Voth, Mary Penner (1915-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Mar 3 p.27

Birth date: 1915 Nov 10

text of obituary:

MARY VOTH

Mary Voth of Kelowna, B.C. passed away Aug. 31. She was born Nov. 10, 1915 to Frank and Helen Penner in Plum Coulee, Man. She grew up near Altona, Man. By 16, she was sewing clothes for the family. She married Henry C. Voth Oct. 2, 1937. They farmed with his father. In 1939 they moved to their own farm at Bergfeld, Man. In 1945 they moved to another farm at Lowe Farm, Man. She was a homemaker and baked desserts, especially pies, for the lunch counter. She also managed a remnant section in their general store. In 1956 they bought a grocery store in Morden, Man. A ladies' clothing section was added 9 years later. She enjoyed using her seamstress skills. Within 3 years, the grocery shelves were replaced with clothing racks. In 1987 they retired to Kelowna, where they became involved in MCC work and joined Willow Park Church. They sang in the choir and made many new friends. She was a modern, independent, working mother, recycling before it became trendy. She enjoyed playing cards and games and loved flower gardens. Family was important to her; she travelled many miles to visit her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where she cleaned, baked and sewed. She had a strong faith in God, which guided her through happy and difficult times. Church and family gave meaning to her life. Predeceased by Henry, 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Viola Goertzen of Morden, Doreen Petkau of Brandon, Man., Julie of Vancouver, Elaine Wanchuk of McRae, Alta., Sharon of Winnipeg, Rowena Raber of Richmond, B.C. and Lloyd of Winnipeg; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 4 in Willow Park Church, with Arnie Peters ministering.