Williams, Edythe Russell – 1892-1932

CUMMINGS, DUNTON, RUSSELL, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:34

Mrs. Edythe Williams Passed Away Sunday
Funeral Services Held Tuesday Afternoon From Christian Church
Mrs. Edythe Williams passed away Sunday evening, July 17th, following an illness of several months. Mrs. Williams spent her early life in this community and after her marriage, moved to Council Bluffs, where she lived until two and a half years ago, when she and her two children returned to Colfax to make their home.
For the past two years her health has been failing and during the past six months, she has been confined to her home. Previous to her severe illness, she took an active part in the Christian Church, Eastern Star lodge and other community activities.
Miss Edythe Russell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Russell, was born in Colfax, Iowa, July 6th, 1892. Here she grew to womanhood. She attended the Colfax public school. From there she entered nurses training at the Mercy Hospital at Marshalltown. After her arrival back home, she worked as a nurse in the Victoria Sanitarium. Leaving this for a bigger task, in 1915, on September o1st of that year, Miss Russell became the happy wife of Dr. Park P. Williams. They started housekeeping in Des Moines, but remained there only a short time, until the doctor finished his school. They then moved to Council Bluffs. To this union were born two children, a boy and girl.
About two and one-half years ago Mrs. Williams and her two children came to make their home in east Colfax.
For the past two years, Mother’s health has been poor, being confined to her home for the past six months. During this time she received many flowers and loving greetings from a host of friends. Mother said, “Colfax seemed to her to be filled with good Samaritans, not one passing by on the other side.”
During the last few weeks when Mother was confined to her bed, her mother, Mrs. Dunton, and her sister, Mrs. Cummings, gave the best care they could and Mother was well pleased, but her greatest joy was the love and attention of her son and daughter.
Days passed and time took its toll of her strength. Mother went to sleep July 17th, 1932. The Immortal Train of life came by her home and at 5:45 p.m. Mother’s soul boarded the train, to journey to another home.
Since her girlhood days, she had studied the map, her Bible, and with a firm faith she looked forward to her heavenly home.
Leaving to meet this loss to the earth are, her son, Dick Russell, age 16, her daughter, Verna Pearl, age 14, her mother, Mrs. Mae Dunton; one sister, Mrs. R. E. Cummings, all of Colfax; one brother, R. E. Russell, of Mitchellville; three nieces, three nephews, and a host of friends.
Mother’s chief interest in life were her home, Christ’s church, with a loyalty to her tasks and to her friends. She has many friends, for she sowed the seeds of friendship. We who have known her, our lives are a little richer because of her cheery smile, and willingness to do her part and more, if need be.
Mother was an active member of the Eastern Star and an advisor of the Rainbow auxiliary.
Life’s race well run, Life’s work well done, Life’s crown well won, Now comes rest.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, from the Christian church, with Rev. J. W. Taenzler, pastor, officiating.
The ritualistic services of the Order of Eastern Stars was conducted by the officers of Rose of Sharon Chapter, at the cemetery.
Music was furnished by Mrs. Earl Plummer, Mrs. George Rinker, Chester and Maynard Binkerd; and Rainbow Girls, June Streeter, Helen Shissler, Eilene Plummer and Elizabeth Husson, with Margaret Shissler at the piano.
Pall bearers were George Robinson, George Nichols, Chester Leseney, L. A. Martin, Frank Evans, and Earl Ball.
Interment was made at the Colfax cemetery.
Source: Colfax Tribune; Thursday, July 21, 1932