WOOD, Mary F. (1849-1919)

WOOD

Posted By: Rosemary Hoover (email)
Date: 4/18/2008 at 21:47:44

The Indianola Herald - Indianola, Ia

Thursday, February 20, 1919

Mrs. Mary Wood

Mary Frances Gibbs, daughter of James and Mary Gibbs was born February 11, 1849 in Mason County, Kentucky. When twelve years of age she moved with her parents across the country in a covered wagon to Platte County, Missouri where she lived until 1869 and then came to Spring Hill, Warren County, Iowa, to visit a married sister, Mrs. Eliza Bedwell with whom she remained a year or until her marriage, April 7, 1870 to Wm. Wood of Spring Hill, having known him as a small girl in Missouri. To this union were born seven children, three of whom died in infancy. The four surviving children are Alex of Indianola, Iowa; Melvin, of Prole, Ia.; Nora Richards of Indianola and Effie Adamson of Miller, Iowa.

She united with the Methodist Episcopal church in Missouri at the age of twelve. In later years she became a member of the Baptist church at Spring Hill and a few years later transferred her membership to the Christian church at Spring Hill, Iowa, continuing a faithful member until her death, February 8, 1919, lacking three days of being seventy years of age. Her husband passed away December 13, 1891, leaving her the care of the children and she was unselfish and devoted to her trust.

She had not been well all winter, but was not considered serious until the last week. She seemed to feel she would not get well and while all that loving hands could do for her was done, still she longed to go. Her mind was clear until the last and she talked to her children, expressing her desire to go home and asking them to meet her in heaven. A few minutes before she passed away she looked up and said, "I see the bright angels shining round my bed."

Mrs. Wood was a noble Christian woman, one who daily strived to live near the Savior she so loved and trusted. She was a home loving woman, loved by all who knew her, a good neighbor, a kind friend and faithful mother. Alex, Melvin, and Nora were all with her but one daughter, Mrs. Adamson was not able to come.

She is survived by the four children, twelve grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Christian Church at Spring Hill, February 11, conducted by Bro. Simpson of the Norwalk Christian Church.

The children wish to thank the friends and neighbors who have been so kind in their affliction and for the beautiful flowers and sympathy extended to them.

Dearest mother, thou hast left us
And thy loss we deeply feel
But 'tis God who has bereft us
He can all our sorrow heal.