Cassie Marguerite (Cummer) Harrell (1893-1948)

CUMMER, HARRELL, NELSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:11

From Nevada Evening Journal October 19, 1948 (page 5)

Last Rites For Mrs. Edwin Harrell Held on Monday

The Ryan Funeral Chapel was filled with sorrowing relatives and friends Monday afternoon at 2:30 paying their last tribute of love and respect to Mrs. Edwin Harrell, who passed away Friday morning at her home, 513 Eighth street after three years illness.

The bier surrounded with a great many beautiful flowers which were mutely expressive of the place the deceased held in the hearts of all. The flowers were arranged by Mrs. P. R. Halleland, Mrs. C. J. Bierschwal and Laura Kirby.

The Reverend O. E. Cooley brought spiritual comfort to those bereaved and paid a final tribute to the steadfastness of faith as exemplified by Mrs. Harrell during her illness.

The only music was "The Lord's Prayer" sung by Max McConnell with Mrs. Edith Hale accompanying.

The pall bearers were H. M. Vinsel, Alie Brande, Harold Tipton, R. J. Dillin, Elmer Prescott and Abe Grundman.

Burial was in the Nevada cemetery.

Obituary

Cassie Marguerite Harrell daughter of Charles N. and Lilly Cummer was born in Port Huron, Mich., on May 12, 1893. She passed away on October 15, 1948 at her home in Nevada, Iowa. Her death followed an illness which extended over more than three years.

Her childhood was spent in several state, her father being a dispatcher for the Chicago-Northwestern Railway for thirty years.

Much of Mrs. Harrell's life was devoted to music, having studied music regularly from the time she was a young girl. She entered the field of theatre organ music and was employed at Ypsilanti, Mich., in this work at the time of her father's death in 1925. Shortly after this she came to Nevada where she likewise was employed at the Circle Theatre as organist.

On Jan. 31, 1931 she was married to Edwin Harrell of this city and this union one son, Charles Edwin was born.

Mrs. Harrell was a member of the Nevada Methodist church. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, member of the Rebekah lodge in which she held a number of offices, being at one time State Pianist for that group. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors, and formerly was a member of the Eastern Star and the D.A.R.

Besides the husband Edwin Harrell she leaves a daughter by a former marriage, Mrs. Doris Jean Nelson, her son Charles Edwin, her mother Mrs. Lilly Cummer of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Also two grandchildren Terry and Judy Nelson, along with her son-in-law Howard Nelson who lives at San Antonio, Texas.

Mrs. Harrell lived an active life sharing in numerous community activities. Probably the outstanding characteristic of her life was her love of music. She played for many occasions and continued to do so even after her last illness when no doubt many times it was difficult for her to be about.

She realized that her chance for recovery was very remote and often expressed the wish that she might have lived a while longer to be with the family. She was resigned however to her approaching death.

She will be sadly missed by the members of the family and the many friends she made in the community.

The Lost Chord

The reading by Reverend Cooley of "The Lost Chord" was a particularly beautiful closing for one who had given so much of her life to the study of organ music--a talent which she shared with others so generously.

Out of Town

Among the relatives from out of town in attendance at the last rites were the son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Howard L. Nelson of San Antonio, Texas, Mrs Lillie Cummer and Dorothey Cummer and Mrs. Ilene Lizer, sisters of Fort Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Nelson and daughter Patty of northeast of Atlantic, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Nelson of Atlantic, and Hans Nelson of Exira. Many friends from out of town were also in attendance.