A resident of Douglas County since the 60's, Mrs. Ada Shear died Saturday, March 26, at the home of her son, Frank Benn in the north part of Alexandria, at the age of 72 years. She suffered a heart attack that day and died in about half an hour.
Ada Guiles was born in Binghamton, New York, December 31, 1865. Her parents came west when she was only a year old and were among the first settlers in the Holmes City community, just after the close of the Civil War. She grew to womanhood there and was married February 8, 1888 to Victor H. Benn. The family lived at Holmes City for more than 20 years, until the death of Mr. Benn. Six children were born to this union, of whom five survive their parents: Mrs. Geo. Eggleston of Port Angeles, Washington, Mrs. Myrtle Kelly of Anoka, Mrs. Cecil Agnew of Mahnomen, Frank Benn of this city, Mrs. Mamie Strom of Chateau, Montana. One child preceded the mother in death.
On April 24, 1899, the widow was married to Charles Shear of Alexandria. Two sons were born to this union: Harrison Shear of Rockford, Illinois and Laurel Shear of Alexandria.
She is also survived by three sisters: Mrs. Cora Johnson of Alexandria and Mrs. Joe Bykonen of Powers Lake, North Dakota and Mrs. Jack Johnson of Holmes City and four brothers: W. R. Guiles of Holmes City, John W. and Louis H. Guiles, who live in Washington and Francis Guiles of Great Falls, Montana. Two sisters preceded her in death. There are 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon at 1:45 o'clock at the Engstrom Funeral Home and at 2:00 o'clock at the Methodist Church; Rev. E. W. Munson officiating. Mrs. David Anderson and Mrs. Oscar Solum sang "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Abide With Me".
Burial was in Kinkead Cemetery. The pallbearers were O. L. solstad, C. H. Frisell, P. M. Peterson, Ralph Clarno, Andrew McKay and C. A. D. Olson
(reprinted from Park Region Echo, Alexandria, Minnesota - 31 March 1938)