OBITUARY:
Simple Services Mark Last Rites for "Grandma" Carruth
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Pioneer Beaver Falls Woman Died at Home of Son After Being Ill Since August---Reached Age of 94 Years.
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Simple but impressive funeral services were held 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the Beaver Falls town hall for Mrs. Mary L. "Grandma" Carruth, one of the oldest women in Renville county, who died at the home of her son, Parker, in Beaver township Thursday morning of last week at the age of 94 years, 9 months and 3 days.
A short service was held first at her son's home at 1:30 p.m. burial was made in Beaver Falls cemetery besides her husband who passed away in 1919. Rev. C.C. Swalwell, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, Redwood Falls, officiated at the rites.
All the years of her long life were marked with exceptional health and vigor. Her stamina seemed inexhaustible, and on her ninety-fourth birthday on April 30 of last year, over 40 relative and friends gathered to congratulate her and marvel at the active manner in which she took part in the day's celebration.
During summer her strength finally started to fail, and on August 15, she was forced to bed, where she remained until death closed the span of life. Despite the fact that she grew gradually weaker after being confined to bed, Mrs. Carruth maintained a cheerful and optimistic attitude. Visitors to her bedside were impressed with the remarkable tone of her keen mind.
It was not until the last weeks before her death, that the infirmities of old age dulled her memory. All her life she was known as a brilliant woman, and she kept her thoughts clear and accurate until practically the last.
Mrs. Carruth was known too her large following of friends and relatives as a woman of outstanding character. Despite circumstances she was always cheerful and happy, and did not know what despondency meant. In the memory of her descendants she will always live as a noble woman and be a source of inspiration to them.
She was exceptionally fond of children, and appeared to have an inner understanding of their little mannerisms that made her a favorite wherever she went. To everyone, both young and old, she was known as "Grandma." It was hearing this from her friends that pleased her most. It was a title she was proud to possess
Until within recent years, Mrs. Carruth always made herself as useful as possible around the home. She insisted that part of the day's work be placed upon her as a responsibility. It was probably the realization that she was a strong woman despite advanced age that prompted her to do as much housework as possible.
Born in western Ontario, Canada, April 30, 1838, Mrs. Carruth, nee Mary L. Couzens, came to Beaver Falls with her husband, James Carruth while living in Canada and they were married there about 1860.
After coming to Beaver Falls they lived on a farm until 1896, when they left for LeSueur to live. Ten years later they returned to Beaver Falls and lived in the village itself until 1919 when Mr. Carruth died. Since that time Mrs. Carruth had been living with her children. For a while she stayed with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Brown, but for the last five years she made her home with Parker Carruth in Beaver Falls township.
Although the famous Battle of Birch Cooley had already been fought, and the Civil was ended, Mr. and Mrs. Carruth found this section of the state still a wilderness when they arrived. Beaver Falls had sprung up as a flourishing little trading center, but the territory north was very sparsely populated.
A considerable number of new families settled at Beaver in 1867, and Mrs. Carruth and her husband followed in their wake a few years later. Hey experienced all the hardships of the early pioneers. The Indians were still dangerous, and in addition to that the prairie fires and long, severe winters added to the difficulties of life.
After leaving Beaver Falls in 1896 they sold the old homestead, but during the 24 years that they farmed in that community, they prospered and were happy by dint of courage and hard work. The memory of Mr. and Mrs. Carruth will always be linked with their leadership and progressiveness in a growing pioneer community.
There were 14 children born to them, 10 of whom are still living. They are as follows: Parker Carruth, Mrs. Henry Zumwinkle and Wallace Carruth of Beaver Falls, Mrs. Louis Brown, Joe Carruth and William Carruth of Morton; Albert Carruth of Danvers, Minn; Arthur Carruth of Clayton, Wis.; Mrs. Rose Seebeck of Milwaukee, Wis, and Mrs. Margaret Zumwinkle of Redwood Falls.
With the death of "Grandma" Carruth a long line of descendants are left to carry on her ideals and guidance. She had 57 grandchildren, 81 great grandchildren, and 9 great, great grandchildren.
One of her sons, Albert, who lives at Danvers, Minn., could not attend the funeral because of illness. His two sons, Clarence and Delmer, however, were present.( Morton Enterprise - Thurs. Feb. 9, 1933)