Royce, Mary Gelina 1844-1925

ROYCE, BURCH, NUTTING, SEVENBERGEN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/18/2010 at 08:18:10

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Oct. 13, 1925

USEFUL LIFE OF MRS. E.L. ROYCE OVER

Mary Gelina Nutting, the youngest daughter of Daniel Nutting and Eliza Burch Nutting, was born at Easton, Washington County, New York, June 2, 1844, and died October 7, 1925 at her home at 500 S. Broad St., Grinnell, Iowa. Interment was made in Long Hill Cemetery, Malcom, Iowa. She came to Iowa with her parents when ten years of age and resided near Davenport in Scott County, Iowa until October 1869, when the family came to Poweshiek County and settled on a farm two and one-half miles south-west of Malcom. She was married to Enoch L. Royce, January 8, 1873. To this union were born two children, Ida M. Royce, now Mrs. Amory H. Burch and Elmer L. Royce of Grinnell who survive, with one brother, Uncle Howard Nutting of Davenport, Iowa, four grandchildren, Harley, Ellsworth and Ora Burch and Mrs. Winnifred Sevenbergen, and one great grandson, Bobbie Sevenbergen, as well as a score or more of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Aunt Mary, as she was known and revered, was a patient sufferer for many months, never complaining, and ready for and waiting the final summons at any moment.

She was ever kind, ever good and her home was always a rendezvous and abiding place for all, who were ever made welcome to share her kind and generous hospitality.

She never made any public profession of Christianity. Her religion was that taught and followed by her father, who was called by his acquaintances, the "Sage of the farm" which was, "Trust in God, do all the good you can in the world and as little of harm." These percepts were strictly followed through a long eventful life and the immense amount of good she was to the world is recognized by all who were the beneficiaries of her kind and courteous treatment.