Ancestor Trees   |   Genealogy Reports and Notes   |   Family Photos   |   More Links   |   Home

Magdalena Regina Ruff Leidinger

1832 -1903

Obituary

The sad announcement of the death of Mrs. Valentine Leidinger, of Fairville, who died Wednesday, September 16, 1903, was heard with expression of deepest regret by her many friends not only in the community in which she lived but many other places.  She was taken severely ill the 26th day of last December with a stomach and bowel trouble, but rallied from this and was about the house as usual, leaving her somewhat weak, but before she had fully recovered was taken ill again.  So she continued for some weeks being quite smart, then again she would be confined to her bed, but never complained of having any or very much pain. Her last sickness confined her to her bed a little over a week and contrary to all that loving hands and physicians could do she passed peacefully away, aged 71 years.  Deceased was born in Wurttenberg, Germany, in 1832, her maiden name being Magdalena Regina Ruff.  She came to this country in 1852 at the age of 20 years taking up her residence at East Newark.

In 1858 she was married to Valentine Leidinger, of Fairville, where she has since resided, having one of the pleasantest homes in that locality, everything to enjoy life with, husband, wife and children fully devoted to each other.  Her home was that place where Christian ministers delighted to go.  They were always greeted with the kindest of welcome which made them feel that in her they could find sympathy and words of encouragement in their work.  She was always kind to the poor and will be missed not alone by her family but by all.  She has been an earnest Christian, a member of the Presbyterian church for 32 years and as her pastor has worded it, the mother of the Church.  A Godly woman has gone to her rest.  Besides a bereaved husband, she leaves five daughters, eight children having been born to this union, three having gone before; Miss Louise who remains at home and who has given all of her time to her mother, watching and caring for her since the time of sickness; Mrs. Geo. Clark, of Phelps; Mrs. Chas. Frey and Mrs. Geo Rowe, of Fairville, and Mrs. Colie E. Pultz, of Newark, also nine grand children.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon, Sept. 20th, at her late home.  The day was a beautiful one, perfect in every way and a vast multitude gathered to pay the last respect to one they loved.  The pastor, Rev. Mr. Rice assisted by Rev. Mr. Wilson conducted the services.  The text chosen by the deceased was found in St. John 14-2:  In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  Also 2 Cor. 5-1: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were  dissolved, we have a building of God, and house not made with hands.  Eternal in the Heavens.  The floral pieces were many and beautiful.  The bearers were four of the grand children and the remains were interred in a beautiful spot in the Fairville cemetery.