Susanna (YOAST) ELLIS

YOAST, ELLIS, REGER

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/21/2008 at 17:14:24

The Ringgold Record, 1892

OBITUARY - MRS. SUSANNA ELLIS.

DIED, Sunday, November 6th, 1892, Mrs. Susanna ELLIS, wife of Francis ELLIS of Mt. Ayr, aged 59 years 9 months and 5 days. Mrs. ELLIS was born January 31, 1833 at Stubenville, Jefferson county, Ohio. She was the daughter of Peter W. YOAST, and of German ancestry, and known in those days as "Pennsylvania Dutch" and the best class of people. The family tree was vigorous and long lived. Her mother is yet alive, and enjoys good health, at the old Iowa homestead at Pulaski, being eighty four years old.

Mrs. ELLIS, even in early girlhood united with the church of her father's, and known as the Wineberians, a God fearing people. She was among them a "living epistle," in early life. Later in life, and when necessarly (sic) thrown among other people and in different relations in life, she transferred her membership to the M.E. church where uninterruptedly she has made her church home, and adorned her profession by a godly walk and conversation becoming the gospel of Christ. In 1851, she moved with her father to Davis county, Iowa.

On January 31, 1854 she ws united in marriage to Mr. F. ELLIS at her father's home at Pulaski, Iowa. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. I. P. TETER, being the first one, for that eminent servant of God. After some years, she came with her husband to Decatur county, and in in 1865 to Ringgold, and soon became an active worker in the M.E. church, helping to lay the foundations and being with it in all of its struggles. Mrs. ELLIS was the mother of five children. Only two of these are now alive, viz, Dr. T. B. ELLIS of Bethany, Mo., and Mrs. W. A. REGER of this place. These children arise and call her blessed. She was a mother indeed. In her long sickness they have been her most constant attendants.

For many years Mrs. ELLIS filled the difficult place of land-lady in her husband's hotel. Here she was always the obliging christina lady, and thus became endeared to many, all over the county. In the midst of the rush, hurry, and push, incident to such a place, and life, she always maintained a cheerful consistent christian character. It was a pleasure to meet her in this capacity. When great trials and losses came to the home by fire, she was a model of patience, and resignation to the will of God. When tired out by the great labors of her position, her constant habit was to rest by reading and reading something sacred. Her uniform custom was to begin the reading of the Bible at Genesis at the beginning of the year and to read it through in the regular course during the year. One year having been distrubed, she sat up late, even into the next year to complete the work. She did it not as a task, but as a work of love.

The funeral took place from the M.E. church Tuesday, Nov. 8th, 1892, at 2 p.m. in the presence of a large assembly of sympathizing friends and relatives. The pastor Rev. C. L. NYE conducted the services, and took as the base of his remarks 2d Timothy 4:7,8, "I have fought a good fight." Rev. E. R. RIGGS assisted.

Many friends followed the remains to the South [Rose Hill] Cemetery.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008