Ketler, Mary Unruh (1913-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Mar 8 p. 25

Birth date: 1913 Dec 14

text of obituary:

MARY KETLER

Mary Ketler passed away Dec. 17 in Calgary. She was born Dec. 14, 1913 to Martin and Susanna Unruh in Anovka, Crimea, Ukraine. In 1925 the family immigrated to Morse, Sask. They moved to a farm about 12 miles from the Gnadenau church. In bad weather, they were often unable to attend church. She accepted Christ in 1930 during revival meetings led by Franz Wiens. She was baptized soon after with about 45 other young people. She attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School in 1936. In 1940 she married Peter Cornelius Ketler. They lived in Kelstern, Sask. In 1943 they moved to B.C They were part of the group that started Strawberry Hill (now Kennedy Heights) MB Church. Thirteen years later, they moved to Burnaby, B.C, where they attended Fraserview MB Church, and Killarney Park MB Church. Peter worked at Swift Meat Packers for 21 years. They retired to Abbotsford, B.C., where they attended South Abbotsford MB Church for 6 years . They kept a small raspberry patch and a magnificent garden. In 1971 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C and attended Clearbrook MB Church. She painted houses inside and out, earning enough money to travel all over the world; they made several trips to Hawaii. They moved to Evergreen Village. After a year here, Peter died. She found it difficult being alone, but found comfort in knowing that the Lord was always there for her. She sang in the German and ladies' choirs for many years, served on the church's food committee and helped serve lunch at Clearbrook Community Centre. In July 1999 she had major surgery. She moved to Calgary to live with son Mark and his family. Following a serious fall, she was admitted to Foothills Hospital in August 2001 and then Agape Hospice. Predeceased by Peter, 2 brothers, 1 sister and a grandson, she is mourned by daughter Diane Kope of Surrey B.C; son Mark of Calgary; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The memorial service was Dec. 22 at Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen and Eldon DeFehr ministering.