Krehbiel, Mary Bertha (1877-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Sep 25 p. 3

Birth date: 1877 Jan 21

text of obituary:

MARY BERTHA KREHBIEL

Miss Mary Bertha Krehbiel, daughter of Jacob C. and Christine Dester Krehbiel, was born at Wellman, Iowa, on January 21, 1877. She passed to her reward at the Halstead hospital on Sunday morning, August 17, 1947, at 9:00 a. m., reaching the age of 70 years, six months and 27 days.

When Miss Krehbiel was six years of age, she with her parents moved to Halstead, Kansas. She has lived here since that time. Early in life she gave her allegiance to the Master and joined the First Mennonite church at Halstead on September 11, 1892. On the same date, she was baptized by the late Rev. Christian Krehbiel.

Since that time she has been a faithful attendant and loyal supporter of this church. On the occasion of a recent pastoral visit, she expressed her hope that she might soon be able to join again in the work and worship of the church. On the eve of her passing, she spoke to one of the young people in the church and asked concerning the plans which the young people had formulated for the year two days previously at their annual retreat. Always interested in young people, she gave at all time her ready encouragement and support for them and the church. The news of her passing removes from the church a cheerful, character which old and young alike will miss.

During many years of her residence in Halstead, she was employed as a clerk in the Mantele Store in Halstead. Her efficiency and readiness to be of service won for her a host of friends in the community.

Though she had lived a full life, she desired to live that she might enjoy the company of her friends. However, her affliction was borne patiently and without complaint and she expressed a willingness to be submissive to God’s plan for her.

She leaves to mourn her departure an aunt, Mrs. Barbara Funk of Gotebo, Oklahoma; her cousin, Ervin Dester of Deer Creek, Oklahoma, who made his home with her for ten years; and Mrs. Susie Dester Pjesky of Halstead, who lived in her home at different intervals. Preceding her in death were her father, in 1908, her mother, in 1930, and Frieda Dester, who also lived in her home for some years. Many other cousins and a host of friends also survive.

Funeral services were conducted from the First Mennonite church of Halstead on Tuesday afternoon, August 19, at 2:30 o’clock with the pastor, Rev. L. A. Habegger, officiating. Rev. D. C. Wedel of Newton, assisted. Mrs. Richard Regier and Miss Elizabeth Huebert sang “One Sweetly Solemn Thought” by Ambrose and “My Peace I Give Unto You” by Roberts. Mrs. Ruth Rose was the organist and accompanist. As the processional, she played “Be Still My Soul” by Sibelius and the recessional was “Goin’ Home” by Dvorak.

Burial was in the Halstead Cemetery under the direction of Kaufman and Dreese. Bearers were Chris Roper, Paul G. Krehbiel, George O. Cadwell, C. F. Haurey, Henry Penner and Elmer Ross.