From the Mercer County Standard, 16 Jan 1916:

Mrs. Sophia Mercer, died at her home on West Cron Street Thursday afternoon at 5:30 at the age of 81 years after a seven weeks illness of bowel trouble.

Mrs. Mercer was born in Zanesfield, PA, May 1, 1833 and in early childhood moved with her parents, James Laramore and family to Piqua. At the age of sixteen years she was married to James Mercer and a year later moved to Celina where she lived until her death.

To this union were born six children, four of whom preceeded their mother in death. Two daughters are still living; Mrs. Fred Frahm, Montezuma, and Mrs. Frank Remsburg, Toledo.

The deceased leaves two sisters, Mrs. Kate Fasnacht at Kansas City and Mrs. P.F. Callen, Celina. Another sister, Mrs. Ann Ashbaugh died last August 14th.

James Mercer died about ten years ago. Mrs. mercer united with the United Brethren church early in life, and later became a member of the Church of God, being an active member in the church.

Funeral held from the home Saturday afternoon at 1:30 with Rev. B.E. Koenig in charge.

Burial at Swamp College cemetery.

Mrs. Mercer is remembered by her old time friends as a woman possessed of a big heart and immcasuable kindness. This was attested to by her care and devotion to the foster son she reared from a tiny, ailing babe of three weeks and with his name the last upon her lips she died, as though concerned in his welfare to the end of her life.

Mrs. Mercer was always a good kind woman.

Submitted by Carolyn Kay (Henderson) Bredeweg. Additional sources: 1. Mercer County Standard, Celina, Ohio, Friday, Jan 16, 1914. Microfilm Edition, Ohio Historical Society, Box 518. Photocopy 19 Oct 2006 from microfilm files of Dwyer-Mercer County District Library, 303 N. Main Street, Celina, Mercer Co, OH. 2. Dwyer Mercer County District Library, Genealogy Room, 303 N. Main Street, Celina, Mercer Co, OH, 45822. Obituary Card File. 3. Ohio Obituary Index, 1830s-2011, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center.