OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 24244, 30 September 1940, Page 2

OBITUARY

MRS S. A. CHURCH

The death occurred recently at Riverton of a well-known resident of the district, Mrs Sarah Ann Church, aged 79. Mrs Church was born at Crewe, England, in 1861, and was a daughteiof Mr and Mrs S. Bond. In 1882 she was married at Liverpool to the late Mr G. Church, and the couple came out to New Zealand, arriving at Wellington in the lonic in 1884. After a short stay in the North Island they came to Southland, arriving in Riverton 56 years ago. She had lived there ever since. Mrs Church was sought both far and wide to nurse those in distress, and she was ever ready to help those in need. Mrs Church, who- had been in failing health during the last two or three years, was also well known as a clever needlewoman. She had a large family of 13 children, 12 sons and one daughter. Of the surviving sons, six enlisted in the last war, four serving overseas, while one, Private E. Church, has again enlisted and is at Burnham. Her husband died about eight years ago. The surviving members of the family are: Mrs Frank Bailey (South Riverton), Messrs Henry and Arthur Church (Taumarunui), F. Church (Pahia), Horace Church (Christchurch), Ernest Church (Karioi), Leonard Church (Matamata)', Sydney Church (Pahiatua), Frank Church (Wellington), and Edward Church at Burnham. There are also 32 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.