Mary Elaine TIMBY

TIMBY, LESAN, LAIRD, LEE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/10/2009 at 05:00:53

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1925

DEATH of MARY ELAINE TIMBY.

Grave apprehension filled the hearts of the people of the community when it was announced Friday evening that the condition of little Mary Elaine TIMBY, who was taken suddenly ill Wednesday, was such as to baffle the skill of the attending physicians and the apprehension became more intense and anxiety more profound when the little girl was taken by her father, William TIMBY, accompanied by Dr. C. T. LESAN and a nurse from Creston, to the hospital in Des Moines Saturday morning. Specialists at the hospital gave no hope, agreeing that nothing known to medical science could correct the ailment and that death was only a matter of a few hours. The tender thread of life remained unbroken until Saturday night at eleven o'clock, when the angel of death, which had hovered over the little form during the long hours, while loved ones kept vigil at the bedside, claimed the young life and the spirit returned to God.

Mary Elaine was a bright little girl; ever alert in mind and body; the joy of the home and a favorite among her playmates. At home and at school, at Sabbath school and in the community generally she was known as a child of unusual ability and her presence radiated joy and gladness. At her death the cloud of profound sorrow rests over the community and unbounded sympathy goes out to the grief-stricken father and little sister and other near relatives.

The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2:30, being conducted by Rev. W. L. THORNBURG, pastor of the United Presbyterian church. On account of the nature of the ailment the services were held at Rose Hill cemetery, where the little body was laid to rest beside the mother and little brother who had passed on before.

The following obituary was read at the funeral:

Mary Elaine TIMBY was born at Mount Ayr, Iowa, June 14, 1916, and departed this life at the Methodist hospital, Des Moines, Iowa, July 18, 1925, being at the time of her death, nine years, one month and four days of age.

Until Wednesday, July 15th, she had been in perfect health, having always been a child of unusually good health and strong vitality. On Wednesday she was stricken with an illness which at first was not considered serious but on Friday afternoon her condition grew worse. Friday evening it was deemed advisable by attending physicians to take her to the hospital at Des Moines. By the time she reached the hospital her condition was such that specialists called in consultation announced that there was nothing medical science could do and that it was impossible for her to live for more than a few hours. She leaves to mourn her death her father, William TIMBY, and younger sister, Jane, of Mount Ayr, and a host of other relatives and friends, her mother and an infant brother "Billie" having preceded her in death.

The death of Mary Elaine is one of those problems of life that is not understood. But her mission in this life, which is known only to Him who gives and Him who takes away, is finished.

NOTE: Mary Elaine TIMBY was the daughter of Edna Maude (LAIRD) TIMBY, and the granddaughter of Martha Ellen (LEE) TIMBY.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008