Courtney, Gertrude Estella Borts – 1875-1933

BORTS, COURTNEY, PITCOCK

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 4/4/2015 at 12:04:16

Obituary – Mrs. A. C. Courtney
Sorrowing relatives, friends and neighbors of the late Mrs. A. E. Courtney, well known Boone resident, gathered Wednesday afternoon to pay their last respects to her earthly memory. Funeral services were held at the home, 308 Clinton street, at 1 ‘clock and at the First Presbyterian church at 1:30 o’clock.
Dr. M. V. Higee was in charge of the last rites and in his remarks spoke words of comfort to the bereaved family. A mixed quartet, Mesdames Clyde Sparks and F. W. Ganoe and Messrs, H. J. Van Ness and Clarence Kelly sang “Abide With Me” and “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere.” Mrs. A. H. Smith was at the organ for the accompaniments. The Rebekah lodge conducted its ritual at the services.
Many beautiful flowers were sent in token of sympathy for the bereaved and in respect for Mrs. Courtney’s memory. These were cared for by Mesdames A. M. Lees, Leon Stump, R. H. Bauer, George Wege and W. C. Barrows. The casket was tenderly borne by Messrs. H. C. McCleary, L. D. Thomas, C. L. Thornton, Guy E. Metzgar, George Wege and F. B. Case.
Interment was in Linwood Park cemetery, east.
Gertrude Estella Borts, third child of Eli and Margaret Borts, was born near Newton, Iowa, September 29th, 1875.
She grew to a beautiful young womanhood and was united in marriage to Arthur E. Courtney on Sept. 4, 1900. The marriage was solemnized in Des Moines, Ia., where the first home was established and from there, after two years, Mr. and Mrs. Courtney came to Boone and this has been their home ever since.
Together they enjoyed building and beautifying and maintaining the home at Third and Clinton streets, where Mrs. Courtney was a cheerful and helpful wife, a good neighbor and a devoted friend.
Her delight in flowers and garden was her joy and pastime in spring and summer and autumn and the beauty and comfort of the interior of her home was a constant responsibility efficiently and happily discharged all the year round.
She emulated her neighbors in the culture and care of flowers, exchanging experiences and gifts of rare and beautiful specimens. Her admiration of the rock garden of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Lees (very near neighbors) enabled her to pass many a restful hour. Her generosity with her own plants and blooms was constant and satisfying.
Mrs. Courtney confessed her Savior and united with the Presbyterian church in Boone soon after coming here. She was interested in the activities and one of the last things she did to show that interest was to bring a gift for the missionary society.
Her own family meant much to her and her visits to relatives near Newton, Ia., were ever a pleasure.
A sister, Mrs. J. P. Pitcock, died at the age of 25.
Mrs. Courtney is survived by her husband, three brothers and one sister.
The brothers are Wm. H. and E. W. Borts of Mingo, and J. W. Borts, of Boone, and the sister, Miss Rosa Borts of Mingo.
Several nephews and nieces and many friends mourn the passing of one whom they loved.
Source: The Colfax Tribune, Thursday, June 27, 1933