Mast, Lena S. Stoltzfus (1899-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 3 p. 1

Birth date: 1899

text of obituary:

REVIEW CORRESPONDENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA CALLED AWAY IN DEATH

Death has claimed two Review correspondents in the eastern Pennsylvania area within recent days, according to word reaching here early this week.

Mrs. Lena S. Mast, wife of Amos K. Mast of Parkesburg, Pa., died Friday, Feb. 26. Funeral services were announced for Monday afternoon at the Maple Grave Mennonite church, Atglen, Pa. Mrs. Mast had reported news from the western Chester county region writing from Cochranville, Pa. and more recently from Parkesburg.

Miss Lydia Stoltzfus, 81, correspondent of Joanna, Pa., died Feb. 16 at the Ephrata hospital where she had been a patient for a number of weeks. Funeral services were held at the Conestoga Mennonite church on Feb. 20.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 31 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. LENA S. MAST

Lena, daughter of Elam and Katie Beiler Stoltzfus, died Feb. 26, 1960 in the Coatesville, Pa., hospital after an illnes [sic] of three months from thyroid cancer and resulting complications. Her age was 61 years, two months, 11 days.

On Feb. 2, 1927 she was married to Amos K. Mast of Star Route, Parkesburg, Pa., who survives. Their home was blessed with the birth of two sons, Earl E. of Parkesburg and D. Leon of Wauseon, Ohio.

About four years previous to this marriage, the death of his first wife, Fanny Kennel Mast, left Amos K. Mast with four young children. These are now: Alvin I. of Cochranville, Elmer A. of Parkesburg, Elizabeth, wife of Elam Beiler, Gordonville, and Anna Mary, wife of J. Melvin Mast, Parkesburg.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, the above-mentioned six children, 27 grandchildren, her mother, one sister, Mrs. Christ J. Kurtz of Elverson, Pa. and a large circle of relatives and friends.

Among the 700 cards and letters sent to her, and visits made during the time of her illness, mention was often made of how folks enjoyed her craftmanship [sic] — knitting, sewing, quilting, crocheting in many patterns. Her work was in demand in many states.

Her funeral and burial were simple with formal dignity. By request there were no flowers, but money was accepted for the Cancer Research Foundation. Over 300 folks attended the viewing at the Wentz Funeral Home. At the funeral Monday, Feb. 29, more than 500 persons viewed the last mortal remains.

The services were very impressive. Bishop Aaron F. Stoltzfus spoke on promises of the beyond where pain and sorrow are unknown. Harry Diener of Hutchinson, Kan. led in prayer, after which Abner Stoltzfus, pastor of the Maple Grove Mennonite church, read Prov. 31:10-31, with comments on the virtuous woman. Herman Glick, pastor of the Wesley Mennonite chapel where she was a member, then spoke, using the theme, “She Hath Done What She Could,”: and had the closing prayer.

Pall bearers were Paul Kurtz, instructor at Eastern Mennonite college; J. Clyde Shenk, missionary on furlough from Tanganyika, East Africa; Leon Kauffman, Sunday school superintendent; Reuben Stoltzfus, pastor of the Millwood congregation; Clair Umble, pastor at Sandy Hill; and Ira D. Landis, pastor at Landis Valley.

Interment was made in the Maple Grove cemetery with Bishop Aaron F. Stoltzfus in charge.

She slipped away in the early morning of February 26 almost unnoticed, while at her bedside was a registered nurse, Mary Glick, our pastor's wife. Her last audible words were, “Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?”

She had a kind, pleasing personality, a loving disposition, was easy to get acquainted with and had many friends. She was active in the work of the church, serving as superintendent of the Maple Grove Senior Sewing circle. She saw all of her children accept the Lord and became faithful members of the church. Many missionaries were guest in her home.

— Amos K. Mast