Mrs. Maggie Pepperd Maple, one of Comanche county's most beloved pioneers passed away quietly in the Comanche County Hospital on Monday, July 30, 1956. She had been in declining health for a number of years and had been in the hospital the past 15 months.Funeral services were held in the Baptist church in Wilmore, Kans., Wednesday, August 1, at 4:00 p.m. and were in charge of Rev. Ernest Lawrence, local pastor, and Rev. L. H. Gillham, pastor of the Coldwater Presbyterian church. Mrs. Ernest Lawrence sang, "My Home Sweet Home," and "Abide With me," accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Wade Ziegler.
Active pallbearers were Ed Baker, Jack Grace, Valtos Richardson, Homer Ring, Myrl Dellinger and Austin Cobb. Honorary pallbearers were Harold Bragg, Fay Moberley, Carl Snyder, Fay Smith, Leo Thornberry, Sam Lawrence, Lloyd Alder, C. O. Masterson, Clarence Coles, Ray Helbert, Ernest Ferrin and Dewey Healan. Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery at Coldwater, Kans.
Obituary. Margaret Maple was born October 5, 1869, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Patrick and Bridget Pepperd. She passed away in the Comanche County Hospital at 5:40 p.m. on July 30, 1956, at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 25 days.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Maple, in May, 1928, two sisters, one in infancy, and four brothers.
At the age of 15 she moved with her family to the Cap Pepperd farm, which is now the Ray Helbert place, three miles southeast of Wilmore. She spent the remainder of her life near the same locality.
She was united in marriage to Jay W. Maple on February 18, 1914, at Ashland, Kans. "Aunt Maggie" as she was affectionately known by all who knew her was always cheerful, with a keen sense of humor, never complaining about anything. She did a lot of practical nursing in the days when doctors were not available and she cared for her own mother for several years preceding her death. She also took over the task of mortician many times in the early days when the care of bodies was quite different than it is today. She always took a keen interest in young people and they often went to her with their problems.
Although she was confirmed in the Catholic faith as a child, she was always faithful in attendance and support of the Baptist church in Wilmore and Jesus was very real to her.
She is survived by two brothers, Nick Pepperd of Coldwater and Tom Pepperd of Wilmore, ten nephews, four nieces and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss the presence of this beloved pioneer.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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