Death has again visited our midst. The one that we least would have expected has gone out from amongst us. Bertha Stephens was striken with diphtheria week before last. The doctor thought it was under control and all was going well, when he noticed a certain hoarseness, and from that time she grew worse until Monday morning about 9 o’clock, when death relieved her of her suffering. In her death the school lost a good student, and they showed their appreciation of her by a beautiful floral offering. She was the organist of the Junior League. The leader of the band of Christina workers feels the loss of an efficient, loving and faithful worker. She was a constant attendant upon the Sunday School and loved this branch of the church work, and was looked forward to as one who would be an efficient worker. In the church as well as a good member of society. Thus we feel that the community has sustained a great loss. To her father she was everything—his hope his expectation, his only loving daughter. He watched her with tenderest care, noting with pleasure her early development n a desire to stand first in her classes and have a special education. To the mother, commencing to be a companion, for she was thoughtful beyond her years. But who can tell what such a child is to the mother and home. Bertha has gone out from use but her influence is still here. When will it be withdrawn? Had she lived until March 11^th, 1898, she would have been 13 years of age. We laid her away on Wednesday morning at 10:00 o’clock, under the most sorrowful surroundings, having a part of the funeral service at the house and two hymns, a prayer and the burial service at the grave. The funeral sermon will be preached by Rev. J.S. Wright, at the First M.E. church, Sunday, Jan. 30^th, at 10:30 a.m.

The family extends thanks to all sympathizing friends for their kindness and help at this time of affliction and bereavement.

The Chesterton Tribune

Thursday, January 22, 1898

Page 5, column 2