Dirks, Nettie Schmidt (1881-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 May 23 p. 8

Birth date1881 Feb 4

text of obituary:

MRS. C. J. DIRKS

Nettie Schmidt Dirks was born to Benjamin and Catherine Siebert Schmidt on Feb. 4, 1881 near Dundee, Kan. Here she spent her childhood years.

At the age of 19 she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour, and was baptized upon her confession of faith and united with the Bergthal Mennonite Church north of Pawnee Rock, Kan.

On Dec. 17, 1902 she was united in holy matrimony to Cornelius Dirks by Rev. Peter H. Dirks. To this union were born four daughters and two sons. One daughter died in infancy.

Mother and father lived on a farm near Pawnee Rock until 1906, when they located on a farm near Greensburg, Kan., living there for 35 years. In 1941 they moved to Meade, Kan. where they resided until mother's death.

In December of the past year they were privileged to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with the immediate family present.

Although she was of a quiet disposition, she expressed her love and warmth to others, especially to those who were ill, by bringing them flowers grown in her own garden.

She loved the Bible and read it faithfully. One of her favorite Bible verses was Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.” In this she took much comfort.

On March 31 mother entered the Meade District Hospital, where she underwent surgery a few days later. For a few days she responded favorably, but on the morning of April 6 she passed to her eternal home at the age of 82 years, two months, and two days.

Remaining to miss her, but rejoicing in her entrance into glory, are her faithful husband; her children, Marion and Lydia Dirks, William and Viola Dirks of Greensburg, Beuna and Moses Voth of Independence, Kan., Anna and James Koehn of Greensburg, Helen and Otis Unruh of Wilmore, Kan.; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Frank; and four sisters, Susie, Catherine, Effie and Edna.

Preceding her in death were four brothers and one sister.

We mourn but not as those who have no hope. We know she has gone to be with her Lord. — The Family.