Graber, Aganetha Goertz (1876-1939)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1939 Dec 20 p. 2

Birth date: 1876 Apr 16

text of obituary:

Mrs. Aganetha Graber

Aganetha Goertz Graber, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Goertz, was born April 16, 1876, at Marion, So. Dakota.

She was baptized in 1893 by Rev. Christ Kaufman of the Salem Zion Mennonite church at Freeman, So. Dakota. To the church she showed her love and devotion by both her service and her means.

On March 29, 1894, she was united in marriage to Joseph J. Graber at Freeman, So. Dakota, in which vicinity they resided until 1910, when they came to the Bloomfield, Mont., community.

To this union were born six daughters and two sons, Paul of Sioux Falls, S. D.; Mrs. Clara Roth and Mrs. Bertha Parker of Laurel, Mont.; Mrs. Eva Relitz of Glendive, Mont.; Mrs. Olga Graber, Mrs. Anna Graber and Fred of Maddock, N. Dak.; and Delcie. All were present at the funeral.

Mother Graber was sick frequently through her life and the last two months was confined to her bed. For the past few weeks she was at the home of her daughter Anna in Glendive, where she received the loving and tender care of her husband and children, and where also on Saturday, December 2, at 1:30 p.m., she passed away.

Through hardships and trials of pioneer days, as well as during her suffering, she never complained but was a gentle patient and thoughtful of those who ministered to her needs. She always had a pleasant smile for everyone. During the time of her illness she sang many a hymn, and as she neared the end of her sojourn here, she made all her funeral arrangements, chose her pall bearers, and the songs to be sung.

May the members of her family take consolation in the knowledge that a noble life such as hers is a priceless heritage, not only to them, but to those with whom she came in contact. Her life enriched and strengthened many and her influence will long be felt.

She leaves to mourn besides her immediate family, 17 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

God hath His mysteries of Grace
Ways that we cannot tell
He hides them deep
Like the secret sleep
Of the one we loved so well.

Rev. H. E. Widmer was in charge of the services and was assisted by Rev. Rahn.