Mertis Stong Skinner 1864-1896

STONG, SKINNER

Posted By: Volunteer - Barbara Evans
Date: 12/5/2012 at 11:14:44

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obit Book B, page 12, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

Obituary.

Mertis, daughter of Jacob and Cynthia Stong, was born March 7, 1864. She was united in marriage to Dick Skinner, March 13, 1884, to which was born two daughters, Ethel aged 11, and Hallie aged 9. She was a kind, obedient daughter and loving, affectionate wife and mother. She taught her little girls to pray and kept them in Sunday school. She was not a member of the church, but such had been her desire. She always loved to sing and her sweet alto voice was often heard in songs of devotion. She bore her suffering patiently and through all her illness not a murmur was heard. All the day before she died she seemed so happy and was continually smiling. She told her mother that there was a home in heaven for her. She said the Lord was going to take her home and she was glad to go. About midnight she called her friends around her to kiss her goodbye, and told them not to weep for her as she was happy and wanted them to be. She asked them to sing, but when they could not for grief, she started out and sang clear and sweet “I am passing away to the great Judgment Day.” She departed this life at 3 o’clock Friday morning, Dec. 18, 1896. She had been in doubt as to her future state for some time before her death, but she came out as clear as a sunbeam in the end and left a good record that she had gone to be with Jesus.

Her funeral was preached by Rev. Jno. H. Taylor from Matthew 8:17, after which she was laid to rest in Kilbourne cemetery.