CAMPBELL, Lela (BELL): Died 1935

CAMPBELL, BELL

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/15/2014 at 12:45:24

**Handwritten: KEO REP APR 1935

Lela Bell Campbell

Lela May Bell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Freeman bell was born March 16, 1902 on the farm where her parents now reside and passed away at her home on Tuesday April 2, 1935, aged 33 years and 17 days. She attended the Mt. Sterling school, graduated from the Bloomfield high school, and attended Iowa Wesleyan college and State University of Iowa. She taught in the Mt. Sterling school and in the rural schools of Van Buren county for three years.

On November 4, 1925 she was united in marriage to Ernest A. Campbell, at the home where she was born and has lived in or near Mt. Sterling her entire life. To this union were born two children, Anna Ruth, age eight and Keith Arden, age seven.

More than six years ago she was stricken with a malady and although the best doctors were consulted none were able to check the disease. Her suffering was great during these years, but she bore her affliction with a remarkable fortitude always living in hopes that something could be found to restore her health. Her chief regret seemed always to be that she could not do for her husband and children what she wanted so much to do. When she finally seemed reconciled to the fact that nothing could be done for her, she made all plans for the end. She chose the ones whom she wished to carry out the services, the text to be used, songs to be sung, and those whom she wished to carry her to her last resting place. Then she was ready to go and talked often of heaven and was so anxious to be called. Her mind was always alert to the interests of her friends and community as well as her family, and she was always happy in serving these interests. Her weakened body seemed only to make her mind more alert. The past year she was confined to her bed and just gradually grew weaker until life's breath ceased.

In childhood she united with the Mt. Sterling M.E. church and al-days found much pleasure in her Sunday school and church work. She was a member of the Ladies Aid society, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Rural Carriers Association and the Rebekah Lodge.

She is survived by her husband and two children; her parents, one sister, Ruth; and three brothers Gilbert, Eugene and Ralph, and many other near relatives.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 5, 1935 at 3 p.m. at the Mt. Sterling M.E. church with the Rev. John Porath, of Fairfield, a former pastor and close friend of the family in charge, with Rev. James assisting. A quartette consisting of Will and Keith Gaston, Sam and Don Wolfe sang "In the Garden," "Jesus Calls Us" and "Abide With Me", with Mrs. Lea Porath at at the piano. Pallbearers were her three brothers and three nephews, Harold, Dale, and Claire Breckenridge. Burial was in the Harness cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 41, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA