Pankratz, Barbara Unruh (1905-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Sep 13 p. 34

Birth date: 1905 Mar 15

text of obituary:

BARBARA PANKRATZ

Barbara Pankratz of Abbotsford, B.C passed away July 21. She was born Mar. 15, 1905 to Heinrich and Anna Unruh in Paulsheim, Ukraine, Her father and her teacher Julius Thiessen instilled in her a love for singing. When she was 14, her mother died; she left school and took over the household duties. Her father married Gertrude Hamm 3 years later. At 18, she received assurance of salvation based on Is. 43:1, which was a source of strength during difficult times. In 1926 she married John Pankratz. They immigrated to Canada in 1930; she never saw her 5 brothers and 1 sister again. They moved to Gem, Alta. John taught in Newell, Alta. for several years. For many years they had a bee business. They retired to Clearbrook, B.C They joined Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, where John was a lay minister. Predeceased by John in 1974, she is mourned by children Clare, Arvid and Leonard; and 5 grandchildren. The memorial service was July 24 in Ross Road Community Church, with Rudie Willms ministering.