Sophia (Meixell) Abbott

Sophia Anne Meixell Abbott was born in a blizzard on the family farm near Lake Crystal on January 11, 1912 and died in Bloomington, Minnesota, on January 5, 2010. She was almost 98 years old.

She graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1930 and that summer married Leo Garnet Abbott of Madelia. The Abbotts lived in the Lake Crystal area, Davenport, Iowa, Lake Minnetonka, and retired to Lake Crystal in 1975 and to Texas in 1985. After Garnet Abbott's death in 1989, Sophia returned to Minnesota, where she lived with and was cared for by her son Leo and daughter-in-law Virginia in Bloomington until her death.

The Abbotts raised six children, Leo, Dennis, Judith, Sandra, Jeremy, and Larry, and had eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Virginia Abbott and Sandra Donovan, and her son-in-law David Hajicek. Sophia was predeceased by her husband Garnet and her sons Dennis and Larry and two infants, Garneta and Paul.

Sophia Abbott was active in church throughout her life, teaching Sunday school, summer Bible school, and working on mission and white cross committees. She was a deaconess at Lake Crystal Baptist Church in the 1970's, where she and Garnet celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1980.

Her greatest gift was a warm and loving openness to everyone she met. She was one who truly cherished the dignity and worth of every human being. Every person who touched her life knew this and loved her for it.

The funeral ceremony for Sophia will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2010 at First Baptist Church in Lake Crystal with Pastor Scott Jennings officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Lake Crystal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Save the Children charity. Lake Crystal Mortuary is handling arrangements.