Cripe, Barbara Birky (1892-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Feb 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1892 May 23

text of obituary:

Barbara Birky Cripe

Barbara Birky Cripe, daughter of Valentine and Anna Nafziger Birky, was born in Boynton Township, Tazewell County, Ill. on May 23, 1892. She passed away at her home in Delavan, Ill. on Jan. 11, 1961 at the age of 68 years, seven months, and 18 days.

On Feb. 29, 1919, she was married to Timothy S. Cripe. To this union were born two children: Delzon O. Cripe of Burlingame, Calif. and Rhoda Ann Cripe of Newton, Kan. Surviving besides her husband and two children are two brothers, Chris Birky of Hopedale, Ill. and Walter Birky of Delavan, Ill. Her parents and two brothers, Eli and Aaron, preceded her in death.

On March 17, 1907 at the age of 14 she was baptized and received as a member of the Hopedale Mennonite Church. From this early age to the end of her earthly life she remained faithful and expressed this faith in many different ways. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years, having already begun by the time she was 18 and continuing teaching until several years ago. She had a good understanding of the Bible and was very capable in teaching its truth to others.

She also served in a variety of ways through the Women's Sewing Circle of the church. When this group was first organized on June 5, 1918, she was chosen as the first secretary treasurer.

The Christian qualities manifested in her life included her ability to encourage others, her Christian attitude, her liberal giving, her faith prayer life, etc. One of the special gifts which she had was the ability to express spiritual truth through poetry. Even though she was outstanding with these many abilities and blessed with many gifts, this did not cause her to forget her dependence upon the Saviour. It was her constant desire to trust in Him and walk in His ways.

Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church on Jan. 14, 1961, in charge of Ben Springer and Ivan Kauffmann. Burial was in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery. — The Family.