Robb, Alice Mahala 1858-1935

ROBB, COLLINS, HOFFSTATTER, BREWER, CARPENTER, ZIRBEL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/28/2010 at 15:42:52

The Grinnell Herald; May 21, 1935

USEFUL LIFE OF MRS. ROBB REACHES CLOSE

Alice Mahala Hoffstatter was born in Mason, Cass county, Michigan, May 23, 1858, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Maurice Brewer, in Malcom May 15, 1935 at the age of 76 years, 11 months and 22 days.

She was the daughter of William A. and Mahala Collins Hoffstatter, and the youngest of a family of 11 children and the last to be called home.

When nine years of age, she went with her parents, in a covered wagon to Munson, Illinois, in Henry county. After two years residence there, the family moved to Adair county, Iowa, where she spent her early life, receiving her education in the Orient school and later teaching in the rural schools until December 27, 1882, when she was united in marriage to Henry Nathan Robb. To this union five daughters were born, the youngest dying in infancy. Another daughter, Ellen, passed away August 28, 1934. Her husband preceded her in death just 11 months and 2 days.

Mrs. Robb's health had been poor for many years, but she was not confined to her bed until the 25th of January. After the passing away of her husband, her home was broken up and she went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Brewer, and family, also spending much of her time with her other two daughters and families. She was a woman of sterling qualities, always ready and willing to do for others far more than her strength would permit.

During her early womanhood she united with the Congregational church, later, transferring her letter to the Presbyterian church in Malcom, where the family moved to a farm in 1906. She was active in all church work as long as her strength permitted and when she was not physically able to attend her interests were with those who carried on the work. It was her wish that she be taken to her final resting place from her church.

She leaves to mourn her death three daughters, Mrs. R.R. Carpenter of Deep River, Mrs. L.F. Zirbel and Mrs. M.A. Brewer of Malcom; six grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.