Friesen, Anna Ensz (1883-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Sep 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1883 Feb 13

text of obituary:

ANNA ENSZ FRIESEN

Anna Ensz Friesen, daughter of Henry and Anna Bergman Ensz, was born on Feb. 13, 1883, near Whitewater, Kan.

Her mother died when she was 11 years old and her father died when she was 17. She received her formal education in a rural school near Hillsboro, Kan. She was baptized by Rev. William Ewert on May 22, 1899 in the Bruderthal Church.

On Nov. 3, 1903 she was married to David H. Friesen in the Silberfield School. They lived together over 57 years, until her husband preceded her in death in 1961. They farmed south of Lehigh,Kan. until 1913 when they moved to Dubois, Idaho where they homesteaded and lived for about six years under the hardship of pioneer life. When this venture failed, they moved to Aberdeen, Idaho and continued farming.

In the fall of 1923 the family moved to Reedley, Calif. and joined the First Mennonite Church. She had a great love for the Church and was an active, faithful member.

On March 8, 1966 she suffered a severe stroke, and had been confined to a convalescent home since that time. She passed away suddenly on Aug. 18 at Sierra View Homes.

She leaves here upon earth one daughter, Mrs. Paul (Linda) Hinamon of Tipp City, Ohio; four sons, Arthur of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Willard of Oroville, Calif., Alvin of Reedley, and Elmer of Portland, Oregon; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, John Ensz of Reedley and one sister, Mrs. Dave Schmidt of Aberdeen, Idaho.

Memorial services were held at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley on Aug. 23 with Pastor Leo L. Miller officiating.