Ella (Capwell) Lake (1857-1919)

CAPWELL, LAKE, BODWELL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/3/2016 at 23:17:00

From Nevada Representative March 31, 1919 (page 8)

COUNTY CORRESPONDENCE
GILBERT

OBITUARY

Ella Capwell was born in Union, Wis., July 6th, 1857. Died at her home in Gilbert, Ia., March 20th, 1919, aged 81 years, 8 months and 14 days. On Oct 27, 1878 she was united in marriage to C. P. Lake at West Union, Ia. where she continued to live for 17 years. To this union were born two sons and four daughters. One son and two daughters died in infancy. Those living are C. C. Lake of Red Lake Falls, Minn., Mrs. R. E. Bodwell of Pullman, Wash., and Miss Carrie Lake of Gilbert.

In early life Mrs. Lake took on herself the obligation of active Christian services and united with the M. E. church. In the work of the church she found the real joy of christian service and continued without that of herself to give her life to the work of the Master. She was a life long friend to the cause of missions and all benevolent work. To her the cry of the orphan child was a call to sympathetic service.

During the past two years she has labored unceasingly to the winning of this war and none were more zealous than she in the Red Cross work. She knew no such word as fail in her undertakings for this kind of service. She led in a vigorous campaign for making quilts for hospitals and became a Modern Dorcas in her efforts for the sick and wounded in hospitals. In her early womanhood, Mrs. Lake was teacher. Her last sickness lasted only a few days. But from the first day of her illness she seemed to have a premonition that her illness meant the end of the toilsome journey and she so expressed herself to her family and to her pastor, but she added, I have no fear if it is His will. I am ready to go and like the psalmist she could say "Though I walk through the dark valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me." The end came as peaceful as the closing of a summer day.

The only living member of her family, is a sister, Miss Julie E. Capwell of Boise, Idaho. Mrs. Lake united with the Congregational church of Gilbert 10 years ago and ever gave evidence of a sincere Christian woman. Her last days and hours were filled with many kind thots and words for those for whom she had prayed. On every occasion of her pastor's visits in these last days, she made mention of some one for whom she requested prayer be made. The hearts of many are sad but they mourn not as though without hope.

Funeral service were held at the home Monday afternoon, March 24th. The Rev. Wissler of the Gilbert Congregational church officiating. Mr. Lake, Charles Lake, Miss Carrie Lake and Rev. Wissler accompanied the body to West Union cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.