Spallinger, Anna Marie Bartsch (1922-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Oct 25 p. 10

Birth date: 1922

text of obituary:

. . .

— Among those from out of town who came here for the funeral of Mrs. Anna Marie Spallinger on Tuesday were Mr. and Mrs. Homer Spallinger and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Spallinger of Lima, Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Allgire and Michael of Bluffton, Ohio; John Penner, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Claassen, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Claassen and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Claassen, all of Beatrice, Neb. Mrs. Spallinger, 29, the former Anna Marie Bartsch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Bartsch of Topeka, died on Saturday at the home of her brother, John Bartsch. The services were held at the First Mennonite church, in charge of Rev. D. J. Unruh. Her husband, Byron D. Spallinger, survives.

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The Mennonite obituary: 1951 Sep 18 p. 595

text of obituary:

ANNA MARIE SPALLINGER

Anna Marie Spallinger, nee Bartsch, was born at Newton, Kansas, on June 17, 1922, the oldest child of Paul and Gertrude Bartsch, nee Penner. During her childhood the mother stressed Christian education and music, Anna Marie receiving her first piano lessons from her mother at the early age of four.

At the age of eight, Anna Marie lost her mother. Her aunt, Mrs. Anna Toeves, together with her grandmother, came to take over the care of the home for the first year and for the following year her aunt, Sister Helene Mario Bartsch, assumed that responsibility. On September 30, 1932 the present mother, formerly Esther Toevs, was brought into the home by her father. The family then consisted of Anna Marie and two brothers, John and Paul. In 1934, the youngest sister, Barbara, was born.

Anna Marie finished the Newton grade and high schools and continued her piano studies under Mrs. E. R. Sanner for a number of years. In the spring of 1934, Anna Marie joined the First Mennonite church of Newton through baptism upon confession of faith in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She attended Bethel College, Washburn University at Topeka, Kansas, Omaha University and Grace Bible Institute, Omaha, Nebraska, where she met her husband. Byron Spallinger of Lima, Ohio. Later, she became organist at the Central Park Christian church, Topeka, Kansas. Following this, she became faculty member of Grace Bible Institute as associate piano instructor.

On June 2, 1950, she was married to Byron Spallinger. The couple made their home in Bluffton, Ohio, where they spent a short but happy year. On Easter Sunday of this year she and her husband. Byron, came to Topeka for a family reunion, her brother Paul having arrived on furlough. Following this enjoyable reunion the young couple moved to Newton and resided with her aunt, Mrs. Anna Toevs, where Anna Marie took up treatment of her subtle illness and her aunt faithfully cared for her until her death. On May 13, 1951, she paid her last visit to her parents in Topeka, the occasion being her father’s birthday.

Anna Marie seemed to sink more rapidly after August 1. On Saturday morning, August 18, the relatives and pastor were called to her bedside. Byron’s father and mother arrived from Ohio, and the memory of that occasion will never be erased from the minds of those present. Anna Marie’s request for music was granted. Hymns and sacred songs were sung, Scripture was recited, prayers were offered, and at 12:00 o’clock noon, she breathed her last breath and fell asleep in Jesus until the resurrection morn.

We, who linger behind, wonder what joy, what rapture Anna Marie experienced, as her soul was released from this body of pain and suffering. She is now with her Lord and Saviour whom she can now worship in fellowship with all the dear ones who have gone on before. All her sorrow, all suffering will be forgotten, all tears will be wiped away.

She leaves to mourn her early departure her husband, Byron Spallinger, her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bartsch of Topeka, her brother John of Newton and his wife and children, her brother Paul, now in Korea, her sister Barbara of Topeka, her father and mother-in-law, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, so many of whom have ministered faithfully to her needs, her suffering, and pain.

We all look forward in great anticipation to that Great Easter Morn when we shall all be united again to sing the Hallelujahs forever and ever. — The Family.

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Newton, Kansas
Daughter of Paul William and Gertrude Penner Bartsch (wife 1)
Married Byron Spallinger 1950
Piano teacher -- Grace Bible Institute, Omaha, Nebraska

Bethel alumni note:
Bethel College student 1941-1942

Photo holdings:
See Johannes K. Penner (1850-1924) for family photo

Sources:
Alumni card
MWR 10/25/1951 p. 10
First Mennonite (Newton) Family Records, p. 153
Grandma 31542
Find A Grave 25523848
(See Find A Grave 160331824 for Byron Spallinger's obituary.)