Schmidt, Beverly Joy (1938-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Oct 19 p. 4

Birth date: 1938 Aug 23

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Oct 26 p. 7

text of obituary:

BEVERLY JOY SCHMIDT

Beverly Joy Schmidt came to grace the home of Walter H. and Mildred Penner Schmidt, August 23, 1938. As the first child in a new home, she was, as her name indicates, a joy to her parents and all those who know her.

She entered school in the Hillsboro public school, attending there until the family moved to their present home near Hesston in 1946. Here she continued her school attendance at District 16, being in the seventh grade at the time she was called to another school. She took great pleasure in her school work and teachers frequently commented on her conscientious work in school.

While living near Hillsboro she attended the Johannestal Mennonite church and Sunday school and in vacation periods took active part in the vacation Bible school in Hillsboro. After moving to the present home of the family she attended the Tabor Mennonite church and Sunday school. She was also priveleved [sic] to attend the vacation Bible school conducted each spring in her home community.

In her church and Sunday school activities she was responsive, sincere, and thorough. She was apt in cultivating friendships, enjoying the fellowship and companionship of many boys and girls. She loved to read and had read most of the books in the school library and many others. She also enjoyed the piano, and had participated in several student recitals.

On Sunday, Oct. 8, she noticed a discomfort in her throat. This had intensified Monday so she was taken to the Bethesda hospital, Goessel. Here she was under the care of Dr. A. K. Ratzlaff, in whom she had always placed great confidence. Upon th [sic] diagnosis of her illness as the pernicious bulbar polio she was rushed to St. Francis hospital in Wichita. Here every resource available and the loving attention given by her mother, attendants and doctors proved unavailing and she passed to her heavenly reward Tuesday evening, Oct. 10, at 9:15 p. m. at the age of 12 years, one month and 18 days.

Besides her deeply bereaved parents and sister Drucilla [sic Drusilla], she leaves to mourn her untimely passing, her grandfather H. T. Penner; her grandmother, Mrs. H. J. S. Schmidt; many uncles, aunts, cousins, and a host of friends, young and old.

“Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Funeral services were conducted on Friday afternoon, Oct. 13, in the Tabor Mennonite Church park, Rev. H. B. Schmidt officiating, assisted by Rev. J. M. Regier.