Foth, Esther M. Krehbiel (1912-2001)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2001 Mar 8 p. 11

Birth date: 1912 Oct 21

text of obituary:

ESTHER M. FOTH

Esther M. Foth was born Oct. 21, 1912, southwest of Moundridge, Kan., to Solomon P. and Mary (Goering) Krehbiel. She received her education at Moundridge high School and Bethel College. She taught two years in a Paris country school.

Upon her confession of faith, she was baptized and became a member of Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, where she remained active until her marriage and move to Oklahoma. On July 26, 1940, she married Walter H. Foth at the Eden church. They lived in Cordell, Okla., 29 years until their move to Newton, Kan., in 1971. Walter died May 23, 1981.

In early years Esther taught private piano lessons, played the piano and organ in church and accompanied many groups, such as Handel’s Messiah under the direction of Walter Holman.

Esther was a legal secretary in her husband’s law firms. Together they traveled extensively and took many photographs and slides.

Esther completed many oil paintings, drawings and pastels, and painted numerous pieces of china. She co-illustrated a Mennonite cookbook, and three quilts were made from the designs in the cookbook. She enjoyed writing stories and poetry. She loved people and was especially devoted to her family. She derived much pleasure from watching birds and sunsets and playing games, especially word games and Rook. She delighted in making peppernuts and other culinary delights. She was an active member of Bethel College Mennonite Church. since 1990 she lived at Kidron Retirement Center in North Newton. She died Feb. 22, 2001, at the age of 88.

Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn and her husband Howard Schmidt of Newton, Kan., and Lois and her husband Robert Corbin of Ponca City, Okla.; and two grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Leroy; and a sister, Elma Goering.