Died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Carter, in our city, Friday, July 23, 1920, at 11 o’clock, a.m., Mrs. Catherine Blocher at the ripe age of 81 years, 8 months and 8 days.
Mrs. Blocher has been a great sufferer for about two years, and for nineteen months has been confined to her bed, unable to care for herself. During this time she has been at the home of her daughter, where all that human love and care could do has been done. Forgetting herself entirely, Mrs. Carter has gladly sacrificed everything to give her whole time in ministering to her afflicted mother and her sympathy and love has lightened and eased many a dreary hour for the patient sufferer.
This aged mother has now gone to join her husband in that homeland of the soul where sorrow, suffering and death never come.
To her the struggle and burden bearing of earth are ended, and we confidently trust that like one who awakes from a troubled dream she has awakened to see life’s endless morning break and knows herself at home with all those loved ones, missed from earth, safe about her. Her home instincts were strong and her affection for friends and kindred was tender and abiding. Truth was the inspiration of her life and by kindness she exemplified its great worth.
Catherine Anne Blocher was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Swope. She was born in Hanover, Pa., November 15, 1838. She came to Astoria with her parents in 1856 and two years later on January 31, 1858, she was united in marriage to Jesse M. Blocher. Mr. and Mrs. Blocher left immediately after their marriage for Hanover, Pa., residing there eight years, then returning to Astoria where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their family was composed of four children, two boys and two girls, three of whom survive their mother, namely: Albert Blocher of Canton, Mrs. Frank Carter, of this place and Jacob S. Blocher also of Canton. Mrs. Ellen J. Krout is deceased, having passed away in 1894. Beside the children, Mrs. Blocher also leaves eight grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters and many other relatives and friends. She became a member of the Christian church during the ministry of Rev. H. C. Littleton, in 1898 and has always lived a consistent Christian life since that time.
Funeral services were held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carter, at 2:00 o’clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S. C. Williams, pastor of the M. E. church in this city. Interment was made in the Astoria cemetery Monday forenoon at 10:30 o’clock.
The burial was delayed on account of her grandson and wife, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Krout of Rhinelander, Wis., being unable to reach Astoria until Sunday night. Eldon Blocher, another grandson who is in the navy did not get here until Monday noon. Her relatives from a distance who were in attendance at the funeral were her sons, Albert and Jacob Blocher of Canton, John Swope a brother and Mrs. Elizabeth Fulke, a sister, also Mrs. Sam Bleming a niece, all of Beardstown; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Derry of Adair, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Krout, of Cuba and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Krout of Canton, granddaughter and grandsons, and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Swope a nephew of Canton.