Mrs. Lettie Finlayson Passed Away
Funeral services for Mrs. Lettie N. Finlayson were held Monday, May 24th, 1948, at the home of her son, John, at 1:30 o’clock, followed with services at the First Congregational church with the Rev. John D. Engels in charge. Interment was in Olena Mound Cemetery.

Mrs. Lettie N. Finlayson, daughter of Robert E. and Ellen (Felmley) Stirling, was born April 29, 1874, in Grundy Center, Iowa. Here she grew up and spent most of her youth. After receiving her elementary education she graduated from the Cedar Falls high school. Following her graduation she entered the Cedar Falls Teachers’ College from which she graduated. After leaving college Mrs. Finlayson spent five years in the teaching profession and then decided upon a nursing career. She therefore entered the Michael Reese Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago to receive her training and graduated upon the completion of her work.

The deceased was united in marriage to Calvin G. Finlayson on June 3, 1903, after which the couple took up their residence on a farm at Armstrong, Iowa. Here they remained for nine years after which they moved to a farm five miles east of Buffalo Center. To their marriage union four sons were born: John, Robert, Harry and Wilbur. Two sons, Harry and Wilbur, preceded their mother in death. Her husband also, passed away about eleven years ago.

Last fall Mrs. Finlayson secured a position in a home in Des Moines as a private nurse, but about three weeks ago she became ill and was removed to a hospital there. Her condition apparently seemed to be improving and she was making good progress toward recovery, and was expected to leave the hospital shortly. However, on Friday morning, May 21, 1948, at about seven o’clock, death came very unexpectedly resulting from a heart ailment. Thus at the age of 74 years and 22 days our sister departed this present life to be at home with the Lord whom she loved and had served with a great measure of devotion.

Mrs. Finlayson was a member of the First Congregational church of Buffalo Center for about the last 36 years. She was always very active and took a keen interest in the work of the church. She was for many years an active member of the Woman’s Fellowship of this church. Also, during the past war she was an active member of the United Service Women here in Buffalo Center, and held the office of chaplain in that organization.

The departed was a good mother and a kind and friendly neighbor. During her life she made very good use of her training as a nurse and was many times employed in this capacity. She was an earnest Christian, a woman of deep piety and possessed a good knowledge of the Word of God. She was always regular and faithful in her attendance at divine services and her presence will be greatly missed. She was honored and respected in her circle of many friends.

The following survive who mourn her passing:
Two sons: John of Buffalo center, and Robert of Des Moines
Three sisters: Mrs. Zella Stowe of Stout, Iowa; Mrs. Charlotte Belt of Alberta, Canada; and Belle Stirling of Los Angeles, Calif. One brother: Ira Stirling of Ontario, Canada. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren.
Besides her husband and her two sons, she was preceded in death by two sisters, four brothers and two grandchildren.
Also to mourn her passing are a host of friends.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Relatives and friends attending the funeral were Mrs. Laura Stirling of Mason City, Mr. and Mrs. Charley Rudebeck of Gladbrook, Mr. and Mrs. Wilis Harris and daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Aust of Armstrong; Mr. A.G. Angus and daughter, Grace, Mrs. Delmer Angus of Lone Rock. [The Buffalo Center Tribune, Buffalo Center, IA, May 27, 1948]
- contributor Merllene -