Wayne County Press
May 02, 1901

Many of the residents of Wayne county will be sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Caleb Loftis, which occurred at her home near Fletcher, Neb., April 5th. She will be remembered by old residents as Bettie Bovee. We give below a brief sketch of her life:

Mary Elizabeth Bovee was the second daughter of Nelson and Nancy Bovee and was born in Wayne county in 1850. She was married to Caleb Loftis, March 16, 1871, and a year later they emigrated to Nebraska and together endured the many privations incident to that early time. Eleven children were born to them, three of whoin they lost in childhood. Four sons and four daughters are left, the youngest a little girl of nine years. The three oldest are married. One of her strong characteristics was her pride in her grandchildren. Her greatest pleasrue was in having the children all at home for a visit.

Mrs. Loftis was converted and became a member of the Methodist church in early girlhood and has passed her life in constant service of her Master. Her last illness was of about three weeks' duration and all that medical skill and loving care of husband and children could do was done for her relief but to no avail.

A short time before the end she regained consciousnesss after having been delirious for days and called the family to her, one by one, bidding them good-by, saying she was going home to live with Jesus. The body was laid to rest Easter Sunday, the people for miles around coming to pay a last tribute of respect to the departed.