Seneca Courier-Tribune, Mar. 16, 1959

Mrs. A. G. McCoy

Nina Flora Shortridge, youngest daughter of James and Sarah Shortridge, was born Sept. 26, 1875, in the Claytonville community south of Hiawatha, Kansas. Born of a Quaker mother and a Baptist father, religion was always an important part of her life. Her generous contributions to her family and to her community show the rugged determination to stand for right and justice which developed from that early training. She accepted Christ early in life and joined the Baptist church of her community. As a young girl she assisted her father, a truck gardener, who taught her gardening. Her ability was outstanding and one of her greatest delights was to see "something grow." She received her education in Brown county schools and she attended the Hiawatha Academy. For three years she taught school in Brown county.

On March 1, 1899, she and A. G. McCoy of the Maple Ridge community were united in marriage. The rest of her life was spent in Nemaha county. Here she transferred her church membership to that of her husband, the Maple Ridge Methodist. She served God as Sunday School teacher, Epworth League sponsor, and participant in all Christian fellowship and activities. Following the disorganization of the Maple Ridge church she affiliated with the Oneida Methodist church to which she has since belonged. Always an active person she was able to continue doing useful tasks throughout much of the long, trying illness which finally claimed her life, March 6 1959, at Seneca, Kansas.

Her husband preceded her in death October 26, 1945. She is survived by the five sons and daughters who are Myrtle (Mrs. Chas. Deaver), Osceola, Iowa; Charles, Holton; Ruth (Mrs. John Alley) Olathe; Vera (Mrs. Floyd Niccum), Sabetha; and Oliver, Oneida. There are eighteen grandchildren, six step grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. at the Popkess funeral home. Rev. Leroy Davis, Woodlawn Baptist church, assisted by Rev. Charles Walz, United Brethren church, Sabetha, conducted the service. Rev. Kenneth Owen, Woodlawn Holiness church, sang "Going Down the Valley" and "Good Night and Good Morning." Grandsons who were pallbearers were Cyril, Kenneth and Harold Alley, Orvill O'Roke, Ray Keithley and Jack Niccum.

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