The people of Coldwater and vicinity were saddened on Tuesday morning of this week when they learned that Mrs. Frank Betzer, one of the town's best loved women, had died at 10 o'clock p.m. on the evening before in the new Wesley hospital in Wichita, whither she had gone on the previous Thursday for medical treatment.On Saturday morning she underwent a surgical operation, and seemed to rally therefrom and at first gave promise of a rapid recovery, but on Monday ether pneumonia set in and from that time her vitality rapidly weakened. The news of her death, being thus so unexpected, came as a shock to her many friends here. The body was brought to Coldwater on Wednesday, and interment was made on Thursday afternoon in Crown Hill cemetery.
Funeral services were conducted from the First Christian church and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. T. Wheeler. He spoke from the text, "But they desire a better country, that is, and heavenly." Heb. 11:16. The speaker dwelt upon some of the characteristics of the "heavenly country," referring to the fact that the future life of the real christian will be non polluted country, where none shall say, "I am sick," a more happy country - all causes of unhappiness being removed, tears all wiped away, no sorrow, crying or pain - death done away with; a permanent country- the everlasting kingdom and Christ the eternal king. Believers desire this country, and unbelievers may secure a title to it through faith in the Lord, Jesus.
Lizzie Johnson was born on October 24, 1882, in Little Beaver, Douglas-co., Mo. The family moved from Missouri to Kansas, locating in Stafford-co. There, on February 4, 1900, she was united in marriage with Frank Betzer. To this union five children were born, all of who, with the husband survive. The children are: Wilford Chedister, age 20; Mildred Alberta, aged 18; Edyth Melba, aged 12; Lois Marjorie, aged 3, and Phyllis Caroline, aged 17 months. She is also survived by three sisters and one brother, as follows: Mrs. Nettie Mullen of Stafford, Kans.; Mrs. Mollie Holden of Cimarron, Kans..; Mrs. Laura Fisher of St. John, Kans., and William Johnson of Stafford, Kans., all of whom were present at the funeral.
Mrs. Betzer was a loving and devoted wife and mother, her constant aim being to aid, in every way possible to the happiness and comfort of her family and all with whom she was in any way associated. Her consistent christian life was an inspiration to all about her. At the age of 11 she confessed her Lord and united with the Baptist church. When the family moved to this city, about 11 years ago, she became a member of the Christian church and remained a faithful member thereof. She was a constant student of her bible, as its well worn pages indicate, and as far as her health would permit, she rendered Christian service in a way which always bespoke the true christian woman. How much she will be missed in the family and in the community, can scarcely be expressed, but, although gone from among us, her influence will remain with us and her well spent life, although cut short in the midst of her busiest activities, will leave its beneficent influence upon the entire community, where she was so well known and loved. Mrs. Betzer's age at the time of her death was 38 years, 6 months and 8 days.
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