Elizabeth "Monnie" (McMillen) DaLee
Marriages
Gilbert DaLee - 1887
Burial Details
Obituaries
Eagle Valley Enterprise - November 10, 1932
DEATH OF MRS. ELIZABETH DaLEE.
Slowly the last of the pioneer men and women who settled and built up this part of Colorado are passing from the picture. Last week one of the greatest of the women who first settled in eagle County half a century ago passed away, when Mrs. Elizabeth DaLEE died at her home in Red Cliff. Mrs. DaLEE was undoubtedly a great woman, one who performed her deeds of kindness without ostentation and with such modesty as only greatness can command. The following tribute to her memory was furnished The Enterprise by Mrs. O. W. MEYER, of Red Cliff.
Elizabeth DaLee was born in Athens, Athens County, Ohio, on June 10 1863. Her parents, William and Sarah McMILLEN, moved to Kansas and later in 1880, to Colorado, settling at Red Cliff, then a new mining camp. One of the land marks of Red Cliff is an old log cabin built by them and which was the first house built in Red Cliff and still stands a memento to those early pioneers. Elizabeth was then 18 years old, gay, witty and full of fun, yet thoughtful beyond her years. Her thoughtfulness to her parents and sisters endeared her to all who knew her. In 1887 she was married to Gilbert DaLEE and to this union four children were born--George, Elsie, Elizabeth, and Richard, children doubly blessed with a ... mother, for Elizabeth DaLEE's whole life was one of devotion and sacrifice for her children, impregnating then with her lofty ideals of truth and honesty, sowing in their minds and hearts lessons that will ever live with the, and stand out as guiding lights in their lives no matter where they turn.
As a young woman, she was happy, jovial, and well informed, and as she grew older she never let her mind grow dull. She kept up with the present day questions, taking a vital interest in all present history and surprising you with her keen perception and grasp of present-day problems. Then turning the pages of memory it was remarkable to hear her tell of happenings and dates of years long gone by. Picturing scenes so clearly that you, too, could almost live in the past as she seemed to.. She never forgot a face or name. When once she met you, she always knew you and, though meeting you years later, it was with her friendly smile and some little personal question that drew you to her as to an old friend.
Her friendly eyes would smile down upon little children. They all loved her and during her recent illness never a day passed but what some children would stop at her door to ask--"How's Monnie?" For she was "Monnie," not only to her grandchildren, but to all the children who knew her.
Never thinking of herself, she went into the humblest and most wretched homes hit by sickness or death, and there, with skillful, tender hands and untiring care, helped the suffering ones, easing their aches and pains; bathing their fevered brows, add with gentle words of understanding drew the veil of comfort over their troubled minds, helping bear their burdens and burying her own troubles deeper in her great heart. No recompense did she ask for all this; but gave herself for the sake of humanity.
Many a poor miner or lumberman down and out through poverty or sickness breathed a blessing upon her as she eased their last days and helped make the "Crossing of the Bar" easier and there are those who "made the grade" only through her care that yet live to mourn her death.
Surely one who has done so much for humanity has not lived in vain. "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Into the nest again, I shall not live in vain."
And so after a life of love and sacrifice, Elizabeth DaLEE passed away from us on November 4, 1932 at the age of 68 years, 4 months and 23 days, leaving to mourn her four children--Mrs. Earl MARTS of Kansas; Mrs. Joe ELLIOTT, George W. DaLEE, Richard DaLEE of Red Cliff; seven grandchildren and one sister Mrs. M. J. HENRY, and a host of friends, young and old, who will miss her from their midst, because she leaves behind a memory of service they will not forget.
Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church in Red Cliff Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., Rev. M. Lee SMITH of Leadville making a very impressive talk, and the Women of Woodcraft having charge of the services. During the service Mrs. NORLANDER and Mrs. CLEARY sang, "The old Rugged Cross." "My Prayer," "Rock of Ages," "In the Garden."
Pall bearers were James CLEARY, Harvey Collilns, Tom COLLINS, Max KESSECKER, Victor SQUIRES, and Carl SUMM.
The casket was banked with many beautiful floral pieces given in loving memory by devoted friends. The remains were laid to rest in Evergreen cemetery at Red Cliff.
