ELLEN M. COMBS was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, January 5, l82l.
She died (on the day of their 45th marriage anniversary) June 7, l892,
being 7l years, 5 months and 9 days old.

She was married to WM. A. GARDNER in Stark County, Ohio, June 6, l847;
six children was the result of this union--four boys and two girls--all
of whom are living and members of the church and were all at the bedside
of their mother when she passed away.  She became a member of the Church
of Christ under the preaching of Rev. Robert Gaston in Ohio about the
year l844.  Since which time she has lived a consistent and devoted
member of the church.

She was of the family of JOHN and ANNA M. COMBS who have preceded her to
the spirit land.  She was one of seven sisters, three of whom are living
here, viz: MRS. J.W. GARDNER, MRS. R.D. GARDNER and MRS. A.A. JENKS; two
in Ohio, MRS. SARAH SINCLAIR and LUCY ANN SHEARER, and one in Kansas,
MRS. MIRIAM SINCLAIR; and was the first of the seven to go to the dark
sea, into the silent land.

She, with her husband and four children, moved from Stark County, Ohio,
to Leon in October, l857, since which time they have lived in this
(Decatur) County.  She has been a great sufferer for about 30 years,
"Blessed the thought that the suffering is over; blessed the thought
that the sufferer is free".  She leaves a devoted husband, six tender
loving children, four dear grandchildren, six loving sisters and a large
circle of relatives and friends, to mourn their irreparable loss, but
their loss is her eternal gain, for she died as she had lived in the
triumphs of a living faith in her blessed Savior.

In her death, Brother GARDNER sustains the loss of a true and devoted
wife and companion, by whose side he walked for 45 years; the children,
a tender, sweet and loving mother; the grandchildren, a dear grandma;
the sisters, one who was near and dear to them; the church a highly
esteemed and valued member; and the community, a sympathizing, true and
loving friend and neighbor.

                      Dearest sister, thou hast left us,
                       Here thy loss we deeply feel;
                      But 'tis God that has bereft us;
                       He can all our sorrows heal.

May our Heavenly Father bless and comfort the bereaved family and
sorrowing friends.
                                  O. EBERT
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