Martens, Mary Klassen (1876-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 13 Mar 1958 p. 8

Birth date: 1876

text of obituary:

MRS. MARY MARTENS

Mrs. Mary (Klassen) Martens was born near Buhler, Reno County, Kansas on March 19, 1876, and passed away at her home at Inman, Kan. on Feb. 17, 1958, at 6:30 p.m. at the age of 81 years, 10 months and 29 days. The cause of her death was a heart ailment with complications.

Mother received her education and grew to womanhood in the Buhler community. In her youth she felt her lost condition and the need of a Savior. Upon her confession of faith she was baptized on Sept. 10, 1893, and became a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, to which she remained faithful to the end.

On Feb. 12, 1898, she was joined in marriage to Gerhard M. Martens, and shortly afterward they moved on a farm northwest of Inman where they lived about fifty years. In June 1950 they moved to Inman, where they resided to the end. On August 16, 1951, our father passed to his reward. They had shared life’s joys and sorrows for 53 years. To this union five sons and six daughters were born, two daughters having preceded her in death in May 1923.

She has been a loving mother, freely sacrificing for our needs and comfort, endeavoring to rear her family in the fear of god. She was patient and kind, with much concern for her own salvation and that of her family. In her declining years she found much comfort and strength in reading the bible and her hymn book.

She was always happy to have her children visit her, and appreciated the many deeds of love and care which were done for her, especially those of Elisabeth and Kathryn, who ministered tenderly and faithfully to her in her illness. Her empty rocker will be a constant reminder to us of her prayerful concern and many admonitions.

Mother enjoyed good health until the spring of 1951, when she suffered a heart attack from which she partially recovered. However its effects caused her much discomfort and weariness. About a month ago she began to fail and after a season of suffering and waiting patiently she peacefully fell asleep in the Lord.

She leaves to mourn her departure five sons and four daughters, Elisabeth and Kathryn of the home, Sarah, Mrs. H. D. Ensz of Inman, George K. Martens of Conway, Mary, Mrs. Aaron L. Nikkel of Hillsboro, Ike Martens of Burns, Kan., John K. Martens of Hutchinson, Edward Martens of Inman, and Pete K. Martens of Princeton, Calif.; one brother-in-law, Abraham Kroeker, of Reedley, Calif.; 24 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends. Two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Feb. 21, 1958, at 1:00 p.m. in the home where Min. John N. Penner spoke words of comfort and at 2:00 p.m. in the Zion church where Min. Milfred Wenger had opening remarks and prayer and Min. John A. Ensz spoke from Heb. 9;27, Psalm 39:4, Job 3:17 and Luke 23:28. She was laid to rest in the nearby cemetery. – The Family.