Gyles, Helen Friesen (1895-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 19 p. 10

Birth date: 1895 Apr 8

text of obituary:

MRS. HELEN GYLES

Helen Friesen Gyles was born April 8, 1895, near Tampa, Kansas and passed away to be with he Lord and Savior on Nov. 12, 1957, at 7:40 p. m. at the age of 62 years.

When she was two years old her parents, Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Friesen, moved to a farm five and one-half miles southwest of Weatherford, Okla. where they took up a homestead. Here, together with her brother and sisters and parents, she shared all the joys and sorrows that came with pioneer life. Here she received all her education in the Friesen school District.

At the age of 13 she realized her lost condition and took the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. On March 13, 1909, she was baptized by her father and received into the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church. Later this church discontinued after which she joined the First Baptist Church in Weatherford.

On August 26, 1936, she joined in holy matrimony with James H. Gyles. This marriage, however, was of only a short duration as her husband passed away after a short illness on Dec. 21, 1937. Both of her parents passed away within the next two-and-a-half years. She then made her home in Weatherford.

Though her physical body was not strong and she endured much pain and suffering, nevertheless in her sacrificial way, she enjoyed serving others.

On Oct. 28, she was taken to the Clinton Hospital because of flu symptoms. She was seemingly doing well and was about ready to go home when, on Oct. 31, she suffered a stroke and did not regain consciousness. She leaves to mourn her departure four sisters and four brothers: Henry Friesen of Custer City; Mary, Mrs. J. C. Duerksen of Bessie; Pete Friesen of Knifley, Kentucky; Justina, her twin sister, Mrs. J. D. Schlichting, of Weatherford; Dave Friesen, of Weatherford; Emma, Mrs. Henry Ens, of Hillsboro, Kansas; Herman Friesen of Weatherford; and Leale Mae, Mrs. Lester Hyser, an adopted sister of Los Angeles, Calif.

Preceding her in death were her husband; her parents; two sisters, Nellie and Anna; two brothers, Jacob and Abraham.

Though our parting saddens our hearts, we rejoice that she has gained her reward. We are looking forward to that great reunion with our blessed Lord and our loved ones in Glory. — The Bereaved Family.