Bartsch, Lizzie Matthies (1905-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 27 p. 8

Birth date: 1905 Jan 25

text of obituary:

MRS. LIZZIE BARTSCH

Lizzie Bartsch, nee Matthies, went home to be with her Lord on Nov. 7, 1958, at 12:00 noon. She reached the age of 53 years, nine months, and 15 days. Her departing caused us great heartaches, however, we were glad that she could be delivered from her suffering which was caused by cancer. We recognize that He who said “Fear not, it is I” is with us and will comfort us.

In the month of June our wife and mother took very ill. The verdict after an operation was that she had a sever [sic] case of cancer and humanly speaking there was no hope. After six days we were privileged to take her home and care for her unto the very end. This time in which she endured a great deal of suffering was nevertheless a great blessing to us as a family as we were drawn close together.

Our mother was born in South Russia, in the village of Pordenau in the Molotchna, on Jan. 25, 1905. At the age of two, she moved with her parents to the village Sparraw. Here she pent [sic] her childhood days and attended school. At the age of 21 she became a child of God through the experience of the new birth. This assurance and joy of salvation she held secure until the end. For this we praise the Lord.

On March 25, 1928, she was united in holy matrimony with Abraham G. Bartsch. This union, which lasted 30 years, seven months and 15 days, was blessed with two children, a son and a daughter.

When the Russia reign of terror grew ever more terrible and when the future looked dark, we sought the face of the Lord and He truly did wonders for us. Only eight days after our marriage we left our parents and loved ones to make our way to the Far East. We reached the Russian-China border safely and settled down to wait for an opportunity to escape from Russia. The time arrived when the great Amur river was frozen over and during the night we crossed into the land of China. This was a wonderful deliverance by the hand of God.

However, in the city of Harbin we were to experience great financial difficulties. The Lord answered our prayers to the extent that we both found work and could earn the necessities of life. After spending nine and one-half months in China, the way to America was opened through the help of the Mennonite people and on Oct. 25, 1929, we reached the shores of the U. S. A. and landed in San Francisco. We came to Reedley, Calif. and established our home. After some time we moved to Canada and lived there 10 years. We came back to the Reedley community and made our home on a farm. The Lord blessed the work of our hands so that we could have a fine home.

In 1933 we joined the Mennonite Brethren Church of Reedley for fellowship. In this church she served the Lord with those talents that He had entrusted to her. She served for a number of years on the Entertainment Committee. She loved her Lord, attended Sunday school and church very faithfully as long as she could, and was a precious, praying wife and mother.

Those who remain to mourn her departure are her husband, Abraham G. Bartsch of Parlier, Calif., one son, Walter of Parlier, one daughter, Lydia, Mrs. Bergen of Dinuba, Calif.; one son-in-law, David Bergen of Dinuba; three grandchildren, and three sisters. Besides these there are many relatives and friends.

The memorial service was conducted in the Reedley M. B. Church, with Rev. Dan Friesen and Rev. H. R. Wiens officiating, at 10:00 a. m. Nov. 13, 1958. — The Family.