Helmuth, Esther W. Histand (1904-2000)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 6 Jan 2000 p. 12

Birth date: 1904

text of obituary:

ESTHER HELMUTH

Esther W. (Histand) Helmuth died Oct. 19, 1999, at Sunnyside Nursing Home, Sarasota, Fla.

She was born at Doylestown, Pa., Oct. 15, 1904, the daughter of Bishop A.O. Histand. She received Jesus as her Savior early in life and dedicated herself to his service. She spent several years in Bible school to better prepare herself for Christian ministries. In 1928 she began a life of voluntary service that took her to Washington, D.C., and to Cottage City, Ellicott City and Laytonsville, Md., under Eastern Mennonite Missions. The last four of these years were devoted largely to Jewish evangelism.

In 1954 Esther married Clarence Helmuth and served as a deacon's wife at Rock Mennonite Church near Morgantown, Pa. Their home became an open door to Jewish guests and other tourists.

Nearly 18 months later, Clarence and Esther answered a call to volunteer their service at Haven of Grace in Florida, a home for Hebrew Christians. They continued in this ministry until 1959, at which time they felt God leading them into a voluntary service assignment at the D&D Missionary Homes at St. Petersburg, Fla. this was an interdenominational ministry to missionaries on furlough. They served together until October 1975, when Clarence died. Esther remained with D&D another 22 years, serving wherever needed, as hostess, mail clerk, prayer room organizer, prayer partner.

It was always Esther's desire to remain active until the Lord would call her home. Many times she would say, "I hope I can die with my boots on." She enjoyed serving more than being served. At 92 she finally had to go to a nursing home. She maintained her sweet disposition and loving attitude. Her testimony for Jesus remained strong and positive to the end.

Burial was at the memorial Gardens, St. Petersburg, Fla.