DAVIS, Lelia Fontell: 1892-1902

DAVIS

Posted By: Volunter: Sherri
Date: 4/26/2013 at 09:38:49

FUNERAL SERVICES.
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"She is not dead,-the child of our affection,-
But gone unto that school
Where she no longer needs our poor protection,
And Christ himself doth rule."

Sad indeed is the home that was so lately visited by the angel of death; stricken with grief is the family from which the very soul had been taken; deepest sorrow for the loss of the little play mate they loved so well fills the hearts of the boys and girls; and the older ones feel a personal loss in the death of their little friend who always had a smile and pleasant word for every one. Truly "The loveliest of lovely things on earth are they that soonest pass away."

As soon as she had passed the age of babyhood she began to take life seriously. Although she laughed and sang and entered into merry games of her playmates with as much wholehearted pleasure as any one of them, yet she felt that she must be accomplishing something. She was never satisfied unless she completed the task before her to the best of her ability, and she was not then content, but criticized her own work in order that she might improve it.

Ever an obedient child, she was also thoughtful to give others as little trouble as possible, and nothing gave her greater happiness than to be able to do some kindly deed for another. She had a loving, trusting disposition and expected to recive from others the same true friendship she offered to them. A thoughtless word of censure would wound her feelings almost beyond healing. Her short life was a benediction to all those who knew her, so pure, so unsullied by the sins of this life, some rare plant that requires another soil, another atmosphere in which to unfold its beauty, or as an angel lent for a brief time, that her presence might beautify the lives of those about her.

Lelia Fontell Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Davis, was born in Mt. Sterling, Iowa, January 30, 1892, and died at her home in Bonaparte, Iowa, at noon Thursday, January 9, 1902, of typhoid fever.

Funeral services were held Saturday from the Methodist church the Sunday school of which Lelia had regularly attended for several years. Rev. Collier expressed the sympathy and sorrow of the large audience in a sermon which was replete with comforting words.

A company of Lelia's playmates accompanied the casket as it was carried from the church by girl pallbearers. The casket itself was covered with beautiful flora offerings, largely gifts of Lelia's schoolmates and friends of the bereaved family. The body was interred in the Bonaparte cemetery beside the grave of her little sister, Helen, who died three years ago.

The bereaved parents have the tenderest sympathy of a host of people.

**Handwritten at bottom: ALSO SEE BOOK A

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 13, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA