Dester, Jacob S. (Mrs.) Eberle (1871-1937)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1937 Dec 7 p. 15

Birth date: 1871 Jul 16

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 Jan 26 p. 3

text of obituary:

Mrs. Jacob S. Dester 1871-1937

Mrs. Jacob S. Dester, daughter of John C. and Agnes Krehbiel Eberle, was born July 16, 1871, near Donnelson [sic Donnellson], Iowa. She was baptized, September 27, 1885, by Rev. Christian Showalter [sic Schowalter] and joined the Mennonite church. In 1890 the family moved to Moundridge, Kansas.

On April 16, 1893, she was married to Jacob S. Dester, son of John and Katherine Rupp Dester. In 1895 Mr. and Mrs. Dester moved to Grant County, Oklahoma, where they bought a homestead-right near the present site of Deer Creek. Here they lived for seven years, then moved to Deer Creek to make their home, where her husband became one of the pioneer business men.

Mrs. Dester was an active and faithful church member and Christian all her life. her church membership was transferred from Iowa to Kansas, and later she and her husband became charter members of the Mennonite Church at Deer Creek.

Religion for her was a matter of inner experience and outward expression in activity rather than words. She dearly loved the Lord Christ and His Kingdom. She was deeply interested in Missions. Christian education, and especially in those in need in her community. She always took a helpful interest in the personal welfare of other.

On July 5, 1936 after a prolonged illness her husband preceded her in death. For the last two years she has been in poor health and on November 8 she became ill with pneumonia, was taken to the Blackwell Hospital where she passed away very quietly and peacefully on November 18 at 6 o'clock in the evening, having attained the age of 66 years, 4 months and 2 days.

Her departure is mourned by five children, one daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren: Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Dester and son John Morgan of Long Beach, California; Mr. and Mrs. Ed. G. Kaufman and children, Gordon Dester and Karoly Louise, of Newton, Kansas; Laura Ellen Dester of Oklahoma City; Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Malm & children, Sonja Louise and Kirsten Lillian of Logan, Utah; and Dorothy Mae Dester of Deer Creek. She also leaves two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Charlie Krehbiel and Mrs. Dan Krehbiel of California; and C. F. Eberle of McPherson, Kansas. All of her daughters were with her at her bedside. Her son, John, was unable to come because of an accident.

The entire family will remember her as a sympathetic and understanding mother ready to share their joys as well as their sorrows.

Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon November 21. Rev. J.F. Moyer, Rev. Herbert Miller, Rev. a. s. Bechtel, and Rev. W. R. Stuempsky took part in the services and spoke in high appreciation of the departed and in words of comfort for those left behind.

Her toil is past, her work is done
     and they are fully blest
She fought the fight, the victory won
     and entered into rest
Then let our sorrows cease to flow
     God has recalled His own
But let our hearts in every woe
     Still say "Thy will be done."

The Mennonite obituary: 1937 Dec 7 p. 14