Birkey, Ida Zehr (1888-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Jul 15 p. 11

Birth date: 1888 Oct 17

text of obituary:

MRS. IDA BIRKEY

Mrs. Ida Birkey, 76, a resident of the Foosland-Fisher, Ill. area for 39 year, died Sunday, May 30, 1965, at the Gibson City Community Hospital where she had been a patient for three days. She had been in failing health for a number of years.

She was born Oct. 17, 1888 in Tazewell County, Illinois the daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Heiser) Zehr. She was united in marriage to Joe C. Birkey on Dec. 21, 1910, near Danvers, Ill.

She is survived by her husband; four sons, Earl, Raymond and Leslie of Foosland, Ill. and Harlen of Rantoul, Ill.; three daughters, Dorothy and Eleanor Birkey of Fisher, Ill. and Mrs. Lois Bachman of Metamora, Ill.; one brother, Daniel Zehr of Ludlow, Ill.; one sister, Matilda Zehr of Morton, Ill.; 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Three brothers and one sister preceded her in death.

In her youth she accepted Christ and united with the Mennonite church. She served Christ regularly as long as her health permitted. She was a kind and devoted wife and mother, always concerned and ready to help others.

Funeral services were conducted June 2 in the East Bend Mennonite Church near Fisher, with Rev. .J. Alton Horst and Rev. J. A. Heiser officiating. Burial was made in the East Bend Cemetery. — The Family.