Rausey M. (Bryan) Woody, (b.- 08 Dec 1825 in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, GA & d.- 23 Jun 1920 in Lincoln, Kansas). Wife of the late Rev. Josiah A. Woody. She was known as "Grandma Woody". The following was copied from a faded newspaper obituary on 11 March 1973: " Love Never Faileth " I remember thier first home in Kansas. I stopped there in 1873 to inquire the way to Lincoln Center, ten miles away. It was near sunset-- they told me exactly how to get there, but as I turned to go on the main road I threw out some Sunday School papers for the children. Father Woody sent some of his boys to pick up the papers, and when he saw them to be religious-- I was called back and royally entertained, like a servant of Jesus Christ. They lived in a wonderful big dug out -- big enough to hold all the family and strangers, like "angels unawares". So I found and enjoyed a true Christian home full of love with Brother and Sister Woody and children. So often I sought refuge there, on my long journeys between Minneapolis and Lincoln. Sister Woody was the mother of 15 children. Eight are living in this world, seven have crossed over the river. In all there are two hundred and seventy two children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, a strong, healthy, happy race, many of them are true Christians. They believed home religion and taught their children in family worship, and prayed, " That He who stills the raven's clam'rous nest, and decks the lily fair in flow'ry pride, would, in the way his wisdom sees the best, for them and for thier little ones provide; but chiefly, in thier hearts with grace divine preside." She was the true wife of a pioneer minister, preaching " to save souls". They established churches at Saltville, Pottersburg, 3rd Creek near Barnard, At Ada, Beverly, Topsey and at Lincoln and at Round Springs. To do their work thoroughly Brother and Sister Woody would spend 4 or 5 weeks in a real old fashioned revival. People were poor in money in those days, but by their donation parties they tried to keep alive their minister and family, but their farm furnished most of the salary. She loved flowers and planted them along the walks in her vegetable garden. Many sweet flowers decorated her coffin. The secret of her long pure happy life of service is, "Trust in God and Love". As Saint John says; Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. God is Love. In the last two weeks of her life, when she was fading, she threw her arms around her son, Webb, and kissed him goodbye. The funeral services were held at the spacious home of her son Webb Woody east of Lincoln. The old time songs were chosen; Bro. Bradbury read her obituary, Rev. Griffith of Barnard chose this as his text, in the midst of our wheat harvest amid the sound of the reapers. "Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth, Thou shalt come to thy grave in full age, like as a shock of grain cometh in this season. Job 5:25-26. Grandma had guided Brother Griffith's life. "She told me" he said, "You ought to preach, Griffith." We have no need of sorrow--only joy. We shall see her again in a new body like Jesus. She toiled so hard for her dear ones, and worked with her needle to make quilts for them. She has finished the work God gave her to do. The wheat is ripe for the reaper and the heavenly garner. Let us all lay hold of the promise of Grandma's God, and Saviour. "Where I am there ye may be also. " John 14: 1-3 Many friends came to the funeral, some from Beverly, Barnard, and Abilene. Three sons were there and 15 Grandchildren. The burial was in the Lincoln Cemetery along side of her husband's grave. "Death is swallowed up in victory." Now it is Life ! Life ! Eternal Life !