Mary Anna (Rilea) Chew
Mary Anna Rilea was born in Brown County, Ohio, February 12, 1840, and died at her home in Decatur County, January 6, 1909, being 68 years, 10 months and 24 days of age. She moved with her parents to Iowa in 1854, having resided in the same neighborhood 55 years with the exception of the last two years which they lived in Grand River, Iowa.
She was united in marriage to John W. Chew, December 20, 1860, and to this union were born six children, four of whom are living, Hadley, Lewis, Wesley and Bert, who were present at the funeral. Their only daughter died in infancy, and the third son, Joseph, preceded his mother to the better world about nine years ago.
She united with the M.E. Church at the age of 12 years and had lived a consistent Christian life since. With scarcely a struggle, she closed her eyes in that blessed sleep which knows no awakening. She was a kind and affectionate wife and mother. Her friends were numbered by her acquaintances, and while she is gone from us, her life will continue a blessing and her prayers for those who were near and dear to her will ever be a help and comfort in the time of need.
She leaves a husband, four sons, seven grandchildren, four sisters and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, while hers is an eternal gain.
A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is still.
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.
Posted in Decatur County Journal-IowaJanuary 14, 1909