Ora Ellen Cox Bonsall

COX, BONSALL, WEEKS, CRAWFORD

Posted By: Dotty Cox Woodruff (email)
Date: 10/2/2008 at 18:46:16

(Taken from the Grinnell Herald, Iowa, Friday, June 5, 1931.)

Mrs. E. P. Bonsall Is Buried Here
Ora Ellen, daughter of Nathaniel W. & Mahala J. Cox, was born March 30, 1862, near Kellogg, Iowa, and departed this life May 23, 1931, at Phoenix, Arizona.

Her parents moved from the farm near Kellogg, Iowa, to Minnesota for a time and the fascinating experiences of the little girl in the new country were so vividly pictured in interesting reminiscences in later years. She with her parents came back to Iowa to live on a farm southwest of Newburg, her father purchasing the farm. Here she grew to young womanhood and on February 4, 1880 was united in marriage to Erastus P. Bonsall. The young couple began their married life on a farm south of Newburg and with the exception of one winter, which was spent in Baxter, Iowa, they lived in the same vicinity until they moved to Grinnell, Poweshiek County, Iowa, in 1906, buying property at 1517 Elm Street. Here they lived usefully and happily until Mr. Bonsall's death, August 4, 1922. During the years of her husband's illness her constant thought and effort was ever for his comfort and care.

Mrs. Bonsall was the mother of 3 sons, Fred W., of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan, Courtney N. of Brooks, Alberta, Canada, and Milo E. of Phoenix, Arizona.

Besides the 3 sons who mourn her loss she is survived by 3 grandchildren, Mrs. Winifred Weeks of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan, and Doris & Lionel E. Bonsall of Phoenix, Arizona, 1 great-grandson, Kenneth W. Weeks, of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan, & 1 sister, Mrs. Mary S. Crawford of Admiral, Sask., Canada, and a host of friends.

Mrs. Bonsall united with the Church of God in Newburg, Jasper County, Iowa, in her early life and remained ever faithful, being always interested in its welfare and achievements. In 1904 she joined the Rebekah Lodge of Grinnell, Poweshiek County, Iowa, and had the honor of the office of Noble Grand and at all times cherished the principles for which the lodge stood and was please to wear the emblem of the order.

Ora Bonsall had a vital interest in everyone with whom she came in contact, a wholesome, unselfish interest; hence, everywhere she went she made friends who were ever interested in her welfare. She was especially happy if she was doing something that would give pleasure or help to others, forgetting her own discomfort that she might give comfort to others.

For her sons she had ever the dearest mother love, pure and unselfish beyond compare. In their childhood days and in their manhood days always the same unlimited devotion.

Leaving the sweet memories as a precious heritage for her dear ones she seems to be saying, "I am happy in your love."

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church in Grinnell at 3 o'clock p.m., May 27, 1931. Rev. L. E. Hilderbridle officiating, assisted by Rev. Mr. Welsh, pastor of the church. Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Phillips sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again".

Flower bearers were Mrs. L. Verbeck, Mrs. Lydia Clay & Mrs. Frank Binegar, all being neighbors of Mrs. Bonsall's. Honorary pall bearers were members of the Rebekah lodge, Mrs. Elsie Hunter, Miss Margaret Sullivan, Mamie Jantzen, Lillian S., Sarah Inman, Nannie Forsythe. Pall bearers were Mr. L. M. Verbeck, Mr. F. Kennedy, Mr. L. Binegar, Mr. M. Eichhorn, Mr. C. W. Dimit & Mr. O. T. Carlstrom.

The services at the grave were conducted by the Rebekah lodge, interment being in Hazelwood Cemetery.

Card of Thanks
We wish to thank the many friends who expressed their sympathy so graciously with floral offerings and words of condolence during our recent bereavement.

Fred, Courtney and Milo Bonsall