Skiff, Blanche (Mason) 1875-1930

SKIFF, MASON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/7/2012 at 12:14:50

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Dec. 5, 1930

MRS. EARL SKIFF IS BURIED HERE

When Mrs. Earl Skiff breathed her last at her home in Lake Villa, Ill., a bright, talented and useful woman went to her final rest. Blanche Mason Skiff was born Nov. 1st, 1875, in Jasper county, Iowa. Her father was a native of Bellefonte the county seat of Center county, Penn. and in 1867 the family came to Jasper county settling at first near Newton and later moving to the farm in Rock Creek township which is still occupied by her brother, Robert.

Mr. and Mrs. Mason were people of high character and amibition and wished their children to have the best which life could offer. Two sons and one daughter graduated from the high school. Blanche graduated with the clsss of 1893. She entered college soon after and graduated in 1899.

After graduation she taught several years in the Malcom schools, obtaining her Master's degree in English in Grinnell college and spent sometime in Washington, D.C., after she had obtained the higher degree.

Nov. 4th, 1908, she was married to Earl Skiff, a graduate in the same class with her, a young man prominent in college activites and especially active in track athletics. After their marriage they lived for a number of years in Chicago and in 1911 moved to Lake Villa, Ill., where they have since lived.

Her death occurred Monday night. The body was brought to Grinnell reaching here this morning. Funeral services were held this afternoon at the home of J.S. Rollins at two o'clock conducted by Rev. E.M. Vittum her former pastor and friend.

In Grinnell she was active in Sunday School work and was useful in many womanly activities. She was a charter member of the Pythian temple of this place.

Music at the funeral were two songs by Mrs. E.B.T. Spencer. Pall bearers were V.G. Preston, A.M. Burton, J.W. Gannaway, Dr. P.E. Somers, S.J. Pooley and W.G. Ray, all of whom had known her well during her activites here.

Representing the Pythian Sisters as honorary pall bearers were a group of older members of the order, Mrs. Will Wesco, Mrs. C.L. McNally, Mrs. Melvin Porter, Mrs. Lewis Kutish, Mrs. Elza Garrigan, and Mrs. A.C. Dickerson. Burial was on the Mason lot in Hazelwood.