Clearfield Enterprise
Clearfield, Iowa
March 29, 1917

Isabel Jarrett Steele. beloved wife of James Steele died suddenly at her home in East Clearfield March 23, 1917 at 1:30 p. m., aged 71 years, 6 months and 18 days. She was taken seriously ill ten days ago. Her suffering was most intense for several days, hut was borne with fortitude characteristic of a true and noble Christian. Mrs Steele rallied from the attack, and seemed on the road to recovery until a few minutes before her death, therefore her sudden passing away was a great shock to her family and many loving friends.

She was the daughter of Chas. and Fanny Jarrett, who came from North Carolina to Lee Co., Iowa in [?]. On Sept. 28, 1870 she was married to James Steele, also of Lee Co. Mr. and Mrs. Steele came to Page Co. soon after their marriage, locating near Clarinda. In 1895 they moved to North Clarinda. Twenty-eight years were spent in Page Co. In 1898 they came to Clearfield where they have since resided.

Mrs. Steele was educated at the Fort Madison College and for a number of years was a most successful teacher in the public schools of Lee Co. and taught several terms after her removal to Page Co. Several of her pupils were present at the funeral. She never lost her interest in education at work, or current events, studying the great day with an interest seldom equaled.

She was a true and consistent member of the Christian Church until the time of her death. She possessed a noble character. She was the highest type of true womanhood so self-sacrificing, and a devoted wife and mother.

She leaves to mourn her loss her husband and an only daughter, Elma, now Mrs. Frank Bye, of whom she often spoke to her friends as her chum; also 4 sisters and one brother. Of these only one sister, Mrs. C. V. Courtright of Kansas City, Mo. was able to be present, the others being prevented on account of old age and ill health. Her niece, Mrs. Marguerite Sloan also of Kansas City, Mo. was also present.

While her untimely departure is a severe shock to her family and a great shock to her friends, yet there is a true consolation in the thought that she exemplified all through life the faith and virtue for which eternal happiness is promised.

The funeral services were held at the Christian Church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. W. Johnson. At the church the following hymns, her favorites, were sung: Nearer My God to Thee and Asleep in Jesus. Also a solo was rendered by Miss Opal Nelson. A large crowd gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased, many former friends from Clarinda being present. Mrs. C. L. Houston and Mrs. Mary Cagley coming on Saturday. A number of friends accompanied the bereaved ones to the cemetery where all that was mortal of this beloved woman, laden with flowers was tenderly lowered to its last resting place in the grave.

Interment at Clearfield Cemetery

Transcription by Lorelei Rusco, June of 2011

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