Donnan, Ellen D. 1855-1926

DONNAN, CUMMINGS, PORTER, MILLER, COX, WELLS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/16/2012 at 10:15:58

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; June 22, 1926

MRS. ELLEN D.
DONNAN PASSES
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Pioneer Woman Died Thursday at Her
Home West of
Ewart.
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HAD BEEN IN FEEBLE
HEALTH FOR MANY YEARS.
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Funeral Services from Ewart United
Presbyterian Church Were
Largely Attended.
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(By a Staff Correspondent)

Ewart, Iowa, June 22.--Special:

Another of the pioneers has gone on to the better land. On Thursday morning, June 17, 1926, Mrs. Ellen D. Donnan passed away, at her home one half mile west of Ewart. She had been in feeble health for many years, and at times suffered much. But her troubles, both of body and mind were borne with that patience and fortitude characteristic of those who are dominated by Christian faith.

The funeral was held in the Ewart United Presbyterian Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. R.E. Lackey. Her place in the hearts of friends and neighbors was shown by the very large attendance at her funeral. For the third time since the dedication of the new church, its seating capacity was taxed to the limit. Rev. E.W. Gregson led in prayer. A quartette composed of Mrs. Gordon Farley, Mrs. Leo Farley, Rev. E.W. Gregson and Mr. G.E. Wasson, with Mrs. Alma McMeekin at the piano, sang three beautiful and appropriate songs.

The following obituary was read at her funeral:

We are met here this afternoon in honor of the memory of Mrs. Ellen D. Donnan, whose pure spirit passed into the great beyond Thursday morning, June 17, 1926.

She was born at Tipton, Iowa, December 27, 1855, and therefore, when she passed away last Thursday morning, her age was 70 years, 5 months and 20 days. She was the daughter of Alexander and Jane Cummings. When still a child, she came to Montezuma, Iowa, with her parents, and there she lived during her childhood and youth, till the time of her marriage to James Donnan, October 21, 1879. They established their home on a farm just west of Ewart, Iowa, and there they lived happily together for over 45 years, till his death, April 3, 1925, and there she still made her home till she was called last Thursday morning to go to her eternal home.

Into this family were born seven children, three sons and four daughters: Mrs. Hattie Mable Porter, of Ewart; Mrs. Edna Jane Miller, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Bessie Helen Cox, of Ewart; James Edward; Mrs. Mary Ann Wells, of Ewart; Gordon Alexander and William Earl.

The tragic death of the three sons fell with crushing force on the whole family, and is remembered with loving sympathy by the whole community. But the wound in the mother's heart was perhaps the deepest of all. The four daughters were all with her during her last sickness, and no invalid was ever cared for more tenderly and lovingly. For many weeks, both day and night, one, or more, of them was always at her side.

In her father's family were six children, four sons and two daughters. Of this large family, the father, mother and five children have gone on before. Only one, William Cummings, of Montezuma remains to mourn her loss.

There are three living grandchildren: Lester D. Porter, Helen Louise Cox and Edna Marie Wells. Perhaps nothing brought more cheer to "Grandma," during the later months of her life than the presence of her youngest grandchild Edna Marie, infant child of Earl and Mary Wells.

While still in early youth, Mrs. Donnan became a member of the Presbyterian church of Malcom, Iowa. After she came to the farm near Ewart, she transferred her membership to the Ewart United Presbyterian church, and during all the remaining years of her life she was a faithful member of that congregation. During her later life, difficulty in hearing deprived her of the full enjoyment of the Sabbath services, and failing health made it impossible to be always present. But her interest in the church never flagged.

She has gone from earth, and we shall see her no more here. But remembering her faith in Christ, we know that she has already been reunited to those gone before in heaven above, and with them is waiting for those who are still on earth.