Enns, Sara Balzer (1879-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Nov 23 p. 6

Birth date: 1879 Oct 16

text of obituary:

MRS. SARA ENNS

Mrs. Jacob J. Enns, nee Sara Balzer, daughter of Johann Balzer and Sara Penner, was born in McPherson county, Kansas on October 16, 1879, and departed this life on October 5, 1950, at Bethel hospital, Newton, Kansas, reaching the age of 71 years less 11 days. She lived in the Inman community all her life and received her schooling in the Lake Valley elementary school.

On September 3, 1893, she was baptized by Rev. Bernard Buhler and received as a member into the Hebron Mennonite church, where she remained a faithful member to the end.

On September 12, 1901, she was united in marriage to Jacob J. Enns. They were permitted to share joys and hardships of life together for a little more than 49 years. They lived on various farms near Inman, Kansas, having moved to their present home in 1919. After their children were grown, they retired from active farming, but continued to live in their home till her departure. Eight children were born, three daughters and five sons, of whom one son preceded her in death in infancy.

She was a devoted mother in her home. She loved music and enjoyed having her children and grandchildren sing when they gathered at the home. On September 12 of this year the children and other friends gathered to commemorate the parents’ 49th wedding anniversary, which she enjoyed very much. She asked them to sing "Now thank We all Our God." and some favorite German songs.

On Sunday, September 24, she attended church services, but on September 29 she suffered a light stroke and was taken to the Bethel hospital. She had another light stroke on Sunday, but rallied again, and enjoyed a visit from her children and her husband on the evening of her death, talking freely with them. They left for home and 15 minutes later she suffered another heavy stroke and suddenly and quietly passed away to be with her Lord and Savior, in whom she believed and kept the faith until the end. Her eyes are closed and her lips are silent, but her love, care, and friendly smile will live even though she has departed from us. We, therefore say: “Till we meet again."

She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband, Jacob J. Enns: three daughters, Marie, Mrs. D. G. Unruh and family of Inman, Caroline, of Larned, Kansas, and Tena, Mrs. Jacob B. Voth and family, Newton, Kansas; four sons, Jacob B. and family, Dave and family, Waldo and family, and Albert and family, all of Inman, Kansas; also by one sister, Mrs. J. G. Neufeldt, Inman; four brothers, John A. Balzer and I. H. Balzer, Buhler, and P. W. Balzer and D. D. Balzer, Inman, and fifteen grandchildren.