Pankratz, Ben H. (1904-1973)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 13 Sep 1973 p. 11

Birth date: 1904 Oct 16

text of obituary:

BEN H, PANKRATZ

Ben H. Pankratz was born Oct. 16, 1904, at Avard, Okla. to Henry A. and Eva Bartel Pankratz. After living in Canada for a short time, they moved back to Avard. He had fond memories of moving from Avard to the Inola area in a covered wagon in September of 1912.

On May 27, 1923 he was baptized by Rev. P. H. Richert and joined the Eden Mennonite Church near Inola, where he remained a member the rest of his life.

On Aug. 2, 1934 he married Anna Voth, Four daughters were born to them. They lived on his parents’ farm until 1940 when he purchased the present farm.

In 1959 they observed their 25th wedding anniversary with a service at church at which Rev. Homer Mouttet spoke.

He was active in farming and dairying until his last illness. He always felt that money was not to be used selfishly, so he gave generously to the Lord’s work. He also gave each of his daughters the benefit of a Christian education.

He was taken seriously ill July 10 and entered the hospital that night. He had surgery on July 19. His family committed him fully to God’s care, and God graciously reached down and took him July 25, 1973. His sudden death was caused by a pulmonary embolism.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and a baby brother.

Cherishing his memory are his wife, Anna; four daughters and their husbands, Lois Ann and dick Cameron of Tahlequah, Okla., Helen Joyce and Melvin Isaac of Meade, Kan. Evaline Beth and Utah Humphrey of Kansas, Okla., Marna Sue and Larry Watkins of Cushing, Okla.; and seven grandchildren..

He also leaves two brothers, John of North Hollywood, Calif. and Ted of Chouteau, Okla.; two sisters, Emma (Mrs. Bruno Hiebert), Saugus, Calif., and Ruby (Mrs. Harmon Swan), Chatsworth, Calif.; and several aunts and uncles.