The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1922

The funeral of Mrs. William T. TIMBY, whose death at the hospital in Des Moines was mentioned in the Record-News last week, was held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home, the services being conducted by Rev. Robert L. WELCH of Paxton, Ill., former pastor of the local United Presbyterian church, assisted by the pastor, Rev. W. L. TORRENCE. The high regard in which the deceased was held was reflected in the large attendance and the beautiful and profuse floral offerings. The interment was in Rose Hill cemetery.

The following tribute was read at the funeral:

Edna Maude LAIRD was the daughter of Edward P. LAIRD and his wife, Lillie MERRITT. She was born near Kellerton, Iowa, September 19th, 1892, and grew through childhood in this home. After the death of her parents, Miss LAIRD found the home with which she is always associated under the roof of her father's friends, Mr. and Mrs. Frank SHELDON. In this home Miss LAIRD blossomed into her attractive womanhood.

She graduated from the Mount Ayr high school, then eager for higher training, twice entered the Rockford College for women at Rockford, Ill., and attended Monmouth College for a portion of one year. But ill health compelled her to abandon each of these attempts to complete her scholastic training.

In her girlhood Mrs. TIMBY made confession of her faith in the Christian church of Kellerton, but when her home was established in Mount Ayr she entered the fellowship of the United Presbyterian church where she has since maintained her faith, serving loyally and efficiently as her strength permitted. During the last year of her life Mrs. TIMBY was especially active, teaching in the Sabbath school and assisting in the Junior work, always alert and interested in the welfare of the church.

Her marriage to Mr. William TIMBY took place October 14, 1914. To them three children have been born, Mary Elaine, age six years, Martha Jane, age five years, and "Little Billie", as he was fondly called, who was called home from his mother's arms September 10, 1920. Mrs. TIMBY's mind and heart qualities far excelled her physical powers. She was bright, vivacious, generous in her affection, loyal in her friendships, energetic and enthusiastic in all her activities, but most of all, home and the home circle absorbed her heart's interest.

She was a recognized leader in the social life of the community and in the local work of the church. Generous in her sympathy with all need, she spent herself to the full in the relief of all those whose misfortunes touched her heart. She loved right and justice and nothing roused her indignation like cruelty or neglect of childhood. She lived for her home, her children and her friends with self forgetful intensity.

Mrs. TIMBY's mind was naturally devout and, though her standards might differ from those of some of us, we all recognize her loyalty to truth and right as she saw it. Just a week ago last Wednesday Mrs. TIMBY, though not well, took part in a number of ladies from this city, in a social function in Kellerton. The next day apprehensive of the serious nature of her condition, she arranged her affairs of life and went to the hospital in Des Moines, but no effort of physician or nurse could stay the course of disease or much alleviate her suffering.

Fully conscious of her approaching end, she repeatedly declared she was not afraid to die but longed to live for her husband, her children, and her home.

Thus a life of rich service, of abounding love and of assured faith was consummated, as it seems to us, all too early. But let us say with Carlyle:

"Unhappy, if we be but half men in whom that divine handwriting has never blazed forth, all subduing, in true sun splendor; but glimmers dubiously among meaner lights; or smoulders in dull pain, in darkness, under earthly vapors."

NOTE: Edna's father Edward Parker LAIRD was born July 20, 1869, and died September 6, 1907. Her mother Lillie Bell (MERRITT) LAIRD died on January 16, 1898 at the age of 23 years, 6 months and 16 days. They were interred at Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008

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