Surnames: Beightley, Van Fleet, Vincent, Daam

----Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 09/24/1925

Beightley, Minnie (6 Sept. 1874 - 8 Sept. 1925)

Minnie Van Fleet was born Sept. 6, 1874 near Dudley, Ohio and came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Van Fleet to Viola, Wis., in 1891 and moved to Clark County in 1895. She was married to Sherman Beightley June 29, 1895 and lived at Shortville, Clark Co. till 1903, returning then to Viola where they have lived ever since, the last four years being spent on the farm now occupied in the town of Forest where she died Sept. 8, 1925 at the age of 51 years and 2 days.

Mrs. Beightley was the oldest of six children, three dying in infancy. Her sister, Mrs. James. A. Short of Neillsville, preceded her in death January 25, 1917.

She is survived by her husband, Sherman Beightley, her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Van Fleet and one sister, Dora Van Daam, of Milwaukee and numerous relatives and friends.

Mrs. Beightley became active in church work in the Pleasant Ridge church in 1904 and has been not only a consistent member of her church, but an enthusiastic worker in all the various activities of the church ever since.

She served as superintendent of the M. E. Sunday School in Viola, for seven years, and many of out citizens can testify to the splendid influence which Mrs. Beightely exerted over our young people to whom she was very dear.

While Mrs. Beightley was especially well known for her church work, she was particularly capable in her home, where her numberless friends were always welcomed and entertained in the most delightful manner.

Mrs. Beightley’s splendid personality and strong Christian character will long be an influence for good in this community. Of her we can truthfully say "she being dead, yet speaketh". Her deep religious experience was no more evident than at the time when she learned that a fatal disease had attacked her. There was not the slightest sign of fear of death but rather the hopeful forward look of a true Christian. In peace and with joy, she welcomed her release from this body of suffering and pain.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church, Friday afternoon Sept. 11th. The Rev. J. A. Vincent, of Darlington, a long time friends and former pastor of the family officiated. He paid a sincere tribute to the rare Christian spirit of the departed, and spoke of her as being exceptionally devoted to all branches of Church work.

The church was filled to overflowing with relative and dear friends. There was scarcely a dry eye as the long concourse of people filed past the casket to bid a sad farewell to their true friend. The many beautiful floral emblems, tokens of grateful love, came from hearts driven with sorrow. After the service the remains were laid to rest in the Viola Cemetery to await a glorious resurrection. Viola News.