Gertrude Josephine Whiteley

WHITELEY, MILLS, WRIGHT

Posted By: Jean Wenke, volunteer
Date: 2/22/2009 at 15:06:27

Gertrude Josephine Mills, daughter of Lot H. and Lucy A. Mills, was born in Farmington, Iowa, July 22, 1882 and passed on at St. Joseph hospital in Keokuk, Iowa at 10:45 a.m., March 26, 1941. When still a small child her parents moved to Bonaparte where her father engaged in the grocery business, which he continued until his death in April, 1892. Her mother resided here until 1914 when she moved to Des Moines to make her home with her son, Thurlo. She passed away May 25, 1921.

Gertrude's entire life was spent in this vicinity with the exception of about two years spent in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a companion to an aged aunt, Caroline S. Wright, who educated her in music, of which she was passionately fond and which proved to be a great pleasure to herself as well as useful to the community.

She was generous of her time and talents in the ever frequent demands that were made upon her and which were always graciously accorded. She was deeply interested in her home, church and all civic and social affairs, and was ever willing to assist or sponsor any worthwhile project no matter how busy she was at the time. She was especially interested in the study of Genealogy and it was due to this love of research which led to the organization of the local Van Buren county Chapter of D.A.R. Which took place in her home and of which she was it's organizing Regent.

She was devoted to the P.E.O. Sisterhood and was an active member of Chapter AB, P.E.O. Until her death. She was also a member of Magnolia Chapter, O.E.S. And held various offices, including that of Matron and was for many years organist of the order and also for the Baptist Church. She was a charter member of the Bonaparte W.C.T.U.

She loved to delve into the past and in company with her devoted brother, has made many long motor trips, visiting every state in our glorious union and several Canadian provinces. In earlier years she had traveled by train with her husband, among which was a delightful trip to old Mexico.

She had always cherished a desire to visit the home of her ancestors in England and had expressed sorrow at the destruction of so many historic places and treasures which she had once hoped to see. Both at home and in her travels she has collected numberous relics and antiques, which are in profusion on the shelves and walls of her home.

She was united in marriage with Phil S. Whiteley on July 24, 1901, and they have continued to reside in Bonaparte until the present time. Having had no children she was able to devote much of her time to the assistance of her husband in the conduct of his business, until the last year when ill health prevented further activity.

She leaves to mourn her departure her devoted husband, Phil S. Whiteley, and one brother, T. J. Mills of Des Moines, Iowa; also several cousins and a host of sorrowing friends.

The funeral service was conducted Friday afternoon in her home, Rev. L.E. Winfrey, pastor of the Baptist church officiating. Burial in Bonaparte cemetery.

From Dorothy Watson's scrapbook