Ensz, Elisabeth Toews (1889-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Jan 19 p. 2

Birth date: 1889 Aug 25

text of obituary:

NATIVE OF MANITOBA DIED AT INMAN, KAN.

Inman, Kan. — Mrs. Isaac K. Ensz, 66, a member of the Zion congregation of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, died at her home near here Jan. 11. Funeral services were held at the local church Jan. 15.

A native of Steinbach, Manitoba, she leaves her husband; six daughters and three sons; her aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Toews of Steinbach; three sisters and six brothers.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Feb 16 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. ELISABETH ENSZ

It has pleased our heavenly Father to take my dear companion, our mother and grandmother, Elisabeth Toews Ensz, to her heavenly home. She was born Aug. 25, 1889, in the village of Blumenort, near Steinbach, Manitoba and passed away at our home near Inman, Kan. Jan. 11, 1956, at 11:45 p. m., reaching the age of 66 years, four months and 17 days.

During her first school year in Canada, her father served as teacher. She lost her mother through death when only 10 years of age, but again received a mother's care when her father was married to Marie Penner. In 1901, at the age of 12 years, she with her parents moved to Hillsboro, Kan. where she finished elementary school and grew to womanhood.

She felt the need of a Saviour, repented and found forgiveness of her sins. Upon confession of her faith, she was baptized on March 2, 1906, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite and remaining a faithful member to the end.

On March 28, 1915, she was united in marriage to Isaac K. Ensz, and they shared joys and sorrows for 40 years. The first three years they lived at Lehigh, Kan. In 1918 they moved to the Inman community, where she resided the rest of her life.

She was a devoted companion and a Godly mother. Her kind words and humble ways were a guiding star in a dark world. We believe she will have stars in her crown because we feel she did her part in bringing all her children to the feet of Jesus. She also took special delight and interest in her grandchildren. She was ever ready to confess her faults and ask for forgiveness as well as to forgive.

In 1925 we were called by the Lord and the church to the work of the deaconry and were ordained March29. She faithfully stood at my side, willingly taking her responsibility and helping as much as her health permitted.

She enjoyed fairly good health until the fall of 1935. She submitted to major surery [sic] on Feb. 2, 1954, after which she regained sufficient health to enjoy her home and family. in the summer of 1955 her condition again required medical aid. To our deep sorrow, we learned that cancer had overtaken her. No hope for recovery was given.

She expressed a desire to have a special prayer meeting in her behalf, which was done. She had a longing to stay with her loved ones, yet willing to say "Lord, not mine, but thy will be done."

She leaves to mourn her departure her bereaved husband; six daughters and three sons, Rosella, Mildred and Gladys at home, Alma and husband John N. Penner of Inman, Margaret and husband Albert Reimer of Yale, S. D., Viola and husband Ernest Reimer of Iroquois, S. D., Wilber and wife Matilda of Yale, S. D., Ben and wife Mary, and David and wife Juanita of Inman, Kans.; 12 grandchildren; her aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Toews of Steinbach, Manitoba; seven brothers and two sisters, John Regehr of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Jake and Peter of Winton, Calif., Abe of St. Catherines, Ontario, Agnes, Mrs. M. F. Barkman, Anna, Mrs. J. H. W. Reimer, and Frank of Steinbach, Manitoba, Henry of Cimarron, Kan., Dave of Conway, Kan., and many relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death besides her mother were four children, Mary at the age of four, one son and two daughters in infancy. We will miss our mother greatly, but we know that she is resting now, safe in the arms of Jesus.

The funeral took place Jan. 15, with Min. John A. Ensz in charge of the service at the house, followed by services in the Zion Church where Min. A. R. Toews spoke words of comfort from John 14:1-6, 11, 25 and Rev. 14:13. She was laid to rest in the nearby cemetery, where Min. F. H. Wenger conducted the graveside service.

— Husband and Children.