Phoebe L. Stephens was born near Centerville, August 10, 1840, and departed this life September 6, 1907, aged 57 years and 27 days. At the age of 20 years she was married to Enoch Highley and for 45 years the companionship allowed this husband and wife has been a most happy and congenial one. Nine children were born to this union. Three having gone on before, those surviving are Mrs. Douglas Hollowell, Mrs. Willard Ulerich, Mrs. Howard Elliott, Mrs. Byron Stratton, Frank and Wilber [sic]. These devoted children and loving husband are left mourning for this good wife and mother. Mrs. Highley has always enjoyed unusually good health until of late months. Mrs. Highley has always enjoyed unusually good health until of late months. Affliction of the heart developed and on last Friday afternoon while seated on the porch with her devoted daughters, she passed away as peaceful as a summer zephyr in the hush of night. She has long been a member of the M.E. church, and a devoted christian, consecrating her life for the good and comfort of others. She actively engaged in all the work of the church, being a member of the Ladies' Aid, the Women's Home Missionary Society and the Ladies' Social Union. Toward her neighbors and friends she was always demonstrating the gentle charities of life. Home was her natural kingdom over which she reigned with gentle, helpful words and loving deeds. The lessons taught by this true, tender and affectionate mother and wife will always be cherished by this loving husband and fond children; and their own characters be sustained by that faith in goodness which belongs to a mind exercised by pure and high thoughts.
O, thou who mournest on the way, With longings for the close of day,
He walks with thee, that Angel kind, And gently whispers, "Be resigned!"
Bear up, bear on, the end shall tell, The dear Lord ordereth all things well.
Funeral services were held at the M.E. church Monday afternoon, by Rev. Walters. There was a large attendance of friends and many pretty floral offerings. Burial in Riverside.
