Hayes, Minnie Belle 1862-1916

HAYES, BENSON, VAN EVERA, WHITNEY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/30/2012 at 10:21:14

Newspaper Obituary dated Jan. 7, 1916

MRS. MINNIE B. HAYES

Minnie Belle Benson was born in Tama county, Ia., Sept. 26, 1862, later moving with her parents to Poweshiek county, Ia. Here she grew to young womanhood and on Sept. 26, 1879, was united in marriage with William S. Hayes. They moved at once to their home in Chester township, where for eight beautiful years they lived in happiness together until death claimed the husband Aug. 27, 1887.

To this union were born two children, Susie, now Mrs. H.H. Van Evera, and Irving B., who departed this life Nov. 18, 1910, in Mexico. She moved to Grinnell, Ia., after the death of her husband, where she lived until 1905. Since then she has made her home with her daughter in Des Moines, spending a part of each year in Colorado on account of her health.

Early in life she gave her heart to God and remained steadfast and firm in her faith. Her life was lived ever close to Him who was her perfect example. Quiet in her way, unassuming in her manner, she lived day by day the Christ life, and when shadows came and loved ones were taken from her, she exemplified God's sustaining grace in a wonderful way.

She passed to her reward Jan. 3, 1916, at the home of her daughter in Des Moines, Ia. She leaves to mourn her loss her daughter, Mrs. H.H. Van Evera, three brothers, G.A. Benson of Lakeside, Wash., L.L. Benson of Los Angeles, Cal., C.W. Benson of Hot Springs, S.D., and one sister, Mrs. C.F. Whitney of New York City.

She was laid to rest by the side of her husband in Hazelwood cemetery in Grinnell, Ia.

Mrs. Hayes breathed her last about 9 o'clock on the morning of January 3. She had been unconscious for several hours, gradually growing weaker. So quietly did she leave us that not even a sigh escaped her.

She had a slight operation last October which relieved her of a great deal of pain. Since then she had very little pain, but was so very, very tired.

Always thinking of others, never of self, she will be sorely missed by those she leaves.