Jantz, Marie Nickel (1857-1935)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1935 Apr 9 p. 14

Birth date: 1857 Apr 16

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1935 Apr 10 p. 5

text of obituary:

Marie Jantz.

Marie Jantz, daughter of Johann and Eva Nickel, was born in Michalin, South Russia, on April 16, 1857. She is the last of a family of 12 children to pass away from this time into the eternal home. When she was but eight years of age, death suddenly snatched the mother from her side. On May 1871, she was baptized upon her confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the year 1874, during the time of a large emigration from Russia, the family came to America, settling on the prairies of South Dakota. The nearest town there was Yankton, which was 40 miles away.

On April 27, 1878, she married to Cornelius Jantz with whom she had shared life in all its experiences for a period of 56 years, 10 months and 28 days. Mr. and Mrs. Jantz settled on a homestead near Marion, S. Dak. To this union were born nine sons, five having preceded the mother in death. The pioneer days spent on the prairies of S. Dakota, though filled with days of hardship and trials, never left a word of complaint to fall from her lips. She loved to speak of these days as privileged experiences. It happened that for weeks the family was snowbound and unable to get to town to replenish the necessities for the home. During one such severe winter the family was isolated and snowbound for several months, making it necessary to bring hay to the door-step of the house at day time and spending the evening twisting and weaving it into small bundles to be used as fuel the next day. For three months no coal-oil or candle was in the house to be used as a light.

Pioneer days were again repeated when the family came to the state of Washington. They arrived on March 16, 1903, at the place then known as Krupp, now Marlin. They settled on a farm 15 miles south of Marlin which place became their permanent home, until because of drought and old age they were compelled to leave the old home place and spend the remaining days of life with their children. Upon arriving in Washington, she with her family joined the Menno Mennonite church in 1903. When the Salem Mennonite church of Ruff was organized on Dec. 29, 1910, she became one of its charter members and has remained a faithful member until her death.

Mother Jantz was a mother in the true sense of the word. Not only did she make a home for the family, but for many a visitor and stranger who was permitted to enter her door. Nothing was too much for her. A kind hospitality was shown all the time and a joyful greeting the visitor and stranger always met. Hard work was the lot of her life but she enjoyed every moment of it. Even in her old age she found it impossible to be inactive, always being ready doing something for someone else. She loved the Bible and for hours she would sit and read. Not a single day passed but that some time was given to enjoy the companionship with this old and permanent Friend, for she loved the Lord intimately. The part showing very definite wear were the Gospels, though other parts she also read. Even though enjoying fairly good health, yet during the last few years Mother Jantz was subject to intermittent attacks of severe pains. Though weakened by such an attack on the next day she would be about as usual. While in the home of her son Abe, near Harrington, on Monday night, March 25, another such attack came upon her and in but a few moments she had passed from this world to meet her Saviour whom she loved. She leaves to mourn her departure her aged husband, 4 sons and their families, John and Peter of Odessa, Andrew of Ritzville, and Abe of Harrington; 23 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. She has attained the age of 77 years, 11 months and 9 days. though gone yet not forgotten, her memory will continue to linger in the lives of her dear ones and the many friends who loved her. Though they mourn, all bear the assurance of meeting her again with the Lord. Funeral services were conducted in the Menno Mennonite church on Thursday, March 28 and interment made in the Mennonite cemetery near the church, her pastor the Rev. J. J. Galle officiating.

The Mennonite obituary: 1935 Apr 16 p. 21