Koehn, Martha Unruh (1909-1956)

sMennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Apr 5 p. 8

Birth date: 1909 May 17

text of obituary:

MRS. MARTHA KOEHN

Martha, my beloved companion, youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth Unruh, was born near Galva, Kansas on May 17, 1909, and passed away near Lakin, Kansas on March 20, 1956, reaching the age of 46 years, 10 months and three days.

She received her education, grew to womanhood and lived on her father's farm most of her life, which also became her home a few years after our marriage.

At the age of 13 she realized the need of a Saviour, Whom she sought and found and was baptized upon the confession of her faith on Feb. 18, 1923, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining a faithful sister unto the end. At the age of 14 her loving mother was suddenly taken from her side.

On August 18, 1929, she was united in marriage to Tobe D. Koehn. We mutually shared joys and sorrows of life for 26 years, seven months and two days. We greatly enjoyed our companionship together during this time, which seems so short.

This union was blest with three children, two daughters and one son.

She was a loving wife and a loving and kind mother, enjoying her two grandchildren greatly, enduring patiently and without complaint the circumstances and conditions about her.

She was often deprived of the blessings and fellowship of large gatherings because of her ailment, but through her kindness and love she exercised hospitality, thereby gaining many friends from far and near. She enjoyed the fellowship of others greatly and especially their singing. We shall long remember her.

She enjoyed good health until about seven years ago when her heart began to fail. However, with care and medical aid she was able to live a fairly normal life. About three months ago her condition became more serious, but with doctor's careful attention, we expected nothing serious. On March 19 we called on our doctor again and with his permission went to take care of our farm near Lakin, Kansas. When there, she felt normal, enjoying a good meal with the neighbors. In the afternoon, when home from Lakin, she expressed herself as feeling like working, but upon my request went to take a rest. About 45 minutes later, about 5:40 p. m. I went to see her and could not awaken her for she had quietly and peacefully gone to her eternal rest. Her sudden departure does not leave us without hope because her testimony was that she was prepared for the unexpected moment.

She leaves to mourn her sudden departure her sorrowing husband; her children, Florene (Mrs. Chester Schmidt) and Minnie (Mrs. Curtis Nightingale) of Galva, and Dennis, age 12, of the home; two grandchildren, Steve and Janie Schmidt; her loving stepmother; six brothers and five sisters, Pete J. of Canton, Nettie (Mrs. Dave Becker) of Galva, Lena (Mrs. Jacob Unruh) of Halstead, Abe J. of Montezuma, Isaac and Jacob J. C. of Greensburg, Susie (Mrs. Dan H. Becker) and Dave of Galva, Frieda (Mrs. Harry Koehn) of Lehigh; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her father and mother and one brother preceded her in death. — Father and Children.