White, Jennie Belle (Mrs. Robert) 1895-1934

WHITE, MCDONALD

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 10/27/2015 at 22:19:39

Source: Hawarden Independent (10-4-1934)

Born: November 29, 1895
Died: 1934

Mrs. Robert White was struck by a car and instantly killed by a hit-and-run- driver shortly before 2 o’clock Saturday morning while walking along highway No. 12, with her husband, about two blocks south of where the highway crosses the North Western tracks in the west part of town. Mr. and Mrs. White were returning home on foot from a dance at the Tokio dance hall, a mile south of town. They were walking arm in arm along the right hand edge of the road. Two cars occupied by persons returning to town from the dance passed them on the way and later a third car came from the south. This car struck Mrs. White and apparently carried or dragged her for a distance of 40 feet before she was deposited at the edge of the road. Mr. White was not struck by the car but was thrown into the ditch at the side of the highway when his wife was suddenly jerked from him. Mr. White quickly reached her side and realized at once that she had been badly injured. As there were no other cars in sight, Mr. White hurried to the W.E. Booth home nearby to summon help and then returned to Mrs. White’s side.

One of the cars which had passed Mr. and Mrs. White along the road was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Youngkin, who were taking a party of friends home from the dance. After letting their passengers out when they reached town they started back for the dance hall to get some things which they left there. Mr. White hailed them as they approached and they assisted in lifting Mrs. White into the car and hurried directly to the Hawarden Hospital. A physician was summoned at once but it was evident that death had been practically instantaneous. Mrs. White had been bleeding from the ears and had suffered a basall fracture of the skull, besides other injuries.

Funeral services were held at the home at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon and at the Baptist Church at 2:30 with Reverend Cylde Clark, the pastor, in charge. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends. Burial was made in Grace Hill Cemetery.

Jennie Belle McDonald, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James McDonald was born on the home farm in Washington township November 29, 1895, and so was almost 39 years of age at the time of her death. She grew to young womanhood on the farm and on September 28, 1912, was united in marriage with Robert White in Hawarden. All of her married life was spent in this city with the exception of three years when the family lived on a farm, near Akron. Eight children were born to this union, who with the father are left to mourn the untimely death of their loved one. The children are: Elmer, 21; Bernice, 18; Robert, 15; Mary Jane, 12; Betty Lou, 10; Margaret, 8; Jackie, 6; Nancy, 15 months. She is also survived by her mother, Mrs. Mary McDonald of Hawarden; five sisters, Mrs. Dave Dick, Hawarden; Mrs. Art Freestone, Seattle, Washington; Miss Lottie McDonald, Concord, N. H.; Miss Lillian McDonald, Sioux City; Miss Florence McDonald, Rochester, Minnesota; and two brothers, Elmer McDonald of Armour, South Dakota, and William McDonald of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Mrs. White was a member of the Woodman Circle. Her tragic death comes as a severe blow to her husband and children and she will be greatly missed in the home where she was solely needed. Sincere sympathy is extended to them.

Out of town relatives, who came to attend the funeral, were Miss Lillian McDonald of Sioux City and Elmer McDonald of Armour, South Dakota. Her son, Elmer White, who is in a CCC camp at Fordyce, Arkansas, came Tuesday afternoon but did not arrive here until after his mother’s funeral.