Leticia was the firstborn to Sarah S. Miller and William Tipton Ranes/Raines and the eldest sister to 9 siblings. She carried the name of her maternal grandmother, Letitia Hamilton. Born and raised in Missouri, she married John Wesley Mikels on Dec. 18, 1869 in Dodge County (which later became Putnam County). Together they farmed the fine Missouri soil with their 10 children.

Pronounced 'Lieu tisha', Leticia was also called Lou or Tish. Records have MANY, many transliterations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MRS. LETICIA MICKELS WAS VICTIM OF BLAZE

********* LIVED FEW HOURS *********

~~~Passed Away Last Night at Hospital~~~
Explosion Occurred When Stove Lid was Lifted


A sadder tragedy has never been known in the city of Centerville than that which occurred at the home of Mrs. Leticia Mickels, of North 18th Street, in the Wentworth addition yesterday when her clothing caught fire and, alone in the home, she received burns that resulted in her death at St Joseph's Hospital at 9:00 last evening.

Mrs. Mickels, 75 years of age and a widow, was living with her youngest son, Harrison, who is a miner at the Rock Valley. Shortly before 4:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon she started to build a fire in the kitchen stove and had placed kindling in it and then thrown 'fine coal' over the top of the wood.

When the fire did not burn as it should a short time afterward, she opened the stove to stir it up. It is supposed that the 'fine coal' over the burning wood had been giving off a considerable amount of gas. When she lifted the lid and the air rushed in, there was an explosion. The house dress and clothing which Mrs. Mickels was wearing caught fire.

The first that was known of the tragedy was when her son, Harrison Mickels, came home a very few minutes after 4 o'clock. Coming to the door, he opened it and was met with a cloud of smoke. Alarmed, he called to his mother saying, "What are you doing?"

CONSCIOUS TO THE END

From the floor where she was lying, Mrs. Mickels answered that she was burned to death. In a frenzy, the son made every effort to save his mother. A neighbor, William Thomas (who was under quarantine for small pox) in company with his son, rushed to the scene to lend what aid they could.

Harrison's former mother-in-law, Mrs. Alex Baugh, who lived nearby, was called. Mrs. Baugh said today that although Mrs. Mickels had been burned to her death, she did not lose consciousness and was able to tell just how the accident had happened. A water bucket tipped onto the floor stood mute evidence of the brave fight that she had made to save her own life with no one near.

Doctors were called immediately and she was taken to the hospital where every effort was made to save her life, but all in vain. Conscious through it all she passed away at 9:00 p.m. last evening. It is said that Mrs. Mickels' entire body was burned, even her hands and face not escaping the flames.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Mickels was born in Missouri near Unionville, in May 1847. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ranes/Raines, who predeceased her, as did a young brother Norman. Her girlhood and schooldays were spent in the vicinity of Unionville. Later, she united in marriage with John Mickels and to this union ten children were born, eight of whom survive. They are:

Mrs. Mary Marcum, and Mrs. Emmy Mathews, both of Unionville, Missouri; Mrs. Lora Baugher of Sunshine, Iowa; Mrs. Wickam of Cincinnati,Iowa; Mrs. Lily Starks of California; and Henry, Jim, and Harrison Mickels, of this city. Mr. Mickels preceded Mrs. Mickels in death some twenty-nine years ago. Also preceding her was an 11 year old son, Louis, and a daughter, Mrs. Sarah 'Ollie' Auten.

Leticia also leaves 30 grandchildren, dozens of nieces/nephews, 4 younger brothers and 4 younger sisters to mourn her death, which in birth order are: James 'Jim' C. Ranes; Pleasant Ranes, both of Putnam, Mo.; Mary Frances Schoonover, of Sullivan, Mo.; J.W .'Jack' Ranes of Ottumwa, Iowa; Caroline A. 'Carrie' Hibbets of Adair, Mo.; Wilson C. Ranes, Sophia A. 'Annie' Raines, and Ellevina Jane 'Ellie' Hunter, all of Putnam.

For many years, she lived in the vicinity of Howland, Mo., coming to Centerville two years ago. Since that time she has kept house for Harrison, of this city, and it was at this home that the tragedy occurred. Mrs. Mickels was a member of the Christian church and her death comes as a great shock to the wide circle of friends she made during her lifetime.

Funeral services are to be held at the Thompson Cemetery, east of Unionville, Mo. A short service will be held at 1202 South Drake Avenue on Friday morning at 10:30, conducted by Rev. C.W. Millen, after which the funeral procession will leave for Unionville, Mo.

___________

(excerpted from Iowegian, Centerville Edition, Feb. 15, 1923, with corrections and additions, 2016, PaleLily , keeping the kin in kindness)