Barbara Ellen (HESS) GILREATH

HESS, GILREATH, VANDERPOOL

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/22/2008 at 19:25:49

Lake Andes Way
Lake Andes, Charles Mix County, South Dakota
January, 1939

WELL KNOWN CITIZEN OF THE COMMUNITY PASSES AWAY

Death Of One Of City's And County's Oldest Persons

Mrs. William B. GILREATH, one of the few remaining founders of Lake Andes, died in her home, January 9, 1939. She had been in failing health for some time but was able to be up and was mentally alert to the last. She quietly slept away Monday morning.

The funeral was held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Presbyterian church. The Rev. A. R. ESCHLIMAN, Methodist minister of Wagner officiating. Internment made in the family lot in Lakeview cemetery. Six of her grandsons were pallbearers. Members of the Rebekah lodge gave their memorial service.

Mrs. GILREATH and her husband came to Lake Andes when the town started, in fact they were here for the first lot sale and have always stood for the advancement and best interests of the community. They were builders and leave many friends who honor their memory.

Mrs. GILREATH was a person of decision and courage and helped whatever cause she challenged by her clear thinking and integrity. She was active in church and civic organizations until a few years ago when her health began failing but her spirit remained an inspiration and she assisted any worthy cause in which she believed.

Barbara Ellen HESS was born in Knox County, Ohio, October 25, 1855 and died at her home in Lake Andes, January 9, 1 939, at the age of 83 years, 2 months and 14 days.

At the age of ten she moved with her parents to Ellston in Ringgold County, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood and was united in marriage to William B. GILREATH, January 1, 1875. To this union were born five children, two of whom, James W. and Hoyle H. died several years ago and Mr. GILREATH died January 16, 1932.

The family came to Lake Andes in March, 1905 and this has been their home during the succeeding 34 years. On January 1, 1925 this venerable couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home in this city.

Mrs. GILREATH was a charter member of the Lake Andes Order of Eastern Star and of the local Rebekah lodge, No. 181 , having previously joined the Rebekah lodge No. 515 of Grand River, Iowa. Members of the immediate family who survive are her daughter, Mrs. C. O. VANDERPOOL and son W. Lloyd GILREATH both of Lake Andes and a son Clay GILREATH in Santa Monica, California. There are 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Mrs. GILREATH leaves _ sisters and 2 brothers.

Transcription by Sharon R. BECKER, 2007