August 22, 1891  Saturday    The Daily Signal, Middletown, Ohio

IN MEMORIAM

  Rillie Travis, daughter of William E. and Sarah J. Travis, was born near Bethany, Ohio, December 4, 1869, and died at the home of her parents in Middletown, August 18, 1891, being at the time of her death 21 years 8 months and 14 days old. She was the  eldest of two children, one daughter, a little child, only remaining to the bereaved parents. She was of an obedient, quiet and gentle disposition, the constant companion of her parents, for it is well known that, unlike most young persons, home (house?) and home attractions were her chief joy. So marked indeed was this trait of character that it excited the surprise of all who knew her. So when we consider her age, just arrived at young womanhood, the period when parents most enjoy the society of children, when they are both companion and help, this fact coupled with her amiable disposition and her constant presence at home makes her absence felt more keenly. She was not associated with any church, but the commandments of the Master "honor they (thou?) father and mother" we think was most faithfully kept. She was a great sufferer, having been ill for eight weary months with that dread disease and enemy to humanity, consumption, but amid it all she was  the same amiable, patient Rillie. She was conscious to the last and among her last words were "you will soon have no sister" Addressing her words to her little sister, and to her mother she counseled patience when she saw that suspense and grief were becoming  to heavy to bear. She signified her willingness to die rather than endure the suffering to which she was exposed, and this is at an age when life is most sweet. But she is gone, her chair is vacant and her gentle voice is hushed. No more will her presence give joy to the household, but neither will she suffer pain. The debt of humanity is paid and the daughter and sister has passed the dark flood and stands on the eternal shore in the presence of her God, that God who is too wise to err and to good to be unkind. We should not think of her as dead, but still living. Think of her parents as the quiet, gentle, loving Rillie still; only separated from you for a short space of time. She may not come back to you, but you may go to her. Friends sympathize with you in your bitter affliction.