The Laclede blade., 1911-11-17
LIZ. b. 3. Van VaIksnhuru DIos


ness lasting several months. She
was born in Sharon, N. Y, Dec.
II, 1843. In 1861 she was married
to Henry B. Van Valkenburg. At
the close of the civil war the young
couple came to Laclede, where
they have resided ever since. To
this union were born the following
children: Newton, born in 1868,
died in 1887; Minnie, born in
1865, died in 1880; Ray, born in
1874. The latter survives his
mother and, together with his
family, was present at the time of
her death.
Shortly after coming to Laclede
Mrs. Van Valkenburg united with
the Congregational church. Later,
when this organization disbanded,
she entered the Presbyterian church,
of which she remained a constant,
faithful member until her death.
From young womanhood on she
was always very active in temper
ance matters, during the last years
of her life being president of the
local w. G. T. U. In this work
she was peculiarly conscientious,
never shirking responsibility, never
sparing her own strength.
There was nothing Of sham about
Mrs. Van Valkenburg's goodness,
and as a result those who knew
her best loved and appreciated her
most, for she was one Of those
quiet souls who did her duty in
her home and in her town without
any ostentation or desire for praise.
In her loss the community suffers
a real bereavement.
Funeral services will be held at
the Baptist church Friday after
noon at two o'clock, conducted by
her former pastor, Rev. William
Sissons. Interment will be at La
clede cemetery.
The following words Of apprecia-
tion are from the pen of Mrs. nellie
G.. Burger, state corresponding
secretary of the W. G, T. u, with
whom Mrs. Van Valkenburg was
long associated in temperance work:
1t is with greatest sorrow and
yet with deepest appreciation that
write these few lines of loving
remembrance concerning our be-
loved comrade and friend, who
rests so peacefully to-day. My as
sociation with her has been one of
the beautiful events of my life for
her unfailing cheerfulness, her un-
swerving loyalty were always a
cheer and encouragement to me.
She was devoted Christian woman
and woman who saw her duty |
clearly and was willing to bear the
load uncomplainingly. The Wom-
ans Christian Temperance Union
owes much to her faithful efforts
and the cause has lost dear friend.
During the recent campaign her
efforts were untiring and in my
last conversation she referred with
courage and faith to the outcome
of our next campaign" Dear
quiet heart! From the battlements
of Heaven you will watch our feeble
efforts but the memory of your
faithfulness will help us in the con-
fiict.
l can think of no words so suit
able to this sad and yet triumphant
as these lines written by
Frances E. Willard:
Loves light iIlumines the pathway we trod.
Comrades of yesterday. now saints of God:
Gracious and great were your souls In your
Greatest Of all is their going away.
blessing the world that you loved and you left, |
Soothing the hearts that your going bereft.
Death did not daunt You and you feared not /
Sweet sang your souls. We must love. trust
Faith that 5 makes faithfulapd truth that makes
true,
Hanow our hearts from the heights gained by
you.
God Eiris and guides through help you have