Graber, Ella Gering (1894-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 17 p. 8

Birth date: 1894 Apr 25

text of obituary:

MRS. ELLA GRABER

Ella Graber, wife of John C. Graber, was born April 25, 1894, near Eugene, Oregon, the daughter of Peter and Anna (Waltner) Gering. In 1900 the Gering family moved to the State of Washington, settling near Lind. There she grew to womanhood in a family of 10 children.

On June 28, 1916, she married John C. Graber of Freeman, South Dakota, and they made their home in Freeman where her husband was engaged in the practice of law. To this family two daughters were born, Gladys who is married to Elmer H. Goering of Moundridge, Kansas, and Gertrude who is married to Warren A. Erickson of Springfield, South Dakota.

Ella endured much sickness in her lifetime due to the frailties of this earthly body, so that she could well say that for many years hardly a day passed but what she had some pain. In spite of that she had a cheerful disposition and enjoyed the friendship of a good many people. She was a serious woman by choice and the family Bible was usually at her bedside, where she generally read a portion of Scripture before she retired. We are certain that she was ready to meet the master when the sudden and unexpected call came to leave this earthly abode for better mansions above.

She was baptized in the Mennonite Church near Lind, Wash. when she moved to South Dakota, she joined the Salem Mennonite church near Freeman, of which she remained a faithful member until her early passing.

She was a gret lover of flowers, and her flower garden was a sight to behold. Many folks stopped and chatted with her while they admired the beauty of her garden. Even now she was making plans and anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring when she could once more plant her garden. Man can make plans, but only God makes the decisions.

On Thursday, March 3, 1960, after a brief illness the spirit left her earthly house to be with the Lord whom she so dearly loved and served.

She attained the age of 65 years, 10 months and seven days, and was married for nearly 44 years. She is survived by her husband, John; her daughters, Gladys and Gertrude, her sons-in-law, Elmer H. Goering and Warran [sic Warren] A. Erickson; six grandchildren; four brothers, Frank, Walter, Leon and Clarence Gering; one sister, Fannie Schrag; and a host of friends and relatives who mourn her unexpected passing. — The Family.