Huff, Ethel (Mrs. Russell) 1898-1936

HUFF, KERR

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 9/27/2015 at 00:41:37

Source: Akron Register Tribute (9-3-1936)

Birth: October 7, 1898
Death: August 29, 1936

TRAGIC ACCIDENT CAUSES DEATH OF MRS. RUSSELL HUFF
Receives Fatal Burns Saturday Morning While Starting Fire

One of the saddest and most tragic accidents that has happened in this community in a long time came Saturday morning, August 29, 1936, when Mrs. Russell Huff, residing west of town, in Union county, South Dakota, received burns about her body that resulted in her death the middle of the afternoon of that day.

Upon arising that morning Mrs. Huff started a cob fire in the kitchen range to take the chill off on account of the children. At about 7 o'clock she noted that the fire had apparently gone out, the cobs being a trifle damp, and she poured some kerosene onto them to give them a fresh start. There must have been some smoldering coals in the firebox, for suddenly the kerosene blazed up and exploded, throwing the burning fluid all over her body. She laid on the floor and rolled over and over to smother the fire, but not before severe burns were inflicted upon her body from her chin to her ankles. As quickly as possible the injured woman was brought to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Kerr, in Akron, and medical assistance summoned. She was there given emergency treatment and soon after noon was taken to the Akron Hospital where everything humanly possible was done for her, but without avail, as the end came quite suddenly at 3:30 p.m. Such a large area of her body was burned, the doctors gave very little hope of her recovery from the first. She endured her suffering with rare Christian fortitude, conversing with and trying to cheer the loved ones about her, retaining consciousness nearly to the end.

Both the terrible accident and her subsequent death came as a grievous shock to relatives and a host of friends as well, and the deepest sympathy of the community goes out to the husband, the three young children, the parents, brothers and other near relatives in their sad and sudden bereavement. Mrs. Huff had attained the age of 37 years, 10 months and 23 days.

Ethel Amanda Kerr was born in Union county, South Dakota, October 7, 1898, and spent her entire life in this community. In 1912 she joined the U. B. Church, keeping this faith to the last. She was president of the Christian Endeavor, had charge of a Sunday school class and also was organist for a number of years. She graduated from Akron High School in 1918, later attending the State Normal at Madison, South Dakota, and also the University of South Dakota at Vermillion. She taught school for seven years in Union county, and was a successful instructor and made many friends in her teaching career. On February 22, 1927, she was united in marriage with Russell Huff, and spent her entire married life on a farm in Union county. She was a kind a loving wife and mother, and will be sorely missed by her family and a host of friend and neighbors. She leaves to mourn her untimely departure, her husband, Russell Huff; three children, Eldon, 7; Lorraine, 6 and Shirley Ann, 3 months; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Kerr, all of Akron. A sister, Mabel Kerr, preceded her in death in 1926.

Funeral services Monday afternoon were conducted at the William Kerr residence by Reverend G.B. Weaver, of Volin, South Dakota, and at the Akron M. E. Church by Reverend J. Lee Forman, of the Pleasant Hill U. B. Church, and Reverend J. F. Moore, of the Akron M. E. Church. Two duets were sung by Misses Mary Burket and Kathlyn Moore, the selections being, "Going Home" and "Looking This Way," with piano accompaniment by Mrs. Pearl Pollock. The pallbearers were cousins of the deceased: William Eidem, Milton Eidem, Earnest Simonsen, Faye Kerr, Herbert Eidem and Arnold Hofstad. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

I hear a voice you cannot hear,
Which says I must not stay;
I see a hand you cannot see,
Which beckons me away.

Relatives from a distance in attendance at the funeral were: Dr. and Mrs. E. I. Conner, of Alcester, South Dakota; Mr. and Mrs. Faye Kerr, Mrs. E. Guy, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Hofstad and family, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hansen and family, Mrs. Mary Eidem, Mr. and Mrs. William Eidem, Milton Eidem, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Rose Smith, Mrs. Lizzie Barber, Mr. and Mrs. Don Oliver, all of Sioux City; B. J. Simonsen and sons, of Elk Point, South Dakota. Friends who came from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Keech, of Shelton, Nebraska; Mrs. Jaycox and daughters, of Alcester, South Dakota; Reverend and Mrs. G. B. Weaver, of Volin, South Dakota; Mr. and Mrs Fred Marienau, of Sioux City.