After an illness extending through several months, Mrs. J. W. Stark died at 12:30 a.m. on last Wednesday, October 8, 1919, at her home 11 miles south and 2 miles east of this city. Mrs. Stark's sickness began about a year ago. The best medical assistance obtainable was called in the case, yet no permanent relief was obtained. Her ailment was diagnosed as hardening of the arteries and consequent weakness of the heart action. About a week ago her condition began to grow gradually worse, and slowly her vitality, which had already become greatly weakened, slipped away. She was conscious, however, almost to the end and was fully prepared for the event of death. Her long suffering was borne with wonderful patience and christian fortitude. Her enduring faith in the mercy and goodness of her Master helped to keep her through the long days of her sickness.Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Episcopal church in Coldwater on Thursday afternoon and were attended by a large number of the neighbors and friends of the family. The services were in charge of Rev. H. G. Porter, the M. E. pastor on the Coldwater circuit. Internment was in the Coldwater cemetery by the side of her daughter, Mrs. Carrie Bunyard.
Deceased before her marriage was Miss Callie M. Sewell. She was born in Perryville, Perry co., Mo., on September 9, 1861. Her age, therefore, at the time of her death was 58 years and 29 days. In Perryville, Mo., on March 2, 1882, she was united in marriage with John W. Stark. Two years later Mr. and Mrs. Stark moved to this county, settling on a claim where they built up a home and continued to live. They knew well the hardships of pioneer life in a new country, but they persevered and stayed with the country through all its vicissitudes as well as its more encouraging experiences. Here they reared their family, here they planned and worked that their declining years might be blessed with some of the comforts and conveniences of life, and in this ambition they had begun to realize their expectations. Mrs. Stark was widely known in the county and by all she was regarded as one of the best of neighbors and friends. Her hospitality, her kindness to all about her and her customary bright outlook upon life won for her many warm friends, and now that she has passed away, she will be greatly missed in the entire community where she was so well known. Mrs. Stark had been a member of the Catholic church practically all her life; and she exemplified in countless ways the genuine Christian experience and faith which she professed.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Stark is survived by one son, Bernard Stark, and one daughter, Mrs. Bessie Cummings, both of this county. One daughter, Mrs. Carrie Bunyard, died about 10 years ago. She is also survived by one brother, Alonzo Sewell, whose home is in Alva, Okla. The bereaved relatives have the sincere sympathy of all in their hour of sad affliction.
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