FARGO - Rachel Catherine Searcy, daughter of Isaac & Caroline Batman East, was born in Crawford County on December 30, 1868, and died October 4, 1937, at the age of 68 years, 9 months and four days. She was married to Edgar Sherman Searcy in Crawford County on October 3, 1886.
To this union were born 13 children. Her husband died on June 29, 1913, leaving her with a large family to care for. She did this willingly but had to work very hard to provide for them, but the children have always done all they could to repay her since they had gotten older.
She was converted when about 16 years of age and united with Wolf Creek Baptist Church in Kentucky. Although she was never baptized she had always lived a Christian life.
About three weeks ago she said she had lived long enough now and was ready to go.
She suffered a light stroke of paralysis in January 1937, another a few weeks ago, a third stroke Sunday morning, September 26, 1937 and a fourth Sunday night, from which she never regained consciousness.
She had gone to visit her daughter, Mrs. G. T. Davis, Saturday night, September 25, 1937, and seemed to be in as good health as usual. She remained there through her sickness. Although everything was done for her that willing hands could do she could not be saved. She was a loving mother, a good neighbor, and a friend to everybody.
She leaves to mourn her loss, Mrs. Thomas (Lula) Parr, of Alton; Mrs. G. T. Davis, Mrs. Zeb Lambdin and Edward Searcy, of Paoli; Stanley Searcy, of Slippery Rock, Pa.; Frank N. Searcy, of Toledo, Ohio; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Seven of her children have preceded her in death.
She also leaves three brothers, James H. and Thomas Jacob East, of Cape Sandy, and Peter Isaac East, of Terre Haute, besides a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, with Rev. Leonard Cummins in charge. Burial was in the East Cemetery.