Annie Blickenstaff, daughter of Cyrus and Leah Gibble Bucher, was born Aug. 25, 1881 in Lebanon County, Pa., and died June 6, 1974 at the Astoria Care Center where she had been a patient since June, 1970.
At the age of 5 years she moved with her family to Astoria and was baptized into the Church of the Brethren at an early age. She attended Mt. Morris College and taught school for two terms. She taught Sunday School for many years. To her, Christianity was a simple and beautiful fact.
On Feb. 12, 1905 she was united in marriage to Joseph L. Blickenstaff. In 1908 they chose a baby boy, Roy Wallace, to bless their home. Also, born to this union were five children: Wilbur (deceased), Mrs. Grace Brown of Phoenix, Ariz., Herbert of Browning, Mrs. Mary Palmer of Vermont, and Mrs. Josephine Myers of Astoria.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 27, 1942. Also, 6 brothers, 5 sisters, and a great-granddaughter.
She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Lam, 18 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.
She was a good and faithful member of the Astoria Church of the Brethren.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Arnold Naff, assisted by Rev. James Mitchell at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Astoria Church of the Brethren. Interment was in the Woodlawn Cemetery.
It’s Only Going Home
I have heard of a river that’s deep and wide,
I must cross at the end of the day;
Since the Lord made His dwelling within my heart
That fear has been taken away.
I have heard of a “reaper” so grim and gray,
At whose touch shall my spirit be free;
But I know when he enters He shall appear
An Angel of light to me.
Tho’ my years may be many, yet life is short,
Tho’ four score years and ten pass away;
I have heard that the angel of death will come
And carry my soul away.
I have nothing to fear when my day is done,
And the shades of the night on me creep;
For my Lord will be near me His grace to give,
My soul He shall safely keep.
For it’s only going home.
Yes it’s only going home;
By grace I am saved from the fear of death,
For it’s only going home.