Death In Sleep For Mrs. Herman Roleke

Died Early Wednesday Morning At Home Of Mrs. M. C. Cole

Born in Bethany in 1861

Final Rites Will Be at 2:30 P.M. Tomorrow (Friday) at Haas Funeral Home; Burial at Pythian Cemetery

As John Joy Bell wrote: "Always somebody goin' away - somebody gettin' home," seems appropriate as we chronicle the deaths the last few months of so many pioneer citizens of Bethany.

While Mrs. Rachel Roleke, 84, widow of Herman Roleke, had been in failing health since Christmas and had been taken to the home of her daughter Mrs. M.C. Cole and Mr. Cole, where she could have every comfort and care, her death, early Wednesday morning, came as a shock to members of the family and to many Bethany friends. She had insisted late Tuesday night that her daughter, and son Joe Roleke who had arrived that morning from Denver, Colo., go to bed and get their rest. Mrs. Cole awakening about 2:30 yesterday morning went to her mother's room and the death angel had come, practically at that time. She went without a struggle while she slept.

Pioneer Mother

Mrs. Roleke, a pioneer mother of this city, was born in Bethany on Oct. 28, 1861, the daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Henry) Mainwaring. Her parents were born in Liverpool, England, and came to this country when quite young.

Mrs. Roleke possessed a strong Christian character and was a faithful worker for many years in the Bethany Christian church. Of late years she transferred her membership to the Seven Day Adventists, a belief which she felt gave her more comfort during her declining years. At all times, however, regardless of church affiliation, Mrs. Roleke was found where she was most needed, ministering to and serving her family and friends.

Life-long Resident

To her, Bethany was almost a paradise, and she spent her entire life within its confines with the exception of visits to her children in Colorado. The writer of this article recalls how she was always happy to return home, and vowed never to leave again the community of her birth and residence for four score years.

Rachel, when 21 years of age, was married on March 12, 1882, to Herman Roleke. Her death came the day following their 62nd wedding anniversary. To this union six children were born. Three daughters, Mabel, Lena, wife of C.E. Poland, and Agnes, wife of Dee Scott, preceded her in death. Surviving children are Gertrude, wife of J. Harvey Burris, and Joe B. Roleke, both of Denver, Colo., and Hazel, wife of M.C. Cole of Bethany. Mr. Roleke passed away April 17, 1930, and Mrs. Roleke soon moved from their home, located at beautiful Roleke Park, to an apartment in her building just south of the city hall.

Happy Hours Remembered

The name of Roleke is always associated with the Park, where many of the older and younger citizens of Bethany and community, were made welcome by the hospitality of Mrs. Herman Roleke. Boys and girls of yesteryear, now men and women, will never forget the happy hours in that beauty spot of Bethany.

Now they feel in the words of the beautiful song "Goin' Home," that Mrs. Roleke's work is done, her cares are laid by and quiet-like she went home, where are gathered so many dear ones and friends she knew. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at the Haas funeral home by the Rev. C.A. Mock of St. Joseph. Mrs. H.C. Shroyer will sing. Burial will be in the family lot at Pythian cemetery.