Emma (Major) Holtby (1888-1948)

MAJOR, HOLTBY, PYLMAN, WHITEHILL, MORSE, STARK

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Nevada Evening Journal June 22, 1948 (page 6)

Final Rites For Mrs. O. O. Holtby Sunday at Maxwell

The funeral service for Mrs. Orlando Holtby, who passed away last Thursday evening in her home after a long illness of heart trouble, was conducted Sunday, 2:00 p. m. at the Maxwell, Iowa, Church of Christ, where she was a long time faithful member. Rev. Hugh C. Guy, pastor of the Nevada Christian Church, had charge of the service.

A mixed quartett composed of Leota Scott, Ina Larson, Earl Bowen and Arnold Scott sang "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say", "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" and "Son of My Soul, Thou Savior Dear." Mrs. Ned Pearson was at the organ.

The casket bearers were A. M. Christy, Glen Scott, W. A. Gibson, Ralph Thompson, Dan Peters and W. E. Van Hook.

Rev. Guy paid very high tribute to the true worth of the life of Mrs. Holtby both in her life of service in her local church and in many community activities of a splendid type. The Maxwell community lost a very valuable personality when Mrs. Holtby passed away. Burial was in the Peoria cemetery.

Obituary

The following obituary was read by Rev. Guy at the service.

Emma Major, the daughter of William and Mary Helen Major, was born November 14, 1888, on a farm northeast of Maxwell and has lived in and around Maxwell her entire life.

She attended rural schools and graduated from Maxwell High school in 1908. She attended normal school and taught in rural schools, attended Drake University and taught in the Maxwell Public school until the time of her marriage to Orlando Otto Holtby, June 28, 1916. To this union was born one daughter, Mary Helen Pylman of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Early in life she united with the Maxwell Church of Christ where she maintained her membership in active service as long as her health would permit. She also was active in many civic enterprises, such as Red Cross, Christmas seal sales, U. S. O. drives, Farm Bureau Home Project activities, etc.

She passed away June 17, 1948 at 6:40 P. M. in her home near Maxwell after a lingering illness of heart disease.

To her, credit is due for the origination of Childrens Memorial Day programs which are annually held in the Peoria cemetery where she will be laid to rest following this service.

She was a devoted wife and loving mother and unceasingly gave of her efforts for others. She laves to mourn, besides her loving husband and daughter, her grandson, David John Pylman, and three sisters, Mrs. W. J. (Etta) Whitehill, State Center, Iowa, Mrs. H. S. (Anna) Morse, St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. H. A. (Mary) Stark, Unityville, So. Dak. and other relatives and a host of friends.