From The Thirteen Towns:

Mary Ophelia Hilliard

Lengby, Feb. 10.-On Tuesday, February 4th the news was spread about that Mrs. Mary Ophelia Hilliard had passed into eternity. Just one week had she been sick. She was taken ill with pneumonia very suddenly. She seemed to overcome that attack and rallied so that there seemed good hopes of her recovery. But her heart proved too weak and she was called to leave her dear ones to go to the mansions of the blessed.

Mrs. Mary Ophelia Hilliard was born at Beaver Dam, Wis., on the second day of July, 1850. About 49 years ago she and her husband moved to Clay county, Minn. In 1892 the family settled in the community were Mrs. Hilliard has since resided.

Mrs. Hilliard was interested in the affairs of the church. She was an active member of the Fridhem Lutheran church and did all she could to extend the work of God's kingdom. She was always at the services and often communed at the Lord's table. She loved her Savior and wanted to show her love in an active ministry.

But not only was she interested in the affairs of her church but to all that pertained to the welfare of the community. She will be greatly missed by the people of Lengby and surrounding country as her influence was brought to bear in all works for the common good. We are not able to value such influences as we should as long as they are with us, but when they are gone we miss them so.

She was deeply loved by those about her. "Grandma" was always so considerate for the welfare of her children and especially the grandchildren. The loving and considerate spirit of "grandma" was the joy of the family gatherings.

Last August the heavy sorrow of the loss of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas, of Michigan was laid upon her heart. Just three weeks before her own funeral she was called upon to be at the grave of her son, Herbert. Silently she bore the grief, but inwardly she felt it very, very keenly.

Mrs. Hilliard was at her death 79 years, 7 months and 2 days. Those of the immediate family are her daughter Mrs. Albright of Lengby; her son, Wilfred Hilliard of Lengby, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday from the home at 1:30 p.m. and from the Fridhem church at 2 o'clock. Rev. E. Erickson of Hallock officiated. The body was laid to rest in the Lengby cemetery.