Dirks, Maria Hiebert (1886-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary:1975 Mar 07 p. 29

Birth date: 186 Jan 19

text of obituary:

(MRS.) MARIA DIRKS

Maria Dirks was born January 19, 1886 to Wilhelm and Susana Hiebert in Minsterberg, Sagradovka. In her early years she trusted the Lord and upon her faith was baptized at age 22 and accepted into the Mennonite Brethren Church.

On March 11, 1918 she was united in marriage with Henry Dirks, a union blessed with one son and three daughters. The Bolshevik revolution brought much trial and sorrow and their only prayer was to leave Russia. The Lord answered and in October, 1925 they immigrated to Canada.

Altester and Mrs. Heinrich Bartel took them in on their farm at Drake, Sask. for the winter. In 1928 they bought their own farm in the Watrous district and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church there.

In 1943 they celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. They moved to Rosedale, B.C. in 1946 and joined the East Chilliwack MB Church. Later they moved to Yarrow for several years. Mr. Dirks passed away June 15, 1971. The Lord took her home December 13, 1974. Left to mourn are son Henry and wife Anne of Chilliwack, B.C.; three daughters: Susanna and Abe Schroeder of Watrous, Sask., Marie and Peter Isaak of Vineland, Ont., Katie and Abe Voth of Matsqui, B.C.; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and friends.

The funeral service was held in the East Chilliwack MB Church December 18, 1974.