Becker, Ernestine Pauls (1871-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jan 20 p. 7

Birth date: 1871 Nov 26

text of obituary:

text of obituary:

OCTOGENARIAN CALLED AWAY IN DEATH

Marion, S. D. – Mrs. Jacob P. Becker, 83, died at her home in Marion on Jan. 8 after a long illness. Funeral services were conducted Jan. 13 at the Mennonite Brethren church here.

Mrs. Becker, a long-time resident of the community, leaves a large family of descendants, including 13 children.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Feb 10 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. ERNESTINE BECKER

Ernestine Pauls Becker, our loving mother, was born Nov. 26, 1871, in Hahns-Au, Russia. Here she also received her limited education.

In 1889 she accepted Christ as her personal saviour, was baptized by Wm. Penner and joined with the Mennonite Church of Ak-Metchet, Chiva. Later when coming to America both father and mother joined the Mennonite church here. During the last 20 years she attended and had full fellowship with the Silver Lake M. B. church.

On Aug. 9, 1890, she was united in marriage to Jacob P. Becker who preceded her in death on Nov. 22, 1930, leaving her a widow for a little over 24 years. Father’s passing left to her the responsibility of assuming the spiritual leadership in the home. Her faith and sincere prayer life have been influential in leading each member of the family into a personal relationship with the Lord and into a place of active Christian service.

In 1892 our parents, with others, migrated to America, arriving in Nebraska. Here they made their home near Beatrice for four months, then moved to South Dakota and established their home on a farm in Hutchinson county. Mother stayed on the farm until 1945 when she moved to Marion, living there the rest of her life.

Mother enjoyed good health most of her life, except that she was seriously ill in 1934, but was restored to health agin through prayer.

She had been ailing for about a year, her illnesses being anemia and a tumorous growth. pneumonia set in which caused her sudden death. Since last Nov. 1 she has been bedfast and her testimony has been a challenge and blessing to all who visited her because of her longing to be with the Lord. Her constant prayer was for the Lord to receive her home. This desire was fulfilled on Jan. 8, at 4:40 p.m. when she passed away quietly and peacefully from this life into the presence of the Lord. She reached the age of 83 years, one month and 13 days.

Her departure leaves 13 children, eight sons, Bernard, John, William, Edward, Henry, Arthur, all of Marion, Albert of Minneapolis, Emil of Knox City, Texas; five daughters, Helen (Mrs. Jonas Becker), Susan and Justina of Marion, Anna of Grand Prairie, Tex., and Ella, Mrs. Harvey Schoenwald, of Salida, Col.; 19 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, eight daughters-in-law and one son-in-law, and a host of relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, three children, three grandchildren, and one son-in-law, Jonas Becker.

Funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon from the Silver Lake M. B. church with Rev. Eldo Ratzlaff and Rev. M. Kroeker the officiating clergymen.

                                                                                            — The Bereaved Family.