Enns, Annie Hepting (1919-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Oct 6 p.28

Birth date: 1919 Nov 7

text of obituary:

ANNIE ENNS

Annie Enns of Kelowna, B.C. passed away May 22. She was born Nov. 7, 1919 to Henry and Anna Hepting in a German Lutheran community in southern Russia. There was a warm atmosphere in the home, with singing and music. Her parents had become Mennonite Brethren. Her mother was zealous in witnessing. Her father was quiet, but a writer. In 1929 the family immigrated to Yarrow, B.C. In 1932, during an evangelistic service, Annie realized her need for a Saviour and surrendered her life to God. She was baptized a few months later, joining Yarrow MB Church. She did farm work and housework in Yarrow and Vancouver. She attended Bible school for 3 years in Yarrow and Winkler, Man. In 1939 she started a private kindergarten with 40 pupils. She married Henry Enns Oct. 20, 1940. She raised a family, taught Sunday school, started Sunday services for the mentally challenged, moved a few times, reached out to neighbours and those in need, practised hospitality wherever and whenever she had opportunity, sang in choirs, wrote poetry, shared her faith and visited the sick and lonely. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She struggled with various illnesses throughout her life, yet was sustained by God. She was a "mom" to many children, young adults and older persons, who were drawn to her warmth, generosity and godly wisdom. Predeceased by several brothers and sisters and daughter Margaret Born, she is mourned by Henry; children Esther Giesbrecht of Toronto, David of Vernon, B.C., Arthur of Abbotsford, B.C. and Richard of Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The memorial service was May 27 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, with Arnie Peters and Mark Burch ministering.