CROWDER, Etta "Florence"
Source: Kingman Star March 20, 1914
The funeral of FLORENCE CROWDER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Crowder of Montezuma, was held here Tuesday. Complete obituary will be published next week. - S
Source: Kingman Star Friday, March 27, 1914
ETTA FLORENCE CROWDER, daughter of S. D. and Anna Little Crowder, was born August 9th, 1886, and died March 15th 1914. For many years, as a student in our schools, as an humble worker in the church and social life of our town, the modesty and sweetness of her character endeared her to all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. It is hard to find fitting words of appreciation of one whose life was so filled with all the little kindnesses and courtesies with which her life was distinguished. Of a retiring disposition, keen of intellect and bright of mind, with a kindly word of cheer for all her friends, and above all, a daughter of whom her parents could be proud, the news of her untimely decease, while not unexpected, came as a blow to all of us who had the pleasure of her friendship. While the latter years of her life had been spent in Parke county, Indiana, away from the scenes of her early childhood, the same qualities of heart and soul had only widened the circle of her friends, and added them to those she had made while a resident of this community. For many months she had been afflicted with an incurable malady. All that medical science and the tender ministrations of her bereaved parents and a legion of friends could do, was done in the hope that some hours might be added to the brief span of her life and that she might be spared to those who loved her so well and who needed her so badly. It is pleasant for us to know that when the supreme moment came, when the last lingering look at the faces of those whom she loved so well was taken, and the summons was heard, she passed away “like one who wraps the draperies of his couch around him and lies down to pleasant dreams.” Indeed the whole of her life had been but a preparation for this moment. For years her lamp had been trimed and burning and when the message came it found her with joy that her future was secure. At a meeting held by the Rev. Albert Tomlinson in January 1909, she became so thoroughly convinced of her need for the “pearl of great price” that upon her return home from church, she awakened her parents and in their presence and in the presence of some friends, she consecrated her life to the service of her God. How well those vows she there made upon that family altar have been fulfilled, all who knew her can testify. Knowing full well the nature of her disease, and that her fight was hopeless, she kept up the same cheerful spirit that for so many years had distinguished her life, and made every preparation for the funeral obsequies that she knew must soon be held. And so reads the short and simple annals of one who has passed in presence from our life. But the influences that she left behind, the tender memories that will come to all of us who knew her, will always remain as an inspiration for better living. She filled, and completely filled, her place. No one can do more. Funeral services were held at the U. B. church in Kingman Tuesday at 2:30, Rev. A. H. Rardin officiating. Burial was made in the Harveysburg cemetery. – thanks so much to “S” for all her obituary typing for this site.