A well-known and highly-esteemed octogenarian of Rushden passed away on Saturday at 37, Crabb-street, Rushden, in the person of Mrs Hannah Chettle, at the ripe old age of 88 years.

The late Mrs Chettle was not a native of Rushden, as she was born at Irthlingborough in 1828, but her mother, the late Mrs Alderman Groome, was a native of the town, and was one of the first teachers of the Old Top Meeting Sunday School. The late Mrs Chettle came to Rushden when 15 years old, and at that age she became a member, by baptism, of the Old Top Meeting during the ministry of the late Rev Jonathan Whittemore, so that for 73 years her association with the church was unbroken, not only as a member but as an active worker, as she became a teacher in the Sunday school immediately after she was received into church membership. Until about two years ago she regularly attended the services, and was able to enjoy them, as, considering her great age, her hearing was remarkable.

She had a marvellous memory, and could relate many interesting incidents of Rushden’s early days, and had a distinct recollection of the plying of the stagecoach, often recalling an incident of its breaking down up the Bedford-road.

So far as we know, there is only one inhabitant of Rushden who is older that Mrs Chettle, viz., Mrs Greaves, of Washbrook-road, who is about one month older than the late Mrs Chettle, and who still survives.

Until two years ago the late Mrs Chettle had never had a serious illness, but she was then compelled to take to her bed, and it was thought that she would not recover, but her marvellous vitality brought her through, and during the whole of last summer she was able to get up and downstairs unassisted, although she invariably took her outings in a bath chair. Seventeen years ago she told the Rev W F Harris the text she would like him to preach for her memorial service. Mr Harris, who conducted the funeral service on Tuesday, carried out her wishes, speaking from the words “When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee”.

The first portion of the obsequies was conducted in the Park-road Baptist Church by the Rev W F Harris, of Willingham (a former minister of the church), who also officiated at the graveside. The coffin, of polished elm with brass fittings, bore the inscription:-

Hannah Chettle
Died Jan 6th 1917
Aged 88 years.

The mourners comprised Mr William Chettle and Mrs Wm Pearson (son and daughter), Mrs S Denton and Mrs C Wallis (daughters), Mrs G Clark and Mr A Chettle (daughter and son), Mr G Clark and Mrs Wm Chettle (son-in-law and daughter-in-law), Mrs A Chettle and Pte Denton (daughter-in-law and grandson), and Misses F Wills, E Chettle and G Clark (granddaughters).

The late Mrs Chettle left two sons, four daughters, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Beautiful floral tributes from the family were placed on the grave.