Mary Ellen Nalley Myers (1852-1935)

NALLEY, MEYERS, PIKE, DE YO, GARDNER, RAY, JOHN, BARBER, TROUP, MOWEN, HIGGS

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/13/2005 at 06:38:27

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, March 7, 1935. "MARY ELLEN NALLEY MEYERS - Mary Ellen Nalley, youngest daughter of Solomon and Mary Nalley, was born at Leaf River, Ill., Aug. 30, 1852, and died at her home in Maxwell, Iowa, February 22, 1935, at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 14 days. She was the last survivor of a family of thirteen children. Her childhood and early life were spent in Leaf River, Ogle county, Ill. As a young woman she moved to Iowa in 1871 soon after losing her mother. She then made her home with her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pike. She was united in marriage to Simon P. Meyers, October 2, 1873, which union was consummated in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pike. To this union six children were born, all of whom survive her. They are: Mrs. Ida De Yo, of Los Angeles, Calif., Edward, of Greeley, Colo.; Clinton, of Hayward, Calif.; Mrs. E. C. (Clara) Gardner, of Perry, Iowa; Mrs. D. L. (Leota) Ray, of Mingo, Iowa, and Mrs. Lulu John, of Maxwell, Iowa. She is also survived by two half brothers and one half sister; Frank Nalley, of Mt. Morris, Ill.; Charles Nalley, of Kansas city, and Mrs. Jasper Barber, of Des Moines. Besides these there are thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren, many other relatives and numerous friends. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Simon Meyers established their home on the farm joining the John Hochstetler homestead, where they lived for six years. They then moved to the "Penn Mound Farm" which was their home until 1893, when they moved to Maxwell, at which place they lived throughout the rest of their years. Our memory of her and her four sisters, Mrs. Rebecca Troup, Mrs. Sarah Pike, Mrs. charlotte Mowen and Mrs. Elizabeth Higgs, who were loved and cherished by all their associates in the Brethren church and Maxwell communities, will remain with us as an inspiration for love, devotion and worship. The husband and father passed away July 19, 1931, after nearly 58 of happy wedded life together. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1923, which was an occasion of great joy and added to the remainder of their years together increased richness and appreciation. Mrs. Meyers united with the Church of the Brethren, located south of Maxwell in the year 1874. She and her husband joined together. She remained a faithful disciple of her Lord and Master throughout life. Her faith supported her with power for all of life's experiences. After moving to Maxwell she brought her letter into the Methodist Episcopal church, in which she and her family made their church home. She was know to her family as a mother of sacrificial love, to her neighbors and friends as a woman who radiated good cheer, and who was devoted to deeds of love and kindness. A part of her attributes of character is expressed in the following poem - a poem cherished by her: "Just Be Kind" - Which are the friends we remember, Those friends of the days left behind? The richest? The smartest? The prettiest? No, it is those who are kind. When we were weak little children, Weary, sick, frightened or blind, Who was our Angel of Mercy? Mother, who always was kind. Friends of our school days were plenty; Ponder them o'er in your mind. Who were the dearest and sweetest? Wasn't it those who were kind? Life it is true, is a struggle, But if you try it, you'll find Things will work better by oiling: Oil up with Love, and be kind." There was a brief service at the home, consisting of prayer by Rev. W. M. Scheuermann; reading of the 23rd Psalm by Rev. T. U. reed, and a song by Mrs. Ray Gooden, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." Services proper were held at the Maxwell Methodist Episcopal church, Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. M. Scheuermann, taking for his text one of her favorite verses, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not parish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. He was assisted by rev. B. H. Guthrie and Rev. T. U. Reed. A quartet, composed of Clark John, Dale John, Ross Olinger and Clare Olinger, sang "Some Time We'll Understand" and "Sleep on Beloved, Sleep and Take Thy Rest." Mrs. Ray Gooden sang "Shadows." Mrs. W. M. __tter acted as pianist. The floral tributes were very beautiful and profuse and were arranged at the church by Mr. W. W. Finnie, of Nevada, and Mrs. Guy Cooper. The pall bearers were Martin H. Thoup, ** W. T. Troup, W. A. Higgs and Geo. V. Mowen, of Maxwell; Chas. S. Higgs, of St. Paul, Minn., and Bert Pike, of Rhodes. Interment was in the Brethren cemetery, south of Maxwell, by the side of her husband. Out of town relatives and friends in attendance at the services were: Mrs. Ida De Yo, Los Angeles, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pike, Rhodes; Chas. S. Higgs, St. Paul, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Ira Mowen, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Barber, Mr. and Mrs. Basil Cord, Mr. and Mrs. Harve Faidley, Mrs. Emma funk, Mr. and Mrs. Harold dickens, Miss Helen ray, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Niffenegger, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Ray, son, Robert, and daughter, Donna Mae, Mingo; Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Gardner, Eldon Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Pearson and daughter, Beverley, Perry; Mr. and Mrs. Amos Kendig, Collins; and Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Finnie, Nevada. Her two sons, E. E. Meyers, of Greeley, Colo., and J. C. Meyers, of Hayward, Calif., were unable to be present."