Martha Snodgrass Kays 1857-1931

SNODGRASS, KAYS, TATMAN, SNYDER, GOULD, WORK

Posted By: Volunteer - Barbara Evans
Date: 10/2/2012 at 20:30:03

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obit Book A-2, page 221, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

MARTHA SNODGRASS KAYS

Martha Jane Snodgrass, daughter of Dr. G.W. and Sarah Snodgrass, was born near Milton, Sept. 27, 1857, and died of pneumonia at the home of her son, Leland, in Ellensburg, Wash., Dec. 13, 1931, at the age of 74 years, 2 months and 16 days.

On Sept. 26, 1882, she was united in marriage with George Kays. One daughter and four sons were born to them, all of whom survive except on son, Martin S., who preceded her in death in 1918. The surviving children are Mrs. C.O. Tatman, of Bloomfield, Wm. B., of Milton, Leland and Raymond, of Ellensburg, Wash., all being present today. There are two grandsons of whom she was so proud, George S. Tatman and Wm. Jack Kays.

Two orphan children were taken into the home when quite young and tenderly cared for as her own. They are Mrs. Edna Snyder Gould, of Ellensburg, and Elmer Snyder. Elmer having passed on several years ago.

Besides the immediate family, she leaves two brothers and one sister, George and John, Ellensburg, and Mrs. C.M. Work, of Ottumwa. One brother, Will, preceded her five months ago; her husband also passed on in 1929.

She united with the Methodist church under the pastorate of Rev. Potter.

Most of her life was spent on or near the old homestead near Milton; the last three years she had kept house for her brothers, George and John.

Her life was one of action and sacrifice for others, especially for her children and brothers; no task too strenuous but what she would undertake. There are no better women. Though our grief is great at the passing of our beloved mother and sister, we can comfort ourselves with the solemn pledge that our lives shall be so conducted that when we too pass to that Great Beyond where no traveler returns we shall there be reunited in love and happiness for eternal existance. [sic]