Steele, Florence 1857-1893

STEELE, WORTHINGTON, SANDERS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 1/18/2012 at 08:56:26

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Nov. 14, 1893

--Died, at the home of G.L. Sanders Saturday, Nov. 11, at six o'clock, a.m., Mrs. Florence Worthington Steele, aged 36 years, 1 month, and 4 days.

Florence Worthington was born in Grinnell, Oct. 7, 1857, and grew to womanhood here a bright, active young woman, an honored and loved member of society. In her business relations in our community she bore the most excellent reputation for integrity and business honor. July 23, 1879, she was united in marriage with Mr. Louis Steele, who with one daughter, Mamie, mourns her departure. Most of her life was passed in Grinnell, four years being spent at Lewis, Iowa, and one at Harvey, Ill. Last spring with her husband she removed to Des Moines, returning to Grinnell in August, soon to be stricken down with the illness that finally caused her death. She had not been in the best of health for three years, but none of her friends realized that she was so soon to be called away from earth. Since Sept. 4, she had been confined to her bed and amidst improvements and reverses she bore her sufferings like the Christian she was. It was thought by many that she was gradually improving, but Thursday a change came that soon told the end was near. Just a few minutes before her death she asked her loving husband to take her up from the bed, and settling down peacefully in his arms, she quietly and sweetly passed into the better land.

The funeral occurred Sunday afternoon at 2:30, at the home of Mr. Sanders, conducted by Rev. E.M. Vittum of the Congregational Church, of which she was an active and useful member. The service was brief and touching, a short talk by the pastor, Mrs. Christian and Miss Mack assisting in the music. The floral decorations were pretty and appropriate. After the friends had been permitted to gaze for the last time upon the face of her they loved, the body was borne to the carriage by Messers. H.P. Proctor, G.H. Hamlin, Wm. Miles, I.S. Bailey, C.C. Spencer, and G.M. Spooner.

A large company followed the body to Hazelwood, where after prayer by Prof. Parker, all that was mortal of Mrs. Steele was laid away to rest amidst a bank of evergreens. Loved by all, in the death of Mrs. Steele, Grinnell loses one of its bright, true women, and many a home a warm friend. In their sorrow Mr. Steele and Mamie feel the sympathy of all our citizens who loved and admire true, happy, joyous womanhood.