Lovina Johnston

The Toledo Chronicle
July 23, 1914
"Death of North Tama Resident"

Lovina Johnston Stauffer was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1837 and died in Havelock, Iowa, July 19, 1914, aged 76 years, 6 months and 24 days.

Her childhood days were spent in Mount Pleasant where she obtained such schooling as those pioneer days afforded. She acquired love for knowledge and for reading, which stayed with her all through life and made her an intelligent, well-informed woman.

When 20 years of age she was married to Isaac Stauffer with whom she shared the joys and sorrows and labors of life until he passed away twelve years ago.

The husband spent three years in the Civil War. During this time the wife and four children at home were contending with the stern realities of life. What grit, what courage, what patriotism obtained in these northern homes in the absence of the strong men.

The family came to Iowa in 1880, and after living a few months in Toledo, took up their permanent residence in Gladbrook. Nine children were born to them. One died in infancy. Those living at present are Mrs. A. F. Walter, of Gladbrook, George, also of Gladbrook, Mrs. Boehmier, of Cedar Falls, Mrs. Gregg of Hawarden, Mrs. James, of Long Beach, Calif., Mrs. Sheldon of Havelock, William of Waverly, and Clyde H., of Gowrie.

There remains also three brothers, W. F., Wesley and W. S. Johnston and four sisters, Mrs. L. J. Yeiser, Mrs. Mary C. Ebersole, Mrs. Sarah K. Berger and MRs. Amanda A. Harrison. Twenty-three grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive.

Mrs. Stauffer was converted and joined the church when a young girl. She united with the Gladbrook church in 1881 and was a staunch, true member all her days. She was modest and unassuming in manner but strong in faith and works. She loved her Bible and was often seen reading its sacred pages. On returning from California last year she made the statement that she came back here to die. She was fairly well unti ten days ago when her last illness began. Her last ten days were painful but her soul was at peace with God and all was well.

The funeral services were held from the United Brethren church in Gladbrook, Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, the pastor Rev. J. W. Stiverson, being in charge. Pallbearers were grandsons of the deceased, Newell and Charles Walter, Earl and Neal Stauffer and Isaac and Donald Boemler. Interment was in Badger Hill Cemetery. Relatives from out of town in attendance at the funeral were Moses Gregg and wife, Hawarden, Mrs. J. B. Shelton, Haverlock; WIll Stauffer, Waverly; Dr. Clyde H. Stauffer, Gowrie; Mrs. Lydia K. Boehmier, Issac Boehmier, Donald Boehmier, Miss Mabel Boehmier, Cedar Falls. Those attending from Toledo were Wesley Johnston, Mrs. J. J. W. Ebersole, G. M. Berger and daughter, Mrs. McKInney, W. S. Johnston and wife, G. Ebersole and wife and daughter Thelma. Mrs. L. Yeiser, Geo. Whalin and wife, Mrs. Charles Thomas and Mrs. Robert Johnston."

Submitted by: Gary Wade (GaryWOTR@aol.com)