Koehn, Elisabeth Unruh (1878-1940)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1940 Jun 25 p. 15

Birth date: 1878 Jul 7

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Jul 3 p. 3

text of obituary:

Mrs. Elisabeth Koehn.

Mrs. Elisabeth Koehn, the daughter of Peter and Helena Koehn Unruh, was born near Moundridge, Kansas, July 7, 1878.

December 1, 1895, she was baptized upon her faith in Jesus by Rev. S. S. Baumgartner and joined the Garden Township Mennonite church.

December 7, 1897, she married Gustav D. Koehn, with whom she shared joy and sorrow for 42 years, 1 month and 14 days. On Januay 21, 1940, her husband preceded her in death. thus she lived just 4 months and 12 days after his death.

In 1896 the family moved from Moundridge, Kansas, to Meno, Okla., and they made their home six miles north of Meno, where they both spent the remainder of their lives. She transferred her membership from the Garden Township church to New Hopedale, when she came to Oklahoma.

For several years before her death she felt her ailment, cancer, but she bore it in silence until shortly after the death of her husband when it began to bother her to such an extent that she had to seek relief. she was taken to the hospital, but without any hopes. After intense suffering she passed away to be with her Master whom she had trusted in her life. During her illness she would generally ask her visitors to read God's Word and pray with her.

She passed away June 3, 1940, at the age of 61 years, 10 months and 26 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure: Her aged mother-in-law and step-mother, who had made her home with them for a number of years; 2 sons, 3 daughters, 2 daughters-in-law, 2 sons-in-law and 10 grandchildren.

Her children are: Julius and Paul, Meno, Martha (Mrs. Albert Janzen), Billings, Okla.; Hulda (Mrs. Albert Smith); and Wilma (Mrs. Leonard Unruh), both Meno, Okla.

Besides the mother and children she leaves one brother-in-law, Rev. Ferd. D. Koehn, Perryton, Texas; one aged sister, Mrs. David A. Wedel, 3 brothers D. B. Unruh, Jacob P. Unruh and Rev. John P. Urnuh and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral was held Thursday, June 6, conducted by the pastor and assisted by Rev. J. W. Bergen in the home and in the church by Rev. H. T. Neufeld and Evangelist Albert J. Unruh.