McNeal, Annetta Jane 1856-1918

MCNEAL, MCVAY, MARTIN, REED, WILSON, NISWANDER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/17/2009 at 08:40:23

OBITUARY

MRS. GEORGE MCNEAL

Annetta Jane McVay, was born January 3d, 1856, at Jamestown, Ohio, and died at her home south of Montezuma, Iowa, February 17, 1918, aged 62 years, 1 month and 14 days.

When three months old her parents moved to Poweshiek county, and here her life was spent. On March 1, 1877, she was united in marriage to George W. McNeal. To this union were born seven children. The family circle was broken once by the death of Bert, the eldest son, who died at the age of sixteen years. The husband with the remaining six children survive: Mrs. Nellie Martin, of Grinnell; Lee, of New Sharon; Charles, of Montezuma; Mrs. Sadie Reed, of New Sharon; Mrs. Alta Wilson, of Ewart, and Mrs. Emma Niswander, of Brooklyn. Besides these, she leaves twelve grandchildren, four sisters and two brothers.

Her death came at the end of several weeks of suffering, during which her foremost thought was for the comfort and welfare of her loved ones. Excepting Alta, who was ill, her family, including two sisters and one brother, were all present during her last days of life.

The night before she died, she called all her family circle about her and calmly talked to them, and to each one was given an individual message straight from the heart of the dying mother.

She was a member of the Bethel Grove Methodist Episcopal church. Her model christian life was an inspiration and endeared her to all who knew her. Her one great wish was for each member of her family to lead a Christian life.

"There is no prison for the soul
That dwells with God's boundless peace,
And sickness builds no dungeon walls
For one who knows sin's surcease;
She soars on tireless pinions high
And lives beneath the open sky."

Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon, February 19, at 2:00 o'clock, in the Methodist church in Montezuma, conducted by her pastor, Rev. C. Cray Jones, of Barnes City, assisted by Rev. A.B. Cadwell. Interment was made in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.--Montezuma Republican.