The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
October 19, 1927
Page 6

DIED SUDDENLY
IN HOSPITAL

Mrs. Lillian Geddes was Long a
Resident of Fountain Green
For Many Years

With sincere sorrow and deep regret the many friends of Mrs. Lillie M. Geddes heard of her sudden summons that came after a brief illness, which from its inception left little hopes of recovery.

In the seeming possession of her full measure of health and strength, she was most severely stricken; the critical nature of the seizure was at once recognized as most alarming; surgical aid promised the only possible relief.  Fully informed of the gravity of her condition, she with characteristic calmness and courage, made the long night journey and passed under the surgeon's knife.  It was wielded with a skill which might have brought relief, but the well worn vital forces failed to respond with needed strength to overcome the shock of operation, and after a few hours of patient suffering she sank into a dreamless slumber from which she awakened in the glory land.

Mrs. Geddes was born April 24, 1858, and passed away at the St. Francis hospital in Macomb, Oct. 13, 1927, age 69 years, 5 months and 19 days.  She was the daughter of George and Isabelle Latherow, early and worthy residents of this community where were reared their family of four sons and six daughters of whom now remain: T. J. Latherow, of Fountain Green; Mrs. Minnie Lionberger, of Memphis, Mo.; Mrs. Emma Newland, of Sand Point, Idaho; Mrs. Emma Bradfield, of La Harpe; and Mrs. Maude Mesick, of Los Angeles, Calif.  In the happy Christian influences of the parental home this daughter developed her attractive, amiable girlhood.  She early gave evidence of more than ordinary ambition, and so well improved the educational advantages the times afforded, that at sixteen she began a period of successful teaching.  She held positions in schools in this and adjoining townships where, in these later years, her son has been employed as instructor.

Her marriage to Thomas M. Geddes was solemnized in the Presbyterian church of Fountain Green on the evening of Dec. 31, 1879.  The home thus founded was one where mutual love and trust had an abiding place.  Mr. Geddes passed to his reward on Aug. 6, 1926.  Surviving to mourn this beloved mother are the two sons and two daughters born to them: Arthur and Allen of this community; Mrs. Bertha Lord, of Newton, Mass., and Mrs. Julia Yetter, of Chicago.  There are also five grandchildren.  These formed a group around which this dear woman's affections most strongly centered, and for whose welfare she was ever ready to sacrifice her own.  They in turn enriched her life by their devotion to her comfort.  There is a large circle of nieces and nephews who gave and received most kindly regards.  She was one upon whom the families of her kindred could safely depend when in need of her skilled and kindly ministry, which was extended at any time when the generous impulses of her heart could be shown in sympathy or active aid.  Mrs. Geddes possessed rare and worthy traits of mind and heart which endeared her to all, whose confidence and esteem she merited and received.  She was faithful to her obligations in the family and social life, and in the church with which she was long identified.  She looked well to the ways of her household with efficiency and courage meeting its daily duties.  Over their lovely country home she graciously presided for many years, and dispensed most generous hospitality.  The residence later established in Fountain Green was a center from which radiated good cheer and good will. Mrs. Geddes was converted in early girlhood and united with the Presbyterian church.  She was steadfast in her adherence to the faith and has passed on to receive the reward of one who "did justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with her God."

Funeral services were held at her home at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, Rev. Wm. Harberts of Carthage conducting the services.  She was laid to rest in the McConnell cemetery west of town.

The pallbearers were George Latherow, Carl Latherow, Ray Mesick, Ivan Latherow, Lester Mesick, and Harold Latherow.  Honorary pallbearers were: E. S. Latherow, Melvin Latherow, Wm. Hunter, Frank Wright, Myron Mull and Arthur Hayes.

Mrs. Grace Mosley, of Carthage, a niece of Mrs. Geddes, sang "It Is Well With My Soul," which deserves special mention.  Other selections were sung by a quartette composed of Mrs. Maggie Sibert, Mrs. Kate Miller, J. A. Duffy and Arthur Spangler.

Card of Thanks

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