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Agatha Belle Stille

1912 - 1953

 

Agatha Belle Stille was born May 22, 1912, at Garnavillo, Iowa, the eldest of two daughters born to her parents, John and Ada Smock Steeman.

At the age of one and one-half years, her parents moved to Britt, Iowa. She completed her common school education there and at the age of thirteen, she moved, with her parents, to Klemme, finishing her schooling in the high school there.

Agatha as a child. loved the Bible stories she learned in Sunday School, and she became a member of the Methodist Church at the tender age of seven. Through all her adult life, she lived her religion, by being a good neighbor and by being kind and helpful to everyone about her.

On February 3. 1930, at the age of eighteen, Agatha Steeman was married to Kermit Stille. They began housekeeping on a farm in Liberty Township, five miles west of Klemme, and ten years later moved to their present farm home, southeast of Thornton, Iowa. Three sons were born to them; one which survives, and they opened their home and their hearts to an adopted boy, and were glad to love him and call him their son.

The story of Agatha's last illness is briefly told. In October of last year, she spent a few weeks in a hospital and submitted to surgery, but found only temporary relief. However, she continued to attend to her household duties, which she enjoyed, until just a few weeks ago when her condition became serious. The end came at 8:30 P.M., Friday, September 4, 1953.

She reached the age of 41 years, 3 months, and 12 days.

She leaves to mourn her passing: her husband, Kermit Stille; two sons, Jerry, age 18, and Richard, age 19; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Steeman, Waterloo, Iowa; her sister, Ila, Mrs. Raymond Davies, Dunkerton, Iowa; and many more distant relatives and friends.

 

 

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 9 Sep 1953, page 7, column 1