Again Death, with his icy hand has entered the home and taken from it a loved one. A fair young woman has looked for the last time upon the loved ones of this earth. A grave has been added to the many, that mark the resting place of so many loved ones in the silent city of the dead, and sorrow-filled days are left for those who remain.
Mrs. Schlotman, whose critical illness had been a matter of gravest concern to her many friends, died at her home about four miles south of town, Wednesday morning, December 20, at 6 o’clock.
About three weeks ago Mrs. Schlotman was taken seriously ill with gastritis. Her physicians, aided by her loved ones and a trained nurse, did all in their power to stay the hand of the destroyer, and for a time indications were hopeful for her recovery, but complications set in the first of the week, which made it necessary to perform an operation of a delicate nature. Dr. Gibson, assisted by Dr. Allen, performed the operation Monday afternoon, December 18. Her strength proved insufficient to endure the strain on her system, and she grew weaker until Wednesday morning, when she passed from earth’s labors to her reward.
Della Sprowl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Sprowl, was born on the Robert Ross farm near Sheldon, Ill., August 4, 1881. All of her life has been passed here, and she had grown in the affection and esteem of many of our people, and deservedly so, for she was a girl of the rare, old-fashioned type, deeply attached to home and always kind and pleasant with those about her. She received her education in the schools near her home, and after finishing school she took up the duties in her home, lifting the burden from her mother and assisting in caring for her brothers and sisters.
While still comparatively young in life she gave her heart to God and her hand to the church, casting her lot with the people of God at the Presbyterian church on the Ridge. Her life was sweet and gentle before she knew her Lord, but afterward it was richer, deeper and nobler. There was a tender sympathy in all her dealings that won all hearts. Pure in purpose and ready to perform each duty, duty proved her chief delight. Her life was like a ray of sunshine.
February 3, 1904, she was united in marriage to Charles Schlotman, and together they began life under the most favorable and happiest conditions. Soon after their marriage they began housekeeping on the Alonzo Buckley farm, which place has been the scene of all their joys and companionship, and now marks the entrance of the deep sadness into the heart-life of the young husband.
The passing away of Mrs. Schlotman marks the entrance of death for the first time into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sprowl, she being the first out of a family of thirteen children to be called to the home beyond.
We, her friends, together with her loved ones, will treasure the memory of her loving devotion, her kindly deeds and cheerful words, and will strive to make our lives count as did hers – in good influences over those with whom we come in contact.
She leaves besides her husband, her father, mother, six brothers and six sisters, with a host of friends and relatives to mourn her early death.
The funeral services were held at the Ridge Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock, Rev. Mr. Regan of the Presbyterian church, conducting the services. The body was laid to rest in Fleming cemetery.
Source
Sheldon Journal, 22 Dec 1905