Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 199, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1918 — A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF MRS. M. E. SPITLER [ARTICLE]

A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF MRS. M. E. SPITLER

Another one of the oldest members of the Ladies Literary club has been called to her reward, and in the passing of Mrs. Spitler our club has lost one who has mingled with it for more than thirty-nine years. She was one of the faithful few that helped nourish' and keep life in it, and her interest in its welfare was always manifested. In her declining years she, by her own request, was placed upon our associate list and held her membership with us anti! she was called up higher. In a conversation with her several years ago she spoke to me of her declining years and said she was not able any longer to do the work, and she expressed regret that she had to close her work with us. In her conversation with me she left the impression that her life work was nearing completion, and in some way during our talk I asked her if she would like to live her life all over again, and she said, “Oh, no, I wouldn’t if I could. I am looking forward to brighter and better things.” And I thought what a beautiful sentiment she had expressed for one who had gone through a long life of experiences and knew what life really meant, and she was ready to lay down her life for something better.

Mrs: Spitler was of a most kindly disposition—always cheerful, and her hbspitality in her home was unbounded. In my girlhood days it was my privilege to frequently be at her home, and it was her delight to make young people happy, and those little kindnesses are never forgotten by those who appreciate being well entertained. She was a charming hostess and many pleasant memories linger with us. She was a devoted mother, a true wife, and a loyal friend endowed with a true Christian spirit. Our community has lost an old resident who never lost interest in its welfare, and had lived to see it grow from a little burg to that of a beautiful little city, and she was proud of all our improvements. Mrs. Spitler has passed on and out, and what is our loss is her gain. “I cannot say, I will not say, That she is dead; she is just away. With.,a cheery smile and a wave of the hand, She has wandered into an unknown land. Think of her still as the same, I say, She is not dead; she is just away.” —M. W. M.