Speas, Millie Ellen 1877-1954

SPEAS, SMITH, ONTHANK, VAN DONSELAAR, JACK

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/21/2012 at 17:50:16

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Jan. 6, 1955

MRS. CHARLES A. SPEAS

Mrs. Charles A. Speas, long time resident of the Sugar Creek Community, passed away at the Clemens Nursing Home in Marshalltown on Dec. 31, 1954, at the age of 77 years and 5 days.

Millie Ellen Speas, daughter of Joseph and Eursilina Smith was born on a farm near Ferguson, Iowa, in Marshall County on Dec. 26, 1877.

On January 1, 1896, she was united in marriage to Charle A. Speas. To this union 8 sons and 3 daughters were born. An infant son and one daughter, Mrs. Edward (Edith) Onthank, also her parents, one sister and one brother, preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Charles, and children Harold of Bondurant, Ia.; Floyd of Union, Ia.; Clarence of Gilman; Mrs. Henry Van Donselaar of Grinnell; Joseph of Lansing, Michigan; Howard of Youngsville, Penna.; Ralph of Akron, Ohio; Mrs. Wilbur Jack of Montezuma; and Eldon of Malcom; 43 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, also 2 brothers, 3 sisters, nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by a host of friends.

Mrs. Speas was converted when a young lady and the remaining years of her life were lived an example of true Christian devotion to her Savior. The later years of her life, she suffered much pain due to her heart, which resulted in a stroke a year ago but was never one to complain. She was a member of the Northside Friends Church, in Grinnell at the time of her death.

Funeral services for Mrs. Speas were held Jan. 3, 1955 at Le Grand, Iowa, Friends Church, Rev. Rendel L. Cosand of Grinnell, Ia. and Rev. W.R. Abram, of Le Grand, officiating. Music was furnished by Mr. Beryl Keen and Mrs. Norman Johnson. Organist was Mrs. Beryl Keen. Pallbearers were her sons, Harold, Floyd, Clarence, Joseph, Howard, Ralph and Eldon Speas.

Graveside services were conducted by her son Rev. Howard Speas, at the Le Grand Friends, Cemetery.