Buller, Lena Jantz Smith (1862-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Oct 10 p. 3

Birth date: 1862 Mar 31

text of obituary:

LENA BULLER

Lena Jantz Buller, daughter of John and Annie Rediger Jantz, was born March 31, 1862, in Poland, South Russia, and departed this life at the Salem Hospital, Hillsboro, Kansas, September 17, 1946, at 8 o'clock A. m. at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 17 days.

When a girl of 12 years, she came to America with her parents in 1874. After a journey of one months and 16 days they arrived in Philadelphia on Janaury 10, 1875. Coming to Kansas they settled at Pawnee Rock, Kansas. Here she spent her childhood days.

In March 1877, she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Elder Jacob Stucky and became a member of the Canton Mennonite church. She was united in marriage to Jacob T. Smith on November 26, 1882. To this union were born 14 children, 7 sons and 7 daughters, namely Dan Smith, Tampa, Kansas; John Smith, Great Bend, Kansas; Lena (Mrs. Jake Unruh) Durham, Kansas; Jake Smith, Carrier, Oklahoma; Pete Smith, Enid, Oklahoma; Dave Smith, Wichita, Kansas; Tena (Mrs. Lou Redger) Durham, Kansas; Anna (Mrs. Ted Wahl) Boyd, Oklahoma; Henry Smith, Meno, Oklahoma; Bertha (Mrs. Henry Becker) Enid, Oklahoma; Mary (Mrs. Herman Kruse) Burrton, Kansas; and Susie (Mrs. Harry Decker0 Durham, Kansas.

Her husband preceded her in death on January 17, 1910. She was preceded also by Agnes, age 3, and Ben, age 17. In 1913 she with her children moved to Oklahoma. Here she was united in marriage to Jacob P. Buller on Oct. 22, 1913. A few years later he preceded her in death on July 27, 1916.

In 1920 she moved back to Marion county, Kansas. Here she united with the Friedenstal church of which she remained a faithful member. She was always much concerned about living a true and faithful Christina life and greatly desired that her children and grandchildren might be saved. She enjoyed going to church services. During the last days, in her intense suffering, she often prayed and expressed a great desire to be relieved.

She leaves to mourn her death, 12 children, 6 sons-in-law, 6 daughters-in-law and 64 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, 5 stepsons, 4 step-daughters. Ten grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Sept. 20, 1946, at 1 P. M. at the home, with Rev. Walter Regier from Wayland, Iowa, officiating. Here II Cor. 5:1-10 was used as text. At the Friedenstal First Mennonite church at 2:00 P. M. Rev. Walter Regier (text II Tim. 4:6-8) and Rev. Albert Unruh, Meno, Okla. (text John 11:4-40) officiated. Harvey Jantz assisted in the services. A mixed quartet assisted with four numbers of music. interment was made in the Friedentstal Mennonite cemetery.

Pallbearers were Albert Johnson, John Johnson, Henry Becker, Fred Buller, Henry Jantz, and Jake Smith.

Mother was tired and weary
Weary with toil and with pain
Into heaven's mansions she entered
Never to sigh or to weep
After long years with life's struggles
Mother has fallen asleep.

— The Family