OBIT: Matilda (TILP) BENFORD, 1942, native of Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
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http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
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MATILDA BENFORD

  Mrs. Matilda (Tilp) Benford died suddenly at 2:45 Monday afternoon, Nov. 30, 
at her home on North Street.  She was stricken suddenly by a heart attack while 
performing some household chores.
  Mrs. Benford was aged 81 years, 2 months and 20 days at her death, having been 
born Sept. 10, 1861, in Brothersvalley Township, the daughter of Henry and Mary 
(Baker) Tilp.  She was a resident of Meyersdale for 60 years.  Mrs. Benford was 
a lifelong member of the Lutheran church; she was the oldest member of the 
Dorcas Bible Class and an active member of the Ladies' Aid and Missionary 
Society.
  She is survived by one son, George Benford, and one sister, Mrs. Pauline 
Knieriem, both of Meyersdale.
  Mrs. Benford made her home with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. 
George Benford.  Besides her church interests, Mother Benford found her greatest 
joy and pleasure in her garden.  She was one of the best gardners in the 
community and had a variety of flowers blooming from early spring to late 
autumn.  The morning of the day she died she spent some time working in the yard 
preparing some of her plants for the winter.  Apropos of her love of flowers, 
the floral tributes about her bier, sent by loving friends, were especially 
beautiful and numerous.
  Her body was taken to Zion Lutheran Church early Wednesday afternoon where it 
lay in state until 3 o'clock, when the funeral services were conducted by the 
pastor, Rev. R. M. Dunkelberger.  Carl Leith, whose mother, before her death was 
one of Mrs. Benford's best friends, sang two of Mrs. Benford's favorite hymns, 
"In the Garden" and "Help Firm a Foundation."  Members of the Church Council 
served as pall bearers.  Interment was made in Union Cemetery under the 
direction of W. C. Price and Son.

Meyersdale Republican, December 3, 1942