Andres, Sarah Koop (1873-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Jun 28 p. 3

Birth date: 1873 Jan 1

text of obituary:

SARAH KOOP ANDRES

Sarah Koop Andres, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Koop, was born January 1, 1873, in the village of Bayaniska, South Russia.

In 1884, during the emigration of the Russian Mennonites to America, she came with her parents, two sisters and two brothers to settle in Kansas, arriving in Newton on November 10.

She attended the German school and the Bible school. This early training enabled her to study and search the Scriptures which revealed to her the way of Salvation. She was baptized upon the confession of faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour, on September 13, 1895, by Elder Bernard Buhler and received into the membership of the Hebron church.

On April 3, 1898, she was united in holy matrimony with Peter Andres. They shared joys and sorrows for 38 years and 11 months. They later joined the Alexanderwohl church where they remained faithful members to the end.

The Lord blessed them with nine children. Three children — John, Mary and Isaac — preceded her in death.

This union was ended on march 6, 1936, when her companion was called home to be with the Lord. Since father died, mother made her home with one of the children.

She was much concerned about the welfare of her friends and neighbors and ready to help where she could. It was her devotion to her family and others, particularly those in need, which often made her forget her own well-being.

Her children and grandchildren were close to her heart for she constantly endeavored to help provide for their spiritual and physical welfare.

For the past year her health had been failing. She often expressed a desire to get well and enjoy life, but resigned it to God's will. Shortly before she left us she expressed the desire to go home. She found great pleasure n reading the Bible.

Since last fall she suffered several severe hemorrhage attacks but always recovered. On Sunday May 27, 1945, at 4:25 P. M. she had another attack which resulted in her death. She reached the age of 72 years, 4 months and 14 days.

She leaves to mourn her sudden departure six children, two sons and four daughters, Sarah, Mrs. Edd Ratzlaff; Helen, Mrs. George Peters, both of Medora; Frank of Sterling; Katie, Mrs. Jacob Friesen, Inman; and Annie of the home; three sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, one brother Thomas, living in California; one sister, Mrs. Jacob Schultz, Fredonia, and many relatives and friends.

One brother John and one sister Mary preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 29, at the Hebron church with Rev. J. E. Kaufman and Rev. A. J. Dyck, both of Inman, officiating. A girls' quartet from the Bible school, Medora, sang some of her favorite songs.

Services in the home were conducted by Rev. A. J. Dyck, text St. John 14, 1-3.

The following were pall bearers: Herman Heidebrecht, Ed Wiens, Frank Neufelt, Jacob Thiessen, George Pauls and George Regier.

Interment, in charge of G. Bergen, was made at the church cemetery.