Enns, Anna Wiens Toews (1889-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Jul 19 p. 3, 5

Birth date: 1889 Mar 14

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA W. ENNS

Mrs. Anna W. Enns was born March 14, 1889 on a farm near Inman, Kansas. Here she spent her childhood days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Wiens, her brothers and sisters. Here she also attended both grade school and Bible school.

At the age of 15 years she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour the result of a spirit-filled life lived through her younger years. On December 3, 1904, she was baptized and received as a member into the Mennonite church. Often she mentioned those happy days when sweet peace came into her heart.

She was married to John H. Toews on February 11, 1910. To this union one girl, Sara, now Mrs. H. M. Harder of Meade, Kansas, was born. It was a sad experience when in August 13, 1912, her husband died in an accident, leaving her with a baby girl one month old.

On February 1, 1913, she was married to Geo. J. Enns, her now bereaved husband, Elder Klaas Kroeker officiating at the ceremony. For 32 years, five months and two days we were permitted to share joy and sorrow together. The following seven children were born to this union, Edward, Meade; Mathilda, Wichita; Mrs. Harvey Thiessen, Wichita, Mrs. Marcha [sic Martha] Lemen, Hutchinson, Mrs. Anna Volkland, Hutchinson, Stella and Harold of the home.

We moved onto a farm at Meade in May, 1916. Later in February, 1943, we moved to Hutchinson.

In 1929 mother had a major operation in the hospital at Liberal, which was seemingly successful. Later, in 1932, she was definitely healed of a different ailment by the divine hand of God, while a group of friends gathered in her home at her request to pray for her.

On March 3, 1938, we were by the Grace of God permitted to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

In the winter of 1941 her limbs and arms began to stiffen so that soon she could not walk alone. In January, 1943, she was taken to Wichita and completely examined by two specialists who pronounced it "deterioration of the spine," giving her no hope for recovery. However, she did not despair but hopefully longed for the time when she could go to her heavenly home. God saw fit to take her and us through a severe test of two and one-half years, during which she was completely helpless and very sick at times. During the last nine months she was in Grace Hospital under the care of the nurses and her two daughters. We can say that she bore this very patiently, only once or twice weakening a little. God's Word was so precious and prayer so real that we could always feel His precious love in it all. many times I stepped up close to her and whispered; "Cheer up Mother, God is love, you will soon see Him face to face." Yes, now she is with Him, and what do you think she will say? Of special comfort was it to her when Mrs. C. C. Epp sang to hr, "Ach mein Herr Jesu wenn ich Dich nicht haette," etc.

Mother Enns passed away at 4:40 P. M. Thursday [sic Tuesday], July 3, in the arms of her two daughters, Martha and Anna, with a peaceful look in her face. She reached the age of 56 years, 3 months and 18 days. She leaves to mourn her departure, besides her children and her husband, her father A. A. Wiens, one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Edward Enns, four sons-in-law, H. M. Harder, Meade, Harvey Thiessen, Wichita, Norman Lemen, Hutchinson, and Keith Volkland, Hutchinson, six grandchildren, six sisters, three brothers and a host of friends.

She had many friends and won many more on her sick bed, speechless, but talking very distinctly to all who saw her. Mail brought letters of sympathy from individuals and from sewing circles. She has received flowers from friends far and near. Her register on the dresser counts close to 1,000 visits in her room at the hospital.

She loved singing. Many came as individuals and in groups from time to time to sing for her those songs she loved so well. This together with the fervent prayers that were offered at her bed side, was great consolation to her. Our prayer is that she may not have suffered in vain.

We only weep, we murmur not;
And from the deepest heart
The tear filled eyes look up and says:
Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 3 [sic July 5], at 1:00 P. M. at the Volkland funeral home in Hutchinson, with Rev. A. J. Dyck bringing the message and the First Mennonite church furnishing the music.

Services were held also at 2:30 P. M. at the Bethel church at Inman. Burial was made at the Bethel cemetery.

The following was the order of service: Song, "Dort ueber jenem Sternenmeer" congregation; song "Going Down the Valley" ladies trio; invocation, Rev. J.E. Wiens; obituary (German) C. C. Epp, solo, Mrs. C. C. Epp, "Ach mein herr Jesu"; message, Rev. A. J. Dyck; song, "Face to Face" quartet; message (German) Rev. P. T. Neufeld; song, "Nearer My God to Thee," congregation.

Rev. A. J. Dyck conducted the graveside service and a song was rendered by the ladies' quartet.

The Mennonite obituary: 1945 Aug 21 p. 7