Brown, LaRitta 1901-1928

BROWN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/31/2011 at 11:07:57

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Aug. 1928

FUNERAL FOR LARITTA BROWN

Services Conducted From Westfield Church Wednesday Afternoon At Four O'clock.
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DIED MONDAY MORNING AT HER HOME
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Had Been Bedfast For Practically All Of the Past Ten Years.
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Funeral services for LaRitta Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brown, who died Monday morning at ten o'clock at her home south of town, were conducted from the Westfield church Wednesday afternoon at four o'clock by Rev. Robert Lincoln. All funeral arrangements were made by Miss Brown and her mother before her death, and by her request music was furnished by a violin quartet composed of Miss Esther Mullins, Mrs. Roy Steenhoek, Alyce Pearce and Mrs. George Selle, with Miss Ellen Howell at the piano. The selections played were "Abide With Me," "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," and "He Is So Precious To me." Bearers were Herbert Pearce, Leonard Pearce, William Pearce, Jake Krumm, Jasper Krumm, and Willis Evans. Interment was in Hazelwood.

Miss Brown was born in the Westfield community and spent practically all of her life there. In the days of her activity, her life centered about the Westfield church, where she was always a leader in the religious and social life of her community. Early in life she professed her faith in God and became a member of the Westfield church,and it was altogether appropriate that her many friends should gather there to pay their last tribute. It was a beautifully solemn and comforting funeral ritual as carried out at her request; comforting in its beauty because it seemed that LaRitta had not entered into death, but into a new experience of life, one perhaps which would offer more joy to her than her short sojourn here. As the shadows of late afternoon deepened about the church, the bodily remains were carried away from her loved community forever, but the lovely spirit of her life during the long years of suffering will live many years within the hearts of Westfield people.

LaRitta May Brown, only child of Walter E. and Ella L. Brown, was born in Westfield, Dec. 11, 1901, and died at the home where she was born, August 13, 1928, at the age of twenty-six years, 8 months and two days.

She attended the public school and also the Grinnell high school about one year and a half, until ill health brought her school life to a close. All that loving care could do was done to arrest the malady that was preying upon her, but to no avail. She with her parents spent some time in California much to her delight, for she appreciated the sunshine and the flowers and the company of her friends.

LaRitta early in life professed her faith in her Savior and was very faithful in attendance in the Sabbath School and church services. She loved the little church at Westfield and was there taking an active part in all the activities of the young people when her health permitted. LaRitta had a beautiful voice and delighted to use it where it gave pleasure.

After being confined to her home her fingers were not idle. She had a part in the work of the Ladies' Aid, and many dainty little garments were fashioned by her loving touch, and given to children who needed them. Very wide-spread has been the love and sympathy extended to her and her parents through the long trying sickness. Life was sweet to her, there was so much to live for, so many things she was interested in.

She leaves her father, mother, and a large number of relatives and many, many friends to mourn her loss. The entire community extends their sympathy to the bereaved parents.

LaRitta made all the arrangements for the funeral service, wishing to be laid to rest at the time of sunset, which was carried out. The body was tenderly put to rest in Hazelwood cemetery, covered with the beautiful flowers which she loved.