Ennis, Lulu May 1883-1927

ENNIS, STUDEBAKER, VITULLO, ESTERDAY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/11/2014 at 17:13:57

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
June 7, 1927

MRS. A.S. ENNIS
PASSES AWAY
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Sweet Voiced Singer For Others Joins
Great Majority For Whom She
Sang.
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After a brief illness, Lulu May Ennis, wife of A.S. Ennis and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Studebaker, passed away at the Community Hospital, Saturday, June 4 at one o'clock p.m.

She was born near Elkport, Clayton County, Iowa, April 4, 1883 later moving to Clayton and McGregor. In 1899 the family moved to Toledo, Iowa, where she completed her schooling, graduating from Leander-Clark College, School of Music, with the class of '05.

When but a child she united with the M.E. Church in McGregor, and when the family moved to Toledo she united with them in the United Brethren church. later with her husband she transferred to the M.E. church in Grinnell, which continued to be her church home.

She was especially gifted in song, learning to hum church tunes before she could utter the words. She sang in the M.E. church choir and also of a mixed quartet for several years at Toledo.

On December 27, 1905, she was united in marriage with Albert Sherman Ennis who, with their two daughters, Mona and Jean survive her. She also leaves her father and mother Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Studebaker who have made their home with her in the recent past; one other sister, Mrs. Frank Vitullo, Chicago; two brothers, C.H. Studebaker of Worland, Wyoming, and Supt. J.W. Studebaker of Des Moines.

Since living in Grinnell she has been an active member of the Ladies Aid Society of the M.E. church and the Sunset and Woman's clubs.

She did not aspire to professional work in music, but was frequently called on to sing for funerals and other occasions. As her first song was a bit of church music, she seemed happiest in her efforts in this class of music.

She was a great lover of nature and the songs of the birds and the hills and fields of green and gorgeous flowers were to her a special delight.

She was of a cheerful disposition, extremely happy in her home life and scattered sunshine wherever she went, thus leaving behind her to radiate through the years to come the spirit of happiness as exemplified in her beautiful Christian life.

Brief services were held from the residence 1005 High St. today, June 7, at 12:00 p.m. The body was then taken to Toledo for burial, after funeral services in the United Presbyterian Church at that place.

Her sister, Mrs. Frank Vitullo was present at the funeral as was also Mrs. Minnie Esterday of Aurora, Ill. The latter is a sister of Mr. Ennis.

Many Grinnell people will feel sadly the loss of this estimable woman. She had made herself a place in this community by her charming personality and by her willingness at all times to aid in all civic and social service.

The sweet singer whose tuneful voice has been heard so many times, bringing consolation and comfort to those who mourn their loved ones, will be heard no more. Her gracious presence, her kindly smile, and her sweet voice, have gone down into the valley of death that it may be joined with the music of the heavenly choir.

Cheer and comfort were almost a habit with her. In her home life she was modest; in her public life she was true and devoted; and every one in Grinnell who loves to see duty performed in friendly reverence and true devotion will join in sorrow at the loss of one of Grinnell's most lovable women.