Relatives and friends were shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. T. C. Pepperd who passed away in Colorado Springs Friday morning, August 23rd. Mrs. Pepperd had been in poor health for some time, having suffered a stroke earlier in the year. Mr. Pepperd and she had gone for her health, she seemed much improved.

Funeral services were held in the Wilmore Baptist Church Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock, with Rev. E. C. Wood of Greensburg officiating, assisted by Rev. D. B. Bennet and Rev. Marvin Penick. A solo, "Sunrise Tomorrow," was sung by Rev. Aljoe Watters and a male quartet composed of Ray Bigbee, Marvin Belcher, Delmar Horner and Walter Smith, sang "Beautiful Isle" and Abide with Me," accompanied by Mrs. Wade Zeigler.

The church was packed to capacity and the beautiful floral offerings showed the high esteem in which Mrs. Pepperd was held by her many relatives and friends.

Active pall bearers were: Lawrence York, Noah Dillinger, Dewey Barber. Honorary pall bearers were Harve Schrock, L. E. Baker, Sam Booth, Ernest Ferrin, William Booth, O. H. McCorkle, Perry Wall, Jeff Foree, Earl Ferrin, Lester Larimer, Alva York, Robert Booth and Ernest Hubbard.

Bertha Ann Bell, oldest child of John D. and Martha Bell, was born February 23, 1886, one mile west of Wilmore on the old Bell homestead, and departed this life in Colorado Springs, Colo., August 23, 1946, at the age of 60 years and 6 months.

Her entire life was spent in this community, her childhood and early womanhood being spent at the place of her birth. She was a member of one of the pioneer families who blazed new paths. At the age of 16 she professed Christ as her Savior and united with the United Brethren Church. She united with the Baptist Church June 24, 1917. Mrs. Pepperd's entire life was an open book to all who knew her.

On January 1, 1907, she was united in marriage to Thomas C. Pepperd. The Lord blessed their home with two daughters, Frances Margaret and Geneva Bell. Mrs. Pepperd was a wonderful woman, fulfilling all of the Biblical attributes of a mother.

The many reminders which she has left such as her scrap books and diary show her great interest in her many friends. She loved to have her friends visit her in her home and was always a gracious and kind hostess. One of her many outstanding characteristics was her devotion to her friends and her love of giving gifts and remembrances.

She was a faithful member of Grace Chapter No. 394 Order of the Eastern Star and enjoyed meeting her Sisters and Brothers there. Her church duties took first place in her life. When able to attend she was always seen in her customary place and remained faithful even after her illness.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas C. Pepperd, and by two daughters, Mrs. Lauren Ridge of Wilmore and Miss Geneva Pepperd, of Dodge City, Kans.; also a host of relatives and friends.

Her systematic manner of keeping records and her thoughtfulness of her family are exemplified in the fact that she had made all her funeral arrangements.

It has been said of Mrs. Pepperd by those who knew her best that "she always took the underdog's part." She was especially interested in the one with the handicap. the unfortunate one with an abiding sorrow; and she many times went beyond her strength in ministering to others. Like Mary of old, "She did what she could," and like her Master, "She went about doing good."

We shall miss her, but her memory will grow sweeter with the years and on that glad morning we shall meet again.

Gravestone of (at left) Bertha Ann Pepperd, and Thomas C. Pepperd.
Lot #224, Powell Township Cemetery, Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas.
Photo by John Edward (Ed) Schrock.

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Bessie Jane (Bell) Booth, sister of Bertha Ann (Bell) Pepperd.

Lauren Hays Ridge, son-in-law of Bertha Ann (Bell) Pepperd.

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Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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