Bertha Mae Garhart

Mrs. Chas Garhart Struck By Lightning Tuesday

The Lusk Standard

This community was shocked Tuesday evening when the sad news reached town that Mrs. Charles Garhart, living eight miles southeast of town had been struck by lightning and instantly killed at 4 o'clock that afternoon.

She and her little son 12 years old were out in the yard trying to get the little chickens in the chicken house before the storm reached them, when her fatal flash came. It killed Mrs. Garhart instantly and knocked the little boy unconscious. When he came to he realized what had happened and though only 12 years old he picked his dead mother up and carried her into the house and covered her with a blanket.

There were four smaller children at the house at the time, but the husband and larger boys were away from home working, so when this little boy quieted the smaller children he ran to a neighbors and told the sad news.

She leaves to mourn her death a husband and nine children, the youngest being about two years old. Funeral services were held in the Prairie View church yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Barr officiating, after which the remains of a dear wife and mother were laid to rest in peace in the Prairie View cemetery. The bereaved husband and children have the sympathy of the entire community in this sad hour. - Shawnee Record

Lost Springs Times
July 1, 1920

The death of Mrs. Garhart which occurred Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. at her house 7 miles southeast of Shawnee caused by a bolt of lightening came as a shock to this entire community. Death was instantaneous. She and a small son had gone out to drive their chix into the shelter and were returning to the house when both were stricken down but the boy regained himself in a moment and proceeded to carry his dead mother into the house. He then gave the alarm to Roy Shurtz and family. Dr. Watkins was called and viewed the body to find that life was extinct. Speedily word was sent to all her relatives and at this writing 2 have failed to come. She was buried at the Prairie View Cemetery on Thursday July 1st, 3:00 p.m. after funeral services were had at the Prairie View Church Brother James Barr officiating Clergyman.

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