Person:Mary Cooper (87)

1. OBITUARY

Mary E. Cooper was born in Pike county, Illinois, January 14[?], 1839, and grew to womanhood in her native state. At the early age of 15 years she became a Christian and united with the Church of Christ at what was then known as the Highland Church. She always took delight in the services of the Lord's house and led a simple and [tranquil?] Christian life.

On March 15, 1863, she became the wife of William E. Butler who survives to mourn her departure from this life. To this union were born three sons and three daughters, all of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Butler came to Missouri several years ago and Mr. Butler has important mercantile and other business interests in Washington and St. Francois counties.

Hospitality and unaffected love and happiness have always characterized the Butler home. For a number of years Mrs. Butler has been in frail and delicate health; but simple piety and devotion to her family and to God never ceased to adorn her life and character. No one could come within the circle of her acquaintance with admiring her patience in the midst of physical infirmities.

Some few months ago her health became much more delicate than usual, and on September 14[?], 1906 she passed from her suffering to her final reward. At her home in Bismarck, Missouri, in the presence of her beloved and sorrowing family and friends she fell asleep, serenely trusting in Him who is the Resurrection and the Life.

Realizing that the time of her departure was at hand, she gave full directions concerning her funeral which were carried out in every detail by her good husband. In the quiet Honey Creek Cemetery, which her grandfather laid out many years ago in Pike county Illinois, her remains were laid to rest till the morning of the resurrection. Hearts bowed with grief patiently await the day when God shall wipe away all tears and the redeemed shall enjoy forever more the things that have been prepared for them that love and worship the Lord.

Published by THE BISMARCK GAZETTE, Bismarck, St. Francois Co. MO, Fri. Sept. 26, 1906.

Posted on RootsWebb, Pike Co., IL Board, by Melanie Rickmar, 14 Oct 2003