Stillwater Valley News
April 13, 1932
Mrs. Ida Neil
The subject of this sketch, Mrs. Ida Neil, was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Shellaberger and entered this life Aug. 26, 1861. Went to her heavenly home March 31, 1932. Mrs. Neil lived almost her entire life in Covington. She was graduated from the public school in the class of '79, after which she became a student in Juanita College in Pennsylvania specializing in music and art. Later she took a course in art in Philadelphia and completed her musical education in voice and piano in the College of Music at Cincinnati. Possessing a voice of rare beauty, she was often before the public in solo and concert expression. She was always glad to share her talent with others.
Mrs. Neil was also an artist of ability, as many paintings, portraits and ceramics designed by her and now in the homes of many friends will bear witness.
She was for several years a member of the Miriam Quartet a local musical organization which older Covington citizens remember with much pleasure.
In November 1883 she was married to Dr. Wm. Templeton, and to this union two children were born, Robert, now living in Rock Springs, Wyo. and Margie, now Mrs. Harmon Maier of Columbus. These children remember their mother as one who knew not the word sacrifice when serving her their interests. Her boy and girl were always the pride of her life. Her love for children was also made manifest in her church work. For twenty-five years she had charge of the Primary Department of the local Christian church and many grown men and women remember her as their early inspiration toward a higher life.
Dr. Templeton died in 1899 and in 1902 she wedded Atty. M.N. Neil, they later going to Lusk Wyo. to reside. Mrs. Neil's health began to decline and she found the climate too rigorous for her, so she returned to Ohio and spent her last days with her daughter and husband in Columbus, where everything possible was done to make her comfortable and restore her health. Suddenly and somewhat unexpectedly she fell asleep never to awaken again in this life and is deeply mourned by husband, children, relatives and friends. The Pierian Club has lost a charter member and one who was a great inspiration in it's activities for many years.
In fact, the entire community regret the passing of Mrs. Neil, so genial, so courteous to all, so true to her high standards of Christian life her memory will remain always in the community as "Evergreen pointing Upward". Truly it can be said - "she is not dead but sleepth".
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