Reba LaMar 1891-1925

LAMAR, LEMAR, BAKER, LAWSON, NABSTEDT, KEEPER, BALIZ, ROHWEDDER

Posted By: The Obituary Fairy (email)
Date: 9/9/2006 at 17:49:19

The Davenport Leader and Democrat; Wednesday Evening, January 21, 1925:

LaMar

Many Friends Mourn Death of Mrs. Reba LaMar

Olin, Ia., Jan. 21. - The town of Olin and community are sorely grieved at the unexpected death of Mrs. Reba Baker LeMar [sic], which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Lawson. Reba was born in Wyoming, Ia., on Dec. 30, 1891, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Baker.

Soon after her birth, the family returned to Davenport, where Reba lived her early life, receiving her education in the public schools of that city, and during these years of her childhood, youth, and young womanhood, she developed all these charms and graces of character revealed in her mature years.

On August 23, 1919, Reba became the wife of Galen Nelson LaMar. The young couple established their home in Davenport, into which one child was born, Virginia Louise, who survives her mother. The first deep grief of her life came, when her husband and companion of her home suddenly was called from earth on Aug. 20, 1921, and whose burial took place on the second anniversary of their wedding.

The deceased came to Olin three years ago last October, and engaged in the dry goods business. The latter part of December she made a business trip to Davenport; returning home Monday, Jan. 5. On Tuesday she was taken ill; no alarm was felt at the time, and it was thought a complete rest following the heavy holiday trade would restore her usual vigor and strength. But it was not to be; gradually she failed, and medical skill could not check the sudden progress of decline, and after a brief but heroic battle for life she yielded up her spirit to her creator and heavenly father. But her going was not with fear of foreboding, for thru the days of her sickness, her confidence in God was expressed by the repeating of so many passages of scripture, and singing songs of faith and trust. She had a great love for the Bible of which she was a daily student, and out of its’ treasure she drew those lessons that guided her life and sweetened her spirit.

Possessing a voice of marked ability, she studied voice culture in Chicago and Philadelphia and used her talent in service for her church and society. Reba possessed a cheerful disposition, was unselfish in her relationship with others, a happy memory of the family circle, and cheerfully sacrificed that others less fortunate might share in the happiness of life. She was a member of First Church, Christ Scientist of Davenport, and a member of the Ladies of G.A.R. of Olin. In addition to her mother and daughter, those of the more immediate relatives, who will miss her from the circle of loved ones, are her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Lawson; her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Lawson of Olin; Mr. And Mrs. Dave Nabstedt of Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. Nelson LaMar, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Keeper of Omaha, Neb.; Nellie LaMar of Davenport, and Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Lawson and family of Olin.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon in the home of J. S. Lawson, conducted by Rev. James Baliz, pastor of the M. E. church of Olin. A large company of neighbors and friends was present to share in the grief of the family and pay a last tribute of love to the departed.

Beautiful floral pieces filled the rooms with fragrance and silently expressed the sympathy of the donors. Mrs. Eleanor Rohwedder sang very beautifully, as a part of the service, two of the favorite songs of the deceased. On the close of the service the body was conveyed to the Olin cemetery and there laid to rest.