BELLE PLAINE NEWS 9 Feb 1928

Mary Eliza Cox was born Nov. 28,1858, on a farm near Decatur, Ills., and departed this life Jan. 30,1928 at the age of 69 yrs., 2 mo. and two days.

In 1877 she moved with her parents, to a farm southeast of Belle Plaine, now occupied by Ray Barner, where they lived one year. During this time they purchased the farm now owned by Mrs. Myrtle Fisher, where her parents lived until their death.

She was united in marriage to Orin Roundy Smith Oct 3 1878. They resided in Belle Plaine, where they run a general mercantile store for a few years. They sold this business and bought a farm southeast of Belle Plaine where she lived until her death. To this union one child was born, Mrs. Frank Lanier, with whom she resided until her death. Her husband preceded her in death nine years ago. She leaves to mourn her loss, one daughter, Mrs. Frank Lanier, one grandaughter, Mary Margaret Lanier; two sisters, Mrs. A.L. Barner and Mrs. Myrtle Fisher, of Belle Plaine, Kans., one brother Joseph Cox, of Wichita.

In 1883 she united with the Methodist church and lived a faithful christian life. She was a kind loving mother and was loved by all her friends and neighbors for her kindness and generosity.

Her passing leaves a vacancy in the home and community that can never be filled.

The funeral services were held from the M. E. Church at Belle Plaine, conducted by Rev. Clifford Moody, pastor of the Palestine M.E. Church. here was a large number present to pay their last respects to a friend and neighbor. A mixed quartette composed of Miss Ruth Koger and Mrs. John Tennery, Messrs Russell Reitz and Walter Plagge furnished the songs. Pall bearers were John Koger, Elmer Poovy, Max Reitz, Thos. Barner, Bert Shade and Levi Elenburg. Burial took place at the Belle Plaine cemetery.