The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
March 10, 1920
Page 1
Column 1MRS. WILLIAM DALE.
It was with sorrow, deep and sincere, that the many friends of Mrs. Vina Dale heard of her sudden summons after a brief illness. The unexpected ending of her busy activities for the good of others is deeply deplored by all those who held this worthy woman in affectionate regard.
Vina Frances Fortney, daughter of Samuel and Amanda Fortney, was born near Fountain Green, Jan. 30, 1867, and passed away at her home in Carthage, March 4, 1920, aged 53 years, 1 month and 4 days. Early in life thrown upon her own resources, she developed into industrious and capable young womanhood, wholly dependable and trust-worthy.
She was united in marriage Dec. 29, 1887, to Stephen Reed of Webster, and was received into her husband's family with the same wealth of affection they lavished upon their own -- an affection which during the intervening has known neither change nor abating. The young couple lived for a time near the place of their birth, and later removed to a farm purchased in east Carthage, which their industrious and good management improved and arranged into the comfortable home they occupied for some years. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed were born four children: Bernice, Clarence, Archell and Mary. Clarence died in infancy. Bernice in young womanhood. To each other and to these little ones were given their best endeavors, while kindness and content marked their dwelling place. But the home thus happily founded did not long endure. Early called from usefulness here, Stephen Reed answered the Master’s summons July 11, 1899 and passed on to receive the reward of a well-spent life.
For many years Mrs. Reed was devoted to her growing family and to an aged mother, whose long invalidism demanded much of her time and care.
On Aug. 3, 1913, she was married to William Dale. They later removed to Carthage, which has since been her home, and where she made a warm place for herself in the hearts of the people among whom she came to dwell -- who recognized her worth, her willingness to do, her unfailing kindness as neighbor, nurse and friend. Her ability in the sick room has been much in demand during these later years. She responded with prompt and efficient aid to each call of need and gave her best endeavors in the effort to relieve and restore. Her skill and tender care have brought help and healing to many a weary sufferer. We think when the Master took her by the hand He said: "I was sick and ye visited me."
Returning form a siege of nursing, Mrs. Dale was severely stricken with a nervous malady, which from its inception baffled medical skill, but so patiently were her sufferings borne that the husband and children who ministered to her needs scarce realized her alarming condition until the very last and the terrible bereavement falls with greater force because of its unexpectedness.
Beside the sorrowing husband, and grief-stricken son and daughter, Archell Reed of Carthage and Mrs. Mary Manning of Abingdon. Mrs. Dale is survived by five grandchildren and by two brothers, William and Charlie Fortney, both residing near Kirksville, Mo.
Converted in young womanhood she became identified with the Presbyterian people of Fountain Green, later transferring her membership to a Carthage church.
Thus is closed the life of one who moved quietly among us; one who gave her health and strength in service for others; one who "did justly, loved mercy and walked humbly with her God." M. W. B.
The funeral was held at the Christian church Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. E. M. Smith officiating. Interment in Moss Ridge.
Card of Thanks.
We desire to express our great appreciation of the many acts of kindness shown us during the illness and at the time of death of our loved one.
William N. Dale,
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Manning,
Archell Reed.
