Brandt, Grace Marie Ewert (1934-2005)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2005 May 16 p. 2

Birth date: 1934 Apr 5

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Jun 6 p. 8

GRACE MARIE BRANDT

Grace Marie Ewert Brandt, 71, of Hillsboro, Kan., died May 13, 2005. She was born April 5, 1934, to Lydia and David P. Ewert in Goessel.

She attended Hillsboro High School for four years and graduated in 1952 as Salutatorian of her class.

Growing up she attended First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro and was baptized there. She married Raymond Brandt on Sept. 2, 1952, also at First Mennonite Church.

In 1955, they entered I-W service in Evanston, Ill. After two years, they returned to the Hillsboro area to farm. They lived on five different farms, and in 1967 settled on the farm where she grew up.

Her mother, Lydia, strongly influenced her stance on peace and justice issues, and she also became active in these matters. She and Ray participated in the Upper Room Fellowship at the Hutchinson Reformatory, as well as being part of many peace walks.

She was a tender and caring mother to their children. She sewed wonderful clothes for her children and grandchildren. She took pleasure in watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports.

She was fond of animals and patiently handled the many chores and errands for the family farm. Tending to her flowers and garden was an important part of her life.

When the chicken operation ceased on the farm, she began piecing and appliqueing quilts and wall hangings. She created intricate and beautiful works of art. She generously donated quilts and wall hangings to the MCC relief sale and other charities. Over the years she made more than 120 quilts and 90 wall hangings. All of her children and grandchildren have a quilt especially made for them.

Survivors include her husband, Ray; three children, Mike Brandt and his wife, Deb, Laurie Luken and her husband, Joe, and Julie Brandt and her husband, Lloyd Anderson; a sister, Dorothy Goering; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro.