Elizabeth RANCHIE Newspaper:  The Osage News Date:  April 1, 1909 RANCHE Mrs. RANCHE, who passed away in Seattle, was the mother of Mrs. J.A. LAPHAM, so well known in Osage and vicinity. Her maiden name was Elizabeth SCHMIDT. She was born near Berlin, Germany, July 12, 1824, and was married in 1842, to Mr. John RANCHE. Five years later they came to America, settling in Buffalo, N.Y. In 1853, the family moved to Bradford, Iowa, where the husband and father died in 1866. They had seen pioneer days together, days of hardship mingled with good cheer of frontier fellowship. It was a hard struggle for the young wife and mother with her ten children, the oldest of whom was hardly 16 at the death of her husband, but the good Lord did not forget them and many good friends helped them to bear the burden of life. Four of the little ones died in infancy. Mrs. RANCHE lived a quiet humble life, some years of which were spent in Osage where she attended the Baptist church. In early years she professed the Christian faith and in her later years she found much comfort in the 14th chapter of John. Loving hands ministered to her every want. She fell asleep quietly March 24, 1909, at Seattle, Washington, where she has made her home for the last four years. Her son, Mr. Charles RANCHE of Missoula, and her daughter, Miss L. Litta RANCHE of Seattle, accompanied the remains to Osage for interment. Another daughter, Mrs. Mary MOREAN of Webster City, and Prof. LAPHAM were also present. It was a source of deep regret that Mrs. LAPHAM was detained at Pella by sickness, and that Mrs. Louisa TUCKER, another daughter, was unable to come from Seattle. Mrs. RANCHE was buried Tuesday, March 30, 1909, at 10:30 a.m., from the Baptist church of Osage, where the Pastor, Rev. L. T. FOREMAN had charge of the services. The sympathy of many friends go out to the afflicted in their bereavement. Contributed By:  Amelia Ranche Email:  squilifrog@aol.com

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