Mrs. Clara G. Jay, 78, widow of Charlie Jay, deceased, was found dead in her home at Holdrege on Tuesday of lat week. Mrs. Jay has lived alone at Holdrege for the past several years.

Mrs. Jay, according to Phelps County Sheriff Hanson, had apparently passed away Friday morning, July 19, shortly after she had arisen for the day. Neighbors had seen Mrs. Jay in her yard on Thursday evening and her mail had accumulated in the mailbox since Friday morning. The body was found by a city of Holdrege employee who called to read the meter.

Funeral service was held Wednesday, July 24, at Westmark cemetery in Holdrege at 4:00 p.m.

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Jay came into the Eustis community in 1884 and for many years were residents of the south neighborhood operating the farm now owned by M. O. Oberhauser. Most hospitable pioneers, Mr. Jay had a keen sense of humor and was always the center of fun both in the country vicinity and in Eustis where they had many friends.

About 30 years ago they left Eustis for Gravette, Ark., where Mr. Jay died some years later, and Mrs. Jay soon after made her home in Holdrege near where her relatives reside.

Mrs. Clara G. Jay (nee Matson) was born in Norland, Sweden, December 7, 1861. At the age of 16 she emigrated to the United States, first settling in Kearney, Nebraska where she was united in marriage to Mr. Chas. F. Jay in May of 1883.

They then moved to Eustis, Nebraska, where they resided until 1908 when they moved to Gravette, Arkansas, where her husband passed away January 5, 1923. Since that time Mrs. Jay has made her home in Holdrege and passed away at her home at 707 Morton street last Friday, July 19, 1940.

She had at the time of her death attained the age of 78 years, 8 months and 12 days.

She leaves to mourn her passing her three brothers, A. O. Matson of Bertrand, Nebraska, and John and Gust Matson both of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Also a large number of more distant relatives and friends.

Mrs. Jay was converted in early life and joined the Methodist church of which she was a faithful member. She has lived a consistent Christian life and the Bible was her greatest source of comfort day by day.

The Eustis News 36(19):1 Thursday, August 1, 1940