Gertrude Minerva DUDLEY HESTER, was born at Scheller, Ill., July 22, 1890 died at her home in Waltonville, Ill., Sept. 15, 1916, aged 26 years, 1 month and 23 days.

She was converted at the age 13 and became a member of the Free Baptist church at Scheller, being baptized by Rev. Gilliland.

On June 11, 1905, she was united in marriage to James H. Hester. He, with five children, Leonard, Helen, Hilda, Virginia and Freda, are loft without companionship, helpmate, and bereft of mother's love and counsel. She leaves also a sorrow stricken father and mother, three sisters and one brother, besides a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.

Everyone who knew her was her friend and many were the kind remembrances in the way of beautiful flowers, kind words and deads or some dainty bit for her to eat that were brought by friends during her long illness.

Her brief span of life was a noble example of a quiet, unassuming, uncomplaining Christian woman. During her long struggle with the dreadful disease that fastened itself to her frail form, she uttered no complaint nor found no fault.

All that medical skill and loving hands could do proved of no avail and finally in the beautiful sunny days of September, "like one who pulls the draperies of her couch around her and lies down to pleasant dreams", she fell asleep.

She leaves the lesson of a cheeerful and pleasing disposition of hope and faith, always looking on the bright side. Even when the dark shadow hovered near she did not seem to see it, but was planning for the future. Such a life is sweet indeed and such a death sublime.

The funeral service was held at the family home on Saturday at 11 o'clock and was conducted by Rev. J. P. Watson of the M. E. church, Interment in the Abner cemetery.

The floral offerings were beautiful and many. The sympathy of the entirecommunity is with the bereaved family. "She is not dead but sleepeth."

Submitted by Rita Crocker - August 11, 1998