"Obituary

Miss Eliza Knapp was born May 15, 1841 in Germany. At the age of four she came to America together with her parents, settling near Portsmouth, Ohio. In this vicinity she grew up to young womanhood. Here she made the acquaintance of Henry Menke, to whom she was married on January 9, 1867.
Attracted by the glowing reports from Nebraska, they turned their faces toward the west. In the spring of 1879 they settled on a farm southwest of Clatonia.
To this union, eleven children were born, six of whom survive. The husband and father passed away in 1915. The widow, however, continued to live on the old home place until she passed her 90th birthday, and she was able to live by herself until after she had passed the century mark. It was only during the last two years that she began to fail in health and even then, it was gradual. The Germans have a saying; "Death seeks a cause". So it was here February 2, 1944 she fell asleep at the Anna Rohe nursing home, to be carried to her eternal home upon wings of celestial messengers.
Six children, five daughters and one son, mourn her departure. They are Carrie Klopper of Lincoln, Mrs. Matilda Daubendiek of West Bend, IA; Mrs. Eliza Kiene of Chicago; Mrs. Rose Wayman of DeWitt, NE; Mrs. Nettie Steinmeyer of Lincoln, NE; and Albert Menke of Virginia, NE. She is also survived by 30 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, one great, great-grandchild and many other relatives and friends.
The deceased was truly a pioneer. She had the first mechanical chick incubator and brooder in her part of the country. She was also one of the earliest to operate a sorghum mill. She, early displayed interest as an orchardist, developing new species of fruits from seeds.
The deceased was also a lover of nature. She was fond of birds. Her yard was a flower-garden and she was an extensive grower of vegetables.
She led a life of feverish activity. How she held up under the strain, doubtless puzzled many.
While she had little interest in the usual round of social activities, she always found time to entertain company. Her home was known for its hospitality.
The deceased was reared a Christian atmosphere. Her parents were loyal, United Brehren. Her husband had been a useful, local minister. Together, they established a church in the home, where services where held. She, herself, united with the church of Clatonia of which she remained a life-long member.
As we look back over her passing, we unite in the words of Rozelle Montgomery; "You are not dead - Life has but set you free! You have but passed beyound where we can see. For us who know you, dread of age is past! You took life, tiptoe, to the very last; It never lost for you it's lovely look; You kept your interest in its thrilling book; To you, Death came no conqueror; in the end - you merely smiled to greet another friend." The Beatrice Times for Women, Feb. 16, 1944

"Mrs. Menke Dies at 102"
Mrs. Eliza Menke, one of Nebraska's oldest residents died a a local hospital Wednesday night. She was 102 years, eight months, and 17 days old.
Born in Portsmouth, OH on May 15, 1841, Mrs. Menke came to Nebraska with her husband, Henry, in 1879. They traveled by boat on the Ohio river to Cincinnati and then took a train to Atchison, KS. From there, they came to Nebraska and settled on a farm southwest of Clatonia. As soon as they established their home, Mrs. Menke started planting flowers, and had been noted in that vicinity for her beautiful gardens.
Until about five years ago, she was an active member of the Clatonia Methodist Church. For the past year and a half, she had lived in Lincoln, but was not confined to bed.
Surviving are six children: Mrs. Carrie Kloepper, and Mrs. Nettie Steinmeyer, both of Lincoln; Mrs. Matilda Dauhendiek, West Bend, IA; Mrs. Eliza Kiene, Chicago; Mrs. Rose Wayman, DeWitt, NE; and Albert Menke, Virginia; 30 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. Lincoln Journal Star 2/2/1944