Garden Grove Express
Garden Grove, Iowa
December 7, 1893

The sad news came Sunday of the death of Mrs. William RUFFCORN at her home in Weldon, after an illness of about a month. The funeral took place Monday afternoon, and she was buried at Weldon. The many friends of the family at Garden Grove, where they formerly lived, deeply sympathize with the sorrowing husband and children.

Mrs. RUFFCORN was greatly loved by all who knew her. She was a kind neighbor and a warm friend, a loving wife and mother. In her death one more home has lost the beneficient influence of a Christian mother. The following was handed us for publication:

Rebecca PROUDFIT was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, May 17th, 1826; died at Weldon, Iowa, Dec. 3d, 1893; having lived sixty-seven years, six months and 17 days.

She was united in marriage with William RUFFCORN, Feb. 7th, 1857 (in her 31st year) and has been his blessed kind and faithful companion for about thirty-six years. She lived in Ashland county, Ohio for 52 years; Garden Grove, Iowa, 11 years; at Weldon, Ia., a little over 5 years.

She leaves a husband, three children and two step children to mourn their great loss of such a devoted wife and loving mother. She was converted and united with the M. E. church in her 16th year, and has lived a truly Christian life for over 52 years.

In her last sickness she several times gave testimony of being ready to meet her Savior and her God, carefully giving each of her family instructions to meet her in Heaven. Having lived and in dying giving testimony that there is a reality in the religion of Jesus Christ.

The funeral services were held at the M. E. church of Weldon at 2 o'clock p.m. Monday, Dec. 4th, and were conducted by Rev. SMITH, pastor of the church. Robert BEER, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Garden Grove, an old acquaintance and friend of the family, preaching the sermon to a large congregation. Her interment took place in Weldon's new cemetery, the site for which was chosen after Mrs. RUFFCORN's decease.

Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker
December 9, 2003