GRAY, Sarah
Source: Waynetown Despatch, Waynetown, Indiana 12 May 1922
Sarah E. Gray, the subject of this sketch, was born at the old home, 1 ¼ miles south of Wesley. Here she spent her girlhood days and grew to womanhood. Although Sarah was never married she had the cares of a home. Her mother preceded her in death some 30 years ago. Then Sarah took up the duties of her mother and kept the home for her aged father and brothers, Joe and George. Her household duties were lightened after the marriage of Joe, yet Sarah never gave up hard work. She loved to be advised about household duties, but the rougher outdoor work she took on herself. She would often say, “No, you must not do that; I will” never saving herself, but always trying to lighten the burden of others. She was always interested in her brothers and sisters, always ready to give them her assistance in time of need. At an early age on May 14, 1876 nearly half a century ago, was confirmed into the Phanuel Evangelic Lutheran Church near Wallace, Fountain County during the pastorate of John M. Sappenfield. She was always true to her church and her motto was found in the lines on her confirmation certificate: “Lord, in the strength of grace, with a glad heart and free; myself, my residue of days, I consecrate to thee. Thy ransomed servant, I restore to the Thee Thy own, and from this moment live or die, to serve my Lord alone.” In this faith, she sweetly passed away, at the home where she was reared on Sunday April 23, 1922, having lived 63 years 3 months 9 days The passing away of this life leaves vacant in the home a sister, in the neighborhood, a good neighbor. Her parents preceded her in death a number of years ago. Her only sister passed to the great beyond four years ago this month. Her brother, Joe with whom she lived all her life, departed this life one year ago the 18th of this month. Sarah was ready to go; many times since the death of Joe, she has expressed her desire to go. So, all we may say will not add to, or detract from this well spent life. But we shall remember her as a Sister loving and true, ready and willing to be of service to you; Never faltering or shirking anything to do but sticking to every task till twas through. She lived in the faith her Christ taught, doing good was what she sought; living the faith of her church’s creed was joy, contentment and supplied her every need. Sarah leaves two brothers, AK and George Gray, both living near the old home; three nieces, Mrs. Clella M. VanCleave of New Market; Mrs. Cora M. Terry and Mrs. Jessie F. Foster, Whitesville; a number of friends and neighbors to mourn the loss of a good sister and neighbor. A large crowd assembled at the home Wednesday morning to pay their last respects to the deceased. The funeral discourse was delivered by Rev. Isiah Whitman of Mulberry, Ind. Interment in Wesley cemetery under the directions of Utterback & Grenard. Those from a distance were: Frank Gray of Bloomington, Ill; Mrs. CW Gooding and daughter Airtine of Noblesville, Ind.