Lehman, Ida Hess Yeakel (1874-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Mar 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1874 Jan 21

text of obituary:

IDA HESS LEHMAN

Ida Hess Lehman was born Jan. 21, 1874, in Lancaster, Pa. and passed away in the hospital in Bluffton, Ohio Jan. 13, 1964, age 89 years, eleven months and 20 days. Her parents were Samuel and Mary Brubaker Hess. When mother was nine years old her mother died, and she was taken into a family by the name of Weaver, where she remained until her 18th year.

In 1892 she was married to Linneaus Yeakel. This marriage was terminated after only six weeks by the death of her husband of pneumonia. A few days before his death they had joined the Dunkard church, which gave her much comfort in her bereavement. Later mother joined the General Conference Mennonite Church of which she was a faithful member until her death.

After a short time she moved to Hesston, Kan. where her mothers brother lived. The town of Hesston was named after the Hess family. Here she met Gideon Lehman, who was employed at Bethel College, and they were married June 10, 1895 — the first couple to be married in the Bethel College Chapel. This union was blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom mourn her passing.

In 1898 our parents moved to Geary, Okla. by covered wagon with their first born son, Linnaeus, who was born in what is now the administration building of Bethel College. For 21 years they lived on a farm northwest of Geary, and were active members of the First Mennonite Church. She was well known as a friend to those in need. There are people still living in this community whom mother helped usher into the world. She taught Sunday school classes for a number of years. However, she is best known and remembered by the many poems and songs she wrote. No matter what the occasion, mother would be ready with a poem of comfort, encouragement, helpful hints, or advice. Some of her songs have been published.

In 1920 our parents sold their belongings in Oklahoma and moved to a farm near Beaverdam near Bluffton, Ohio. In May 1942 father died, after which she divided her time between Ohio and Illinois until 1958 when she entered the Mennonite Memorial Home at Bluffton. Here she resided until her death.

She leaves to mourn her death her four children, Linnaeus and wife Florence of Geary, Okla., Albert and wife Alice of Chicago, Ill., Mary and husband Byron Manges of Bluffton, Bernice and husband Harry Lynn of San Pedro, Calif.; 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, besides a large circle of other relatives and friends. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Feb 11 p. 91