Eigsti, Lydia Gerig (1873-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Sep 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1873 Mar 2

text of obituary:

MRS. LYDIA EIGSTI

Lydia, daughter of the late Bishop Sebastian and Magdalene (Goldsmith) Gerig, was born near Wayland, Iowa, March 2, 1873; passed away, Sept. 9, 1955, at her home at Morton, Ill., aged 82 years, six months and seven days.

On Dec. 25, 1898, she was united in marriage to Jacob Eigsti of Morton, who preceded her in death July 23, 1949. The golden wedding anniversary of this union was celebrated just prior to the passing of her husband.

The larger part of her life was spent on a farm near Morton. In 1938 the family moved to the residence in Morton where she resided at the time of her passing.

Surviving are five sons, Emery of Denver, Colo., Mahlon Eigsti of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Orrie Eigsti of Normal, Ill., Willis and Clayton Eigsti of Morton; one daughter, Minnie, Mrs. Martin Swedburg, Morton; a brother, Jacob Gerig, Wayland; five sisters, Mrs. Anna Wyse. Mrs. D. W. Orendorf, Mrs. Eva Leichty, Mrs. Minnie Sutter and Mrs. Lizzie Roth, all of Wayland, Iowa; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Two brothers and three sisters are deceased.

Since February 1954 she had been confined to her wheel chair, never fully recovering her health. Many were the days of severe suffering from pain of arthritis, but through it all she demonstrated the hardiness of her generation and confidence in her Lord.

Early in her life she became a Christian and united with the Mennonite Church. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her going to be with the Lord came as a blessed release from suffering but her absence will be keenly felt by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held at the Morton Mennonite Church, Church, [sic] Morton, Ill., Sept. 12, with Kenneth G. Good in charge. Interment was made in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.