"Mrs. Bunker died at Apple River on Wednesday night of last week, and the remains were brought overland to Lena Friday, arriving here at noon. The funeral took place from the Baptist church, Rev. C.E. Wren officiating, and the remains were interred in the Lena cemetery. We have been furnished the following obituary notice of the deceased:
Nancy Lobdell was born Sept. 5, 1830, in Clinton Co., New York. When a young woman she moved to Canada where she married Thomas J. Bunker, Sept. 20, 1849. Shortly after their marriage, in company with her husband she came to New York, where they continued to reside for several years. Over thirty years ago they came to Stephenson County, Ill., and established their residence near Lena, where they resided continuously till death claimed her husband in October 1881. To them were born eleven children-five boys and six girls. With the exception of one, all grew to manhood or womanhood. All are married except one, who is now seriously ill in Iowa. Death has however been making havoc in the family as the years have been passing, and already three of the children have crossed over. For several years sister Bunker has resided in Apple River most of the time with her daughter, Mrs. Beri Serviss. She continued in her usual health until about a week ago, when she took a heavy cold which combined with asthma made speedy work. She seemed to realize from the first that her last sickness was upon her. For her, death had no terrors. She faced the monster with the heroism of a veteran, as she was in the service of her King. For many years she was a faithful member of the Baptist church, and her children have many pleasant recollections of being gathered about her and admonished to remember "their Creator in the days of their youth." She was conscious to the last, and gave repeated assurance that the rod and staff of Jehovah fully upheld her in the swelling flood. Personally, we believe there are "crowns," and if there are (which we cannot question) we have no doubt she wears one. We sorrow but she rejoices. We feel a sense of loss, but our loss is her gain."
C.H. Hoffman Pastor Apple River M.E. Church