Dirks, Anne Klassen (1925-2000)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Mar 2 p. 28

Birth date: 1925 Jul 7

text of obituary:

ANNE DIRKS

Anne Dirks of Chilliwack, B.C passed away Aug. 11. She was born July 7, 1925 to Frank and Maria Klassen in Suvorovka, Siberia. In 1929 the family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. In 1934 they moved to Yarrow, B.C., where she attended Yarrow Mennonite Church. In her early teens, she accepted Christ. She attended Yarrow Bible School 1942-43. She was baptized Aug. 3, 1944. Music was dear to her; she sang soprano in the church and Bible school choirs. She learned to work hard at an early age. She worked in the kitchen of Riesen's Home For Seniors for a few years. She married Henry Dirks June 22, 1947 in Yarrow MB Church. They began attending East Chilliwack MB Church in the 1950s, then Broadway MB Church in the 1970s. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She and Henry were involved in the food committees at both churches. She was president of the Ladies' Pleasant Hour at Broadway MB Church. She loved to hear a good message on Sunday morning and was a regular attender of the midweek Bible study. She did volunteer work for MCC and the Canadian Cancer Society. She enjoyed visiting family and friends in Saskatchewan and Ontario. In retirement, they travelled by motor home across North America. They also toured the Holy Land and Europe. She loved nature, going for long walks and tending her garden. She encouraged her family in the things they were involved in. She enjoyed taking charge of events. She attended special events her family was involved in, group and choir performances. She enjoyed visiting, remembered names, places and dates, and put others first. She was kind, considerate, gracious and full of love. Predeceased by a brother, she is mourned by Henry; children Bernice Derksen and Dennis, both of Chilliwack; 5 sisters and 1 brother.