Decatur County Journal

January 24, l907

Death comes to us all; no sex is spared, no age exempt. Only a few

years do we journey here and we come to that bridge, death, which

transports us as the road we have traveled. Death is but the beginning

of life to a true believer in the Holy Trinity. One by one our friends

and loved ones are passing away, and now, one who has passed the age of

three score and ten has been placed on the roll; called away from earth

and all its relations, severing the ties of kindred friends, leaving

desolate the place of one dearly loved and an early settler in Decatur

County, Monday, January l4, l907, the last tribute of respect and

tenderness was paid to MRS. MARY W. SEARS, who was born in Havre de

Grace, Maryland, November l0, l835, and died at her home in Center

Township, Decatur County, Iowa, January ll, l907, aged 7l years, 2

months and l day.

In l885, MARY WADSWORTH moved with her parents, MR. and MRS. JOHN

WADSWORTH, to Decatur county. November 24, l858, she was married to

DANIEL G. SEARS. Since that time she has always lived in Center

Township, well known and highly esteemed by all. Four sons and three

daughters were given to bless their home. Her husband departed this

life, February l7, l889. One son preceded his mother to his eternal

home and one daughter, just ten weeks before her mother. She leaves in

sorrow and bereavement two daughters, MISS MOLLY SEARS, MRS. ANNA CASTER

and her family, three sons, GEORGE, FRANK, SAM and their families, and

the families of the deceased son and daughter, three sisters, two

brothers, other relatives and many friends.

In her youth, realizing her dependence upon God, she remembered her

Creator and sought His care and guidance in her life. She was a charter

member of the Brethren Church at Crown Chapel. In all her Christian

service, seeking, as was her Master's aim to do her Father's will and so

endured until the end. With God's grace and gift of patience and

kindness, she blessed her home. When sorrow and suffering pressed

heavily upon her, bravely and uncomplainingly she met it. Truly, the

patient endurance that God bestows blessed her character. A quiet

endurance was hers to meet the trials and crosses of life. One of the

great comforts of her life was expressed in two words, "Jesus help,"

which she often repeated. Thus goodness and kindness blessed her life.

For a number of months, MRS. SEARS has been a patient sufferer. Loved

ones anxiously watched over and cared for her. But God's will be done.

Our loss is her gain.

Funeral services held at the home and interment in the Franklin Cemetery

beside her husband. "Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he

cometh, shall find watching." May the God of all consolation comfort

the bereaved hearts.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert

September l7, 200l