FINLEY, Joanna - Putnam

The funeral of Mrs. Charles Reeves occurred Sunday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the home north of the city and was largely attended. The exercises were conducted by Rev. Joseph N. Green, of Terre Haute and the interment at Brick Chapel.

The flowers that are the fairest bloom only to decay. The sweetest blossoms though much admired and tenderly cared for must droop and die. Death is the destiny alike of choicest lives and rarest flowers.

One of God's choice lives withered when the spirit of Joanna Reeves took its flight, on August 24, 1905. Her life had its beginning on November 17, 1862, in Bainbridge, Indiana. There her girlhood days were spent and the early part of her married life lived. On September 1, 1880 she was married to Charles F. Reeves at Bainbridge, Indiana. To this union one child was born Walter, who under a mother's gracious influence has grown to be a young man of exceptional ability and worth.

The religious life of Mrs. Reeves began in her girlhood days. At the age of about seventeen years she united with the Presbyterian church in Bainbridge, under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Fife. On moving to their farm home some twenty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Reeves united with the Brick Chapel M. E. church under the ministry of Rev. Claypool. Many years of effective service were given there, and there the membership of both remained until Mrs Reeves called to the fellowship of the Church Triumphant.

Mrs. Reeves was one of a family of four children, all girls. One sister preceded her to the life beyond. Two sisters, Mrs. Emma Priest and Mrs. Mary Canary survive her. Her parents have both gone before her to their eternal reward, the mother passing away five years ago and the father two years ago. Smaller and smaller grows the family of earth but larger grows the family in the eternal home. A good woman has gone; one whose heart was large and sympathies broad. A vacant place is made, not only in this home life but in the community life, which will be difficult to fill.

Mrs Reeves was one whose life and character were appreciated more as she was known better. She was of a retiring disposition, (note: this section is partly missing) Her relation to the husband was one of truest interest and deepest loyalty. For the son there was ever manifested a true mother's tenderest solicitude. She was a faithful wife, a loving mother, worthy honored neighbor, and a Christian woman. She was one who believed in prayer as an aid in life and who trusted God for the issues thereof. Knowing her in her true character and remembering her faith in God we may, as we lay her to rest repeat our Saviour's words, "She is not dead, buth liveth," - liveth a joy-crowned life in a home where changes come no more.