Mrs. S. S. Lease, who for many years had been one of Comanche-co.'s best known and must highly respected citizens, died at 1:15 o'clock p.m. on last Sunday, July 11, 1920, at the home of her son, Earle Lease, in Larned, Kans., where she had gone a few weeks before for a visit. She had been in failing health for some time, Bright's disease being given as the cause of her sickness. She was a patient and uncomplaining sufferer, and as the end came she expressed complete readiness for the event of death. Not long before she had lost consciousness she requested the nurse to read to her the 23rd Psalm. It was evident that hers was the triumphant faith of the christian - the faith which carried one through "the valley of the shadow of death" with no thought of fear or regret, but with a consciousness of an abiding and peaceful trust in him who "doeth all things well."The body was brought to this city on Monday and funeral services were conducted from the Christian church at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the pastor, Rev. J. T. Wheeler, being in charge. His sermon was a practical appeal for christian living, his remarks being based on the 23rd Psalm. He paid a beautiful tribute to the deceased, referring particularly to her faithfulness in the home and in the church and her constant patience, kindness and good cheer, all of which contributed much to the happiness of those with whom she came in contact. Many of the neighbors and friends of the deceased gave evidence of their esteem by attending the services at the church and the burial at Crown Hill cemetery, where the remains were laid to rest by the side of her husband, who died in this city on the 29th of last March.
Eva Arminta Barber was born in Rushsylvania, Ohio, on July 4, 1859. Her age, therefore, at the time of her death was 61 years and 7 days. In Rushsylvania on August 3, 1876, she was united in marriage with Stephen S. Lease. To this union five children were born - four girls and one boy - all of whom survive her. They are: Mrs. Carrie Smith and Mrs. Fern Kehl of this city, Mrs. Kate Fisk of this county, Mrs. Goldie Monroe of Hugoton, Kans., and Earle Lease of Larned, Kans. Mrs. Lease is also survived by five brothers, one sister, two half brothers and two half sisters, as follows: Dayton, Henry and Thomas Barber and Mrs. Frank Riley, all of Rushsylvania, Ohio, Arthur Barber of Mansfield, Ohio, Wm. Barber of Omaha, Nebr., Fred Barber of Chicago, Hazen Barber of Pittsburgh, Penn., Mrs. Hazel Osborn of Akron,Ohio, and Mrs. Laura Sutton of Pittsburgh, Penn. Mrs. Lease's mother died over 50 years ago and her father about 20 years ago.
Mrs. Lease and her husband moved from Ohio to this county in the fall of 1889, settling on a farm about four miles southwest of Coldwater. A few years later they moved to a farm nine miles southeast of town, where they lived until about ten years ago, when they moved to this city. Here they continued to make their home. Mrs. Lease was known to all of the old timers, and her circle of friends continue to grow as the years passed. She was one of the best of neighbors, a devoted wife and mother and a real friend to all. Her whole life was given on to helping those about her, and her countless deeds of kindness will long be remembered by those who survive her.
With the passing away of Mrs. Lease another good woman is gone from the ranks of those who helped to build Comanche-co. She and her husband knew the meaning of toil and sacrifice, and they were among the number who did not falter when reverses came. Of them it may truthfully be said, "They built for those who follow." Their memories will long be cherished by many Comanche-co. people.
Also see:
Stephen S. Lease, husband of Eva Arminta (Barber) Lease.
Earle Lease, son of Eva (Barber) Lease.
Fern (Lease) Kehl Sarasien, daughter of Eva (Barber) Lease.
Mrs. Catherine Lease, mother in law of Eva (Barber) Lease.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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