Hildebrandt, Myrtle Schmidt (1925-1965)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1965 Mar 05 p. 19

Birth date: 1925 Jul 23

MRS. MYRTLE HILDEBRANT

Myrtle Edna Hildebrandt, nee Schmidt, was born at Hepburn, Sask. on July 23, 1925. This is where Myrtle spent a carefree and happy childhood. It was here that she received her education, and after graduating from high school, spent several years studying at Bethany Bible Institute. While still in her teens, Myrtle experienced salvation and was baptized upon confession of her faith and received into the MB Church at Hepburn on August 30, 1940. Myrtle remained active in the work of the church until she became afflicted with a serious illness. She enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School.

The year 1947 was a memorable one for Myrtle. On July 6 of that year, she was united in marriage with Roland Hildebrandt, and they moved into what is still the family farm home. While living here, their two children, Wayne and Jocelyn were born. Myrtle and Roland enjoyed over 17 years of wedded life. These were years of bliss and happiness, and in looking back they seemed all too short.

Late in the summer of 1958 recurring headaches threatened to interrupt the happy life Myrtle and Roland had built for themselves. On November 14 of that year a medical examination established the seriousness of her sickness, and on December 3, 1958 a delicate brain surgery was performed. It was only after the doctors paused for prayer in the middle of the operation, that they felt confident to complete the surgery. Many were the prayers of relatives and friends that intervened for Myrtle at this time. All were surprised when she was able to be home for Christmas of that year. Then followed a slow but remarkable recovery, after which she was able to live a fairly normal life for the next four years. She was deeply grateful for this time granted her to be with her family.

However in the fall of 1964 her condition took a turn for the worse. For a time she was confined to a wheel chair then became completely bed-ridden. Now followed frequent periods hospitalization and finally on December 21 she entered Saskatoon City Hospital for the last time. Her strength failed rapidly now, and on Wednesday, January 13 1965, it pleased the Lord to take her from her loved ones, at the age of 39 years.

Throughout her illness, Myrtle suffered much severe pain, but was never known to complain. She accepted her affliction as God's will for her life. During her long illness her life was a demonstration of complete trust and faith in her God. The many doctors and nurses who attended her at different times have spoken of her remarkable faith in God. It was Myrtle's desire, that, if this was God's will for her, then, she wanted to serve him in this manner. She was a living demonstration of what the sustaining power of God can do for a yielded person.

Myrtle is survived by her husband, Roland; a son, Wayne; a daughter Jocelyn; her parents, the P. D. Schmidts; three sisters, seven brothers, many relatives, and a host of friends.

The family looks forward to the day when they shall be united with her in the place prepared for God's children.