Ruhama Isadora Fenton (1858-1929)

Her granddaughter, Velma Dora Cochren Priest Terry, recalled: Ruhama Isadora Fenton Brown - "She was my grandmother, on Mother’s side. A very tiny little lady, the first real Christian I came in contact with. She belonged to the Church of Christ, was a firm believer in God and left her Christian testimony whatever she went. The first church, I ever attended was with her. We stayed with her every summer for a week. She made the best tomato soup I ever tasted (note: see recipe on this blog). I never saw her mad; the most patient of people. She died when I was 14."

Ruhama went by the diminutive, Dora and Velma was named for her. "Ruhama" is a name derived from the book of Hosea in the Bible and it means "mercy."

Hutchinson , or Sylvia, KS newspaper ca April 20, 1929 (exact date of clipping unknown):
"MRS. B. F. BROWN OBITUARY

Ruhama Issadora Fenton was born September 11, 1858, and departed this life April 20th, 1929, age 70 years, 7 months and 9 days.

She was married to B.F. Brown, Nov. 10, 1880. To this union were born six children two of whom died in infancy, and one son, Frank , departed this life December 17, 1917. Those left to mourn her loss are her husband, B.F. Brown, Sylvia, Kans; one son, J.D. Brown, Ottawa, Kans.; two daughters, Mrs. Annie Cochren of Plevna, Kans.; and Mrs. Ethel Buggeln of Sylvia, Kans; also fourteen grandchildren and six brothers and one sister. Mrs. Elsie Brown, a sister, of Mountain Home, Idaho; R.W. Fenton and P.M. Fenton of Dodge City, Kans.; F.E. Fenton of Sublette, Kans.; E.E. Fenton of Hutchinson, Kans.; W.M. Fenton of Ottawa, Kans.; and L.E. Fenton of Lebo, Kans.

Sister Brown was baptized about 1884. She has been a member of the Church of Christ of Sylvia for the past eight years. She lived a faithful, consistent Christian life. Faithful to her God and a loving wife and mother. Her influence was ever for the right.

The funeral services were held from the Church of Christ Monday afternoon and were conducted by Rev. Thornhill of Hutchinson. Interment was made in the I.O.O.F Cemetery."


Velma also recalled how the funeral brought in wooden folding chairs, distributed hand fans, and a wonderful accapella mens quartest sang. The air was filled with aroma of floral tributes.