Krehbiel, Leah Catherine Strickler (1844-1927)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1927 Aug 17 p. 2

Birth date: 1844 Feb 8

text of obituary:

Leah Catherine Krehbiel

On Tuesday morning at 7:30 o’clock, Aug. 2, 1927, Mrs. Leah C. Krehbiel was promoted to the heavenly Home. She belonged to one of the oldest and most prominent families of the town of Clarence, Erie Co., N.Y., which was noted for its longevity. Now, however, there are only two sisters to survive her. Leah C. Stickler was born on Feb. 8, 1844, and lived in Clarence township all her life. On Sept. 11, 1866 she was united in marriage with Jacob Krehbiel of the same community. This union was blessed with eight children. Two sons preceded both father and mother, and the following survive to mourn the loss of their mother: Fred S., F. Luella, Aletta H. and Mattie A. of Clarence Center, Emma M. of Williamsville, and Mrs. D. C. Krehbiel of Reedley, Calif. Their golden wedding anniversary passed before the beloved husband was called to rest nearly ten years ago.

Rev. and Mrs. Krehbiel were prominently identified with the best in the life of Clarence Center. Early in their married life they joined the Mennonite Church of which Rev. Krehbiel later was the highly-regarded pastor.

The sweet and gentle personality of Mrs. Krehbiel made her revered and esteemed wherever known, and many will hold her in tender memory. Her casket was surrounded and covered with exquisite floral pieces, sprays and baskets. Many gathered for the funeral service held at the family residence on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 4th. Rev. Geo. E. Schettler, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Eggertsville, a former neighbor, assisted by Rev. H. Ray Harris, pastor of the United Brethren in Christ Church at Clarence Center, officiated. Rev. Harris read the 15th chapter of 1st Cor. and in his beautiful prayer fervently petitioned for the continued guidance of our Heavenly Father. Rev. Schettler used for his text 1. Peter 5:4, and directed his sorrowful audience to the chief Shepherd who is coming again, and when He shall appear, those who are of His flock “shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” Mr. Ivan Wilder of Tonawande [sic Tonawanda] very sweetly sang “O Love That Will Not Let me Go.” and “Home of the Soul.”

Mrs. Krehbiel’s body was laid to rest in Clarence Center cemetery to await the return of her Lord when He comes to meet His own.

Mother

“She is the spirit of all that it true
And lasting and fragrant and fair.
And no other blessing that life ever held,
With the love of her heart can compare.”

— Contributed.

The Mennonite obituary: 1927 Aug 18 p. 7