Mrs. Sarepta M. Hansard, a resident of Lebanon for the past 43 years, died following a long illness at her home on East Grant Street, June 18, 1931 at the age of 75 years, 2 months and 26 days. She was the daughter of Francis and Jemima DeVaney and was born in Cass County, Missouri, March 23, 1856.
She crossed the plains in 1864 with her parents who spent a year in Idaho, coming to Oregon and locating at Jefferson in 1865. She was united in marriage with John Bilyeu in 1871. Five children were born to their union. Following Mr. Bilyeu’s death she was married to G. B. Hansard in 1887, and in 1888 they moved to Lebanon where they have since lived. Two children were born to this marriage.
Mrs. Hansard was a member of the Pearl Rebecca Lodge. She was a good neighbor and made many sacrifices for those who were ill or needy.
Surviving relatives are her widower, G. B. Hansard, two sons, W. H. Bilyeu of Hollywood, Cal., Jesse B. Hansard of Zillah, Washington; one daughter, Mrs. F. E. Seehale of Jefferson; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Bilyeu of Albany and Mrs. S. P. Hansard of Big Sandy, Mont., five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
There was an unusually large attendance at the funeral services conducted by Rev. E. B. Corey at the Presbyterian Church, June 21st at 2 o’clock p.m., and the floral offering was varied and beautiful.
Rev. Corey based the funeral discourse on the St. John 14. Mrs. Hugh Kirkpatrick with Mrs. Beatrice Tate accompanist sang “Beautiful Isle,” “What a Friend” and “Asleep in Jesus.” Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery.
The Lebanon Express, June 25, 1931
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman