Lavina Cox was born near Winchester, Indiana, October 23, 1840, died near Utica, Kansas, August 10, 1924. She was the daughter of George and Zeruiah Cox and grew to womanhood near the place of her birth. On March 22, 1860, she was united in marriage to William D. Stephens. Mr. Stephens passed to the beyond September 9, 1917. To this union nine children were born; two dying in infancy. The eldest son, Grant, passing to the better world September 21st, 1895.

In the year 1887 the family moved to Trego County, Kansas. Since coming here she has made her home in and near WaKeeney. She knew the trials of pioneer life but desire for home and comfort for her growing family overshadowed all hardships. She united with the Friends' church in early life. After coming to Kansas she with her husband transferred their membership to the Methodist Episcopal church at WaKeeney and always lived a consistent Christian life. To know her was to realize that there is something more in this life to live for than merely material good.

Mrs. Stephens was taken sick at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E.E. Cue, near Utica. Although her suffering was severe a times she remained patient to the end. He[r] faith was triumphant and only a few days before her death she expressed her perfect trust in Jesus, saying, “It is all right if I do suffer. Jesus suffered so much for me.” The immediate relatives she leaves to mourn for her departure are one son, George Stephens, of WaKeeney, Kansas; five daughters, Mrs. E. D. Beason, Mrs. Hudson Harlan, Mrs. Charles Cue, all of WaKeeney; Mrs. E .E. Cue, of Utica, Kansas; and Mrs. T .J. Nixon, of Boulder, Colorado. She leaves a brother, Dr. Cyrus Cox, of Lynn, Indiana, and as [sic] sister, Mrs. Joseph Ives, who lives in New Jersey; also a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Rose Stephens, living near Utica. Other descendants are thirty-three living grandchildren, thirty-seven great grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Mrs. Stephens was a woman beloved by all who knew her for her many good qualities; for her charitable disposition, always extending a helping hand toward those in want or in need of assistance. Many neighbors and friends extend sympathy to the bereaved family in their sorrow.

Funeral services were held at the M .E. church at 11:00 o'clock on Tuesday, August 12th. Sermon was preached by Rev. W. E. Scott, a former pastor and friend of the family. Her body was tenderly borne to its last resting place by the side of her husband in the WaKeeney Cemetery, by six grandsons with six granddaughters acting as honorary pall bearers.

Cards of Thanks

We wish to thank the kind friends and neighbors for their sympathy and help during the sickness and death of our Mother and for the beautiful flowers.

The Family