Holdeman, Serepta Ferguson (1867-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Dec 3 p. 6

Birth date: 1867 Jan 2

text of obituary:

Sarepta Holdeman

Sarepta Holdeman, daughter of the late Samuel and Magdalene Furgason [sic Ferguson], wife of Min. Conrad Holdeman, was born at Shambaugh, Page Co., Iowa, Jan. 2, 1867. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Aaron Boeckner near Hesston, Kansas, November 16, 1941; aged 74 years, 10 months, and 14 days.

She came to Kansas in the early pioneer days of 1878, settling on a farm about eight miles east of Moundridge, where she grew to womanhood.

Her deep concern for her children was that all might be saved without the loss of one.

She served well as a minister's wife, sharing the responsibilities of that position with reverence and love in whatever service she was called to perform.

Grandmother Holdeman usually enjoyed fair health, although some 20 years ago she suffered an illness of which apparently she fully recovered. About two months ago she suffered an heart attack.

After receiving medical aid she recovered and attended church services again, which she did regularly when possible. On Sunday, November 16, father and mother went to church with their daughter, A. Y. Boeckners, and accompanied them to their home for dinner. But while at the table she suffered a heart attack, dying instantly and falling asleep in Jesus without speaking a word. But as Abel of old, being dead she yet speaks.

Surviving her are her deeply bereaved husband, Conrad Holdeman, eleven children: Mrs. E. M. Jantz of Walton; Titus Holdeman of Billings, Okla.; Mildred, Mrs. Charles L. Holdeman of Lyons; Emma, Mrs. Charles L. Rodgers of Newton; Elizabeth, Mrs. Peter G. Hiebert of Moundridge; Irene, Mrs. Eicher of Ithaca, Mich.; Oliver Holdeman of Hesston; 55 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mrs. Sarah King of Kansas City; Mrs. Leona Horning of College Springs, Iowa; and a host of relatives and friends.

One son, William; one grandchild, Lela May Rodgers; and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Titus Holdeman (formerly Ida Cawyer) preceded her in death.

     Those whom we hold the dearest,
Must sometimes slip away
     Through the valley of the shadow
Unto the eternal day.
     The hearts of those who love you
Are filled with grief and woe
     We cannot understand sometimes
Why those we love must go.
     Your smile will ever linger
Though you no more are here
     Your ever loving spirit
Will make you seem quite near.
     Then goodbye, dearest mother,
For this early time goodbye,
     We know you will be waiting
Till we meet you in the sky.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, November 20, at the home and at the Meridian Mennonite church, conducted by F. H. and Harry D. Wenger. Remains were laid to rest in the Meridian cemetery, where C. I. Gearig officiated.