The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
July 24, 1929
Page 8
Columns 1 & 2

Mrs. Arthur Geddes
Dies After an Illness
Of Long Duration

"He giveth his beloved sleep."

Mrs. Arthur Geddes passed away at her home one mile north of Fountain Green, on the morning of July 20, 1929, aged 44 years, 4 months and 26 days.

Clara Lydia Sibert was born Feb. 24, 1885.  Her parents, Gabriel and Christine Sibert, were well and favorably known residents of this community.  In their pleasant country home three daughters grew to lovely womanhood.  But this devoted family has been greatly saddened in recent years by the repeated calls of the death angel.  First the beloved daughter, Minnie, wife of L. D. Callihan, answered the summons of the Master and passed to her heavenly home.  Less than a year ago the father entered that rest which remains for the people of God, and the passing of this dear woman leaves surviving the aged and grief-stricken mother, and Stella, wife of Roy White of near Blandinsville.

Clara Sibert was richly endowed mentally and physically; was carefully trained and liberally educated.  After a short period of successful teaching she was united in marriage to Arthur W. Geddes.  Their lives were brightened by the birth of a daughter, Christine, who with the bereft husband survives to mourn their irreparable loss.  Their happy home life was overshadowed some ten years ago by Clara's decline in health, which the extreme of rest and care brought back to normal and she was greatly gladdened when able to resume her place in the home, church and social life.  Her pleasing personality and genial nature made her a great favorite in the circle in which she moved, and where she will be greatly missed.  She leaves many relatives, neighbors and friends who unite with the family in sincere sorrow and regret.

In early girlhood she was converted, uniting with the Methodist church of Fountain Green, but for many years has faithfully worshipped with the Presbyterian people.

Something less than a year ago another decline began, continuing with gradually increasing weakness, which left small hope of ultimate recovery.  Her wishes and her welfare have since been the supreme concern of family and friends.  A rest cure in her mother's home was followed by a stay in a sanatorium, but failing to receive the hoped for relief, she gladly returned to the quiet and comfort of her own home, where she has since been tenderly cared for by her husband, refusing all other plans for her aid, well content with his kindly ministry.  Faith alternated with fear as the slow weeks went by.  A few days ago complications arose which quickly sapped her waning strength, and she passed to that land whose inhabitant shall not say "I am sick," and where suffering is unknown.

"Gone where sickness and pain come
    never,
To the beautiful land of rest and
    song,
To hills afar bright crowned forever.
Where only happiness and peace
    belong,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee
    away,
In the beautiful light of eternal day."

A lovely burial service was held at the home on Monday afternoon, with Dr. C. H. Johnson of the Carthage Presbyterian church in charge.  His well chosen message was very comforting and helpful.  Mrs. Grace Mosley sang most acceptably "It is Well With My Soul" and "Crossing the Bar."

The large concourse of neighbors and friends, the abundant and beautiful floral offerings bore their testimony of sympathy for the living and esteem for the dead.

The interment was in the LaHarpe cemetery.  The pallbearers were: George Latherow, Burke Harmon, Roy Eddington, Roy Rich, Gail Butterfield and Howard Hobart.

Those from a distance attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Simmons, Mrs. Annie Nestle, Mrs. Ruben Hummel, Mrs. Adelaide Schneider, Nauvoo, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Seigrist, Powellton, Ill.; Mrs. John Whitcomb, Ed and Arthur Youngmeyer, Adrian; Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Garretson, Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Garretson, Salem, Ia.; Dr. and Mrs. C. H. Johnson, Mrs. Ray Mosley, Mrs. Rosetta Jacks and Mrs. Alex McConnell, Carthage; Mrs. S. H. Mann, Blandinsville; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shilling, Keokuk, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Calihan, Lillian and James, Mr. and Mrs. John Tippet, Mr. Ben Hummel, Nellie and Bessie White, Macomb, Ill.; Mrs. Jennie Cassel and Mrs. Frances Lightner of LaHarpe.

Card of Thanks

The family wish to express their gratitude to neighbors and friends for their kindness during a long invalidism, and for their great helpfulness these last hard days, and also for the many floral offerings.

Arthur Geddes and daughter.
Mrs. Christine Sibert.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy White.

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