Miller, Emma Catherine Brobst (1878-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Jan 20 p. 1

Birth date: 1878 Apr 20

text of obituary:

MRS. J. J. MILLER

Emma Catherine, daughter of Lyman M., and Julia Ann (Penrod) Brobst was born April 20, 1878 in Miami County, Indiana, and passed away at her home in Crystal Springs, Kansas, January 7, 1949 at the age of 70 years, 8 months, and 18 days. She had been a resident of Crystal Springs for thirty-nine years.

She lost her mother at the age of nine. Due to her mother's illness, she lived with her grandmother from the age of five to the age of sixteen until her grandmother was taken in death.

At the age of sixteen, she was converted and baptized into the fellowship of the Howard-Miami Amish Mennonite Church in Indiana.

On October 16, 1898, she was united in marriage at Arthur, Illinois to James J. Miller of Millersburg, Ohio. He preceded her in death on June 25, 1947.

Surviving are four daughters, Mae, at home, Beulah, (Mrs. Milo Zimmerman), Akron, Pennsylvania, Lela (Mrs. Benj. Naffziger), Crystal Springs, Ola (Mrs. Willard Hooley), Hammett, Idaho, and three sons, Norman, Forrest, and Freeman, all of Crystal Springs.

In addition to the children, eighteen grandchildren, and three sisters survive. The sisters are: Mrs. W. S. Troyer, Argonia, Kansas, Mrs. William Gearhart, Massillon, Ohio, and Mrs. Venneta Bilby, Chicago, Illinois. An infant brother, L. J. Franklin Brobst, preceded her in death in 1888.

During the last seven years, sister Miller was not able to attend the public worship service. This was a privilege she greatly enjoyed when her health permitted. Most of the time during the seven-year period of suffering was spent either in a wheel chair or in bed. She bore her suffering in much patience, always giving evidence of her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Saviour.

During her illness, as in earlier times, her Christian testimony was constant and consistent. She eagerly partook of the sacraments for the last time on December 12.

As a companion and mother, she was thoughtful of her family. No sacrifice was too great for their welfare. In addition to being concerned about their physical needs, she was greatly concerned about their spiritual life. During her recent suffering, her daughter, Mae, assisted by her other children who reside in Crystal Springs, spared no effort in ministering to her needs, thus showing in a measure their appreciation for the service their mother had rendered to them. Many will be the cherished memories of this experience as well as of earlier experiences.