Huebert, Helena Warkentin (1876-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Dec 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1876 Jun 15

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA HUEBERT

Mrs. Helna [sic Helena] Huebert of Chico, Calif., daughter of John and Maria Ekkert Warkentin, was born on her parents farm near Inman, McPherson County, Kan. on June 15, 1876.

The John Warkentins and two small sons were among the Mennonite immigrants who came to America in 1874 and settled on the Kansas prairies. In January of 1876 a neighborhood prairie grass fire broke out which required strenuous action to conquer. Overexertion and inhalation of smoke caused the death of Helena's father just 21 weeks before her birth.

In August of 1877 the comfort of another provider came into the home when Mother Warkentin married Gerhard H. Kliewer, who was also one of the pioneers. Thus our mother was reared in a Christian family. Four additional daughters and two sons were born into the family.

In the spring of 1894 the parents established their home in Washita County, Oklahoma where they had filed on a quarter section of land in 1893.

Mother was married to Abe Huebert on Oct. 20, 1895. They established their home on a quarter section on land on which father had filed in 1893. To this union five daughters and three sons were born. All of these and 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren are still living.

Upon the confession of their faith as Christ as their Saviour our parents were baptized on July 10, 1904 and received into the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church of Cora, Okla.

Shortly after father's death in April 1938 mother moved to California and had a home built on the land which father had bought in 1936. In December 1938 mother moved into the home at 470 E. Tenth Avenue, Chico, Calif., and transferred her church membership to the Capay Mennonite Brethren Church of Orland, Calif. where she remained a faithful member. She walked as one whose steps were ordered by the Lord, reflecting a deep Christian spirit in all her endeavors. She was the oldest member of the Orland church.

Mother was afflicted with hardening of the arteries which caused her to have several light strokes from which she recovered sufficiently to carry on as usual. On Oct. 11, 1965, a severe stroke put her into the hospital where she lingered until October 26, 1965. She reached the age of 89 years, four months and 11 days.

The funeral services were held Oct. 30 in the Capay Mennonite Brethren Church. K. K. Willems read Psalm 16:15 and offered prayer. Nick Bruno spoke on 2 Timothy 4:6. Mother's grandsons served as casket bearers. Interment was made in the Orland cemetery. — The Children.