Fast, Sarah H. Schmidt (1882-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Jan 19 p. 6

Birth date: 1882 Jun 21

text of obituary:

. . .

— Funeral services were held at the Grace Mennonite Church near Halstead last Friday for Mrs. Sarah Fast, 73, who died at her home in Halstead on Jan. 9. Rev. Arnold Wiggers officiated. Mrs. Fast is survived by her husband, seven daughters and four sons.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Feb 16 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. SARAH H. FAST

Mrs. Sarah Fast, daughter of Jacob and Anna Smith [sic Schmidt], was born June 21, 1882, at Hesston, Kansas, and passed away in her home in Halstead, Kansas in the early morning of Jan. 16, 1956, reaching the age of 73 years, six months, and 25 days. Death was caused by a heart attack.

She grew to womanhood near Durham, Kansas, and later lived near Houston, Texas and in Oklahoma.

In her youth she felt the need of a Saviour. Accepting the Lord she found forgiveness of sins and was baptized upon confession of her faith in February 1898 by Elder Tobias Unruh, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. She remained faithful to the end.

On Feb. 12, 1911, she was married to Peter Fast of Langdon, N. Dak., and took upon her the care of her husband's eight children by his former marriage. They shared life's joys and sorrows for nearly 45 years. To this union were born two sons and two daughters.

She was a godly mother in the home, living a lovely and quiet Christian life. Among the last things she said was, "When we get over there, we'll never grow old."

She enjoyed fair health till in later years, and the last two years she was under the doctor's care. Her last evening was spent enjoying some of the grandchildren about her. She retired for the night as usual and fell asleep not to wake again. She left us a good assurance of eternal rest, and we hope to meet her on "Yonder Shore."

She leaves to mourn her departure, her aged and sorrowing companion; four sons, seven daughters: Mrs. Anna Reimer of Steinbach, Manitoba, Mrs. Katherine Reimer of Crooked Creek, Alberta, Peter Fast of Langdon, N. Dak., Jacob Fast of Winton, Calif., Mrs. Helena Holderman of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Mrs. Mary Holderman of Wolf Point, Mont.; Mrs. Susie Flemming [sic Fleming] of Seattle, Wash., Clifford Fast of Atmore, Ala., Justina of the home, Eva, Mrs. Clarence Koehn of Halstead, Kansas, and Cornelius Fast of Norfolk, Va.; 42 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren. One daughter, Margaret, and six grandchildren preceded her in death.

Memorial services for Mrs. Fast were held in the Grace Mennonite Church near Halstead Friday afternoon, Jan. 20, 1956. A short prayer service in the home preceded the church service. Pastors officiating were Rev. Arnold Wiggers, Rev. Carl Dirks and Rev. Abe R. Towes. The church choir sang favorite hymns. She was laid to rest in the Halstead Cemetery with the directors of the Kaufman Funeral home in charge of arrangements.