Joseph R. Baker

 Joseph R. Baker, son of William and Margaret [Morris] Baker was born in Sangamon Co., Illinois, February 9, 1861. Departed this life February 17, 1946, age 85 years, 8 days. When he was six years of age, his parents moved to a farm near Bancroft where he grew to manhood. He was united in marriage April 10, 1887, to Carrie W. Carty. To this union five daughters were born, one of which died in infancy. The surviving daughters are Mrs. Lula Brown, Mrs. Eva Smith and Mrs. Mae Smith of Jamesport, and Mrs. Ona Cole, of Kansas City. He also leaves one sister, Martha Smith of Gilman City, which is the only surviving member of the family of eight children. He also leaves eleven grandchildren and nine great grand children, many other relatives and friends.

Joe as he was known to his many friends in this community spent the major portion of his life here having resided on his farm until the death of his companion Oct. 28, 1922, after which he took up his residence in Excelsior Springs. He enjoyed exceptionally good health until the past three or four years. Since his declining health he could still read and enjoy the radio and papers and kept informed on current events and was able to discuss topics of the day with his friends whom he always received with a hearty welcome. At the age of 38 he was converted under the preaching of Rev. J. H. Burrows and united with the Pilot Grove No. One Church. From the many manifestations all feel he had unmistakable faith in the Savior and expressed himself many times as being anxiously awaiting his call. Lord when fair skies I’d choose and find, The day is dreary and unkind. Let me not cling my faith away, But let me calmly face the day. So standing at life’s window pane, Our tears must fall as falls the rain, Let us remember and be brave, Life is not finished at the grave. The following old friends carried the remains to his last resting place: S. A. Bartlett, Percy Miller, R. G. Griffith, Tom Fitch, Tony Leffringhouse and Owen Johnson. Flower girls were Mrs. Charles Wickizer, Mrs. Randall Hudson, Mrs. Debert Arthaud and Miss Peggy Nichols. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Chester Sharrah. Burial was in Pilot Grove No. 1 cemetery near his old home.

CARD OF THANKS. We wish to express our most sincere appreciation to our friends and neighbors for the floral tributes and many other acts of kindness. They will always be remembered and cherished by us. Mr. and Mrs. George Smith and son, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brown family, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Smith and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Cole and family. Submitted by Lanita Sconce Smith.

Laura Elma Carty

Laura Elma Carty, the subject of this sketch, was a daughter of John and Martha Carty. She was born near Scranton, Iowa, Sept 20, 1875. At the age of two years she was left an orphan, at which time she was taken to Billings, Montana to make her home with her Aunt Lou Thompson, where she lived until she was eleven years of age. W hen her sister, Carrie, who preceded her in death nearly eighteen years, was united in marriage with Joseph R. Baker, they sent for her and she came and made her home with them until December 19, 1894 when she was united in marriage with Tony R. Ray. To this union were born six children: Bonnie, Elmo and Frankie of Gilman City; Mrs. Lucille Bartlett of Ellington, Mo., and Mrs. Vera Larkin of St. Louis, Mo. One child dying in infancy. She spent her entire married life on the farm where she lived at the time of her death, with the exception of six years, which was spent on the old home place. Beside rearing her own family, she and her husband very graciously and tenderly cared for one nephew, Buell D. Oliphant, whose mother passed away when he was only 14 days old. She also took her husband’s mother [Mother Ray] in to her own home and they looked after, cared for and did all that was possible for her comfort for over six years.

She bore her burdens and afflictions with patience, had a loving smile for everyone, never uttering a complaint. Her life indeed was a life of usefulness and sacrifice for others. She told her family that she was willing and ready to go, that all would be right at the end. We feel sure that Laura, as we all knew and called her, is today enjoying that happy home above with her Blessed Saviour. May God’s choicest blessing be with her and her family is our prayer. I cannot say, I will not say that she is dead, she is just away. With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, She has wandered into an unknown land, And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since she lingers there. And you, oh you, who the wildest yearn For the old time step and the glad return -- Think of her fairing on, as dear In the love of there as the love of here; Think of still as the same I say, She is not dead, she is just away.

Funeral services were conducted at Pilot Grove Baptist Church No. 1, by Rev. A. H. Smith and wife of Gilman City, MO. The following songs were beautifully rendered by Mrs. Elsie Lynch of Gallatin, Mo, “Sunrise”, “Death is On’y a Dream” and “The Perfect Day.” Mrs. Inez Misner, of Gilman City, pianist. The floral offerings were both gorgeous and very beautiful. Pallbearers were: Ralph Gillette, Ray Tourney, Hobart Burrell, Russell Dowding, V.J. Ward and P. A. Miller. The flower girls were: Mrs. Mildred Moulin, Mrs. Majorie Brown, Mrs. Russell Dowding, Mrs. Bery Planck, Mrs. Herbert Arthaud, Mrs. Mildred Ray, Mrs. Opal Burrell and Mrs. Ellen Miller.

