The Obituary of Minerva Ann Andrews Ruby (1852-1946)

 While doing some family research this morning, I came across this very lengthy and extremely detailed obituary of my 4th cousin and thought I'd share it with you all! 

This obituary is for Minerva Ann Andrews. She was born on February 11, 1852 born to Wells Riley Andrews (1825-1860) and Christina E. Mendenhall (1832-1855). 

Here's the obituary (Transcription following):

Obituary is from Downs News
Downs, Kansas
January 2, 1947

Transcription for easy reading: 

AGED PIONEER PASSES

Minerva Ann Andrews, born in Mahaska County, Ia., Feb. 11, 1852, died on Dec. 23, 1946, being 94 years, 10 month and 12 days of age. Her mother died when she was about four years old, then a few years later the father died. The children were, when the rather realized his going, "bound out" to neighbors. Mrs. Ruby going to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Blakesly. During the Civil War, this family went back to Indiana to dispose of their property, and then returned to Iowa. On Dec. 26, 1870, she and Alexander Baldwin Ruby were married and they came to Osborne county in 1880, purchasing a farm three miles southwest of Downs, where they resided until 1899, and have lived in Downs most of the time since then.

They were permitted to journey life's way together for 69 years, Mr. Ruby going on Nov. 23, 1939.

These years for her have been spent in living a life of interest in God's Word and His work, as represented in the temperance cause, missionary work and by intercession for and giving to the local church, she having joined the Methodist church when 13 years of age. Failing health this past summer required that friends come in. Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Courter, Mrs. Courter being a niece of Mrs. Ruby, have, with the kindly neighbors, endeavored to give the needed care. Nevertheless, the long life came peacefully to a close at the beginning of this Christmas season. Those left are: One brother, John W. Andrews of Oskaloosa, Ia., a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Out-of-town relatives here to attend the funeral were Mrs. Grace Barr of Grinnell, Ia., Miss Ada Andrews of Kansas City, Kans., and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Minkler of Smith Center. 

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church on Friday, at 2 o'clock with Rev. F.L. Courter in charge, assisted by Rev. C.W. Eklund. Music was furnished by Mrs. R.W. Getty, Mrs. Rose Fink, W.C. Sellers and D.H. Marshall. Casket bearers were Nate Winters, Clifford Headley, Clarence Fink, W.C. Sellers, R.W. Kiper and B.D. Courter. Burial was in the Downs cemetery.