Lu Ella Gaston Tharp 1872-1929

GASTON, THARP, MADDEN, FOLKER

Posted By: Karen DaPra (email)
Date: 10/8/2002 at 10:05:40

MRS. JOHN THARP

Lu Ella Gaston, daughter of J. W. Gaston and wife, was born August 22, 1872 in Vernon township, near Mt. Sterling, and passed away in the St. Joseph hospital at Ottumwa on June 30, 1929, at the age of 56 years, 10 months and 8 days.

Her early life was spent on the farm with her parents. In 189(0) she was united in marriage to John T. Tharp, and they made their home on a farm near Mt. Sterling. Later they moved, spending one year in Cantril and two in Keosauqua, after which they settled in Mt. Sterling, where she resided until death.

Mrs. Sharp [sic] and her husband united with the M. E. church at Mt. Sterling in the year 1890 where she remained a faithful member till the Lord saw fit to take her home. She was a faithful wife, attending at all time [sic] to the duties of the home. She did not leave for tomorrow the things she could do today. Perhaps one of the most outstanding characteristics of her life was that of generosity, willing to help and do anything within her power for those about her. Free hearted and kind, loved by all that knew her. While in her suffering she was asked if there was something she would like to have done, and her reply was, "Whatever happens, it is just all right." She was conscious almost to the last, suffering untold pain, but with this testimony, we know that as life receded eternity became nearer, all the angels waited to carry her home.

She leaves to mourn her death a devoted husband, her aged parents, J. W. Gaston and wife of Mt. Sterling; one sister, Mrs. Charley Madden of Mt. Sterling; two brothers, Will and Clyde of near Mt. Sterling, and a foster son, Glen Folker of Mt. Sterling. Besides the niece and newphews she leaves a host of friends. friends. [sic]

Or ever the silver cord be loosed or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern; then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.-- Ecc 12:6-7.

Funeral services were held at Center Chapel Tuesday at 2 p.m. in charge of Rev. Porath, pastor of the M. E. church at Mt. Sterling, assisted by Rev. W. A. Samp of Farmington. Burial was in the Center Chapel cemetery.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 138 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Oct 2000. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given.)

I still would like to know more about her daughter, Mrs. Charles Madden's, family.

Center Chapel headstones:
John Tharp 1869-1953
Luella Gaston 1872-1929
Charley Madden 1870-1943
Mamie Madden 1871-1956
Glen R. Folker 1902-1942
Arlene Folker 1906-1956
James W. Gaston 1847-1934
Rosa A. Gaston 1849-1943
William L. Gaston 1876-1938
Millie S. Gaston 1876-1955

[Original Post 01 Dec 2000]