held on Sunday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering of friends. In accordance with her request the service was held at her home, conducted by Rev. D. I. Coon,who spoke briefly from the words: Phil. 4:7, suggested by her own expression to him; "How Sweet is God's peace." The large number of beautiful floral offerings expressed abundant sympathy and comfort. The hymns were sung by a quartette of lady friends, Mmes. Lohr, Hubbard, Levers and Miss Rodemacher with Mrs. Wood as accompaniest.