Martha Jane Berry

BERRY, HARDY, HEAD, FOUTS

Posted By: Debbie Truitt (email)
Date: 10/8/2015 at 09:19:16

Obituary From “Ottumwa Courier,” June 16, 1924:

MRS. JOHN BERRY

Martha Jane Hardy was born at West Middletown, Pa., June 9, 1852, in the same year her parents moved to Iowa, and settled near Drakesville. Here she grew to womanhood, and on November 3, 1872, was united in marriage to John Berry. They resided at Belknap until 1888, when they moved to Ottumwa, where they have since made their home.

Mrs. Berry was a mother of four children, one of whom, a daughter, Elizabeth, died April 3, 1904. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. George Head of 131 South Ransom street and Miss Martha at home; and one son James at home. There are three grandchildren. Of her father’s family, a brother and a sister survive, Henry Hardy and Mrs. Anna Fouts, both of Drakesville.

Mrs. Berry was converted when a girl 9 years of age in the Free Methodist church. She never formally joined with the church, but was ever interested in its progress. She reared her children to love Christ and the church, taught them to pray and ever encouraged them in Christian life.

Mrs. Berry was of reticent disposition–a home body, loved by all the children of the neighborhood for whom she always had a kindly greeting. For several months Mrs. Berry has been in failing health. Her body grew weaker. She apparently had no pain, but was weak and tired. She fell into repose on the afternoon of June 11 and died on the morning at June 12. She was aged 72 years and 4 days.

The funeral was held at the home Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. L.H. Lanning having charge of the service. Six of the nephews of Mrs. Berry acted as pall bearers. Interment was made in the Shaul cemetery.