Adella Haynie

Dies in Mission Field

 by Donald L. Haynie, A Nephew

One of my aunts, the great-grand-aunt of my grandchildren, is Adella Haynie, one of my father's sisters.  She died while on a mission for the Lord in St. Joseph, Missouri, on February 7, 1916.    In the February 29, 1916, issue of the “Liahona, The Elders; Journal,” there was published the following tribute to Adella Haynie.

The thirteenth day of August, 1895, God sent one of his choicest spirits to earth to dwell with Robert M. and Malinda Haynie of Manassa, Colorado.  They appreciated the sweet, obedient, spirit of Adella, and they tried to show their gratitude by loving her most tenderly and giving her every opportunity possible for her development, which she accepted with a prayer of gratitude upon her lips.  In some way she seemed to sense her short stay on earth, for she wanted to be doing something always, and she was never so miserable as when she was idle.  In the twenty short years that she was permitted to dwell in mortality, she filled the positions of Sunday School teacher, Mutual, Ward, and assistant Stake organist, aid in the Stake and Secretary in the Ward Mutuals.  Adella entered the San Luis Stake Academy in the autumn of 1909. Her diligence and interest in her studies won the good will and admiration of the faculty and of her class mates.    She completed the full four years course and graduated with honors in 1913 having never in any instance been disciplined by either principal or faculty, nor was her conduct ever spoken of by the teachers in any way but praise.  Her loyalty to the institution was an example to her fellow students.  She always stood by the rules and policy of the school, and the faculty knew that in her they had a true and staunch defender. 

Full of faith in the Gospel she was ever an example of true Christian young womanhood to her associate students.  She served the school and her class in several official capacities and was the school pianist during her senior year.  She was one of the best students the school ever had in the Home Courses, and without doubt the best in art needlework.  Her graduation dress was the work of her own hands and called forth the admiration of all who saw her on that occasion.  After finishing her courses in the Academy she spent one summer at the B.Y.U. where she further qualified herself to become a teacher of domestic science and art.  When she left for her mission she was thoroughly qualified and prepared for a career of usefulness in some school had our Heavenly Father willed that her life had been spared.  Her untimely death came as a sad blow to her old school associates and teachers, and her memory will ever be cherished by them all.  

About sixteen months ago she left her home to go to Provo to school but instead of attending school she was called by God's servants to the Central States, to fill a mission, her call having come after she had gone to Utah.  Sister Haynie arrived at the Mission Headquarters at Independence, Missouri, October 17, 1914, and was immediately assigned to labor in Kansas City, Kansas, with Sisters Grace Salmon, Nettie Rose, and Viola Davis.  Here she labored assiduously and made scores of friends.  She was transferred, March 17, 1915, to Sedalia, Missouri, and labored there until September 20, 1915, with Sisters Ina Leigh, Zelma West, and Nora Lamoreaux.  Sister Haynie was called to take up her work in Kansas City, Missouri.  Here her companions were Sisters Ina Leigh, Pearl T. Larson, and Dora Jones.  December 6, 1915, she was sent to St. Joseph, Missouri, with her companion, Sister Ada Barney.  Here as in all her former fields she labored in the spirit of love, and so endeared herself to her companions that all of them upon hearing of her sudden death were overwhelmed with sorrow, for they loved Adella Haynie as an own sister.  Her sweet innocent ways won all hearts to her.  She was gentle and kind; obedient and pliable to the Redeemer's call.  She showed her great faith in God by her splendid work as a humble laborer in the Master's vineyard.  Many souls among whom she was instrumental in sowing the Gospel seeds, will call her blessed and honor her name in time and all eternity.

Sunday, the day previous to her death, a Conference was held at St. Joseph, with President S.O. Bennion in attendance.  During the Conference, Sister Haynie was cheerful and happy in meeting with her President and fellow-laborers.  She attended the day sessions, and desired to attend the night meeting, but not feeling as well as usual, she was counseled not to go.  She was at the beautiful home of Brother and Sister Burlington where she remained until her death at 11:30 the following day.  During the day, however, Sister Haynie was about the home, although she was not well.  A doctor was called in, who decided that an operation was necessary.  All that kind hands and loving hearts could do, through faith and good works was done in behalf of Sister Haynie's comfort, but the Lord's will was done as she always desired.  Her sweet spirit went back to God who gave it to receive the welcome plaudit: “Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” 

President Bennion went to St. Joseph and had the body of our dear sister prepared for shipment to the home of her sorrowing parents and loved ones at Manassa, Colorado.  He accompanied her remains, and was met by the loved ones at the Romeo railroad station.  Funeral services were held at Manassa, February 11, 1916.  The largest attended services ever held here was present upon this sad occasion.  Presidents S.O. Bennion and Rey L. Pratt were among the speakers who testified of the sterling qualities of Sister Haynie. 

The parents and loved ones of this beautiful girl can take comfort in the fact that she fought the good fight, she has finished her course, she has kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give her at that day; also that through a life of devotion such as she lived they shall meet her again in that glorious home where she has gone. 

The Latter-day Saints in general and the missionaries in particular sympathize with the relatives of Sister Haynie in their bereavement, and they may feel assured that the Lord will comfort their hearts.