Again the death angel has come and taken one of our most beloved friends and neighbors.  Lydia M. Reece [sic] was born August 6, 1843, in Farmersville Ohio, and died at her home here on Tuesday, Feb. 10 1903, aged 60 years, 6 months and 4 days.  She was married to Albert S. Bear, Sept. 22, 1866.  To them were born seven children, vis., Mrs. Myrtle Fry, of Laporte, Texas, Van of Tennessee, Ill., Lawrence, Kate, Jennie and Elva, of this place, who with husband survive her.  She united with the Methodist church when quite young and was faithful to her church and her God.  Her bright, sunny cheerfulness of disposition was manifested throughout the long struggle with that dread disease, consumption, to the moment of her death.  No words of complaint escaped her lips during her suffering, and the coming of death itself was welcomed instead of feared.

One cannot imagine this dear woman as ever having been irreligious, or think of her as showing other than a lovable character.  She was of an affectionate nature, always meeting her friends with a smile and giving them a cordial greeting.  My recollection of Mrs. Bear goes back to the earliest chapter of my own personal history.  I recall how Mrs. Bear always took an interest in, and encouraged the boys and girls of our community.  I remember the pleasant gatherings at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Bear.  Her nature was such that she could mingle with the young as well as the old. None of us ever thought of her being otherwise than a young person among us.  The young people all loved her and she was proud of them; she rejoiced in their success and grieved ever any sorrow that befell them as if they were her own children.  So identified was this woman with hte [sic] other community that when her summons came, a quiet fell upon the place as through the light had come .... [four narrow lines of mostly illegible text] .... and young shared in the sense of bereavement, for to both this woman had been a friend, especially to the youngest ones.  In her home the young people had a generous and never failing welcome.

Her children were all present at her death, but Mrs. Fry, and as they gathered around her bedside at her death she gave to them her personal blessing.  To them also is left that richest heritage of all -- the sacred memory of a christian mother.  The funeral services were held at Majorville church Thursday Feb. 12, at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. F. M. Wilson, who preached an excellent discourse and tenderly and effectively eulogized the life of the deceased, after which the remains were laid to rest in Majorville cemetery.  Her casket was covered with many beautiful flowers as tokens of love and esteem from her friends.  The church and the community feel their loss in her departure and extend their sympathy to the bereaved family and relatives in whose sorrow they share.