Death of Mrs. R.M. Goodell.
May 20, 1909 Manning Monitor

It was a sad message that came to numerous friends in this city Saturday, the news of the death of one who but a few brief years ago had left us a happy, smiling, buoyant young bride, Mrs. Ralph M. Goodell. She passed away at the home of her parents at Botna, Iowa, last Friday. For some months, relatives and friends were aware of the sad inevitable fact that tuberculosis had fastened relentlessly on the erstwhile so fresh, rosy and healthy young wife. A year ago last October her husband took her to Phoenix, Arizona, to spend the winter. After their return next the summer she seemed stronger and it was thought that a fresh air cure, with proper dieting would bring about a cure. For some time past it was known that the terrible disease was progressing unchecked, and in vain were the efforts of loved ones to save the life that was so dear to them. Death was a relief to her who had suffered so much though uncomplainingly.

Winnifred Bell Heffelfinger was born at Manning, Iowa, November 24, 1884. She was therefore 24 years, 5 months and 13 days old at the time of her death. She was esteemed by all who knew her, for she was of that kindly, charming disposition that wins friends everywhere. On June 24, 1903, she was married to Ralph M. Goodell, at the parental home in this city and their union was a most happy one; but, alas! for terrestrial joys. But a few years have passed and she who, in the flower of youth, left us, is brought back lifeless, for a last look and a tear, the tokens of a pathetic meeting and farewell.

Funeral services were conducted at Botna Sunday morning, whence the remains accompanied by sorrowing relatives were brought to the city, arriving over the Great Western at 10:15 o'clock a.m., the funeral taking place at the city cemetery. Short burial services were held at the grave by the minister from Botna, a quartet, Messrs E.V. Coffin, Ward Ellis, and Misses Lillie and Thompson rendered appropriate hymns.

Besides the husband and parents, Mr. and Mrs. U.S. Heffelfinger, there were present her sister and husband, Mrs. L.A. McAllister, Oelwein, Iowa; Mrs. Bert DeMerseman, of Farmington, Minnesota; Mrs. Goodell, mother of Ralph Goodell, of Tama, and a sister, Mrs. Sullivan and husband, of Council Bluffs, and a niece, Miss Hazel Picket, of the same place

Another drama of human life arouses the best qualities of friendship, sympathy and condolence for those who have borne away to final rest their dearest on earth. We seek by word and deed to alleviate the anguish that wrings those desolate hearts. Their grief becomes ours, for grief "makes the whole world a kin." But our warmest efforts at consolation become but platitudes without the spirit which sees hope's throbbing star rising above the darkness of death and desolation. It reveals the world whence must come all balm for torn hearts, all feelings of human brotherhood, all acts, words and deeds that breathe the spirit of a higher life. Groping through the mists of doubt and uncertainty we may have sought in vain for the better life, but facing the vacant place where last we beheld a loved one, who is there, will proclaim coldly that all the noble qualities of this heart and mind have perished? Is it not consoling, does it not appeal to man's higher ideals to believe that they have solved the mystery of the great unknown, have gone to a better, eternal life? Out of the depths of misery and desolation the soul breathes fervently:
"Lead kindly light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead thou me on.
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead thou me on."

Carroll Times.