Ewy, Otto (1900-1934)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Sep 26 p. 1

Birth date: 1900 Jun 1

text of obituary:

Farmer Burned to Death When House is destroyed.

Hanston, Kansas.

September 25, 1934

Dear Friends:

Saturday the entire community was saddened by the tragic passing of Otto Ewy. Mr. Ewy, his wife and two children had spent the night with his mother. In the morning Mr. Ewy was to do the chores at his home about a mile from his mother's place and just on the north edge of Hanston. Shortly after eight o'clock smoke was seen to come from the house. Neighbors immediately went to help. The kitchen was filled with smoke so they began to move the household goods out of the other part of the house, but did not know that anyone was in the house. When it became known that the young man was in the house the kitchen door was again tried, but the fire had gained such headway that it meant certain death to any who should venture inside. What happened no one knows. it is thought that there may have been an explosion of one of the stoves, which may have killed him instantly. Instances like this bring us closer to the Master and bring us also to the realization that we are only pilgrims here and that we can never know when we will pass from this life into the next.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon. there was a short service at the house, followed by services in the church and interment in the Mennonite cemetery. The local pastor was assisted by Rev. Wiebe of the Hanston Baptist church and Rev. Smothers of the Hanston Methodist Church. Miss Helen McClain of Hanston played the funeral march and Mr. and Mrs. Otto Schmidt sang. They were accompanied by Miss Louise Dechert. Many friends came to pay a last tribute to the departed one. Those attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ewy of Radium; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Salmons and daughter of Cimarron; G. L. Ewy and son Eddie and Miss Edith Hamilton all of Arlington; Mrs. J. E. Miller of Partridge; Albert Ewy of Castleton; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ellis and daughter Beulah, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Ellis, Lee Ellis, Jack Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Burdett and son Ray, Mrs. Alzina Baker and baby and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Miller all of Coldwater; Mr. and Mrs. P. G. Baumgartner of Newton; Lester Bauer of Canton; Rev. H. L. shock of Larned; Mr. and Mrs. Elrick Smith and family, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Unruh, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Siebert, Mrs. Clarence Smith, Mr. Sam P. Smith, all of Pawnee Rock.

. . .

Sincerely,

T. A. van der Smissen.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Oct 3 p. 3

text of obituary:

Otto Ewy.

Otto Ewy was born June 1, 1900, at Hanston, Kansas, and departed this life on Sept. 22, 1934, also at Hanston, Kansas. He reached the age of 34 years, three months, and twenty-one days. He spent his entire life in the vicinity of Hanston. His occupation was farming. He was united in marriage to Vivian Thelma Salmons on ?Aug. 4, 1929. To this union two daughters were born.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Vivian Ewy and his daughters Georgie Ann, and Marylyn Jean; also his mother Mrs. Mina Ewy; three brothers Jacob R. and Earnest, of Hanston and Walter S. of Radium, Kansas; three sisters mrs. Elrick Smith of Pawnee Rock and the Misses Hilda and Freda of Hanston. His father, the late John A. Ewy, preceded him in death six months ago. He also leaves a number of nephews and nieces.

He was a most devoted husband and father, a dutiful and kind son and brother. His family received his care and attention, but he also found time to reach out a helping hand to others. In a call for volunteers he was one of the first to respond. His character was of such quality that it stood our as one of the best in the community. He possessed no evil habits and could be depended upon at all times.

He accepted Christ as his Saviour and guide early in life and placed his membership with the Mennonite church. In this church he labored faithfully, giving of his time, talents and means. it was a rare occassion [sic] to find him absent from any of the church services. He has served as assistant superintendent of the Sunday school, and was active in all the services of the church. His fellow church members and his large circle of friends are in mourning, for in the passing of this young husband, father, son and brother deep wounds have been cut into the hearts of his loved ones, that only time and the healing balm, that comes from the father above, can heal.