WILLITS, Mrs. Robert (Mary): 1870-1933

WILLITS, LINEAWEAVER, MITCHELL, STAFFORD

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/5/2014 at 18:30:32

MRS. ROB'T WILLITS FATALLY BURNED, DIED THIS MORNING
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Clothing Fired at the Willits Farm Wednesday While Making Soap

Mrs. Robert Willits of Bonaparte was fatally burned Wednesday afternoon while making soap at the Willits farm in Vernon township. She was working out of doors and her dress caught fire from a cotton cloth which she had placed under her arm.

There was a high wind. Her husband was working in a garden close by and her daughter in law, Mrs. Mary Willits, was also near, but they were unable to extinguish the flames until her clothing was almost all burned. Her worst burns were on her left side, chest and shoulder.

She was taken to Jefferson county hospital where she passed away at 5:15 this, Thursday morning.

She is survived by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Beulah Mitchell, one son, Karl Willits and one sister, Mrs. Georgia Stafford of Bonaparte.
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MRS. ROBERT WILLITS

Mary Catherine, daughter of Geo. P. and Mary Lineaweaver, was born Dec. 2, 1870, on Vernon Prairie and departed this life Thursday morning, April 27, 1933, aged 62 years, 4 months and 25 days.

On Oct. 15, 1891, she was united in marriage with Robert Willits. To this union two children were born, Beulah and Karl.

When a young woman she united with the Story Chapel M.E. church and was an active member until about four years ago when she and her husband moved from the farm home, which had been her home for 59 years, to Bonaparte where she took an active part in church work. She was a member of the Guild, the Ladies Aid, the Royal Neighbors and of the order of Eastern Star.

Besides her husband she leaves mourn her death her daughter, Mrs. Beulah Mitchell, and son, Karl Willits, both of Vernon Prairie; five grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Georgia Stafford of Bonaparte.

Molly, as we all called her, leaves a loving memory in the hearts of the whole community as being a faithful friend to all and a devoted and loving wife and mother.

Somewhere today among the hills of Heaven, she walks, with all her stars around her, and we, who lost her here on earth, grow happy, knowing God has found her.

Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon at two o'clock at Story Chapel with Rev. Gilbert of Cantril officiating, assisted by Rev. D.D. Flanagan of Bonaparte. Interment in Thompson cemetery. The O.E.S. Magnolia Chapter of Bonaparte had an impressive service at the grave. The attendance was unusually large, the friends and neighbors coming from miles away to pay their last tribute of respect.
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We desire to thank the neighbors and friends for their sympathy and kindness in our great bereavement.
Robert Willits and Family.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 28, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA