Jantz, Emma Decker (1901-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 13 p. 8

Birth date: 1901 Feb 10

text of obituary:

Emma Decker Jantz, daughter of Tobias and Mary (Unruh) Decker, was born Feb. 10, 1901, near Galva in McPherson County, Kansas. She passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 14, 1956, at her home, at the age of 55 years, nine months and four days.

On April 13, 1919, she was baptized upon her confession of faith in Jesus Christ and took up membership in the Friendenstal [sic Friedenstal] Mennonite Church, where she remained a faithful and sincere member until her death.

She was united in marriage with Arnold Jantz of Durham, Kansas on July 31, 1923, in a double wedding ceremony with Mr. and Mrs. Carl Decker. This companionship of marriage was enjoyed together for 32 years. To this union were born three children: Opal Janice, Olive Jane and Orlo Kenneth. Our home has been rich in love and in fellowship.

Failing health became noticeable at the beginning of 1953. In November, 1955, she became bedfast and remained so until the time of her death a year and 10 days later. Even during this trying year of intense pain and suffering, her friendly greeting and cheerful smile remained and now will linger in the memory of all her friends and relatives. Her never-ending patience was supreme. Her life and words during this time were a wonderful testimony of her deep religious faith and her trust in God. The hours of hard work, the sleepless nights she spent for us, her countless prayers in our behalf, all the many things that only a mother can do will be cherished throughout our lives.

We feel the loss of our mother, but are comforted when we remember that this is the fulfillment of her desire as she so often expressed it: "I'm so tired and want to go home."

She leaves to mourn her departure her devoted husband, two daughters, opal (Mrs. Harold Hanson) pf McPherson, and Olive (Mrs.Jake R. Ubel) of Topeka; one son,Orlo, of the home; two sons-in-law; her father, Tobias Decker; her mother-in-law, Mrs. J. L. Jantz; five brothers, Carl and Harry of Durham, LeeRoy of Galva, Alva of Newton and Elmer of Durham; three sisters, Lena (Mrs. Tobias Schmidt) of Newton, Elsie (Mrs. Albert Johnson) and Clara (Mrs. Allen Unruh) of Durham; 10 sisters-in-law; 14 brother-in-law; a large circle of nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends. her mother, one sister, (Gertrude), and one brother (Andrew) receded her in death. — the Family.