The Bardolph News, page 1

Thursday, April 1, 1943

Sperry.

Our community was saddened last Sunday by announcement of the passing of Mrs. Glenn Sperry. She had long been in poor health and her passing was not unexpected but nevertheless brought grief to all who knew her and admired her for the brave and uncomplaining manner in which she had borne her affliction so many years.

Mrs. Sperry suffered a severe stroke on Dec. 6, 1933, and her recovery was not expected at that time. However, her condition improved and within a few months was able to get about and assist in the care of her home. She has since gone about with members of her family, visiting her relatives, and has taken a number of long car trips with her husband, which she has greatly enjoyed. Some three months ago she suffered a severe illness involving her heart and since that time members of her family realized that she was failing. On Thursday evening she was able to prepare supper but during the night her condition became critical. She failed rapidly until she passed peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock.

Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday afternoon at Bushnell Presbyterian Church by Rev. F. A. Rhoades, pastor of that church. The large attendance of sympathizing friends and the great number of beautiful floral pieces attested the high esteem in which Mrs. Sperry was held. The songs were by Mrs. Geo. L. Chain and Mrs. Albert Clarke, with Miss Mary Campbell as accompanist. Pallbearers were Edward Sperry, Wayne Sperry, Archie M. Beal, Ralph W. Beal, Guy J. Sperry and Karl Nelson. Those in charge of the flowers were Mrs. Raymond Thompson, Miss Hellen Morrow, Mrs. Geo. L. Kelso, Mrs. Roy Nelson and Mrs. Karl Nelson. Interment was at Bushnell cemetery under the direction of L. C. Kugler, funeral director. All arrangements for the service had been name by Mrs. Sperry herself.

Bessie Olive Beal was the only daughter of Edward M. and Louella (Wilcox) Beal. She was born near Bardolph on April 7, 1889, and was 53 years, 11 months and 21 days of age at her passing on March 28, 1943. She attended the rural schools and then completed her schooling at Bardolph High School. As a girl and young woman she was quite active in the work of the local Methodist Sunday school, Epworth League and church and her participation in the work of the church, of which she was a member since girlhood, continued as long as her health permitted.

On June 22, 1911, Bessie was united in marriage with H. Glenn Sperry and they established their home on one of the Sperry farms near Bardolph, which continued to be her home throughout her life. Two sons were born to them, Carl Edward and Wayne Lee, both of whom, with their father, survive. Mrs. Sperry is also survived by her aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. Beal; by two brothers, Archie M. and Ralph W. Beal, and by two little granddaughters, Linda Sue and Carol Beth Sperry, all living in this vicinity.

Mrs. Sperry faced Death with confidence and unafraid. Her life was one of unselfishness and thoughtful interest in those about her. During her long illness her first consideration was for the welfare of her family. She had [several words illegible] condition but felt that Providence was kind to her in that she was permitted to live to see her sons happily established in their own homes and to indulge for a short while in the love of her two little granddaughters.

"She built of duties done a house of faith; from things seen a trust in the unseen. Gained power to meet bereavement and to find in living interests a balm for grief. And being faithful to the world she knew, faced unafraid the world of the unknown."