Vena Frances (HELLWIG) BONAR, 1859-1926

HELLWIG, BONAR, BRUCE

Posted By: Volunteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 6/14/2012 at 08:39:02

MRS. SCOTT BONAR

Vena Frances Hellwig was born on Home Prairie northeast of Cantril, Iowa, March 31st, 1859, and passed away at her daughter’s home in Bloomfield, Ia., Jan. 15, 1926, aged sixty-six and two thirds years.

She spent her earlier years with her parents on the farm where she was born. Her parents were of German descent, both coming from Germany while young. She enjoyed life very much with her parents and brothers and sisters of whom there were four sisters and two brothers, all having preceded her in death, but one sister in Pratt, Kansas, and one brother in Red Bluff, Calif. On July 3rd, 1890, she was married to Scott Bonar and resided on the Scott Bonar farm for 17 years. One daughter was born to this union on the home place, July 8th, 1894. This daughter is now known as Mrs. A. W. Bruce, of Bloomfield. In 1907 the family moved to Milton and lived there 6 years, then moved to Bloomfield where they lived for 11 years and then moved back to the farm in 1924 and have resided there until the time of her death. Having very devout parents she gave her heart to God in early ___?___ but did not join any church until after her marriage and the birth of her child.

She united with the Presbyterian church at Lebanon, Iowa, in 18??. She stood for things right all her life and expressed herself that she was ready to go at His bidding, although she felt anxious to see her grandsons grown.

On Thursday night being sleepless and restless she requested someone to sing for her and several songs having been mentioned she agreed that she wanted to hear “Nearer my God to Thee,” is was sung by Miss Wannetta Bell. She was then satisfied and asked for no more.

She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, Scott Bonar her companion for 36 years, her daughter, Mrs. A. W. Bruce and her husband, and three grandchildren, Robert Bonar, Matthew Lorenzo and Elizabeth Frances, one brother and family, one sister and family, and a host of friends and relatives.

The funeral service was conducted on Sabbath afternoon from the Presbyterian church by the pastor, Rev. W. C. Paden and the precious body was laid to rest in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery north of town.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Scrapbook A, page 390, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA