Graves, Susanna Warkentin (1873-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 31 Dec 1959 p. 8

Birth date: 1873

text of obituary:

MRS. SUSANNA GRAVES

Mrs. Susanna Warkentin Graves was born Jan. 4, 1873 in Kleefeld, Russia, the daughter of Peter P. and Justina Wiens Warkentin. She emigrated to the United States with her parents as an infant in 1874. The family made their home at Hillsboro, Kansas.

She was baptized upon confession of faith in her Redeemer Jesus Christ on June 6, 1892 by Rev. Jacob Buller and became a member of the Alexanderwohl church whose faithful member she remained until her death.

She was united in marriage with Isaac Graves on Jan. 25, 1898 by Rev. Heinrich Goertz. The parents were privileged to enjoy a happy married life for over 58 years. In 1923 they celebrated their 25th anniversary, and in 1948 their golden anniversary.

The parents farmed near Hillsboro for a number of years, and at various times lived n Goessel and Hillsboro.

After father's death on May 9, 1956, mother made her home with her children. A little over a year ago, on Sept. 20, 1958, she entered the Salem Home for the Aged at Hillsboro. In the declining years of her life her health bean to fail. She broke her hip in a fall and was taken to the Hillsboro hospital on Sept. 29, 1959, where she passed away Oct. 4, 1959, reaching the age of 86 years and nine months.

The departed mother experienced the privations and hardships of pioneer life, but always had implicit faith in her Saviour. She repeatedly placed her burdens upon the Lord who was her Shepherd. She loved her Bible and would often sing the wonderful hymns of faith, such as "Oh Have You Not Heard of That Beautiful Stream."

She leaves to mourn her death four daughters and one son, Susanna, Mrs. John Hiebert, husband and family of Newton, Kan., Anna, Mrs. John Buller, husband and family of Peabody, Kan., Katharine, Mrs. Walter Voth and husband of Durham, Kan., Isaac, wife and family of Walton, Kan., Justina, Mrs. David Neufeld and husband of Walton, Mrs. Jacob Graves and family of Walton; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grand-children; two sisters, Mrs. Helena janzen of Medford, Okla. and Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt of Newton.

A son, Jacob Graves, preceded his mother in death on April 25, 1959. Also one grandchild and one great-grandchild preceded her.

Funeral services were held in the Miller Funeral home and the Alexanderwohl church on Oct. 8, 1959 in charge of Rev. P. A. Wedel, pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. Curt Boese of the Walton Mennonite Church.