Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Wortley, Howard C. February 7, 1931
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Patricia Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net January 30, 2022, 3:02 pm

Lake Odessa Wave-Times-Thurs.Feb. 12, 1931

FEARING-INSANITY TAKES OWN LIFE.
Miss Edna Steele Finds Body of Howard Wortley in Boiler Room at Green House 
Sunday Morning.
Among the sad things that have happened in Lake Odessa recently is the tragic 
death of Hoard Wortley son of Mr and Mrs Joseph Wortley of this village, and 
will known in the town and community. For the past three years Howard has been 
employed at the greenhouse by Miss Edna Steele, the proprietor. Here he has been 
a faithful employee, and it was a great shock when on Sunday morning his body 
was found in the boiler room where it was evident he had hung himself.

Several years ago he had an attack of the "flu" which apparently affected his 
brain, leaving him temporarily afflicted with a serious form of melancholia.

Recently he was heard to say that he felt an attack of the former trouble coming 
on, but would take care of it in time. It is presumed that he meant before his 
condition should become serious enough to bring injury to his family or others.

On Sunday morning when he did not return to his home, his wife called on Miss 
Steele and together they went  to the greenhouse where Miss Steele found him to 
be dead and reported it to Mrs.Wortley who, although greatly shocked is now 
consoled by the thought that he had harmed no one, which might not have been 
true had his life been spared to the development of the malady he so dreaded and 
feared.

The deceased was a member of the Congregational church and greatly respected in 
this village where he has many relative and friends.

He leaves besides his young wife and two small sons, his father and mother, two 
brothers, William and Walter, and five sisters, Mrs Larry Lundberg of Flint, Mrs 
Charles Darby of Woodland, and Mrs Cleo Sears, Mrs Ernest Cunningham and Mrs 
Carl Campbell of Lake Odessa.

The funeral was held at the Congregational Church Tuesday afternoon, the pastor 
Rev. G.J.Stuart preaching the sermon, I T. Gilson and Mrs W.C. McCartney 
accompanied by Mrs Gilson sang, "Jesus Lover of My Soul." the bearers were 
Maynard Leak, Glenn Edwins, Morris Carter, Victor Clum, Ray Wortley and Forrest 
Darby.

Burial was at Lakeside Cemetery.
                               OBITUARY
Howard C. Wortley, son of Mr and Mrs Joseph Wortley, was born in Campbell 
township, September 21, 1888 and departed this life at Lake Odessa, February 7, 
1931, aged 42 years, four months and 17 days.

His early school life was spent in the Cheney district. Then he entered the 
Woodland high school where he graduated with the class of 1908. After graduating 
he remained at home helping with the farm work until his marriage to Alma 
Vietzke of Stanwood, Mich., Feb. 19, 1919. Their early married life was spent on 
the old farm. About seven years ago he suffered a nervous breakdown from 
influenza at which time this he gave up farming and moved to this village. He 
apparently recovered from this illness and for two years was employed at the 
Burling Flour Mill. At the time of his death he was a very valued employee at 
the local greenhouse.

Howard was a faithful member of the Congregational church where his cherry smile 
will be greatly missed.

He leaves to mourn his departure a most faithful wife, two sons Neil, aged nine 
years and Wayne, four years; the parents; two brothers William and Walter, and 
five sisters, Mrs Ruth Cunningham, Mrs Etta Darby Mrs Mary Campbell, Mrs 
Glendora sears, all living near here, and Mrs Lelia Lundberg of Flint, besides a 
host of relatives and friends.

A few who have watched me sail away, 
Will miss my craft from the busy hay;
Some friendly barques that were anchored near, 
Some loving souls that my heart held dear 
In silent sorrow will drop a tear-
But I will have peacefully furled my sail
In moorings sheltered from storm or gale, 
And greeted the friends who have sailed before.
O'er the unknown Sea to the Unknown Shore.


Additional Comments:
Lakeside Cem.#9-1181-1

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