Koehn, Mary Schmidt (1876-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Sep 29 p. 8

Birth date: 1876 Feb 29

text of obituary:

MARY KOEHN

Mary Koehn nee Schmidt was born Feb. 29, 1876, near Galva, Kan., to Benjamin and Anna Schmidt and passed away on Sept. 11, 1960, in Bethel Home, Montezuma, Kan., reaching the age of 84 years, six months and 12 days.

While in her youth she felt the need of a Saviour and upon forgiveness of sins she was baptized in 1894 and added to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, to which she remained faithful to the end.

On July 23, 1899, she was united in marriage to widower Ben C. Koehn and faithfully cherished and cared for as her own the two sons and a daughter, Edward, Henry and Leah. To this union was born one son, Harry, who died in infancy.

A few years after marriage she with her husband and children moved to Isabella, Okla. In Oct., 1927, they with their two sons and families emigrated to Mexico, locating near Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, when in Oct. 1938, her husband passed away. They shared life's joys and sorrows for over 39 years. After living at Saltillo, Mexico, for a few years with the children, she with Edward and his family moved back to central Kansas and in Oct., 1953, entered Bethel Home.

She spent much of her time in reading and singing until her sight failed. She was very happy to have memorized many German songs which then proved to be her enjoyment. Her tests and struggles as a follower of the Lord were many but by the grace of God and much prayer she endured, looking and longing for a home in Glory which we believe will be her eternal reward.

On Aug. 24 she suffered a stroke from which she did not recover, growing weaker day by day until Sept. 11, when she quietly passed away.

She leaves to mourn her passing, Henry and Lena Koehn of La Tena, Chihuahua, Mexico, Leah and Sam Schmidt of Hillsboro, Kan., Mrs. Edward Koehn of Moundridge, Kan., one sister, 34 grandchildren, 90 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Her husband, two sons, three sisters, two brothers, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Sept. 14, with ministers David J. Koehn, and John A. Koehn officiating.