Anna Keller Lau, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Keller, deceased, was born in York, Pa., Feb. 9, 1863, and passed away Sunday, March 29, at 10:30 p.m., at the home of her daughter Mable, of East St. Louis, Ill.
When a young girl Anna Keller came with her parents to Illinois and they made their home at Duncan Mills. Later they moved to a farm about four and one-half miles northeast of Astoria. On Oct. 12, 1884 she was united in marriage to Emanuel G. Lau, who also lived near Astoria. To this union there was born one child, a daughter, Mrs. Geo. E. Nichols of East St. Louis. Besides the bereaved husband and one daughter, Mrs. Lau is survived by one sister, Mrs. Laura Atkinson of Webb City, Mo. Two sisters and one brother having preceded her.
Mrs. Lau who possessed all the naturally motherly tendencies, at various times in her married life took into her home children who needed the care and supervision of a mother. She tenderly cared for some who were not bound to her by any tie. Some years ago she welcomed into her home a niece, Wilma, and nephew, Arch Seymour, whose mother had passed on. These children loved their Aunt as a Mother because of her devotion to them. Wilma has continued to make her home with Mr. and Mrs. Lau. She assumed the burdens of the household and also assisted in the care of her Aunt who has suffered many years from a heart affection.
The nephew Arch has shown a devotion comparable to that of a son. He has fully appreciated the care and training he received and was ever ready to serve, no task was ever too difficult.
Mrs. Lau was a member of the Woodland church and while not active in the social organization of the church, she was generous in her contribution and assisted in every way possible.
About twenty years ago Mrs. Lau’s health failed and since that time all that medical assistance could do has been done. Her husband spared no effort to give her every comfort, and her daughter Mabel has been at her side whenever needed. There was a beautiful companionship between this mother and daughter. They were almost inseparable and during the years of her affliction Mrs. Lau spent much of her time in East St. Louis in the home of her daughter. No daughter could have been more faithful or devoted and no son could have surpassed this son-in-law, Geo. E. Nichols, in kindness and sympathy.
The passing of Mrs. Lau has spread a gloom over the entire community in which she has lived. Many hearts have been saddened because a loving friend and neighbor has completed her task and has been called from their midst. She was a patient sufferer, interested in all those about her, always willing and ready to share the sorrows of her friends and neighbors. Her kindness endeared her to those who knew her. An unlimited number of friends will always remember the loving words and deeds of Mrs. Lau.
Funeral services were held from the Woodland church at 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. O. Norris of the Brethren church, assisted by Rev. Chris Gruber. Interment in the Woodland cemetery.
The singers were Dan Johnson and daughter Mildred, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Bucher. Pallbearers were Dan Johnson, Earl Weber, Virgil Weber, Clio Branson, Harry Fleming, Orin Mosher.
Flower girls were Mrs. Dan Johnson, Mrs. Irl Weber, Mrs. Virgil Weber, Mrs. Clio Branson, Mrs. Harry Fleming and Mrs. Oren Mosh.
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Mrs. Emanuel Lau died Sunday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mabel Nichols in East St. Louis where she has been for the past several months. Mrs. Lau has been an invalid for some time.
Funeral services were held this afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at the Woodland church. Burial in the Woodland cemetery.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus