Kettle, Ella Leona 1872-1952

KETTLE, KING, SHELLEY, BITCON, SAUM, DOANE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/16/2009 at 19:10:30

Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Aug. 7, 1952

ELLA LEONA KETTLE

Ella Leona King was born in Newton, Iowa, Jan. 15, 1872, the third daughter of Richard and Lucy Shelley King. The family later moved to Grinnell and she was educated in the schools here. When only a girl she was converted in the Methodist church, Rev. Thos. B. Hughes, father of Bishop Edwin Hughes, being the pastor at that time.

As a young woman, being in rather frail health, she went to California seeking a warmer climate. There she met and married John W. Kettle on Nov. 19, 1898. To this union was born one daughter, Katharine.

Mrs. Kettle and her husband were engaged in religious work for many years, he later holding pastorates in Illinois, where he died on July 22, 1922.

In 1926 Mrs. Kettle and her daughter moved to Grinnell to be with her sister, Miss Ida King.

Mrs. Kettle, devoutly religious, loved the church and loved people and was never happier than when ministering to the sick and those who were in need of a helping hand. Until her health failed she raised many flowers which she took to the hospitals and to sick friends.

Mrs. Kettle passed away on the evening of July 30, 1952, being at the time of her death, 80 years, 6 months and 15 days of age. She was bed fast only a week for which her family is thankful.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her only daughter, Mrs. Harry Bitcon and her cousins, Mrs. Jay Saum and Charles Doane of Kellogg. She was the only surviving member of her immediate family.

Thus has gone to her Heavenly Home, a loving spirit, a good neighbor and friend.

Funeral services conducted by Rev. Charles O. Whitely, were held at Smith's funeral home August 1, 1952. She was laid to rest beside her husband in Providence cemetery near Franklin, Ill.