Stillwater Valley News
November 16, 1931
Death Summons Mr. George Rike
George W. Rike, life long resident of Miami County, passed away this morning at 9:30 at his home east of Covington.
Mr. Rike had been in failing health for sometime but had been very much improved for several weeks, and was able to spend a few hours hunting yesterday. He was stricken with a brain hemorrhage this morning early and passed away about three hours later.
The deceased was one of Miami County's most prominent farmers having been born, reared and he lived in this community all his life. He served the Presbyterian Church as Elder for many years, resigning from that position a year ago on account of failing health. He attended the services regularly.
Surviving besides his wife are a daughter, Mrs. Albert Landis, two granddaughters, Mary Catherine and Helen Landis, and three sisters, Mrs. Charles Perry, Logansport, Ind., Mrs. Jacob Heitzman and Mrs. Etta Drake of Piqua.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home on account of Mrs. Rike's physical condition. Rev. F. C. Gleason will officiate. Interment in Highland Cemetery.
Stillwater Valley News
November 20, 1931
George Rike
"Friend after friend departs,
Who has not lost a friend?
There is no union here of hearts
That finds not here an end."
A true and tried friend of many of us gone to that place where friendships are unbroken, to await the reward of the by and by.
George W. Rike, son of Reuben and Martha Ann McMaken Rike, was born on the old Rike homestead in Newberry Township, July 29, 1857. He departed this life November 17, 1931, having attained the age of 74 years, 3 months and 18 days.
February 17, 1881 he was married to Caroline Heitzman, they passing more than 50 years of happy wedded life. To them was born one daughter, Myrtle Estella now Mrs. A. W. Landis.
There survive him, his beloved and faithful wife, the daughter, Mrs. Landis, two grandchildren, Mary Catherine and Helen Landis, three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Heitzman, Mrs. Etta Drake and Mrs. Kittie Perry. A grandson, George Compton Landis and four brothers and sisters have preceded him into the life beyond.
His business life has been spent as an active successful farmer but his later years have been lived in the comfortable modern home near Covington.
He united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now the First Presbyterian Church of Covington, Ohio Jan. 22, 1872, under the pastorate of Rev. H. D. Onyette, D. D. In this church he has ever been an active, faithful member. He was elected to the eldership of the church July 25, 1891 and served faithfully for almost forty years. He resigned his office March 10, 1931 because of ill health. He was regular and faithful in his attendance at the church services, liberal in his giving to its local support and to its benevolences. He was a wise counselor and an earnest worker. "He will be missed for his seat will be empty."
He has gone, a true and tried friend, a faithful loving husband, a kind indulgent father, a loyal earnest member of the church.
"Behold the righteous man for the end of that man is
peace."
...........Prepared by R. W. Himes
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