OBITUARY

Name:   Martha Ann (Shipman) Orvis

From:  The Clare Sentinel, Clare, Michigan
Date:  October 6, 1922

BELOVED PIONEER CALLED BY DEATH--Funeral of Mrs. Martha A. Orvis Held From
Eagle Church Monday.

Martha Ann Shipman was born at Hornellsville, Pa. [sic], September 9, 1849, and departed this life September 29, 1922, at the age of 73 years, 8 months and 20 days.

She was united in marriage to J. Riley Orvis in 1863.  To this union were born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, all of whom were present at the funeral:  William, of Detroit; John, of Battle Creek; James and Claud, of Marion; Mrs. Gertrude Langworthy, of Owosso; Mrs. Ethel Kirkpatrick, of Clare; Mrs. Della Gerow, Mrs. Mary Gerow, Herbert and Eugene, of Sheridan; and Irvin at home.

Her husband preceded her in death seven years ago.

She came with her husband to Clare county 51 years ago and located on the farm in Sheridan township which has since been her home.  Coming to this country when it was but a wilderness, she has encountered all the hardships of pioneer life.

At fifteen years of age she was converted to the Christian faith, was baptized and united with the United Brethren church.  Her religious convictions were strong and clear and her standard for the Christian life was a high one.

Mrs. Orvis will be held in sacred memory by all who knew her, a loving mother, a loyal neighbor, and a friend to all.  In the early days when medical aid was hard to obtain, she was ever present in homes where there was sickness administering to them with willing and loving hands.

The funeral which was largely attended was held from the Eagle church Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Frank Bates, who spoke comforting words to the family and friends and paid a glowing tribute to her memory.

The many beautiful flowers bore silent testimony of the respect she held in the hearts of the people.

Beside her children she is survived by fifty-two grand children and forty-four great grandchildren, two brothers and three sisters.

Those from a distance attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Welch, of Loomis; Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson, of Mt. Pleasant; and Mr. and Mrs. William McNaughton, of Marion.