Becker, Elizabeth Unruh (1849-1938)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 Jun 29 p. 2

Birth date: 1849 Sep 4

text of obituary:

Mrs. Adam Becker

Mrs. Adam Becker, nee Elizabeth Unruh, was born September 4, 1849, in Poland, Russia. Early Saturday morning June 11, 1938, she passed away at the age of 88 years, 9 months, 7 days. She is the last of a family of ten — her youngest brother passed away just a few months ago.

On November 17, 1887, at the age of 18, upon the confession of her faith, she was baptized by the Rev. Tobias Unruh. Being left an orphan at an early age, she was compelled to support herself until on November 20, 1870, she was joined in marriage to Adam Becker with whom she shared the joys and sorrows of life for almost 62 years. Of the 13 children born to this union, four passed away in infancy and Peter at the age of 42 years. Those remaining to mourn her departure are Susan, Mrs. B. J. Johnson, Bloomfield, Montana; Anna, Mrs. B. A. Ratzlaff, Meno, Oklhoma; Cornelius Bernard, Eva, David, Bennie and Mollie, besides 30 grandchildren, of whom 3 have passed away; and 38 great-grandchildren of whom 3 have died.

She suffered much, especially during her earlier years due to illness and many hardships in connection with the emigration to America in 1874 and the founding of a new home near Moundridge, Kansas, and later in 1893 in Oklahoma at the present home near Meno.

She was a quiet, peace-loving, faithful mother, never finding any sacrifice for her family too great. She was generous, hospitable and ever ready to help others. Although she never had the privilege of any education she memorized and sang many songs, and also learned many Scripture passages. In her quiet way she tried to live a faithful Christian life.

For eleven years she faithfully stood by during the lingering illness of her husband until he was called to his reward on August 3, 1932. During the same summer she became ill and was unable to be about very much. Two years ago she had a stroke, which left her in a completely helpless and crippled condition so that often the question came involuntarily, Lord, how long? She longed so much to enter into that rest that He has prepared for His own.

"Why should our tears in sorrow flow,
     When God recalls His own,
And bids them leave a world of woe,
     For an immortal home?
She resteth now.
     No more she draws her weary breath,
Pain sits no longer on the brow,
     Where lies the calm of death.
Gone to rest like a tired child.
     She lies in slumber deep.
Soft folded in the arms of Him
     Who giveth His beloved sleep."

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 14. At the home 2. Cor. 5:1 - 9 was read and prayer offered by Rev. H. N. Harder of Enid, Oklahoma. at the Neuhoffnungstal church Rev. H. U. Schmidt, the local minster, spoke on Psalm 29, 4 and 5, and was assisted by Rev. H. T. Neufeld, who spoke on Psalm 91:10-12. Interment was made in the church cemetery.