OBITUARY

The sad news has reached this city that Miss Mary Grace McMahon Shanks died on the 16th of April, 1916 in a hospital at Phoenix, Az.
She was born in Greenwood, Clark County, Wis. June 2, 1887, the only daughter of John James and Mary McMahon. When Grace was but three months of age, her mother was taken home, and about one year from that time, her father died.

She was legally adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Shanks, and has made her home with them.

Mr. and Mrs. Shanks always bestowed upon her as much care and tenderness as they would one of their own children, giving her every advantage of which they were capable.

When Grace grew to girlhood, she attended High School here, but before finishing her course, she was forced by ill health to give up her work, and upon the advice of physicians, went to Arizona. She returned to this state once, and remained for nearly two years, but was again advised to return to the west.

While in Arizona, she completed her school work. Grace was of a kind and generous nature, and in every way displayed the gratitude she sincerely felt for her foster parents, her every act and word indicating that she felt the same depth of affection that would naturally have gone to her parents. Her school life was marked by the number of close friendships she formed, and many will drop a tear of sorrow for the loss of so sweet a personality.

Her life on this earth was brief, but in that earthly existence, so much kindness and innocence were crowded, that her going makes a real loss.

The funeral and burial took place in Phoenix.

Source: Greenwood Gleaner 4/20/1916