This community was greatly shocked Thursday morning of last week, when the news spread that Mrs. John Etter had died at the St. Francis hospital in Peoria, where she was taken a few hours previously for special treatment for diabetes. Very few friends of Mrs. Etter were aware that she was in serious health.
Mrs. Etter was one of our very best, our most valuable and highly esteemed citizens. A friend to everyone who knew her, faithful to her friends and without enemies. Her loss is deeply deplored. Her many friends sympathize deeply with the bereft relatives in their hour of sorrow.
Alta Mae, youngest daughter of Upton and Savannah (Moose) Beck, was born June 18, 1883 near Astoria, Illinois, and passed away Wednesday night, Dec. 17 at 10:00 o’clock at the St. Francis hospital in Peoria, at the age of 47 years, 5 months and 29 days, following an illness of diabetes. She was seriously ill only a few days, having lapsed into a diabetic coma Tuesday night.
On June 5th, 1902, she was united in marriage to John Etter, whom she leaves to mourn her departure. She also leaves four children, Floyd Beck of Astoria, Mrs. Elva Runkle of Pekin, Melba and Clair at home. A daughter Mary and son Hershel, preceded her in death several years ago. She leaves one grandson, Carroll Runkle; her aged father, Upton Beck of Astoria; three sisters, Mrs. George Haney, Vermont; Mrs. Frank Palmer, Peoria; Mrs. Joe Etter, of Astoria; five brothers, Samuel, Charles and George Beck, Astoria; John Beck of Fandon and Jonas Beck of Galesburg. Also a host of other relatives and friends.
About twenty years ago, she with her husband, united with the Church of the Brethren and has remained a faithful member until the end.
She was a kind and loving mother, her foremost thought always being for her family and home. No sacrifice seemed too great for her to make if it meant happiness to her family, who feel her loss so keenly.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at the Church of the Brethren, conducted by Rev. E. O. Norris and Rev. E. F. Caslow of Virden, assisting. Interment in South Fulton cemetery.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus