Ralph GUTHRIE

GUTHRIE

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/23/2008 at 02:21:20

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
November 2, 1905

OBITUARY - RALPH GUTHRIE

Ralph GUTHRIE was born January 23, 1898, in Decatur County, and died October 29, 1905, at the home of his parents near Beaconsfield, Iowa.

Ralph was a bright, affectionate little boy, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas GUTHRIE. He was ever foremost in his studies and won the affections of his teachers and playmates. He was the household pet and one of the precious jewels of the home. He was wrapped in the affections of his father who looked forward to the day when Ralph should relieve him of some of the responsibilities of the home.

But those hopes were blighted for sickness came and dimmed the bright eyes and rosy cheeks of little Ralph. A skilled physician was called and the father and mother watched over their sick boy with anxious care. But all was in vain and the death Angel noiselessly came to the parental home and snapped the bright flower from its sweet life here below and placed it in the Heavenly home above, leaving a place in the family circle that can never again be filled. Ralph leaves a broken hearted father and mother, three little sisters, two little brothers and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. But our loss was his gain.

His body was brought from the home near Beaconsfield to Decatur where funeral services were held in the M.E. Church Tuesday afternoon, October 3lst at 2 o'clock. A large congregation was in waiting to pay the last tribute of respect to little RALPH. The funeral service was held by the writer of this sketch and the text was chosen from the l8th chapter of Luke and has verse as follows: "Verily I say and you whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Jesus had left an example by calling little children unto Him and saying, "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Again He said, "Except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."

After funeral services, the body was followed to the cemetery where it was laid by the side of a little brother, where they will repose to await the resurrection morn.

--Cyrus DeVOE, Pastor, New Salem Church.