Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, February 20, l902

REBECCA L. EWING was born in Shelby County, Illinois, March 20th, l846, and departed this life, at her home near Leon, Iowa, February 9th, l902, aged fifty-four years, ten months and ten days. In her youth, she united with the Presbyterian Church near her Illinois home, and became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Leon, by letter, September l9th, l875. She was joined in marriage to MR. JOHN W. KELLER, September l3, l866. To this union seven children were born, two daughters dying in infancy, leaving three sons and two daughters, with their father, to mourn her loss.

She has been an invalid for nearly fourteen years, during which time she was a most patient sufferer, rarely complaining though nearly always in distress. During the present winter she had seemed in more than ordinary good health, but her frail constitution was unable to endure the added tax upon its strength which resulted from the attack which came so suddenly and unexpectedly.

The funeral services, which were largely attended by friends from Leon and the country surrounding her home, were conducted by Rev. W.H. Ilsley. The casket was nearly covered with flowers, sent by very dear friends, among them a wreath contributed by the Women's Relief Corps, of which she was a member. The funeral address was from the text, "They feared when they entered the cloud." Luke 9:34. Its purpose was to reassure timid hearts who are called to enter dark clouds of affliction, by calling attention to the fact that as the disciples were attended by their Divine Master and his Heavenly attendants, when they entered the cloud which preceded the transfiguration, so we may rest assured of His presence with us for grace and comfort in our times of darkness. Very sweet and appropriate music was rendered by members of the Presbyterian Choir who went out from town.

"Lead me gently home Father,
Lead me gently home,
When life's toils are ended,
And parting days have come,
Sin no more shall tempt me,
Ne'er from thee I'll roam,
If thou'lt only lead me Father,
Lead me gently home."

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
February 3, 2003