OBITUARY of Melisa RYERSE PETHERAM from "Lakeshore Commerical" - April 21, 1899 #16. This community was shocked last Saturday evening by the news that Mrs. PETHERAM who lived with her daughter, Mrs. D. S. REED, had fallen down stairs and had been injured so badly that she lived but a short time. Melissa RYERSE was born in Canada fifty-five years ago. She was married in 1864 to Samuel PETHERAM, and in 1867 they moved to Michigan, settling in Holland. In 1883 they came to Saugatuck and have lived here ever since. Mr. PETHERAM died three years ago this spring. Mrs. PETHERAM was an earnest Christian, belonging to the Methodist Church of this place. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Reed and Minnie who have the sympathy of all in their great sorrow.
The funeral was held at the residence of her daughter on Monday, Rev. C. Hoag of Whitehall officiating.
[Melissa died in Saugatuck, Allegan Co., Michigan.
Cause of death on her death certificate is listed
as a Fracture of Skull. Her father was listed as Robert.]