The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois

March 8, 1923 - Thursday, pg 9

UTILLA  (Vandermark) FRANCE

Sketch of Mrs. Del France

Utilla Vandermark, was born in Ulster Co., New York, Aug. 25 1862, and died at her home, 806 LeRoy Ave., Rock Falls, Ill., in the early morning hour, Mar. 5, 1923, aged 60 years, 6 months and 10 days.

She was the daughter of James H. and Judith Winchell Vandemark, and came west with her parents in 1868.   On Dec. 30, 1886, she was united in marriage to Adelbert France by Rev. H. J. Whipple, of Tampico. They made their home on a farm in Hume Twp., since 1889, moving three years ago to the present home in Rock Falls. To them were born four children:  Ford A., Sterling;  James Watson, Sterling; and Susie Hazel, Rock Falls.  Lester preceded his mother in  death, July 9, 1897.

Besides the bereft husband and children, one sister, Mrs. Horace Chapin, Rock Falls, remains to mourn her loss. A brother passed away Mar. 10, 1910.

Mrs. France was the victim of a paralytic stroke some eight years ago, which resulted in partial physical disability.  And while the Great Change was not unexpected, it came to near loved ones as more or less of a shock.

Mrs. France was of a kind and quiet disposition, calm in her mental attitude and unaggressive in her relation to others.  In the early years of the organization she was a member of the Kings Daughters of Hume, and was able only occasionally in later years to attend the meetings.

May husband and children who sorrow over the loss of a loving wife and mother find comfort in God's Word and help in Jesus Christ their Savior to bear up under their burden.  Human strength and wisdom fall short when one faces the fact of death, and without a Savior and His Salvation one is left hopeless and helpless.  May we come to Him, therefore, who stated His Mission to this world so clearly.  "I came down from Heaven to give Life unto the world."

(Burial:  Tampico Cemetery)