Jantz, Rosena Miller (1888-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 4 p. 10

Birth date: 1888 Sep 3

text of obituary:

MRS. ROSENA JANTZ

Rosena Jantz was born September 3, 1888, the oldest of 17 children born to Henry and Louisa Miller at Ashley, North Dakota.

In 1902 her parents moved to Washington, settling on sagebrush land 20 miles south of Krupp, now Marlin, their nearest market place. In the pioneer days the entire family shared in helping to clear the land. Mrs. Jantz being the oldest shared much of the outdoor work with her father. The family was no exception in enduring the poverty of the many pioneer families. Illness and death also did not pass up this home in the pioneer days. The nearest doctor lived at Wilson Creek, a distance of 30 miles away. Diphtheria was the cause of death when a brother and sister died.

She was baptized upon confession of faith in her Redeemer Jesus Christ with a large class of young people January 26, 1908, in the old Menno schoolhouse by Rev Jacob R. Schrag. She joined the Mennonite church and remained a faithful member of the denomination until her departure.

January 19, 1908, she was united in marriage to Jacob Jantz who preceded her in death December 22, 1934. They lived on their farm four and one-half miles north of Ruff until the depression and dry years set in. In the fall of 1932 they moved to Edwall. Here Mrs. Jantz stayed with her family also after her husband departed, until 1945, when she moved to Spokane. To this union were born five children, all living: Daniel, David and Jonathan of Spokane, Roland of Richland, Florence (Mrs. La Valle) of Spokane.

Even though she did not possess riches of this world she did possess the great riches of having Jesus as her personal Saviour. Her great desire was to attend church services and take in the blessings. Her favorite hymns were: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus." and "The Old Rugged Cross.” She was always ready to give of the little she had to church offerings. Her love to her children and grandchildren was always shared with them and will long be remembered.

August 17, Sunday morning while she was getting ready for the Miller reunion she suffered a stroke which paralyzed her left limbs and left her bedfast. She was taken to the Manson House Rest Home in the northeast part of Spokane. This was near the home of her daughter, who as well as her sons visited her daily. October 7 she had another stroke which left her weaker and on November 11 she had her third stroke which left her unable to speak. She passed away November 19 to be with her Savior, reaching the age of 64 years, two months and 16 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure her five children and nine grandchildren, besides seven sisters and five brothers: Mrs. John Roth of Harrington, Mrs. Fred Rennich of Lind, Mrs. John Ottmer of Harrington, Mrs. Fred Klemmer of Spokane, Mrs. Adam Roth of Marlin, Mrs. Harry Glover of Wenatchee, Mrs. Ted. Jingling of Moses Lake, Henry Miller of Portland, John Miller of Spokane, Ben Miller of Portland, Christ. Miller of Clackmas, [sic Clackamas] Oregon and Abe Miller of Oswego, Oregon, and also many friends.

She was a member of the Menno Mennonite church, Ritzville, Wash. where funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Willard W. Wiebe. Pallbearers were six brothers-in-law, Andrew, Abraham and Peter Jantz, John and Adam Roth, and John Ottmer.