This page is part of the FREE site located at http://logan.illinoisgenweb.org/. There is NO charge to access any page on this site. If you have arrived here through a pay site click here to go to the original free Logan County ILGenWeb site.




Eliza S. Rupp Died Tuesday at Hospital

Services Held Today at The Methodist Church

Mrs. Eliza S. Rupp, well-known and highly esteemed resident of Mount Pulaski, died at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 1942, in the Deaconess hospital, Lincoln, where she had been a patient for about ten days. Her health had been failing for several months. Mrs. Rupp was aged 72 years, 8 months and 20 days.

She was born June 25, 1869, near Mount Pulaski, Illinois, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Clark Harding. In Springfield on Feb. 14, 1885, she married William H. Downing of Mount Pulaski and they began housekeeping on a farm northwest of the city. Her husband preceded her in death and she moved into Mount Pulaski over 25 years ago. Mrs. Downing later married John W. Rupp, and he passed away a few years ago.

Mrs. Rupp was affectionately known to her many friends as "Lida." She took much interest in all civic matters pertaining to her home city, was a member of the Methodist church, was secretary of the Mount Pulaski chapter of World War Mothers, and also belonged to the American Legion Auxillary, Household Science Club, and Royal Neighbors of America.

Decedent is survived by four sons, Clarence W. Downing of Petersburg; Ennis A. and Ellis C. Downing of Mount Pulaski; and Floyd E. Downing of Illiopolis; 8 grandchildren and one great grand child; and the following sister and brothers: Miss Florence M. Harding, D. E. and L. B. Harding of Rockwell City, Iowa; and Ellis Harding of Rock Rapids, Iowa.

The remains were removed to the Hershey funeral home, and on Tuesday evening were taken to the residence of her son, Ennis A. Downing, remaining there until the hour of the funeral.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church at 3 p.m. Thursdya, March 19, conducted by the pastor, Rev. F. E. Neumeyer. Two hymns, "In the Garden" and "Abide With Me," and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" were sung by Mrs. George A. Volle and Mrs. Harry J. Wible with Mrs. G. F. Wait as organ accompanist. The services were attended by a large number of relatives and friends, and there were many beautiful floral tributes, tokens of love and respect.

Interment was in the Mount Pulaski cemetery. The pallbearers were: Walter A. Schafer, Harry Downing, Lorenzo Downing, Frank Copeland, Claude W. Upp and Henry Volle.

In charge of the flowers were: Mrs. John T. Hershey, Mrs. Paul Gruber, Mrs. Morrell Deibert and Mrs. Walter A. Schafer.

Submitted by great granddaughter Cheryl Rothwell