Childs, Susan Margaret 1867-1943

CHILDS, WHITE, FISHER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/5/2010 at 16:09:04

Grinnell Herald-Register (Grinnell, Iowa) Feb. 18, 1943

LAST SERVICES ON WEDNESDAY FOR MRS. SUSAN CHILDS

Susan Margaret White, daughter of Rev. George H. and Joanna Fisher White, was born in Weathersfield, Vermont, April 8, 1867, and died in Grinnell, Iowa, February 15, 1943. When she was a small child, the family came to Iowa and settled in Chester township, where Mr. White was pastor of the Congregational church for about fourteen years. They moved to Grinnell in 1886. Susan attended Grinnell High School, and graduated from Iowa (Grinnell) College in 1892. After graduation she taught for a year in Grand Junction, Colorado. Then, for a year, she was Sunday school Visitor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She studied at Moody Bible Institute, in Chicago, and for several years was General Secretary of the Y.W.C.A. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Later she was at home in Grinnell, caring for her parents.

In 1903 she was married to Mr. C.F. Childs, who died in 1919.

Mrs. Childs had a rich Congregational heritage. Her parents were missionaries in Turkey, under the American Board, from 1857 to 1863. After returning to America her father held Congregational pastorates in Vermont and Iowa. Her brother, George, born in Turkey, served many years in Turkey and Greece, as an American Board missionary. For some years he was Presdient of Anatolia College.

A beautiful membership window in the Chester church was given by Mrs. Childs and her brother in honor of their father.

For many years Mrs. Childs has been a devoted member of the First Congregational church of Grinnell, and has served it effectively in many lines of work.

Her fellowship in the Magoun Club has been a source of great joy and satisfaction to her. Her mother was formerly a member of this club.

Mrs. Childs has always been very active in everything that goes toward building up the best interests of a community. Her generous hospitality has been shared with everyone. Her home was always open to all who came. All who knew her, whether old or young, were her friends. Her kindnesses were without number.

Funeral services, conducted by her pastor, Rev. L.W. Mann, assisted by Dr. E.A. Steiner were held in the Congregational church Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 17, 1943, at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Margery Bouma sang two songs accompanied by Mrs. F.W. Tomasek at the organ. Pallbearers were: Ross Coutts, Carl Child, John Manly, Howard Tinnes, R.H. Norton and Roger Preston. Interment was in Hazelwood cemetery.