Wyoma Velda Miller

WYOMA MILLER DIES OF HURTS SATURDAY EVE

One of the saddest fatalities recorded in this vicinity in recent years occurred last Saturday evening at the ranch of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Miller, about four miles west of Hat Creek, when their 10-year-old daughter, Wyoma Velda, passed away within half an hour after suffering internal injuries, while at play. She was 10 years, 1 month and 27 days of age.

Wyoma had gone to the barns with her father, who was feeding his stock, and as he was thus engaged, she began playing on a corn crib support. This arrangement was made of three posts, two uprights and one cross log. it was upon the latter that Wyoma was "skinning the cat" when the fatal accident occurred. The log had just been laid across the two posts and as the tiny form circled it, the log rolled from its standards and the girl fell with the log, which weighed about 80 pounds, crashing upon her. She was struck in the region of the lower chest and upper abdomen.

She screamed from pain, and her father rushed to her, picked her up in his arms, the little tot kissing him before passing into unconsciousness. The accident occurred about 7 p.m. and although every effort to get her to this city for medical treatment was made, the little girl passed away half an hour after she was hurt.

According to physicians, the girl in all probability suffered an internal hemorrhage, possibly due to an injured liver. No autopsy was performed, as the cause of death was evident.

Wyoma had the evening previous completed her school work for the year and had been promoted from the fifth into the sixth grade. She was a lovable child and was admired by all who knew her.

Besides her parents, she is survived by one brother, George, and two sisters, Ora Lee and Orese.

Funeral services were held from the chapel of the Peet Mortuary at 2:00 o'clock Monday afternoon, May 15th, Rev. D. J. Clark, resident of the north country, and a warm friend of the family, delivering a wonderful message on the text, "and a Little Child Shall Lead Them."

A large host of friends gathered at the chapel to pay tribute and honor to this fine little youngster, who, through the years of her short life had spread cheer and kindness among them. A group of high school girls of this city, composed of Winifred Criss, Lena Whelan, Florence Blackman, and Maxine Burkholder, accompanied at the piano by Miss Helen Albrecht, sang "Does Jesus Care?" and "Abide With Me." Another section, "Thy Will Be Done," a solo, was sung by Mrs. Frank A. Barrett.

Active pallbearers were Ruth Younkin, Isabel Olinger, Virginia DeGering, all neighbors to the Miller family. Honorary pallbearers were Catherine Fields, Berita Leeling, Eileen Leeling, Wyoma Osborn, Lola Osborn, Evelyn Bryant, Iris Bryant and Evelyn Heth, school mates of the deceased, at the Hat Creek school.

Interment was made in the Lusk cemetery.

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