Rockville Tribune
Rockville, Parke County, Indiana
Wednesday, September 12, 1928
Page 6

Mrs. Lovina Akers Dies

Mrs. Lovina Akers, 84, died Sunday evening at her home just south of Bellmore after an illness of 2 weeks. The daughter of a prominent pioneer family, she was born and spent her entire life in Union township. She was one of the oldest and best loved women of the community. She was the mother of 13 children. Five sons and daughters, all living in or near Bellmore, survive her. The sons are: Charles, John, Henry, George and Marion. The daughters are: Mrs. Mary Budd, who lived with her mother; Mrs. Martha Spencer, Mrs. Tavia Scott, Mrs. Minnie Collings, Mrs. Edna Alexander. There are 30 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

She was a lifelong member of the United Brethren church. Funeral services were conducted at the Mt. Moriah church Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., the Rev. A. F. Egnew officiating. Interment was in Mt. Moriah.

Rockville Tribune
Rockville, Parke County, Indiana
Wednesday, September 19, 1928
Page 8

Mrs. Lovina Akers

Lovina Akers was born in Union township, Parke county, Ind., Nov. 7, 1843; passed out of earth's dark shadows into celestial light on the evening of Sept. 9, 1928, at the age of 84 years, 10 months and 2 days. She was a daughter of Blackstone and Harriett Kalley Martin, children of heroic stock of Revolutionary war fame, and the first settlers of Union township, and was herself a worthy child of intrepid Indiana pioneers, who by sacrifices and hardships untold carved out the wilderness making it to “blossom like the rose” for future generations to enjoy. From them she inherited those habits of thrift and industry that characterized her life. Born in a log cabin, attending school in the first school in Union township in a typical log cabin she tasted generally of the hard experiences of the early settlers as she grew to young womanhood. She passed all of her life in the township of her birth and her death marks the passing of the last survivor of the Blackstone Martin family, her last sister, Mariam Blake, having preceded her on July 23.

May 1, 1867, she became the wife of Luke Akers to whom she was a true and faithful companion and helpmate until his going away May 2, 1911. To this union 13 children were born; two were called in infancy and a son, William B. Akers, after reaching man's estate. Those left in bereavement are 5 daughters, Mrs. Mary Budd, widowed, who came to live with her mother 3 years ago; Mrs. Martha Spencer, Mrs. Tavie Scott, Mrs. Minnie Collings and Mrs. Edna Alexander; 5 sons, Charles, John, George and Marion Akers, all of whom live either in or near Bellmore; and Henry of Greenwood, Ark.; 30 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

The deceased was an old-fashioned, home-loving woman—in the home her virtues shone brightest, here where she best loved to be she gave unselfishly her best and truest service in devotion to her family. She was an untiring worker, using common sense and good judgment in management of househould affairs. By precept and example she taught her children to fear God and keep His commandments. Hers was a kindly soul and her big, warm heart held love for everybody, especially little children who in turn lover her. “Aunt Vina”, as she was lovingly known, was of the salt of the earth; she was a dear, good neighbor, ready to help in sickness or distress, or to lend any aid in her power. “Living and loving and serving” might with truth have been the motto of her well spent life. In early years she confessed her Savior and united with the United Brethren church and for 54 years her name had been on the class roll of Otterbein U. B. church, a devout and loyal member. The end came peacefully after an illness of two weeks borne with pathetic patience and the gentle soul was wafted to the beautiful home above. Like St. Paul, she could say: “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me on that day.”

The mortal remains were taken to Mt. Moriah church Wednesday morning where at 10:30 o'clock impressive funeral services were conducted by the Rev. A. F. Egnew, pastor of Otterbein U. B. church. A quartet composed of Mrs. Frank Moore, Mrs. Walter Martin and Messrs. Samuel Blacketer and Ollie Airhart sang several appropriate hymns and an obituary was read. Burial was in Mt. Moriah cemetery, the bearers of the pall being: Messrs. Charles, John, Henry, George and Marion Akers, sons of the deceased, and Reeves Akers, a grandson. The profusion of beautiful flowers were carried by Evelyn, Vivian, Margaret, Ada, Aline, Alice and Ruby Akers, and Marguerite Smith, all granddaughters.