PENDLEY, Letha May: 1894-1936

PENDLEY, NELSON, BARTLEY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/29/2013 at 14:17:58

MRS. GEORGE PENDLEY
**Handwritten: 1936

Letha Mary, daughter of Edward and Alta Nelson, was born at Douds, Van Buren county, Iowa, on February 7, 1894. In March, 1908, when she was fourteen years of age, the family moved to Texas county, Okla., and settled north of the Camp post office. Here she grew into beautiful womanhood and in 1910 became the bride of Mr. Kyle Bartley of Rolla, Kans. To this union were born two sons, Prince and Burnice.

About twelve year ago, Letha began a study of nursing under the tutelage of Dr. Brewer of Perryton, and continued this ministry of care for the sick and suffering to the day of her untimely death. No night was too dark and no road too long but she went at the call of the sick and ministered with tenderest care and patience till the crisis passed or death sealed the eyes.

The writer of these lines was privileged to look deep into her heart and knew of hidden ideals and unrealized dreams of holy living. Especially has she been anxious for those nearest her heart to walk in paths of purity and right.

In May, 1930, she reestablished a home, becoming the bride of Mr. Pendley. Their home has served as hospital where, for several years,the sick have received every possible provision for their comfort and recovery.

Death came almost without warning, following a period of strenuous labor.

Those who will cherish her memory include the two sons, Prince Burnice Bartley; Mrs. Johnny Bartley and little granddaughter, Billy Jean; husband, George Pendley; parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Nelson, of Goodwell; a brother, Geo. Nelson and family of near Rolla, Kans.; two sisters, Mrs. Wilma Phillips and husband of Amarillo, Tex., and Betty Nelson of Goodwell, along with other relatives and a host of those who have received the benefits of her helpful service.

Funeral services were held at Guymon M.E. church on January 9, 1936. A quartet consisting of Mrs. W.W. Kennedy, Miss Josepine(sp) Moore, Jerry Reeder and Reggie Frank, accompanied by Mrs. John Claycomb, rendered selections of tender sympathy. Rev. R.L. Wells, the pastor and for years a friends of the sorrowing family, spoke words of tribute and love. The body was laid to beside a sister in the Guymon cemetery.

The following friends acted as pallbearers: James O'Donnell, Geo. Clem, Lon Trent, E.A. Bartlett, Kester Martin and C.A. Nash. Moore mortuary in charge.
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**Handwritten: Jan 7 1936

THE NURSE

Standing near when life seemed ebbing,
Hoping, tho all hope seemed lost,
Holding back the dreaded visitor,
Claiming life at terrible cost.

Watched my pulse when dragging measures,
Told that heart was worn and old,
Touched my brow when chill and fever
Changed it, hot or ghastly cold.

Spoke such words of re-assurance,
Hope revived and I could fight,
Smiled when all about were gloomy,
Darkness fled and hours brought light.

Tender, when my mind was cloudy
Gentle, when my tongue was sharp,
Watchful when the thread was thinnest,
When life's woof despised its warp.

Sweetly, now, in earth's last slumber,
Rests those hands, that brain, those feet,
Waiting, serving, blessing others,
Till the judge of world's, she'll meet.

Then the judge of all earth's millions,
Who beholds the sparrows fall,
Knows the thoughts and judges motives,
Shall this nurse to Glory call.

He who loved the sick and suffering,
He who healed because of Love,
Calls the weary ones who serve Him,
To a happy home above.
(R.L. Wells, Jan., 1936)

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 202, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA