Goertz, Neva Enmma King (1914-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Mar 17 p. 27

Birth date: 1914 May 14

text of obituary:

NEVA EMMA GOERTZ

Neva Emma Goertz of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Dec. 10, following a stroke. She was born May 14, 1914 to Joseph and Eddice King in Edgeley, N.D. She was baptized in 1929. She attended St. Paul Bible College and then completed a nursing program. In 1945, after hearing the experiences of a missionary couple, she felt called to be a missionary to Nigeria with SIM. Here she met Frank Goertz. They married in 1948. Her work consisted of diagnosing and treating 60-100 outpatients daily, caring for numerous inpatients and running a leprosy treatment program. By the time she retired in 1983, she had delivered more than 500 babies. She also assisted Frank in ministry to surrounding Nupe villages and the production of theological education literature. She taught reading and Bible knowledge classes to children. After retirement in Abbotsford, she worked at Helping Hands and served in the choir and orchestra. Her love of music was well-known. She enjoyed playing violin, piano, harmonica and other instruments. She is mourned by Frank; daughter Marilyn and son James. A memorial service was held Dec. 14 at Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Christopher Douglas, Paul Wiebe and Art Redekop ministering.