BALDWIN, Arma Frances

BALDWIN, BONNEY, STIDGER, LINSLEY, WALKER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/15/2017 at 16:40:54

Death of Mrs. Arma F. Baldwin

Arma Frances Bonney, fourth daughter of J.H. and O.F. Bonney, came into this world on Christmas day, 1849. For over 53 years her sweet, loving spirit was a benediction to all who knew her. In the same parental home she was born, married and died. It is a precious thought now to the loved ones, for she was a truly home woman. Forgetfulness of self and thoughtfulness of others were particularly her characteristics even as a little child, and these traits together with the fact that she was a "Christmas child" gave the family an especially tender feeling for her. She was her father's favorite, and no one ever disputed her right to that place. At an early age she united with the Methodist church and all her life was devoted to its highest interests. On Sept. 25th, 1884, she was married to Mr. David Baldwin. Then six years of happy union were spent in New Mexico. When her husband died, she came back to her girlhood home, and for twelve years had been in and out among us doing good. In any work she undertook she was loyalty and faithfulness personified. For many years she has been secretary of the Ladies' Aid Society and treasurer of the W.F.M.S. of the M.E. church, in both of which she was deeply interested.

She was a member of the P.E.O. sisterhood, and greatly enjoyed her association with its members. She will be missed in all these places, but most of all in her home, for no one outside of her own family knew how unselfish and beautiful her life was - how nearly she followed the Great Pattern. For over a years she had been in failing health, since February last confined to the house. Her patience and cheerfulness were remarkable. No complaint passed her lips thought she was seldom free from pain. The last week of her life she suffered intensely both in body and mind, her oft repeated moan being, "Oh, I am so tired, I am so very tired." At 4 o'clock Friday morning, July 3rd, just as the day was breaking, her pure blameless spirit passed to that land where there is no weariness and pain, and where the inhabitants never say, "I am sick." Loving care surrounded her. At her bedside were all her immediate family, her mother Mrs. O.F. Bonney, her sisters, Mrs. Mary B. Stidger, Mrs. L.O. Linsley, Miss Orpha Bonney and Mrs. W.M. Walker, her brother C.H. Bonney and most of her nephews and nieces. At set of sun on Saturday evening her tired body was laid to rest in Oaklawn cemetery. Her pastor Rev. H.A. Ingham conducted the services at the home and the beautiful P.E.O. ritual was used at the grave.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 64, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA