American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1921-12-30
Impressive Rites
For Old Pioneer
Mrs. Lydia II. Bliss Mourned at Ser
vice In Baptist Church Had In
~teresting HIstory-Part Related by
Rev. Ford.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lydia II.
Bliss were held Thursday December
first at the Baptist church and were
presided over by Rev. Ford. A beauti-
full service was rendered for the de-
ceased, and many friends were pre-
sent to pay their last respects TO a de-
parted pioneer. A more complete ac-
count OF the life OF this interesting
woman follows:
At the age OF 10 she united with the
Baptist church In their new home In
Minnesota, a church of which she con-
tlnued a membership for SO years, She
was married In 1860 to MIR, Decker In
the state OF Minnesota. Three children
were born to this marriage. 10. f.
Decker of American Falls, Alice
Decker and Edith ]. Decker, all OF
whom survive her.
In 1863 the family crossed the
plains. and reached Boise in October
OF that year. Boise was then a village
OF about 500 population.
In 1869 she married David b, Bliss.
Five boys were born OF the second
marriage, three of whom are still liv-
ing viz. Fred G.. Bliss, George A. Bliss
and James NJ. Bliss.
Moved to Bliss Ranch.
In 1879 the family moved to the
Bliss ranch-then an unsettled region
but today n prosperous community. In
1921 she moved to American Falls,
and shortly after Joined the Bethany
Baptist church along with her son.
u. n. Decker and his family, seven In
all.
Mrs. Bliss had eight children, Forty
grand children and "a great-grand-
children. Her life experiences were
varied and at times strenuous. She
was OF the sturdy, adventurous, pho
oeer stock. A stock that faced hard.
ships and pertls of many kinds II
their heroic purpose to reclaim th'
plains and valleys OF the west, Sh'
taught the first school ever opened II
Gooding. and wherever she made he,
home, she carried with her an un
waverlng faith In God and His word
She was truly a mother In Israel, a n
Funeral Mt Baptist Church.
The funeral took place from tn
Bethany Baptist church, Americal
Falls last Thursday. and was attend
ed by a large circle of sorrowlng rela
tives and friends. The floral offer
ings were abundant and fine, On
wreath was presented by the Baptis
Church as a token OF respect and al
foction for its oldest member. othe
wreaths from immediate relatives COY
cred the casket and spoke volumn
OF the love and appreciation in whic
the quiet sleeper was held,
The pastor, Rev. j. A Ford. spok
an earnest and sympathetic messas
from the words of the APOSTLE Pau
To Die Is Gain" He said, in par
Paul does not mean that death bring
material gain. He has no thought
the gross satisfactions. nor sensuot
enjoyments OF this life. These find I
place In the land OF Souls.
Gains In Death.
The gain that death brings to n
child of God is "a Freedom from Sin
Nothing unclean shall enter there
CD Freedom from pain and sorrow
There shall be no more sorrow M
crying. neither shall there be ~
more pain" go II will bring congeni
com~panionship. In the letter TO Il
Hebrews we are told that I'VE sha
scome to the church of the First Boz
and to Jesus the mediator OF the Ne
covenant. and TO the spirits OF ~
!. men made perfect" II will bring
to an eternal home; II will be Z