Oyer, Mary Smith (1861-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jun 23 p. 1

Birth date: 1861 Dec 31

text of obituary:

MARRIAGE UNION OF 75 YEARS BROKEN BY DEATH OF WIFE AND MOTHER

St. Johns, Mich. — Funeral services for Mrs. May Oyer, 93, wife of John P. Oyer, were held at the Bethel Mennonite church near here May 30. She passed away at the family homestead on May 27.

On Jan. 15 of this year Mr. and Mrs. Oyer observed the 75th anniversary of their wedding date to become one of the few couples in the nation to be married three-quarters of a century.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jun 23 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. MARY OYER

Mary Oyer, daughter of Peter and Barbara (Neuhauser) Smith, was born Dec. 31, 1861, near Gridley, Ill., and passed away at her home near St. Johns, Mich. May 27, 1955, aged 93 years, four months and 27 days.

She accepted Christ as her Saviour in her youth and united with the Waldo Mennonite church near Flanagan, Ill.

On Jan. 15, 1880, she was united in marriage with John P. Oyer, also of the Waldo congregation. to this union were born 11 children, eight of whom grew to maturity: Edward H. of Eureka, Ill.; Daniel S. of St. Johns, Mich. (deceased Sept. 1954); Lydia, at home; Emma, of Chicago, Ill. (deceased may 1951); Noah of Goshen, Ind. (deceased February 1931); Elmer J. of Fisher, Ill.; Edna, at home; and Esther, (Mrs. Cyril Smith), St. Johns Mich.

Besides the four children and her husband, who was unable to attend the funeral, she leaves 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and one brother, C. H. Smith, of Eureka, Ill. Two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

In 1886 the Oyer family moved to Woodford county, Ill. and transferred membership to the Metamora Mennonite church. In 1921 they located on the present homestead near St. Johns, Mich., where they united with the Bethel Mennonite church. Here mother continued her activities in the church and Sunday school and sewing circle.

Mother had been in frail health for several years, but was able to be about until the last week of her life. She expressed a longing desire to depart and be with her Lord and loved ones gone before. A frequent statement during her last days was, "I'm on my way Home."

A few hours before her departure she enjoyed a visit from her pastor, joining in the prayer in which she specially remembered her church, her pastor, and other individuals. Shortly thereafter she peacefully passed away. Upon other occasions she prayed for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as for missionaries at home and abroad.

Funeral services were held at the Bethel Mennonite church, conducted by her pastor, John M. Landis. Mother's favorite Psalms, 90 and 91, were read at the home and at the church. The text was Psa. 90:12. Burial was made in the Washington Township Cemetery nearby.