Stillwater Valley News
December 21, 1931

Catherine Elizabeth Petersime Fessler was born in Laramie Township, Shelby Co., Ohio; on October 11, 1840. She died at the home of her daughter, with whom she lived, Mrs. Fred Roth near Houston in the early hours of Thursday morning, December 17th, 1931. Having reached the ripe old age of 91 years, 2 months and 6 days.  In the year of 1862 she was united in marriage with John Martin Fessler, who preceded her in death 21 years ago. To this wedded union ten children were born, six sons and four daughters. Three of the children died in infancy. Two of the children, Mary and Joseph lived to a more mature age. Two sons, Charlie and Amos having died in recent years. Three daughters; Ella Fessler, Annie Roth and Clara Roeth are living. These daughters along with 19 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and an unusually large number of other relatives and friends are made sad over the departure of this aged loved one. Mrs. Fessler was the last member of a family of ten children.  The deceased was baptized in infancy by the Rev. Isaac Hursh in Frieden's Lutheran Church. When 15 years old she became a confirmed member of the church in which she was confirmed. When St. Paul's congregation was organized in 1875 she transferred her membership to this church. Thus she ever remained faithful to her confirmation vow. She loved her church and supported it liberally with her gifts. She delighted to attend the services and always desired to receive the Holy Sacrament of Lord's Supper.  We understand that she was never a strong, robust woman, that she suffered many illnesses at different times in her life. In her old age she became more feeble. In August of this year she suffered a light stroke of paralysis, from this she never fully recovered. She bore her sufferings with Christian fortitude. She always welcomed her pastor and found great delight in hearing the comfort of God's Word.  She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, a good and kind friend and neighbor. She was a Christian woman, who in her ripe old age could say in the true spirit: "It is enough; now O Lord, take away my life."

"She resteth now. No more her breast
Heaves with its weary breath;
Pain sits no longer on the brow
Where lies the calm of death.
Sunk to her rest like a tired child
She lies in slumber deep,
Soft folded in the arms of Him
Who giveth His beloved sleep."

The family desire to thank all friends and neighbors for the assistance rendered and for the beautiful flowers.