Goering, Anna P. Graber (1880-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Sep 10 p. 9

Birth date: 1880 Jun 9

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA GRABER GOERING

Mother Anna Graber Goering was born June 9, 1880, to John and Veronica Stucky Graber in Freeman, South Dakota. They moved to Moundridge, Kansas where mother received her education.

She was baptized upon her confession of her faith May 24, 1896, by Rev. Valentine Krehbiel and became a member of the First Mennonite Church of Christian at Moundridge. Later she transferred her membership to the First Mennonite church, Pretty Prairie, Kansas where she remained a faithful member until her death on Aug. 19, 1953, at the age of 73 years, two months, and 10 days.

The family moved to Pretty Prairie in 1895, at which time her father died at an early age. Mother worked and helped support her family until she was united in holy wedlock to Andrew P. Goering on November 23, 1897, by Rev. J. J. Flickinger. They shared the joys and hardships of married life for 29 years. Her husband passed away in 1926 leaving her alone to rear the family of nine children. She lost her mother early in life, and took upon herself the care of her younger brothers and sisters in her home, and was mother to them until they established homes of their own.

She endured many trials and heartaches, and went through much suffering, but her burden was lifted when the final call came for her at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the home where she lived with Esther, Elmer and his family. Her husband, three sons, one daughters two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, and six sisters preceded her in death. One sister, Mrs. Lydia Goering was buried on the day she passed away.

Mother was fine example of Christianity put in practice, always willing to help where help was needed. She was concerned for the spiritual welfare of her family, kind, loving and patient, despite all hardships and suffering.

She read her Bible through seven times in later years when her health began to fail, and took much interest in music and poetry. She herself wrote some inspiring poems.

Mother leaves to cherish her sweet memory, three sons and their wives, Edw. and wife Lorene of Pretty Prairie, Kans., John and wife Emma of Castleton, Kans., Elmer and wife Marie, Pretty Prairie; four daughters, Ida, Mrs. Leonard F. Gaeddert of York, Penna., Lorie, Mrs. Phil J. Stucky, Dorothy, Mrs. Art. Schrag, and Esther of the home, Pretty Prairie; 19 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louise, Mrs. John H. Graber, Martha, Mrs. C. L. Stucky; and one brother, Chris H. Graber and wife Anna.

Hers is the rest of the blessed, and our desire is to meet her again in the heavenly home.

Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite church of Pretty Prairie August 21, 1953, at 2 p.m., Rev. Leo Miller officiating.

The Mennonite obituary: 1953 Sep 8 p. 560