CARD OF THANKS. We desire to express our sincere thanks to all our friends and neighbors who so graciously lended their help and presence during the sickness and death of our beloved mother, Laura E. Ray. Your presence, sympathy and assistance will never be forgotten. Sincerely, Tony R. Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Bonnie Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Frankie Ray, Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Bartlett, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Larkin. Submitted by Lanita Sconce Smith

Dorothy Lelah Smith Ward

The death angel has visited our community and called a dearly loved one from our midst. Dorothy Lelah Ward, daughter of W. D. and Margery [Buttrick] Smith was born in Gentry County Missouri December 27, 1898. She departed this life on Sept. 19, 1947 at her home in Jamesport, MO, at the age of 48 years, 8 months and 22 days. She was united in marriage to Lonnie E. Ward on July 3, 1920. They were the parents of two sons, William Edward Ward of Springfield and Omer Earl Ward of Polk, Mo. She is survived by her husband, two sons, and three grandchildren, Junior Joyce and Jerry Ward, and her devoted daughters in law, Mildred and Marcelline Ward. Besides these survivors, she leaves her aged father and mother, three sisters, Mrs. Anna Cole and Mrs. Pearl Stith of Jamesport, Mo., and Mrs. Ruth Grother of Kansas City, Mo; also four brothers, George, Jess and Edd Smith of Jamesport, and Loren J. Smith of Vallejo, Calif.

She was converted while a young lady and united with Pilot Grove No. 1 Church. Her life of sacrifices and thoughtfulness of others bore witness of her true Christian character. She suffered much pain in her illness and affliction with a patience and courage few people possess. She expressed herself as being anxious to receive her call. Her Savior beckoned and she quietly slipped from this life into the Portals of Glory. Through all her pain at times she’d smile A smile of heavenly birth. And when the angels called her home, She smiled farewell to earth. Heaven holds now our treasure. Earth the lonely casket keeps, And the sunbeams love to linger Where our sainted mother sleeps.

The following songs were beautifully rendered: “Old Rugged Cross” and “Going Down the Valley” by Dora Hays and Pearl Stout, and “Shadows” by Earl Nell. Flower bearers were Eileen Holmes, Bernadine Trimble, Roberta Wickizer, Anna Louise Williams, Marcella Smith and Peggy Sue Nichols. Pallbearers were Albert Trimble, Rienzi Cole, Herman Grother, John Holmes, Jim Stith and Nevin Smith. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Chester Sharrah and Rev. Lewis Clark. Interment was in Pilot Grove No. 1 Cemetery. Submitted by Lanita Sconce Smith.

William Lee Smith

On last Saturday, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Smith, who reside six miles south of Gilman was fatally burned by falling into a tub of hot soap suds. The tub of hot water was setting on the walk which leads to the well and “Billy” as he was called by all, in some manner fell into it. He climbed out by himself before his mother got to him and at first it was thought that the burns would not prove fatal. Dr. Harris of Jamesport was summoned and readily it developed that the burns were more serious than thought of. He grew worse rapidly and died Saturday night about 11 o’clock the same day of the accident. The father and mother were prostrated with grief as this was the only child and the tragically sudden death of Billy was more than they could bear. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Corner church, five miles south of Gilman. Rev. C. H. Walton of the First Baptist Church of Gilman City officiated. A great crowd attended the funeral and the grief and loss for little Billy was painfully showed in all. This loss however is Heaven’s gain and it will be easier to follow him since the Great Shepherd has carried this lamb on before. The entire community joins in sympathy now with the bereaved father and mother and all the relatives.

William Lee Smith was born September 8, 1919, departed from this life June 23, 1923 at the age of 3 years, 7 months and 15 days. He was loved and cherished by all who knew him. He leaves to mourn his departure a mother, father, grandparents and a host of relatives and friends. Darling baby how we’ll miss you, Miss your smiling face, You have left us all in sorrow For no one can take your place. When this life of grief is ended And we leave this world of care Watch the Gate for us, dear baby, We will try to meet you there. Submitted by Lanita Sconce Smith.

Jess M. Butrick

Jess M. Butrick, 74, a resident of Leavenworth since 1942, who made his home with his daughter, Mrs. M. L. Hobbs, 818 Maple Avenue, died Tuesday afternoon at the Cushing Memorial Hospital. He had been in failing health for the past year and half and confined to bed since December. He was in the hospital the past five weeks.

Mr. Butrick was born in Caldwell County, Mo., on June 28, 1875, a son of George and Elizabeth Butrick, pioneers of Missouri. As a young man he lived near Albany, Mo., where he farmed. He later became a carpenter and a millwright and spent many years as a millwright in Leadville, Colo. in the mines there. Seven years ago, he retired and came to Leavenworth and made his home with his daughter since that time. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Surviving him are two daughters, Mrs. Beatrice Hobbs of the home, and Mrs. Lulu Beebe, 1010 South Third Street; a sister, Mrs. Marjorie Smith, Jamesport, Mo; three grandchildren, Mrs. Roy Lord and Miss Shirley Beebe of Leavenworth, and Hugh Bayne Jr., Denver; a great grandson, Hugh Bayne III, Leavenworth and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be a 2 o’clock Thursday at the Sexton Funeral Chapel. Rev. Roy Brady, past of the First Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Muncie Cemetery. The body is at the chapel. Submitted by Lanita Sconce Smith.

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