Jennie Olinger Smith (1869-1942)

SMITH, OLINGER, PARKER, MORR, COOPER, SCOTT, RAY

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/19/2005 at 09:47:19

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, April 2, 1942, page 1, column 2. "MRS. JENNIE SMITH - Jennie Olinger, daughter of J. M. and R. J. Olinger, was born Dec. 17, 1869, and passed away suddenly at her home on Thursday evening, Mar. 26, at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 9 days. She had spent her entire lifetime in the Maxwell community and was a lifelong member of the Maxwell Presbyterian church. She was married to Marcus E. Smith April 2, 1891, by Rev. Ferguson at the home of her parents, after which they started housekeeping in the home the groom had ready and have spent their happy married life in the same home in Maxwell. To this union was born one daughter who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were privileged to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on April 2, 1941. She was an active member of the Mite Society and Missionary Society. For many years was a member and leader of the choir. She also taught a large boys class for a number of years, as well as being active in other church duties. Mrs. Smith, more familiarly known in the community as "Aunt Jen," was most active in the social and community life of Maxwell and was always interested in things for the betterment of mankind. She will be greatly missed in the family circle for her kindly helpfulness and many services. Besides her husband, she leaves to mourn her passing, three brothers, M. L. Olinger, of Greeley, Colo.; G. W. and Ross Olinger, of Maxwell, and two sisters, Mrs. O. W. (Anna) Parker and Mrs. R. J. (Edna) Morr, of Des Moines, besides a host of other relatives and friends. Services were held at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. C. E. Burdine, of Anamosa, former pastor, in charge. The auditorium was packed with relatives and friends who came to pay their last respects. The beautiful floral offerings were arranged and carried by Mrs. J. W. Dickinson and Mrs. Ida Petersen. A quartet, consisting of Dale John, Earl Bowen, Mrs. Arthur Hale and Mrs. H. C. Larsen, sang "Jesus Saviour** Pilot Me," "The Nearer the Sweeter" and "Asleep in Jesus," with Mrs. Lorena Martin at the piano. The pallbearers were nephews Clare Olinger, Ralph Cooper, Glen and Dale Scott, James Olinger and Vaughn Ray. Interment was in the Maxwell cemetery." "Card of Thanks. - To those who have been with us in our bereavement and by kind words and kindly acts have tried to lessen our sorrow, we extend our sincere thanks. Marcus E. Smith and Brothers and Sisters." **Editorial note - spelling, grammar and punctuation used are from the original newspaper article.