Ellen H. Thompson

28 April 1918

Ellen H. Peterson, daughter of Hans and Lettie (Hol?erson) Peterson, was born at Skuedenes, Norway, February 27, 1851, and departed this life at her home in Roberts, Illinois, Sunday evening, April 28, 1918, at eleven o'clock, aged 67 years, 2 months and 1 day.  She grew to womanhood in her native land and in 1871 at the age of 20 years came to America.  Here in Februay, 1874, she was united in marriage to Chris Thompson.  To this union were born two sons, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Theodore, now lives at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Her death was very sudden. For many years she has had attacks of heart failure but had not been ill recently.  Neighbors who talked with her last week and Sunday said that she seemed cheerful.  Sunday evening she was warming a cloth by the fire apparantly for a hot application and her husband asked her if she was sick.  she replied, "I am afraid I will be."  She then went to bed.  Just before eleven o'clock her husband woke up and she told him she was sick and asked for a drink of water.  He brought the water and said, "Shall I call a doctor?" and she replied, "Maybe you had better."  He went to the telephone to call the doctor and when he retuned he saw that she was dying.  The doctor came at once, but she was dead when he arrived.  The coronor was called and an inquest held Monday morning.  The following were the jurors:  Justin Tarvin, W. W. Campbell, J. H. Shambrook, W. O. Sanders, L. L. Boyle, and E. F. Gullett.  The verdict rendered was that death was caused by "Acute dilation of the heart."
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson lived in Peach Orchard Township until 1885 when they moved to a farm in Section 7, town of Lyman, which was their home for thirty years.  In 1915 they retired from the farm and moved to Roberts where they have lived since. 
The deceased united with the Lutheran Church of Norway in her youth and has lived a devoted Christian life.  She never transferred her membership from the church of her early choice but has always been faithful in her worship.  When others congregated in their accustomed places of worship she held service in her own home.  She read her Bible and sang hymns in her native language.  When others were near who could join with her, they did, and when not she performed her sacred service with her family alone.  Her religion extended into her everyday life also, making her a kind wife and mother and  good neighbor.  She was respected by all who knew her, devoted to her family and always ready to accommodate a neighbor or assist any who were in need.  She leaves to mourn her sudden death, her husband, her son mentioned above, one brother in the state of Washington, and one brother and one sister in North Dakota, beside other relatives and many friends who will miss her.
The funeral service will be held at the home Thursday, May 2, at 2 o'clock p.m.  Rev. D. G. DuBois officiating.
-Roberts Herald, 1 May 1918

Card of Thanks.

I wish to thank the numerous friends who assited me after the death of my beloved wife, who furnished music, and flowers at the funeral and all those who in so many ways did all they could to honer her memory.  I can not mention all the things you did for her memory but I appreciate and shall remember your kindness.
Chris Thompson
-Roberts Herald, 8 May 1918