Just, Helena Fruechting (1874-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Feb 10 p. 3

Birth date: 1874 Oct 23

text of obituary:

MRS. WM. F. JUST

Mrs. Helena Just was born Oct. 23, 1874, in South Russia. She passed to her eternal reward on February 2, 1944, reaching the age of 69 years, three months and 10 days.

She was a daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Theodore Freuchting, who came to America in 1882 and made their home near Peabody, Kansas. Here she grew to womanhood, and attained what education could be provided at that time. She spent her youthful years working for other people to help support the family.

Early in life she learned to know her Saviour and upon confession of her faith was baptized and united with the M. B. Church at Ebenfeld, near Hillsboro, Kansas. Of this church she remained a faithful member until her departure.

She loved her Saviour dearly and enjoyed the fellowship of God's children in the church as often as opportunity would permit. She loved the precious Word of God and even tho her life was crowded with work she always found time to red the Bible. Twice she read through the entire precious Book.

On June 22, 1893, she was united with Wm. F. Just in holy matrimony. This union was blessed with four sons and four daughters. One son and two daughters preceded her in death.

In 1898, soon after the Cherokee Strip was opened for settlement, the family moved to Oklahoma, establishing a home near Fairview. Here she experienced the trials and discomforts of pioneer life. later in 1914 the family made its home near Collinsville, Okla., where she and her husband lived until her departure.

Her health was good until about six years ago when it began to fail. In the spring of 1943 she became seriously ill but with the help of God recovered somewhat so that she and her husband could celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Since it became quite difficult to life on the farm they purchased a home in Collinsville, so as to be near most of their children. Most of their household goods had already been moved and they were making the last trip on Monday January 31, when suddenly Mr. Just heard her cry out and looking back he saw her lying on the ground. Evidently she had suffered a stroke. As the result of her fall she also broke her hip. She was taken to a hospital in Tulsa, where she passed to her eternal reward on Wednesday morning, February 2.

Funeral services were held in the Collinsville M. B. church Sunday afternoon, February 6. Rev. Hildebrand made the invocation, while Dr. P. C. Hiebert of Sterling, Kansas, a close friend of the family, delivered the funeral sermon. Rev. Strickland led in closing prayer. Besides her grief-stricken husband the following children survive: Ed, Ruby (Mrs. Rev. Dan Heinrichs, David and Willie, all of Collinsville, and Mrs. Rev. Abr. Epp of Fairview, Okla.