Selzer, Edna Ella Beck (1887-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Dec 2 p. 8

Birth date: 1887 Jul 20

text of obituary:

. . .

● Funeral services for Mrs. Edna Selzer, 84, were held Sunday afternoon at the Spring Valley Mennonite Church near Canton. Rev. James Hershberger, the pastor, officiated. Mrs. Selzer died Nov. 25 at her home in Canton. She was the former Edna Beck of the Peabody community, and married Harry Selzer in 1913. He died in 1946. Survivors include seven daughters, Mrs. Ralph Shank of Hubbard, Ore., Violet of Canton, Mrs. Allen Bitikofer of rural Canton, Mrs. Earl Ressler of Bonaire, Netherland Antilles, Mrs. Edwin Becker of Sapporo, Japan, Mrs. Leroy Bitikofer of rural Canton, and Mrs. Wayne Yoder of Mountain Home, Ark.; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a brother, Lester Beck of McPherson, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Horst of Hesston.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Feb 3 p. 10

text of obituary:

MRS. EDNA ELLA SELZER

Edna Ella (Beck) Selzer, daughter of Lemon L. and Catherine (Graybill) Beck, was born on July 20, 1887 near Peabody, Kan. and passed away at her home in Canton, Kan. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 25, 1971, after a two and one-half year illness, age 84 years, four months and five days.

In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with the Catlin Mennonite Church near Peabody, later transferring her membership to the Spring Valley Mennonite Church near Canton, of which she was a faithful member until death. She enjoyed singing and for a number of years served as song leader.

She attended Bible Academy at Hesston College and was the first cook at the college. She graduated in 1913.

She grew to womanhood near Peabody, and on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 27, 1913, she was married to Harry Selzer of Canton. He preceded her in death on Oct. 1, 1946 after 33 years of marriage. They spent the first few years of their marriage on a farm near Peabody, later moving to the Canton area. In 1930 they moved to Colorado for a few years because of Harry's health. In March of 1935 they moved back to Canton where she had since resided.

Seven daughters were born in this home, and they all survive: Kathryn, Mrs. Ralph Shank, Hubbard, Oregon; Violet of the home, who faithfully cared for mother during her illness; Roberta, Mrs. Allen Bitikofer, Canton; Ruby, Mrs. Earl Ressler, Bonaire, Netherland Antilles; Arletta, Mrs. Edwin Becker, Sapporo, Japan; Doris, Mrs. Leroy Bitikofer, Canton; and Gladys, Mrs. Wayne Yoder, Mountain Home, Ark. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Anna Horst, Hesston; a brother, Lester Beck and wife Esther, McPherson, Kan.; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Minnie Holgerson, Canton, Mrs. Meta Selzer, Emporia, and Mrs. Emily Beck, Kearney, Neb. Preceding her in death besides her husband were two infant grandsons and three brothers.

Mother enjoyed her role in her home and was a real example of motherhood to her daughters. She put others first, and was willing t o do what she could no matter how small the task as long as her health permitted. She was always happiest when working; even at the age of 80 she was caring for a lady several years older than she. Prov. 31: 27-28 describes mother well: "She looked well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed."