BELLE PLAINE NEWS 15 Mar 1917

Delilah (Elder) Troutman was born in the state of Indiana, April 1st, 1857. At the age of four years upon the death of her father she went to live with her uncle, Geo., Sommerville. She was brought by him and his family to Oxford, Kansas when 17 years of age and remained with him until her marriage to Mr. M. Troutman, of Belle Plaine, April 20, 1876.

To this union five children were born, all of whom preceded their mother to the shores of Eternity when quite young except one son, George, who with his family resides at the old home.

She leaves to mourn her departure a devoted husband, a faithful son and family and an admiring stepdaughter, Mrs. Mahala Clevenger and children of Wellington, Kan., and a host of ardent friends and neighbors. Also three sisters and two brothers, all of whom reside in Indiana. Her mother died about seven years ago.

Mrs. Troutman became a member of the M.E. church in this city about eighteen or twenty years ago and lived in full fellowship with that church until her death. Aunt Delilah, as she was familiarly called, was one of those jolly, good natured wives and mothers whose love was unbounded and hospitality unmeasurable. To know her was to love her as was evidenced by the profusion of flowers heaped upon and about her casket by her admiring friends and loved ones. Many of whom with tearful eyes declared, "She was the best friend I ever had." She was a member of the Eastern Star, the Degree of Honor and a believer in Him who said, "He that believeth in me though he die, yet shall he live again."

The funeral occurred from the M.E. church in this city tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by J.H. Scott pastor, assisted by Rev. Hall of the Presbyterian church, after which the remains were laid to rest in the beautiful Belle Plaine cemetery, there to await the resurrection of the Just made perfect. The entire community mourns with the bereft husband and children and hereby extend their deepest sympathy.

Submitted by Nancy Willis