Graber, Esther Krehbiel (1889-1926)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1926 Jun 17 p. 7

Birth date: 1889 Apr 21

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1926 Jun 16 p. 2

text of obituary:

Esther Krehbiel Graber

was born at Moundridge, Kansas on the 21st of April, 1889, and her home was in this community all her life. On June 18, 1905 she confessed her faith in Jesus Christ and thereupon received the holy rite of baptism and became a member of the First Mennonite Church of Christian, where she remained a member until she departed this life. On the 4th of August, 1912 she was married to Edward J. Graber and for almost 14 years they were permitted to share joys and sorrows of a happy home. Two sons were born into this home to increase the joys.

But their happiness was not to be of long duration. A year and a half ago Esther became afflicted with heart trouble. Her right side was paralized [sic]. After many weeks her condition improved enough that she could use the limb somewhat; the use of the arm she never recovered. Naturally she remained weak and quite often confined to her bed. Just a week before her death she again became bedfast and on Wednesday evening her condition became serious continuing thus until death relieved her of her suffering on Sunday morning, May 30th, 1926. In all her suffering she was very patient. Never a word of complaint came over her lips. In christian fortitude and submission she bore all, for Christ was the source of her strength and comfort. In the closing days and hours of her life she gave joyful testimony of her faith in Christ and of blessed assurance of salvation thru His merits.

Her age was 37 years, 1 month and 9 days. She leaves her bereaved husband, two sons her aged mother, 7 sisters, 5 brothers and a host of other relatives, also a large circle of friends to mourn her early departure.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, June 1st from the First Mennonite Church of Christian. The Pastor, P. P. Wedel, was in charge assisted by Rev. C. E. Krehbiel of Newton, Kansas. — Moundridge Journal.