Obituary: Rock County, Wisconsin: Edna Benney STILES

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Submitted by Ruth Ann Montgomery, <rmontgomery@cishome.com> June 2005

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Former Evansville Girl Dies

Mrs. Edna Benney Stiles Passes Away At Beloit

After an illness lasting about two months, from which it was confidently
hoped and expected she would recover, Mrs. Edna Benney Stiles, known and
beloved by all Beloit as one of the city's sweetest singers, died at 1:30
o'clock Friday morning at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H.
Benney, 1063 Harrison Avenue.

Beside her home, musical circles of the city were thrown into gloom on
account of the untimely death of Mrs. Stiles, who for many years was
counted one of the most charming contralto soloists of the city. 

About two months ago Mrs. Stiles underwent an operation at a local
hospital. She was considered near death's door at the time but later she
improved to such an extent that her recovery was thought probable. Last
Monday, however, she was taken much worse and steadily declined until the
end came Friday morning. Her husband has been at her bedside during all the
weeks of her illness.

Born in Evansville June 29, 1886, and therefore 26 years of age at her
death, Mrs. Stiles came to Beloit ten years ago and attended Beloit high
school. She soon became well known because of her musical ability, and
after graduating from the high school in 1904 she not only studied with
Myron E. Barnes, but taught music as well for some time. Later she went to
Chicago and studied with Mrs. Stacy Williams and for two years was soloist
in a large Oak Park church.

On October 12, 1909, she was married to Lieut. W. E. Stiles of the
battleship Wisconsin. They traveled through the east extensively and after
another visit to Beloit went to Los Angeles, Cal., where Lieut. Stiles was
stationed. They remained until last fall, when they came to Beloit, Mr.
Stiles in the mean time having retired from his naval position.

Mrs. Stiles is survived by her husband, parents and one sister. -- Beloit
Daily News

The funeral was held in Beloit Sunday and was in charge of the pastor of
the Methodist Episcopal church. On Monday the body was brought to
Evansville for interment. A short service was held in the afternoon at the
Methodist Episcopal church in charge of Rev. Chas. E. Coon.

Mrs. Stiles was well known to many people in this city where she had many
warm friends who unite with her family in mourning her loss.

January 30, 1913, Evansville Review, p.1, col. 6, Evansville, Wisconsin