Krehbiel, Elizabeth (1841-1934)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1934 Jul 24 p. 14

Birth date: 1841 Mar 31

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Jul 25 p. 3

text of obituary:

Elizabeth Krehbiel.

Elizabeth Krehbiel was born March 31, 1841, in the village of Weierhoff in the Palatinate of Bavaria, Germany. When 11 years of age in 1852 she with her parents and others came to this country and they settled at Franklin Center in Lee County, Iowa, where she lived for about 24 years. At that time that section of the country was still in the pioneer stage and thus she experienced two series of pioneer life, for in 1876 she came to Kansas with her family and they established their home here in what was at that time a new country.

Under the influence of Christian parents and the church she found and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. On October 18, 1855, she was baptized and united with the Zion Mennonite Church in Lee County, Iowa. When they moved to Kansas she transferred her membership to the first Mennonite Church of Christian, Kansas, on March 18, 1877. She remained a faithful member of this congregation until death called her into the Church triumphant. At the time of her death she was the oldest member of the congregation. She served her Master in a quiet and unassuming way. She loved the house of God and as long as strength permitted was regular in church attendance. When she could no longer attend public worship, she used the Sabbath morning in private devotions in the reading of the Bible, the Hymn Book and especially in reading and meditating on a sermon. She also had a warm heart and an open hand for missions and for the other branches of the work of the Kingdom.

On May 3, 1863, she was married to Daniel Krehbiel and they were permitted to pass though [sic] life together for over 38 years, when on October 28, 1901, death overtook the husband. Their marriage was blessed with nine children, of who three passed on before the mother. After their marriage they continued to live in Iowa for a little over 13 years.

In August 1876 they came to Kansas and in the fall of the same year settled on the farm they had purchased one mile south of Moundridge. Here the deceased lived a little over 57 years. At the time the family moved on this farm Moundridge had not yet been built. They built a store near their home and here the husband served as farmer, merchant and postmaster, for the postoffice was located in this store. Its name was Christian and for this post-office the First Mennonite Church of Christian received its name.

Even tho Sister Krehbiel was somewhat frail in the last few years, the Lord gave her grace, so that she remained in fairly good health. He also retained her mental faculties so that she could take and active interest in her home, her friends, her church, etc. Only two years ago she still took care of her garden. She was sick only a few days. For a long period of time, however, she desired to go home and be with the Lord. This wish was granted when she quietly passed away on Thursday, June 27, 1934. Her age was 93 years, 2 months, and 27 days. Her descendants are as follows: those who preceded her in death are one daughter, one son, and one grandchild; those that remain to cherish her memory are four daughters, two sons, 30 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Other relatives, and many friends will also bless her memory.

“The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.” Psalm 112, 6.

“The memory of the righteous is blessed.” Prov. 10, 7.

Funeral services were held from the home and from the First Mennonite Church o Christian on Sunday afternoon, July 1, 1934. Rev. C. E. Krehbiel served with the introduction and Rev. John C. Goering and P. P. Wedel preached, the former in German and the latter in English.