Death of Mrs. George Hartsock.
Our community was greatly shocked last Wednesday afternoon
when the announcement was made that Mrs. George Hartsock
had just died, when it was not generally known that she was sick.
She had been in her usual health until seized with her fatal illness on
Monday while at the home of her neighbor Mrs. J.H. Caskey
when it was with great difficulty she was removed to her own home, and
rapidly sank away until the end came, although everything was done for
her relief that medical skill and loving hearts could suggest.
Her death was indeed a sad loss for her family and her removal will cause
a dark pall to rest over a large ---ole of friends who loved and admired
her.
Her funeral was largely attended Saturday afternoon at the M.E. Church
and was feelingly conducted by her pastor and friend, Rev. Philip
Trout.
Handsome and appropriate floral emblems were sent by Covenant Rebekah
Lodge, and also by other friends as a slight token of their regard for
the deceased.
Rev. Philip Trout delivered an appropriate and soothing
discourse upon the hope of resurrection, and read the following tribute
which he had prepared:
Mrs. Mellie Rebecca Hartsock, the daughter of Frank
and Sarah Thomas, was born in Green Co., Ohio, February
20th, 1866, and departed this life at her late home in Waynesville, Ohio,
May 16th, 1906, at the age of 40 years, 2 months and 26 days.
She was married to George C. Hartsock on Jan. 8th, 1885,
to them were born one son, Ernest E., who with his father
is left to mourn the loss of a faithful wife and a loving mother.
In early life she was converted, baptized and received into the Sugar
Creek Christian Church, May 24th, 1884, during the pastorate of Rev. C.W.
Garoutte, and was a faithful member of that church, until she
and her husband transferred their membership to the Waynesville M.E. Church
on April 23d, 1905, and was an honored and interested member to the day
of her death.
She took quite and interest in the last protracted effort of the church,
and rejoiced greatly to see the young people unite with the church, and
her own son among the number.
In her Christian life she was modest and timid, yet always joyful, living
constantly in the sunshine of a bright hope. It was hers to have the happy
faculty of always looking on the bright side of all the little dark experiences
of life and thereby brought victory out of defeat.
Aside from religion and her family, her chief interest centered in her
home, for which she was always working and planning how she might beautify
and adorn the same – yet she herself, with her bright face and cheerful
spirit was its own best adornment.
As a neighbor and a friend she was always helpful and true, and from her
home and close neighbors she will be missed more than words can tell.
It has been said that “Death loves a shining mark,” and these
words are proven true in the unexpected death of our friend.
Today, there is left to mourn their loss, five sisters, one brother, father,
husband, son, many kindred ones, and a great host of friends.
It was God who gave us this beautiful and helpful life and it is God who
has taken it unto himself. Perhaps one day we will understand better why
God re-called his own. We can not bring our lobed one back again but we
can go to her. Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ.