Steiner, Saloma Holdeman (1859-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Jul 10 p.5

Birth date: 1859 Jul 24

text of obituary:

. . .

— Salome (Holdeman) Steiner, one of the earliest Mennonite pioneers to settle in Kansas, died at the Bethesda Hospital in Goessel, Kansas, Friday, June 2. Born in Wayne county, Ohio, she came to this state with her parents in 1873. In her lifetime she saw the community at Canton, Kansas, transformed from an almost endless prairie into a prosperous farming district. Funeral services at the Meridian Mennonite church on June 22 were conducted by the church’s elder and his son, Ministers F. H. Wenger and Harry Wenger.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Jul 17 p. 3

text of obituary:

SALOMA STEINER

Saloma Steiner (Holdeman) was born near West Salem, Wayne county, Ohio, July 24, 1859. She died in the Bethesda Hospital, Goessel, Kansas, of old age and complications on June 20, 1947, at the age of 87 years, 10 months and 27 days.

When she was one year of age, her parents moved to near Wakarusa, Ind. When she was 14 years they moved to McPherson county, Kansas, to what is now known as Hesston. Here she grew to womanhood. On August 17, 1877, she was united in marriage to Jonathan Steiner and they eventually made their home seven miles north of Canton, Kansas, where she lived most of her life.

To this union, nine children were born, five sons and four daughters. On Sept. 11, 1890, her husband was taken from her, which was a severe shock to her, since it left her to battle the way through life alone with her nine children. But having been converted to the Lord Jesus, together with her husband, she leaned upon the everlasting arms as her stay in the day of trouble. She, with her husband, had united with the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, of which she was a faithful and devoted member to the end.

With unfailing faith she did what she could to bring her children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. In her 56 years of widowhood she experiencer [sic] many difficulties and hardships.

Aunt Saloma, as she was known, was a sincere Christian, a devout and loving mother, not only concerned for her own children and family, but ready to help where help was needed. Her home was open to the fatherless and needy. Even though a widow, she was blessed and was a blessing. Kindness and helpfulness were her Christian motives. Few ever heard her complain, rather she was thankful. Her concern was for the salvation of her children and grandchildren, as for all men.

She suffered much of different ailments, but would say, “When we have Jesus we can bear our sufferings better.” We mourn her going away, but not as those who have no hope, for she left us with the living hope and faith of going into the presence of her Lord, whom she loved and served.

She leaves to mourn her departure, three sons, Albert of Newton; Abe of Spencerville, Ind.; and David near Canton, with whom she lived when the end came; four daughters, Maryann Gleckler and Helena of the home address; Clare, Mrs. Ed Fricke, Minneapolis, Ind.; Anna, Mrs. Dan Jantz of Hesston. Two sons, Samuel and Henry, preceded her in death. She also leaves 32 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. One brother, Conrad Holdeman, is the last of 14 to survive. She also leaves a host of other relatives and friends. Seven grandchildren preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Sunday, June 22, at the Meridian church. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery. F. H. Wenger and Harry Wenger officiated.